1995 BMW 525i (E34)

ENGINE 2494cc/6-cyl/DOHC POWER 192bhp@5900rpm TORQUE 184lb ft@4200rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 141mph 0-60MPH 10.6sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 27-31mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed auto MoT 12 months ODOMETER 46,820 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The engine and transmission are in fine fettle; quiet during gentle driving, pulling strongly on demand and delivering ample surge into the upper revs. The gear ratios shift up and down smoothly, and the brakes bring the car to a firm halt. The small amount of steering wheel shimmy at higher speeds is exacerbated when riding over rough surfaces, potentially indicating a worn bush. The only other flaw was an occasional whine from the power steering pump when manoeuvring at slow speeds.

BODYWORK CHECK

We found hardly any corrosion on this recent Japanese import – just a small spot on the boot lid and a little surface rust inside the filler cap. The sills appear to have been repainted recently, there’s a scuff on one rear wheelarch and some small chips in the offside front wing. All the lamps, glass and exterior trim are good. The chrome trim has lost some of its original lustre, but the overall picture is extremely smart. The slightly kerbed alloy wheels are fitted with matching Toyo 215/60 R16 tyres with about 80 per cent of their tread remaining.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The grey cloth seats, carpets and headlining are all spot on and there’s no significant wear on either the steering wheel or handbrake gaiter. The dashboard is in excellent condition – aside from some warping around the passenger airbag – and is still fitted with the original BMW radio/cassette player. All of the equipment – which includes an auto-dimming rear view mirror, electric door mirrors, exterior temperature display, climate control and a boot-mounted CD autochanger – seem to be in working order. The offside rear electric window doesn’t appear to be working, however, and the electric mirrors are a little creaky in operation.

UNDER THE BONNET

The engine bay is nearimmaculate. There are no signs of bodged repairs, the oil and fluids are clear and to the correct levels, the electrical terminals look clean and undisturbed, there are no signs of any leaks, and only small spots of surface rust in the lower recesses. The car comes with little service history (which is normal for a Japanese import); its first and only MoT certificate since reaching the UK includes advisories for pitted brake discs and a deteriorated brake hose. DVLA paperwork authorising its registering in the UK is included in the sale.

THE CCW VIEW

This 5 Series’ few imperfections don’t prevent it from feeling like a lot of car for the money. Low-mileage – an indicated

75,350km – UK E34s in this sort of condition are rare indeed – a coat of underseal would be wise while the car is still unsullied by the British climate.