Price: SOLD via Bring a Trailer | Visit the Auction
Mileage: 57,300 Miles
Engine: M50B25 Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual Transmission
Exterior color: Alpine White 2 Exterior (218)
Interior: Silver Grey Leather Interior (0394)
Additional features:
BMW Aero Kit (Dealer Installed):
Front Bumper
Rear Apron
Side Skirts
Rear Spoiler
4.10 Limited-Slip Differential
Heated Seats
Removable Cup Holder
Carpeted BMW Floor Mats
M Shift Knob
Leather Shifter Surround
Reupholstered Headliner
Factory Tool Kit
Bilstein Shocks
Bavarian Autosport Lowering Springs
18” Style 37 M Parallel Wheels
Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 High Performance All-Season Tires
Clean Carfax
Washington Car
The E34 was the third generation of the BMW 5 Series, and the most advanced of the traditional BMW’s, both in form and function. Its form is made up of iconic BMW 3-box design language, square kidney grills, double headlights, and tidy lines that were smooth and sleek in comparison to its E28 predecessor and smaller E30 3 Series sibling. At its release, BMW accurately described it as “Sophisticated styling that is aerodynamic while in motion, and admired when parked.” For function, the E34 525i was the first BMW to get the M50 2.5-liter inline 6-cylinder engine in 1992, what I consider the first of the “modern era” engines. It is one of the most reliable BMW power plants ever produced, which earned the late model 525i the reputation as one of the most reliable luxury cars of all time. Many examples have seen well over 300,000 miles and are still going strong. Finding an example that has low mileage, is well kept, and is in good cosmetic condition is hard – especially a 525i with a manual gearbox.
This Alpine White over Silver Grey Leather E34 525i is an extreme outlier in the E34 market. It is easily the nicest E34 that has come through our doors and is in exceptional condition inside and out. The records go back to the original delivery from Hahn Motor Company (a BMW dealer in Yakima, Washington) and show fanatical ownership with frequent dealer services at Seattle BMW. Shortly after delivery it was fitted with the extremely rare dealer-installed aero kit, which features a more aggressive front bumper, side skirts, and rear apron (similar to the M5 kit). The spoiler was omitted from the kit to keep the look tidy and clean. That look is completed with staggered 18-inch M Parallel wheels with E34 matte finished centers and polished lips. This car was originally delivered with an automatic transmission, but earlier this year, the current owner commissioned us to receive the only enthusiast option that it was missing: a 5-speed manual transmission swap. We left the 4:10 limited-slip differential for added pep. A 5-speed 3:91 limited-slip differential is also available for extra. Mated to one of BMW’s most reliable power plants—the M50 engine—this E34 meets the perfect intersection of reliability, usability, and cool factor. We have extensive dealer service records dating from the original delivery paperwork, including the original window sticker and sales invoice. We completed the manual swap in October of last year; an invoice for the swap is also included in the binder of records. As it sits, this is one of the cleanest and lowest mileage E34’s in the country. We would like to find a new owner who will continue its ownership pedigree and enjoy it for the next chapter of its story.
The Alpine White paint is in exceptional condition, and looks brilliant in all lighting conditions. It has clearly lived in the friendly Pacific North West climate and been spared exposure to harsh conditions. We have lift pictures and a paint gauge report on our website if you are reading this elsewhere. The body is very straight, and there are no notable paint defects. There is no rust; all common E34 areas are clean, including the lower outer door trim strips. All trim is in place, including the aero kit. The front clip has been spared the rock chips of Colorado roads, and only has minor pitting. The only notable defect is a ¾” nick on the top of the front bumper. The windshield glass is original and crack-free, and only has light pitting. The headlight lenses are crack-free, as are the indicators. The fog lights, markers, and taillights are also clear and crack-free. The M Parallel wheels are straight and true with no curb rash. They are wrapped in fresh Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 tires. They are staggered fitment in 245/40/R18 front and 275/35/R18 rear.
The interior is likewise in exceptional condition. There are no odors and it has never been smoked in. The carpet is free of stains and tears, and is protected by carpet floor mats. The headliner does not sag and has recently been redone. The leather seats are in great shape with only light wear. There is light creasing and bolster wear on the driver’s seat. Non-Sport E34 seats are some of the most comfortable seats BMW ever made! All seat adjustments work as they should and there is no seat twist. The armrests lock correctly. The heated seats both work. The dashboard is crack-free and the center vent cover is not warped. The original four-spoke steering wheel is in great shape. The instrument cluster has no failed bulbs or pixels and shows no warning lights. The onboard computer functions correctly and shows no check items. The HVAC control panel works as it should, the heat blows warm and the A/C blows cold. The original stereo is in place and sounds fantastic. The manual shifter surround is the desirable leather M5 type. An illuminated M shift knob was installed with the manual swap and looks great. There is a matching E34 removable cup holder that fits in the middle of the center console. The power door locks work. All power windows work and the regulators are quiet. The door cards are in excellent shape, with a small nick in the armrest on both the driver and passenger side. The trunk carpet is in great shape. The factory steel spare is included. The factory tool kit is complete.
The mechanical condition on this car mirrors the exterior and interior. Besides the manual swap, the records show a recent valve cover gasket, A/C recharge, spark plugs, and fuel filter and fuel lines. Beyond that they show frequent and regular dealer services going back to original delivery. There are lots of minor requests detailing small nitpicks, pointing out the fastidious nature of the previous owner—and with a BMW like this the previous owner’s stewardship is key! The M50 starts on command, idles smoothly, and pulls very strongly to redline. There is no timing chain or valve train rattle. There are no oil leaks or significant seeps. The clutch take up is correct, the shifter is crisp, and the gearbox shifts smoothly. There are no driveline or wheel bearing vibrations. The suspension bushings are tight, and the Bilstein shocks combined with the Bav Auto lowering springs create a firm but compliant ride. We pay for and ensure it passes emissions in Colorado.
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