BMW 5 SERIES (1996-03) 525D 4DR SALOON 2.5D SE AUTO
The BMW 5 SERIES (1996-03) 525D 4DR SALOON 2.5D SE AUTO is a well-regarded executive saloon that offers a balanced mix of comfort, style, and practicality. As part of BMW’s renowned 5 Series lineup, this model from the late 90s and early 2000s is classified as a mid-size saloon, making it a popular choice among families, commuters, and those seeking a reliable, comfortable vehicle for daily driving. Its spacious interior and reputation for solid build quality make it a standout in the used car market, especially for drivers looking for a vehicle that combines refined driving experience with reasonable running costs.
Owned by an average of five previous drivers and with a typical mileage around 149,374 miles, this model has been used primarily for everyday commuting and longer journeys. What makes this particular BMW 5 Series notable is its smooth automatic transmission paired with a 2.5-litre diesel engine, known for durability and fuel efficiency—especially appealing to those who prioritize economy without sacrificing BMW’s signature handling and comfortable ride. The 525D SE AUTO remains a competitive choice compared to its rivals, often praised for its reliable performance and classic BMW driving dynamics. If you’re considering a used executive saloon that offers both style and substance, this 525D model is worth a closer look.
average use
Based on the recent mileage data for the BMW 5 Series (1996-2003) 525D models, the most common recorded mileage is between 150,000 to 160,000 miles, accounting for 17.1% of vehicles. Notably, a significant proportion of vehicles also have mileage readings in the 110,000 to 150,000 range. Conversely, very high mileages above 200,000 miles are relatively rare, representing only small percentages of the total, with the highest being 220,000 to 230,000 miles at 2.3%. Additionally, a small percentage of vehicles have very low mileage, such as under 10,000 miles, or in the 20,000 to 30,000 miles bracket. Overall, the data suggests that typical mileage for these vehicles tends to cluster around the 110,000 to 160,000 mile range, with fewer vehicles at extreme low or high mileage points.
vehicle values
The private sale valuations for the BMW 5 Series (1996-2003) 525D 4-door saloon indicate that the majority of vehicles are priced relatively low. Specifically, approximately 42.6% of these cars are listed for between £0 and £1,000, and an additional 56.6% fall within the £1,000 to £2,000 range. A very small fraction, about 0.8%, are priced between £2,000 and £3,000. This suggests that most privately sold models of this vehicle are valued under £2,000, highlighting their reputation as affordable, possibly older or higher-mileage options within the used car market.
production years
The data indicates that the majority of the BMW 5 Series (1996-2003) 525D 4DR Saloon 2.5D SE Auto vehicles from this sample were manufactured between 2001 and 2002, collectively accounting for approximately 74.2% of the vehicles. Specifically, 48.1% were produced in 2002, and 26.4% in 2001, highlighting a strong concentration around these two years. A smaller proportion, 25.6%, dates from 2003. This suggests that most vehicles in this model range are from the early 2000s, with a notable decline in vehicles manufactured after 2003.
colour popularity
The data indicates that for the BMW 5 SERIES (1996-03) 525D 4DR SALOON 2.5D SE AUTO, the most common main paint colour is Blue, accounting for 40.3% of vehicles. Silver is the next most prevalent at 26.4%, followed by Black at 12.4%, Green at 11.6%, Grey at 8.5%, and Beige being quite rare at just 0.8%. Notably, Blue and Silver together comprise over two-thirds of the fleet’s main colours, highlighting a strong preference for these classic and versatile shades among owners of this model.
ownership cycle
The data reveals a diverse distribution of registered keepers for the BMW 5 Series (1996-03) 525D 4DR Saloon (2.5D SE Auto). Notably, the most common number of keepers is 6, accounting for 16.3% of the vehicles, followed by 4 keepers at 15.5% and 5 keepers at 13.2%. There's a relatively small percentage with only 1 or 15 keepers, each representing 3.1% and 0.8% respectively, indicating that most of these vehicles tend to have between 3 and 7 owners. Interestingly, a minimal proportion (0.8%) have data missing for the number of keepers. Overall, the distribution suggests this model is often owned for multiple periods, but with a good number of cars having fewer prior owners, reflecting varied ownership histories.
engine choices
The data indicates that nearly all BMW 5 Series (1996-03) 525D 4-door Saloon 2.5D SE Auto models are equipped with a 2.5-liter diesel engine, with 99.2% of vehicles having an engine capacity of 2497cc and only a small 0.8% featuring a 2500cc engine. Additionally, the entire sample exclusively uses diesel as its primary fuel type. This suggests consistent engine sizing and fuel choice for this model during the specified production years.
