The BMW 5 SERIES (1996-03) 523I 5DR TOURING 2.5 SE AUTO is a premium five-door estate, offering more load space than the saloon while retaining executive-car comfort. In the UK used market, it sits above family wagons, appealing to buyers who want a spacious, well-finished older BMW rather than a SUV. mycarcheck.com records 22 look-ups covering 13 different VINs, so the sample is useful but modest. Across those checks, average private-sale value was £700, recorded mileage averaged 120,000, and annual mileage 3,000. Cars had about 3.7 previous keepers on average; condition and history matter greatly at this age, making checks essential. Best suited to families, touring drivers or anyone needing a roomy boot, the 523i pairs relaxed automatic motoring with a six-cylinder petrol engine. It feels more composed and upmarket than mainstream estate rivals of its era, though running costs can exceed those of smaller cars. Check maintenance records carefully.