2009 BMW 520d M Sport E61 Manual

Highlights

• Just one former registered keeper (BMW contract hire)
• In current ownership for approximately 13 years
• Reported factory standard with no modifications
• Near-complete service history
• MOT valid until August 2027

The Appeal

The E61-generation BMW 5 Series Touring remains one of the most accomplished estate cars of its era, blending sharp driving dynamics with genuine long-distance comfort and impressive practicality. The 520d variant, with its frugal 2.0-litre turbodiesel and six-speed manual gearbox, offers the full 5 Series touring experience with running costs that belie its executive positioning; the vendor reports it currently achieves 45 MPG.

This example has been with its current keeper since May 2012, after an initial period with BMW contract hire. It has a near-complete service history and has been serviced annually throughout, except this year due to minimal use. Between August 2023 and July 2026, it covered just 2,145 miles across three services, suggesting a cherished car rather than one that was neglected. Maintenance has been thorough, with key mechanical and electrical items addressed as detailed below. The listing notes some known faults, but it includes a certified working replacement diversity antenna. Kept on a private drive, the vendor says this 5 Series Touring has been an utter joy to own.

Key Information

• Mileage: 100,700 miles (supported by service history)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: MOT valid until 3rd August 2027 (one advisory for a tyre)
• Technical specs: 2.0-litre inline-four turbocharged diesel, six-speed manual
• Paperwork: near-complete service history; records not held in hard copy are obtainable as printouts from service and repair garages

Service history:
30/07/2025 – TWG Motorsport (£389.57 / Invoice 059711)

• Carried out 12-month service (engine oil 5W-30, oil filter, pollen filters, brake fluid check, antifreeze check, and multi-point inspection)
• Carried out MOT test

29/10/2024 (99,437 miles) – TWG Motorsport (Invoice 057783)

• Fitted new nearside rear suspension air spring and locating pin

25/07/2024 (99,327 miles) – TWG Motorsport (£1,152.73 / Invoice 057069)

• Carried out 12-month service (engine oil 5W-30, oil filter, fuel filter, and multi-point inspection)
• Fitted replacement air suspension compressor and relay
• Carried out MOT test

17/11/2021 (98,015 miles) – TWG Motorsport (Invoice 050339)

• Carried out 12-month service including engine oil, oil filter, air filter, and brake fluid change

01/12/2020 (97,208 miles) – TWG Motorsport (£456.61 / Invoice 048095)

• Completed engine oil and filter service
• Investigated rear fog lamp failure; traced fault to fractured wiring in roof space, removed tailgate, lowered roof lining, replaced broken section of wiring, and reassembled
• Carried out MOT test

21/05/2019 (95,064 miles) – TWG Motorsport (Invoice 044461)

• Completed engine oil and filter service
• Carried out MOT test

15/05/2018 (91,689 miles) – TWG Motorsport (£279.37 / Invoice 041898)

• Carried out 12-month service (engine oil 5W-30, oil filter, air filter, and multi-point inspection)
• Carried out MOT test

06/05/2017 – TWG Motorsport (Invoice 039418)

• Completed routine service including engine oil and filter service
• Carried out MOT test

27/05/2016 (84,675 miles) – TWG Motorsport (£154.87 / Invoice 037241)

• Traced and repaired open circuit in rear light wiring at right-hand tailgate hinge
• Carried out MOT test

05/05/2016 (84,547 miles) – TWG Motorsport (Invoice 037098)

• Completed engine oil and filter service

04/04/2016 – Kingsway Tyres Peterborough (£128.78 / Invoice 0451-105243)

• Fitted new tyre and completed wheel assembly work

22/05/2015 (79,918 miles) – TWG Motorsport (Invoice 034923)

• Rectified open circuit to nearside rear number plate lamp
• Carried out MOT test

30/03/2015 (79,183 miles) – TWG Motorsport (Invoice 034576)

• Carried out brake fluid change

01/05/2014 (73,299 miles) – TWG Motorsport (Invoice 032471)

• Carried out brake fluid change
• Carried out MOT test

08/10/2013 (63,833 miles) – TWG Motorsport (Invoice 031198)

• Completed engine oil and filter service
• Fitted new rear brake pads

14/08/2013 (61,337 miles) – TWG Motorsport (£239.38 / Invoice 030843)

• Fitted new front brake discs, front brake pads, and wear sensor

24/05/2013 (59,491 miles) – TWG Motorsport (Invoice 030265)

• Carried out MOT test

25/03/2013 (58,357 miles) – TWG Motorsport (Invoice 029870)

• Inspected and serviced braking system

11/10/2012 (54,967 miles) – TWG Motorsport (£159.00 / Invoice 028770)

• Completed engine oil service and fitted new pollen filters
• Carried out brake fluid change

27/05/2009 – Sandal Motors (Bayern) Ltd / BMW Service (£31,649.99 / Invoice 1006466)

• Pre-delivery check completed according to manufacturer directives
• New vehicle purchase invoice for BMW 520d M Sport Touring in Deep Sea Blue with Black Dakota Leather
• Optional extras: Media Package, Navigation System Professional, BMW ConnectedDrive Assist/Online, Voice Control, Bluetooth prep, Sun protection glass

The Detail

• Serviced annually throughout ownership; not serviced this year as only approximately 800 miles covered since the previous service
• Between August 2023 and July 2026, serviced three times, covering 2,145 miles
• Rear air suspension compressor replaced in July 2024
• Faulty keys and roof amplifier receiver replaced in November 2020
• Tailgate wiring replaced in December 2020
• Reported factory standard with no modifications
• The vendor describes the exterior as very clean for its age
• Rub mark on the rear bumper from contact with another vehicle in a car park
• A couple of marks on the door pillar paintwork due to paint degradation
• The vendor states the interior is very clean with no obvious marks
• The vendor states all instruments and switchgear work as they should
• Error message for the driver's side rear passenger window anti-trap function; the electric window itself operates normally
• Known fault with the diversity antenna: minor water ingress in rain affects key fob operation, requiring use of the physical key
• A used but certified working replacement diversity antenna is included, ready to fit once sealant waterproofing work around the antenna is completed
• Rear reversing sensors sporadically do not work
• Car has always been kept on a private drive during current ownership

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