BMW 535i Sport Auto (E39)

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The 5 Series was so called because it was the fifth series of new car since the BMW V8 and bubble car era and was the first BMW to use the now common nomenclature – using the series followed by the engine size.

Launched in 1972, the 5 Series is still in production today, although the latest vehicles are stylistically a far cry from the original, with its neat, small and clean-cut Marcello Gandini styling. Now as then though, they are widely considered to be the finest handling saloons bar none.  

By 1995, the model had reached its 4th series which was codenamed the E39. Heavily based on its larger sibling, the 7 Series, it was available with a range of six- and eight-cylinder engines and sold like hot-cakes, accounting for over 50% of BMW’s bottom-line profits.

Towards the top of the tree was the 535i, powered by a 3,498cc version of BMW’s M62 V8. BMW’s clever VANOS variable valve timing arrived in 1998, boosting power to 241bhp while maintaining an even torque spread across the rev range. Performance was excellent, the 0-60mph dash taking a whisker under seven seconds with a top speed of 155mph. Fitted with Dynamic Stability Control, they were praised for their reliability, build quality and superb road holding.

This November 2000 example was purchased by the vendor in 2014 to use as his everyday car upon his return home from working abroad. His circumstances have subsequently changed and he has remained in Switzerland, so his UK-based pride and joy is now surplus to requirements.

In superb condition when acquired, he has attended to several very minor details, replacing various interior trim parts which were not perfect. It had a new set of front discs and pads just a few miles ago and a full service, including belts, in September last year since when it has barely been used.

Most recently he decided to have all four wheels refurbished, fitting brand new tyres in the process, the car clearly having been maintained regardless of expense – it even has a professionally made fitted car cover. MOTs on file show the accumulation of mileage from 2007 when it had covered 34,974 miles through to 50,000 miles in 2013. The odometer now reads 65,000 miles, although the car looks like it has barely covered a tenth of that distance. The service book has three stamps, with subsequent bills for service and maintenance being included in the substantial history folder.

Ordered from new with the Sport package, which included black window surrounds instead of chrome, sports suspension and 17” wheels, this immaculate (an often misused word but not in this case) V8 5 Series really does look like it has just come out of the showroom. Certainly the finest example we have seen, it is MOTd until late February 2016 and is ready for immediate use.