BMW 5 SERIES (1996-03) 520I 4DR SALOON 2.2 SE
The BMW 5 SERIES (1996-03) 520I 4DR SALOON 2.2 SE is a classic executive saloon that offers a balanced mix of comfort, style, and driving enjoyment. Positioned in the used car market as a reliable and refined choice, this model is ideal for families, professionals, or anyone looking for a comfortable daily driver with a touch of luxury. Known for its solid build quality and smooth performance, the 5 Series delivers a premium driving experience, making it stand out among its rivals like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class or Audi A6.
This particular 520I variant is often celebrated for its comfortable ride, fuel efficiency, and strong reputation for reliability—features that keep it popular among second-hand buyers. With an average mileage of around 131,223 miles and typically changing hands between multiple previous owners, it’s a well-established model with a history of steady use. If you're considering a used BMW 5 Series (1996-03) 520I 4DR SALOON 2.2 SE, you'll find it a versatile, stylish, and dependable car that continues to be valued for its balance of performance and sophistication.
average use
The data for the most recent mileage readings of the BMW 5 Series (1996-2003) 520I models shows a diverse distribution, with notable peaks in mileage ranges between 90,000 and 150,000 miles, particularly at 90,000-100,000 miles (11%) and 120,000-130,000 miles (also 11%). Interestingly, there is a significant concentration of vehicles with mileage below 50,000 miles, accounting for nearly 2.7% across two ranges, suggesting some vehicles are relatively low mileage. Conversely, very high mileages over 200,000 miles are less common, comprising less than 1% of the sample. Overall, most vehicles fall within the 80,000 to 150,000-mile range, indicating typical usage for an aging vehicle.
vehicle values
The data indicates that for the BMW 5 Series (1996-03) 520I 4-door saloon 2.2 SE, the majority of private sale prices fall below £1,000, accounting for 56% of observed sales. Meanwhile, 44% of sales are in the £1,000 to £2,000 range. This suggests that most vehicles of this model and age are valued at relatively low prices in the UK private sale market, which may reflect factors such as vehicle condition, mileage, or market demand.
production years
The data indicates that the majority of the BMW 5 SERIES (1996-03) 520I 4DR SALOON 2.2 SE vehicles were manufactured between 2001 and 2002, accounting for approximately 90% of the sample (48.6% in 2001 and 41.3% in 2002). Vehicles from the year 2000 make up a smaller portion at 4.6%, while those produced in 2003 are around 5.5%. This suggests that most of these models on the road or available for sale are from the early 2000s, with a significant concentration in the 2001-2002 timeframe.
colour popularity
The data indicates that for the BMW 5 Series (1996-03) 520i 4-door saloon 2.2 SE model, the most common main paint colours are Blue and Silver, accounting for approximately 35.8% and 31.2% respectively. Together, these two colours represent over 67% of the vehicles, highlighting their popularity among owners. Green and Black are equally common at around 12.8%, while Red, White, and Grey are significantly less prevalent, collectively making up just over 8%. This suggests that blue and silver are the dominant choice among this model's owners, possibly reflecting traditional or popular colour preferences during its production period.
ownership cycle
The data indicates that for the BMW 5 Series (1996-03) 520I 4DR Saloon 2.2 SE, most vehicles have been owned by between 3 and 8 registered keepers. The most common number of keepers is 4, accounting for 20.2% of vehicles, followed by 7 keepers at 11.9% and 3 keepers at 14.7%. Notably, a significant proportion (around 38%) of vehicles have had between 2 and 5 owners. Additionally, a small share (around 2.7%) has had more than 10 registered keepers, suggesting some vehicles may have experienced multiple ownership changes, which could be relevant for assessing their history or condition.
engine choices
The data for the BMW 5 SERIES (1996-03) 520I 4DR SALOON 2.2 SE shows that the majority of vehicles are equipped with a 2.17-litre (2171cc) engine, accounting for approximately 94.5%, while a smaller proportion (around 5.5%) have a 2.2-litre (2200cc) engine. Furthermore, nearly all vehicles (99.1%) use petrol as their primary fuel type, with only a minimal 0.9% being gas bi-fuel variants. These insights suggest that petrol-powered, 2.17-litre engine models dominate this particular vehicle variant.
