
BMW 5 SERIES (1996-03) 525D 4DR SALOON 2.5D SPORT AUTO
The BMW 5 SERIES (1996-03) 525D 4DR SALOON 2.5D SPORT AUTO is a stylish and well-rounded executive car that has long been popular among UK drivers seeking both comfort and performance. As a saloon, it offers a spacious interior ideal for families or business users who appreciate a smooth drive and practical design. Known for its reliability and refined driving experience, this model stands out for its balanced combination of power and efficiency, making it a versatile choice for daily commuting or longer trips. Its distinctive sporty features and BMW’s renowned build quality make the 525D a compelling option in the executive car segment, especially for those looking for a used vehicle with a proven track record.
With an average mileage of around 157,000 miles and an average of over six previous owners, the 525D reflects its robust usage in the UK market. This model is often used by drivers who value a comfortable ride and a strong diesel engine that balances fuel economy with performance. Compared to rivals in its class, the BMW 5 SERIES 1996-03 525D is praised for its driving dynamics and premium feel. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned driver, or a company car user, this car continues to be a popular choice because of its reputation for reliability and its classic BMW charm. If you're considering a used BMW 5 SERIES 525D saloon, this model offers a notable combination of style, practicality, and driving pleasure—making it a smart option in the used car market.

average use

The data indicates that for the BMW 5 Series (1996-2003) 525D 4DR Saloon 2.5D Sport Auto, the most common mileage range is between 0 and 100,000 miles, representing 15.2% of vehicles, suggesting many are relatively low mileage. Notably, a significant portion of vehicles—about 12.1%—are recorded between 150,000 and 160,000 miles, with smaller percentages spread across higher mileage brackets up to 260,000 miles. Interestingly, only small percentages of vehicles fall into the very high mileage categories over 200,000 miles, implying that while some vehicles do accumulate high mileage, the majority are maintained within the lower to mid-range mileage bracket.

vehicle values

The data indicates that the majority of private sale valuations for the BMW 5 Series (1996-03) 525D 4DR Saloon 2.5D Sport Auto fall within the £1,000 to £2,000 range, accounting for approximately 63.6% of valuations. A smaller portion, 36.4%, are valued below £1,000. This suggests that most of these vehicles are generally considered to be in the lower price bracket, likely reflecting their age and market value in the current second-hand market.

production years

The data indicates that, among the sampled BMW 5 Series (1996-03) 525D 4-door Saloon 2.5D Sport Auto vehicles, the majority—approximately 78.8%—were manufactured in 2003, with the remaining 21.2% produced in 2002. This suggests that most of these vehicles on the market are from the final year of this model's production range, possibly reflecting higher availability or popularity of 2003 models.

colour popularity

The data indicates that among BMW 5 Series (1996-03) 525D 4DR Saloon 2.5D Sport Auto vehicles, silver is the most popular paint colour, representing 39.4% of the sample. Black is also quite common, accounting for 24.2%, while grey and blue are less prevalent but still significant at 12.1% and 15.2%, respectively. Red and green are relatively rare, making up only 6.1% and 3%, respectively. Overall, neutral colours like silver and black dominate the fleet, reflecting consumer preferences for classic, understated vehicle colours in this model range.

ownership cycle

The data reveals a diverse distribution of registered keepers for the BMW 5 Series (1996-03) 525D 4DR Saloon 2.5D Sport Auto. Notably, 15.2% of these vehicles have had 8 or 5 registered keepers, indicating some cars have seen moderate ownership changes. Conversely, a small proportion (3%) each has had only 1, 2, or 3 keepers, suggesting a few vehicles with very limited previous ownership, potentially indicating recent new registration or low turnover. The most common number of registered keepers falls between 4 and 7, highlighting that many vehicles have experienced a moderate number of owners over time. Overall, the distribution suggests a varied ownership history typical for vehicles of this age range, with no single ownership pattern overwhelmingly dominant.

engine choices

The data indicates that the BMW 5 Series (1996-2003) 525D 4-door Saloon with a 2.5D Sport Auto engine is uniformly equipped with a 2.5-liter diesel engine. All vehicles in the sample use the diesel fuel type, suggesting that this model consistently features a 2.5-liter diesel engine across the dataset. This consistency may reflect a standard engine configuration for this particular variant during its production period.












