BMW 5 SERIES (1996-03) 525I 4DR SALOON 2.5 SE

The BMW 5 SERIES (1996-03) 525I 4DR SALOON 2.5 SE is a classic executive saloon that occupies a prestigious spot in the UK used car market. Known for its sophisticated design, comfortable ride, and strong driving dynamics, this model appeals to drivers seeking a blend of luxury and everyday practicality. It’s often chosen by professionals, families, or those wanting a reliable vehicle that offers a touch of refinement without being overly showy. The 2.5-litre engine provides a smooth balance of performance and efficiency, making it suitable for both city commuting and longer journeys. What sets the BMW 5 SERIES (1996-03) 525I 4DR SALOON 2.5 SE apart is its reputation for durability, quality build, and driving enjoyment. Its stylish design has aged well, and the interior offers a comfortable space with features typical of the BMW SE trim. The model is well-regarded for its strong handling, providing a confident driving experience that rivals other cars in its class. With an average of around 140,000 miles and multiple previous owners, it remains a popular choice for those looking for a premium used saloon that offers great value. Whether you're a first-time buyer or upgrading your fleet, this BMW 5 SERIES model offers a dependable and enjoyable driving experience worth considering.
average use
average use
mycarcheck
The data indicates that a significant proportion of most recent mileage readings for the BMW 5 Series (1996-2003) 525I models are clustered between 100,000 and 110,000 miles (6.7%) and 150,000 to 160,000 miles (10%). Notably, lower mileage brackets such as 0 to 10,000 miles (2.2%) and 50,000 to 60,000 miles (3.3%) are relatively uncommon. Additionally, there are small yet notable percentages of vehicles with very high mileage, particularly in the 160,000 to 170,000 miles (8.9%) and 180,000 to 190,000 miles (7.8%) ranges. This distribution suggests that many of these vehicles tend to accumulate moderate to high mileage over their lifespan, which may be useful when assessing their longevity and wear.
vehicle values
vehicle values
mycarcheck
The data indicates that for the BMW 5 Series (1996-2003) 525I 4DR Saloon 2.5 SE, the majority of private sale prices are quite affordable, with 54.4% of vehicles selling for between £0 and £1,000. Additionally, a significant portion, 45.6%, of these vehicles are priced between £1,000 and £2,000. This suggests that, in the private market, these models are typically valued in the lower price ranges, possibly reflecting age, condition, or market demand for older BMW 5 Series models.
production years
production years
mycarcheck
The data indicates that the majority of the BMW 5 Series (1996-03) 525i 4-door saloons are manufactured in 2001, accounting for 50% of the sample. Vehicles from 2000 and 2002 are also quite prevalent, representing 14.4% and 32.2% respectively. Only a small proportion, 3.3%, consumers are more recent, from 2003. Overall, this suggests that the most common year of manufacture for this model within the dataset is 2001, with a significant presence of vehicles from the immediate surrounding years.
colour popularity
colour popularity
mycarcheck
The data indicates that for the BMW 5 Series (1996-2003) 525i 4-door saloon 2.5 SE models, blue is the most popular paint colour, accounting for 43.3% of vehicles. This is followed by silver at 25.6% and green at 13.3%. Notably, the most common colours are vibrant or neutral shades, with a relatively low prevalence of white (1.1%) and red (3.3%). Black, often considered a classic colour, makes up 8.9%. Overall, there is a diverse palette, but blue remains the dominant colour choice among owners.
ownership cycle
ownership cycle
mycarcheck
The data shows a diverse distribution of the number of registered keepers for the BMW 5 Series (1996-03) 525I 4DR Saloon 2.5 SE. Notably, the most common number of keepers is six, accounting for 23.3% of vehicles, followed by seven keepers at 14.4%, and four keepers at 16.7%. The vehicle with only one registered keeper is quite rare (1.1%), suggesting that most cars in this sample have been owned by multiple individuals over their lifespan. Additionally, a sizeable proportion of vehicles have had between 2 to 8 keepers, indicating moderate turnover, while a small percentage (around 1%) have had as many as 12 or more keepers. Overall, the data reflects typical ownership patterns for this age of vehicle, with a notable cluster around 4 to 7 owners.
engine choices
engine choices
mycarcheck
The data shows that the majority of the BMW 5 Series (1996-03) 525i 4DR Saloon 2.5 SE vehicles are equipped with a 2.5-liter engine, accounting for 94.4% of the sample, with a small proportion (5.6%) having a 2.494-liter engine capacity. In terms of fuel type, nearly all vehicles (98.9%) run on petrol, with only a 1.1% using gas bi-fuel options. Overall, most of these vehicles are petrol-powered with 2.5-liter engines, indicating a preference for larger petrol engines in this model range.