BMW 5 SERIES (1996-03) 520I 4DR SALOON 2.2 SE AUTO
The BMW 5 SERIES (1996-03) 520I 4DR SALOON 2.2 SE AUTO is a classic executive saloon that offers a comfortable driving experience combined with timeless style. Well-suited for families, professionals, or those seeking a reliable yet refined car, this model is a popular choice in the UK used car market. Known for its smooth automatic transmission and reputable BMW engineering, the 520I stands out for its balanced ride, decent fuel economy for its era, and solid build quality. Its four-door saloon body provides ample space for passengers, making it a practical option for daily commuting, long-distance driving, or general family use.
What makes this model notable is its blend of comfort, reliability, and classic BMW design that remains attractive among used car buyers today. Compared to its rivals, the BMW 5 SERIES (1996-03) 520I 4DR SALOON 2.2 SE AUTO is appreciated for its smooth handling and reputation for durability. With an average mileage of just over 110,500 miles and a typical ownership history of around four to five previous keepers, this vehicle continues to appeal to those looking for a dependable, well-rounded used car. Whether you're seeking a classy, comfortable sedan or an entry-level luxury vehicle, the 520I saloon remains a notable choice in the pre-2003 BMW 5 SERIES line-up.
average use
The data indicates that for the BMW 5 Series (1996-2003) 520i 4DR Saloon 2.2 SE Auto, the most common recorded mileages are between 100,000 and 110,000 miles (11.9%) and 130,000 to 140,000 miles (9%). A notable proportion of vehicles also fall into the 70,000 to 80,000 miles (6.8%) and 140,000 to 150,000 miles (10.2%) ranges. Interestingly, higher mileage categories, such as 240,000 to 250,000 miles, are quite rare at just 0.6%. The distribution suggests that many of these vehicles tend to peak around the 100,000 to 140,000-mile mark, with fewer vehicles reaching very high mileages. The relatively low percentage in the lowest mileage brackets (0 to 100,000 miles) implies that low-mileage models are less common in this sample.
vehicle values
The data indicates that for a BMW 5 Series (1996-03) 520I 4DR Saloon 2.2 SE Auto, the majority of private sale valuations fall within the £1,000 to £2,000 range, accounting for approximately 61.6% of the observed prices. Additionally, a significant portion, around 37.9%, of vehicles are valued at less than £1,000. Only a small fraction, about 0.6%, are estimated to be worth between £2,000 and £3,000. This distribution suggests that most of these vehicles are likely to be on the lower end of the used car price spectrum, reflecting their age and potentially varying condition.
production years
The data indicates that the majority of the BMW 5 Series (1996-2003) 520i models are manufactured between 2001 and 2002, accounting for approximately 88.1% of the sample (46.9% from 2002 and 41.2% from 2001). This suggests that these years represent the most common model years for this vehicle type. There are significantly fewer vehicles from 2003 (11.3%) and an even smaller proportion from 2000 (0.6%), highlighting that the bulk of the vehicles on the market are from the early 2000s, with a small presence of slightly older models from 2000.
colour popularity
The data shows that the most common main paint colour for the BMW 5 Series (1996-03) 520i 4-door saloon 2.2 SE Auto is Blue, accounting for 31.1% of the sample. Silver is also notably popular, representing 35%, making it the most prevalent colour overall. Green is relatively common at 13.6%, which is somewhat unique compared to typical colour distributions. Black and Grey are less frequent, at 11.3% and 6.8% respectively, while White and Red are quite rare, with White at just 0.6% and Red at 1.7%. Overall, the most distinctive insights are the high prevalence of Silver and Blue colours, with Green also having a significant share.
ownership cycle
The data on registered keepers for the BMW 5 Series (1996-03) 520i models shows a diverse ownership history. The most common number of keepers is 4, accounting for 19.2%, followed by 5 keepers (10.7%) and 8 keepers (9%). Notably, a significant proportion of vehicles have had between 2 and 8 owners, indicating typical variability in ownership for this age group. A smaller percentage, around 1-2%, have had 11 to 16 keepers, which may suggest vehicles with a more complex ownership background. Overall, the data reflects a broad distribution of ownership lengths, with no single ownership pattern dominating, offering insights into the vehicle's usage and turnover over time.
engine choices
The data indicates that the majority of the BMW 5 Series (1996-03) 520I 4DR Saloon 2.2 SE Auto models are equipped with a 2.17-liter engine, accounting for approximately 98.3% of the vehicles. A small fraction, about 1.7%, have a 2.2-liter engine capacity. Importantly, all surveyed vehicles are powered exclusively by petrol. This suggests a high standardization of engine size and fuel type within this model, reflecting typical configurations for this vehicle during its production years.
