Highlights
- A nice example of the continent crossing and luggage swallowing 550i Touring
- Complete with the 360bhp, five-litre V8 N62 engine and six speed SMG gearbox
- Combining to provide near M5 pace, with more luxury and at a fraction of the price
- Understood to be accompanied by a good deal of history and useful paperwork
- This vehicle meets the ULEZ emissions standards
The Appeal
The BMW 5 Series E60 (saloon) and E61 (estate) was launched in 2003 to become the fifth generation of the respected, mid-sized executive car. This time around BMW majored on state-of-the-art technology for the 5 Series, in keeping with the new century into which it arrived. These could include active cruise control, Bi-Xenon headlights, run-flat tyres, active anti-roll bars, head-up display and active steering. Safety-related items include Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), adaptive headlights and even optional night vision.
With the E61 BMW also deployed the powerful 5-litre naturally aspirated N62 V8 engine in the Touring estate body to create an uber-estate with room for all the family, dogs and luggage whilst still being able to achieve 155mph and a mid-5-seconds 0-60mph time. This example presents very well and is packed to the gunwales with sophisticated equipment and gadgetry.
The History and Paperwork
- A UK supplied and specified car
- Manufactured in December 2005
- First registered in June 2006
- Used and enjoyed by six previous owners prior to June of this year
- At that stage the current owner acquired it via online auction
- Available paperwork fills a large lever arch file
- This includes the V5 registration document in the name of the owner
- The current MOT is valid until October 2024
- The original book pack is included together with the service book
- This documents 13 stamps up to November 2021 at 95,000 miles
- A breakdown of the extensive factory build specification is also present
- The remainder of the archive consists of numerous maintenance invoices
- Some highlights of the recent work include:
- Brake maintenance in February 2024
- Brembo front discs fitted in November 2023
- All four alloy wheels replaced November 2023
- Driveshaft replaced July 2023
- Serviced February 2023
- Gearbox service in July 2021
The Condition
- The 550i presents in the popular Titan Grey Metallic (A36) livery
- The condition appears generally good for the age and mileage of the car
- There are some areas of imperfection noted of course
- These include scratches to offside rear arch and nearside front arch
- Small dents to offside rear arch are also noted
- The recently replaced seven spoke BMW alloys are consequently in fine condition
- These are 18-inch items and are shod with quality Michelin tyres in a 40-profile
- The interior is a sea of exclusive Nappa leather in black
- In this upmarket model this is the special “skin” leather
- This incorporates panels of texture that mimic crocodilian hides
- Some minor age and use related wear is evident including on the driver’s side bolster
- This is an incredibly well-equipped car with the factory specification including:
- Panoramic glass sunroof
- Heads Up display
- Large infotainment display screen
- Parking Distance Control
- Adaptive headlights
- Heated front seats with memory and electric control
- Active cruise control
- Steering wheel mounted gear change paddles
- High beam assist
- Heated steering wheel
- Rear window blinds
- This esteemed Autobahn express boasts the same commodious estate boot as any other 5 Series Touring
The Mechanics
- Fitted with the 4,799cc N62 BMW V8 naturally aspirated 360bhp engine
- This is mated to the SMG automated manual six speed gearbox
- Power is fed to the rear wheels
- The under-bonnet presentation looks clean and highly original
- The big and very powerful V8 engine fills the bay
- As we have seen this car has enjoyed extensive maintenance and care
- As such, no known mechanical issues are reported
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. If requested we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]