BMW 5 SERIES (1996-03) 520I 4DR SALOON 2.2
The BMW 5 Series (1996-2003) 520i 4DR Saloon 2.2 is a well-regarded executive car that offers a blend of style, comfort, and performance. As part of BMW’s renowned 5 Series lineup, this model falls into the executive saloon category, making it an ideal choice for professionals, small families, or anyone seeking a reliable and stylish vehicle for daily commuting and longer drives. In the UK market, the BMW 5 Series is celebrated for its refined driving experience, high-quality interior, and impressive build quality, setting it apart from many rivals in its class.
Typically used for everyday transport as well as business travel, the BMW 520i offers a comfortable ride, smooth handling, and a reputation for longevity when properly cared for. Its standout qualities include a powerful yet efficient 2.2-litre engine, making it a practical choice for those who value a good balance of performance and fuel economy. The model is particularly appreciated for its timeless design and driving experience, which continues to appeal to used car buyers today. Compared to its rivals, the BMW 5 Series (1996-03) 520i 4DR Saloon 2.2 is known for its premium feel and enjoyable drive, making it a popular choice for those looking for a quality used executive car in the UK. With an average mileage of around 133,176 miles and a typical number of previous owners (around four), this model offers a solid option for those considering a reliable, stylish, and well-loved used car.
average use
The most recent mileage readings for the BMW 5 Series (1996-2003) 520i model show a fairly evenly distributed pattern across several mileage brackets. Notably, the highest proportions of recent readings are in the 130,000–140,000 miles and 140,000–150,000 miles ranges, each comprising 18.2% of the sample. Several other mileage bands—70,000–80,000; 80,000–90,000; 90,000–100,000; 110,000–120,000; 150,000–160,000; and 180,000–190,000 miles—each account for around 9.1%. This spread suggests that these vehicles tend to be driven to a variety of mileage levels rather than clustering tightly around specific points, with a notable concentration in the 130,000 to 150,000 mile range.
vehicle values
The data indicates that the majority of private sale prices for the BMW 5 Series (1996-2003) 520I 4-door saloon, 2.2L model in the UK fall below £1,000, accounting for approximately 72.7% of sales. Only a small portion, 27.3%, are sold in the £1,000 to £2,000 range. This suggests that most privately sold examples of this vehicle tend to be valued at the lower end of the price spectrum, which could reflect factors such as the vehicle's age, condition, or mileage.
production years
The data indicates that among BMW 5 Series (1996-03) 520I 4-door saloons from this period, vehicle manufacturing is split fairly evenly between 2001 and 2002. Specifically, approximately 54.5% of these vehicles were manufactured in 2001, while 45.5% were produced in 2002. This near-equal distribution suggests a balanced production run across these two years, with no dominant year in the sample.
colour popularity
The data indicates that among the 'BMW 5 SERIES (1996-03) 520I 4DR SALOON 2.2' vehicles, the most common main paint colour is blue, accounting for approximately 63.6% of the sample. The remaining colours—black, yellow, green, and silver—each represent an equal share of about 9.1%. This suggests that blue is the dominant colour choice for this model, while the other colours are less prevalent and evenly distributed among the remaining vehicles.
ownership cycle
The data shows that for the BMW 5 Series (1996-03) 520I 4-door saloon with a 2.2-liter engine, the majority of vehicles (36.4%) have had only four registered keepers. Additionally, a significant portion of the vehicles (18.2%) have had three registered keepers. The remaining vehicles are distributed relatively evenly among five, six, seven, eight, and twelve keepers, each comprising approximately 9.1%. This pattern suggests that most owners tend to keep these vehicles for a relatively short period before changing hands, with a notable minority of cars that have changed owners multiple times, possibly indicating vehicles that have been owned by multiple individuals over the years.
engine choices
The data indicates that for the BMW 5 Series (1996-2003) 520i 4-door saloon 2.2, virtually all vehicles (90.9%) are equipped with an engine capacity of 2171 cc, with a small minority (9.1%) having a 2172 cc engine. Additionally, every vehicle in the sample uses petrol as its primary fuel type. This suggests a high consistency in engine sizing and fuel type among these models.
