BMW 5 SERIES (1996-03) 525I 4DR SALOON 2.5 SPORT AUTO
The BMW 5 SERIES (1996-03) 525I 4DR SALOON 2.5 SPORT AUTO is a well-regarded executive saloon that has carved out a strong reputation in the UK used car market. Known for its blend of luxury, performance, and comfort, this model appeals especially to those seeking a reliable, stylish vehicle suitable for daily commuting, family driving, or executive use. Its sleek design and premium features make it stand out compared to other sedans of the era, offering a driving experience that balances smoothness with a touch of sporty agility thanks to its automatic transmission and potent 2.5-litre engine.
This particular model is often chosen by drivers who want a vehicle that feels substantial yet refined, and it offers a comfortable ride even on longer journeys. While its popularity means there are plenty of options on the market, the BMW 5 SERIES 1996-03 525I 4DR SALOON is best known for its reputation for solid build quality and a driving experience that offers a little more luxury than some rivals. With an average recorded mileage of over 126,000 miles and averaging around six thousand miles driven annually, it shows that owners tend to use these cars regularly, often for daily work or family life. If you're seeking a used executive saloon with a good balance of style, reliability, and driving pleasure, the BMW 5 SERIES 1996-03 525I 4DR SALOON 2.5 SPORT AUTO is definitely worth consideration.
average use
The data indicates that the most recent recorded mileages for these BMW 5 Series vehicles are predominantly concentrated within the 100,000 to 160,000-mile range, accounting for a significant proportion of the readings. Notably, the 120,000 to 130,000-mile bracket is the most common, comprising 11.9% of the samples. There are relatively few recent readings at very low mileages (0-50,000 miles) or very high mileages (above 200,000 miles), suggesting these vehicles tend to be driven consistently within a moderate mile range. Additionally, the distribution shows minor peaks around the 70,000 to 80,000 and 110,000 to 130,000-mile marks, reflecting typical usage cycles. Overall, the data suggests that these vehicles are often kept in use for a considerable distance before being replaced or recorded with significantly lower or higher mileages.
vehicle values
The data indicates that the majority of private sale prices for the BMW 5 Series (1996-03) 525I 4DR Saloon 2.5 Sport Auto fall within the £1,000 to £2,000 range, accounting for 82% of sales. A smaller portion, 17%, are priced below £1,000, while a negligible 1% are in the £2,000 to £3,000 range. This suggests that most vehicles of this model and age tend to be quite affordable on the private sale market, with very few commanding higher prices.
production years
The data indicates that the majority of BMW 5 Series (1996-03) 525I 4DR Saloon 2.5 Sport Auto vehicles from this period were manufactured in 2002, accounting for approximately 42.3%. Vehicles from 2001 also represent a significant portion at 33%, while those produced in 2003 make up about 24.7%. This suggests that the 2002 model year is the most common among these vehicles, possibly reflecting manufacturing or registration patterns during that time.
colour popularity
The data indicates that the most common paint colour for the BMW 5 Series (1996-2003) 525i 4-door saloon in the UK is Silver, accounting for approximately 39.2% of the vehicles. Following this, Blue is also quite prevalent at 24.2%. Together, these two colours make up over 63% of the sample, suggesting a strong preference for classic and neutral shades among owners of this model. Less common colours include White and Brown, each at just 0.5%, making them quite rare options. Notably, Black and Green are also relatively popular, comprising 13.9% and 3.1%, respectively. Overall, the colour distribution reflects a tendency towards subdued, traditional colours for this vintage BMW model.
ownership cycle
The data shows that the majority of vehicles of the BMW 5 Series (1996-03) 525I 4DR Saloon 2.5 Sport Auto have been registered with between 5 and 10 keepers. Specifically, the most common is with 5 keepers (17%), followed by 6 keepers (14.4%) and 8 and 4 keepers (each approximately 10.8%). Notably, a smaller proportion of vehicles have a very low number of keepers—just 1 to 2—indicating some cars have had minimal ownership changes, while a significant share (around 22.4%) have had more than 10 keepers, suggesting higher turnover or multiple ownership changes over time. Overall, this distribution suggests moderate stability in ownership for these vehicles, with a notable number experiencing multiple owners.
engine choices
The data indicates that the BMW 5 Series (1996-2003) 525I 4DR Saloon 2.5 Sport Auto predominantly features a 2.5-liter petrol engine, accounting for 100% of the sampled vehicles. Additionally, almost all of these vehicles run on petrol, with only a small fraction (1%) being bi-fuel gas variants. This suggests that the vast majority of this model during that period was equipped with a petrol engine, with minimal use of alternative fuel options.
