HOW LONG HAVE YOU OWNED IT?
I bought it privately around three years ago for £2000. I actually put a shout-out on the BMW E34 Enthusiasts’ page on Facebook to ask if anybody was selling a nice example. It worked! I bought the car from an RAF mechanic who had kept it garaged and in great running order. It was and remains in outstanding condition. Since getting it I have fitted a new battery, brake discs/pads and tyres. There has also been work on the suspension and wheel alignment, plus an oil/filter change. It has always been garaged and is rust-free.
HOW MUCH HISTORY DOES IT HAVE?
Unfortunately, the service book was lost so the previous owner contacted BMW and tracked down the documented history file, with evidence dating back to the car’s servicing within the Sytner Group in the Nineties, including nine services with BMW. This, along with the car’s MoT history, confirms the mileage reading to be true. All the more recent paperwork is kept in a folder with the emails from BMW. It is currently insured with an agreed valuation of £3800 with Admiral.
HAS IT BEEN MODIFIED?
No, it is completely original with all original panels and glass.
WHAT’S LEFT TO DO ON IT?
Nothing urgent needs doing – it’s running and looking great due to some recent small paint imperfections being sorted by a professional. If we are being picky then I would get the wheels refurbished and an annoying small scratch on the bootlid sorted.
WHAT WE THINK IT’S WORTH - £5000
Russ Smith, CCW’s price expert: ‘‘Nice timing. E34-era BMW 5 Series are becoming increasingly sought-after but are extremely hard to find in this kind of condition. As a result, values have been rising quickly – yours really has more than doubled in value in just three years! I suspect that it will rise again in the next year so I think it’s time for you to have a conversation with your insurance company about its agreed value.’
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