2002 BMW 530i for sale - Lafayette, CO - craigslist (2024)

Background

The BMW E39 generation 5 Series was arguably the best 5 Series ever. The E39 was significantly more powerful, advanced, and modern than its E34 predecessor. Yet, it was the last of the iconic traditional designs before Chris Bangle and Adrian van Hooydonk’s awkwardly styled E60 5 Series. The post-facelift 530i Sport is probably the best daily driver BMW ever built. It has plenty of power, exceptional handling, sporting luxury, and the “last of the classics” E39 styling. Yet, it does all this with better gas mileage and less maintenance than V8-powered E39s. The E39 5 Series was so good that many literally had the wheels driven off of them, making clean, low-mileage examples extremely rare.

Summary

This 2002 Toledo Blue over Sand Beige 530i is an excellent driver-quality example of one of the best BMWs ever built—a six-cylinder E39. 2002 was the second to last year of E39 production, and with 117,900 miles, it has been driven less than the average E39. Notable factory options include the proper gearbox, a 5-speed manual, the Premium Package, and the Cold Weather Package (heated seats and ski-pass through). Extras include a second set of Borbet wheels with snow tires, a car cover, a records binder, and several sets of keys. It came to us on consignment from a long-time BMW CCA member and E39 enthusiast. They brought it to Colorado in 2017 after purchasing it from a CCA member in Bozeman, Montana (he had been courting the owner for quite some time to sell it). The records date to 2005 and 36K miles and document a proper old-school maintenance schedule. In preparation for sale, we did another extensive round of preventative maintenance including replacing the clutch, resealing the oil pan gasket, replacing the fan shroud, thermostat, power steering lines, air filter, battery, and an oil service. We also had the instrument cluster LCD rebuilt due to several failed pixels. As it sits, it’s ready for the next chapter of its story as one of the best BMWs ever!

Exterior

This 530i is in nice driver-quality condition; it presents very well but does have some flaws. The Topaz Blue metallic paint is in good condition, measuring 4-5 mils throughout, with the rear quarters showing 7-8 mils. Flaws consist of rock chips on the front bumper cover and leading edges of the hood and front fenders, light to moderate scratches, and a few small dents. There is some scuffing on the lower front bumper cover as well. All VIN/warning tags are present and legible. All trim is presentable. The fog lights, marker lights, and taillight lenses are all clear, and all lights are operational. The headlights are slightly opaque, and fog light lenses have light pitting. The windshield is crack-free, but has light pitting. The side and rear windows are crystal clear. The 17-inch wheels are in great shape with only minor wear. They are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 tires measuring 11/32 tread depth and 2023 DOT dates.

Interior

The Leather Montana interior is in good condition, has no odors, and has never been smoked. The carpets are clean, with no stains or tears. The headliner isn’t sagging, stained, or torn. The door cards are in decent shape but have minor imperfections, like scuffing on the driver’s door. The steering wheel has slight leather wear. The rest of the steering column is fully functional and in great condition. The dashboard is crack-free, and the instrument cluster is fully functional. There are several typical clear coat cracks in the fine wood trim. All interior lights and switches are functional and undamaged. All power windows and locks are functional, and all switches are unfaded. The stereo system sounds great. Climate control blows hot or cold when desired; the LCD screen is functional. The center console has some plastic wear on the center armrest, and the passenger cupholder does not stay closed. The front seats have typical creasing on the outer seat bolsters. The rear seats are in great shape. The trunk is unstained, has no odors, and the toolkit is mostly complete.

Mechanical

A six-cylinder E39 is one of the most reliable and is the last of the non-throw-away 5 Series. This 530i has excellent documentation with thorough records dating to 2005. They show proper old-school BMW CCA maintenance. We added another significant round of maintenance to bring it up to par. It will undoubtedly need continued care and maintenance, and we can help with that when the time comes. The M54 engine fires on command, idles smoothly, and pulls strongly to redline. It does not spot or leak or consume excessive oil. The gearbox shifts smoothly, and the clutch has just been replaced and does not slip. The suspension is compliant, with no clunks, rattles, or other abnormal drivetrain noises. The brakes are firm, and it passes emissions with no problems, which we pay for in the State of Colorado.

VIN Decode
VIN: WBADT53452CE92997
Type Code: DT53
E Series E39
Series: 5
Type: LIM
Model: 530I(USA)
Steering: LL
Doors: 4
Engine: M54
Displacement: 3.00
Power: 170
Drive: HECK
Transmission: MAN
Color: Toledo Blue Metallic (L0482)
Upholstery: Leather Montana/basic equip/sandbeige (PN6Sn)
Production Date: 03-05-2002

Optional Equipment
210 Dynamic stability control
249 Multifunction f steering wheel
302 Alarm system
319 Integrated universal remote control
354 Windscreen, green-tinted upper strip
361 BMW LA wheel, parallel spoke 82
403 Glass roof, electrical
431 Interior mirror with automatic-dip
441 Smoker package
459 Seat adjustment, electric, with memory
470 Iso[x-System
473 Armrest front
494 Seat heating driver/passenger
500 Headl.washer system/intensive cleaning
520 Fog lights
521 Rain sensor
534 Automatic air conditioning
555 On-board computer V with remote control
640 Preparation f tel.installation universal
645 BMW US Radio
650 CD drive
661 Radio BMW Business (C43)
676 HiFi speaker system
694 Provisions for BMW 6 CD changer
773 Fine wood trim
785 White direction indicator lights
818 Battery master switch
845 Acoustic fasten seat belt reminder
850 Dummy-SALAPA
853 Language version, English
876 Radio frequency 315 MHz
925 Dummy-SALAPA
992 Control of number-plate attachment

Glen Shelly is a low-volume auto brokerage focused only on the highest-quality vehicles. We are airline pilots, mechanics, and auto enthusiasts who bring professionalism and attention to detail to the automobile business. Our philosophy is to keep our inventory small to focus on thorough mechanical and cosmetic preparation of our selected vehicles. We have over 20 years of experience restoring and repairing automobiles and are intimately familiar with our cars. We do the inspections, service, detailing, and corrective maintenance using only OEM parts and service manuals. We offer an informed and low-pressure sales environment, resulting in a premium buying experience. Find out more about us at www.Glenshelly.com.