This unique 5 Series Touring offers a glimpse into BMW's past when large engines were commonplace. With its rare flat red paint and luxurious trim, it's a head-turner. While the 4.4-litre V8 engine presents potential reliability challenges, its low price point and unique history make it an intriguing proposition for the right buyer.
The M5 Touring is on the horizon, but there's a 4.4-litre, V8 5 Series estate available for a tenth of the cost. Recently, car configurators have been a source of disappointment for enthusiasts. There seem to be fewer variants of most cars, limited color choices unless you're willing to pay a premium, and an overwhelming array of options, many seemingly unnecessary.
BMW's announcement of new colors for the manual Z4 was met with enthusiasm last week; no additional cost, more choices, and a touch more desirability for a well-liked sports car. However, it's worth noting that manual transmission cars aren't common. Model offerings are being streamlined to reflect actual consumer demand, a logical approach, especially when cost-cutting is a top priority in the industry. Culling slow-selling models is a relatively easy way to save money. This particular 5 Series hails from a time when such concerns were less prevalent – the prosperous days of 2014 – when customer preferences were paramount. This wouldn't be possible for a new 5 Series today. Firstly, it's a Luxury specification, complete with chrome and clear glass, whereas today only Sport, M Sport, or M trims are available. Secondly, it's a flat red estate, a combination rarely seen in any era of the 5 Series. (If anyone knows the name of the color, we'd appreciate it!) This specification is so unusual that we weren't entirely sure it existed until we encountered this one. HowManyLeft estimates that there were a maximum of nine such cars in the UK, across both bodystyles. This rarity is another reason why this type of specification doesn't occur anymore. But for those who appreciate unique BMW configurations that were uncommon from the start (a nod to 325ti owners), it's a dream come true. This 5 Series, currently showing 100,000 miles from a decade of use, presents itself very nicely. The red is vibrant, the chrome gleams, and the unassuming wheels appear unmarked. Someone would have paid at least £60k for this once (more than £80,000 now), so hopefully it has been well-maintained. The interior has held up remarkably well; fans of buttons in a BMW cabin will be delighted. Of course, there's a catch, and that's the engine: BMW's N63 was never known for its reliability, to put it mildly. This 550i uses the later 4.4-litre variant, generally considered tougher and less problematic than the original 4.0-litre, though it still doesn't have the best reputation. Issues can arise from the turbos, direct injection system, high-pressure fuel pump, and water pump, any one of which could result in a hefty repair bill. So, don't say you weren't warned. This one is said to be fully serviced by an authorized BMW dealer, and hopefully, the fact that it has reached this mileage is a good sign.Because what an intriguing piece of BMW history it represents, when large engines could be incorporated without a hint of sporting pretense. And it's a recent 5 Series Touring, so it will be spacious, refined, and luxurious enough for all passengers. It has an advisory-free MOT until 2026, and surely there's room for negotiation on £12,990 given the esoteric appeal of the specification. What a cool family car it could be – and easy to spot among all the grey 520ds...
BMW 5 Series Estate Touring V8 Rare Flat Red Motor History Reliability Used Cars
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
This Rare BMW 507 Roadster Series II Could Fetch Over $2 Million at AuctionA gorgeous 1958 BMW 507 Roadster Series II will be sold by RM Sotheby’s at its upcoming Paris sale. Only 252 examples of the convertible were built.
Read more »
USA Rare Earth Achieves Breakthrough in Domestic Rare Earth ProductionUSA Rare Earth successfully produces high-purity dysprosium oxide from its Texas Round Top deposit, marking a significant advancement in domestic rare earth production.
Read more »
Samsung Ditches Curved Edges for Flat Design on Galaxy S25 SeriesSamsung's Galaxy S25 lineup features a unified design language with flat sides, moving away from the curved edges seen on previous models. This change aligns the S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra with the design language of more affordable Galaxy S devices and resembles the aesthetic of iPhones and older Galaxy S phones. While some might miss the curved edges, the flat sides offer advantages in grip, portability, and propping the phone during photography.
Read more »
BMW i5 Gains Range, X3 And 2-Series GC Get New Engines For 2025BMW is refreshing a range of models and introducing an entry-level 2-Series Gran Coupe with 121 hp.
Read more »
2027 BMW 3-Series: Everything We Know About The Neue KlasseThe next BMW 3-Series will look similar to the fully electric i3 sedan, despite riding on different underpinnings
Read more »
New Spider-Man Animated Series Star Was Nervous His Series Would Be “Annoying & Woke”Comic Book Movies, News, & Digital Comic Books
Read more »