£4,500 - £5,500
1997 BMW 540I AUTO
United Kingdom • 29 Jan 2026 • Lot 16
Vehicle Details
AI Listing Summary
This 1997 BMW 540i is a well-preserved, single-owner example with only 78,053 miles. It boasts a comprehensive history, original book pack, and desirable V8 engine, making it attractive to collectors.

Condition
8
Well-maintained, minimal cosmetic imperfections.
/ 10
Automatic
Transmission:
[Chassis No]
Chassis No:
Odometer:
78,053 miles
R161MAA
Reg Number:
RHD/LHD:
RHD
In Brief:
A great example of an E39 generation V8 5 series
Finished in Arctic Silver over a Grey leather interior
Owned by the current registered keeper from new
Genuine 78,053 miles from new
Comes with original BMW bookpack and supplimenting invoices
Auctioneer’s Notes:
A superbly kept example of the desirable E39-generation BMW 540i, finished in Arctic Silver over a Grey leather interior.
This car presents very cleanly throughout, with the condition inside and out reflecting careful ownership from new.
With just 78,053 miles covered, it remains a wonderfully preserved V8 saloon that offers both performance and refinement.
Maintenance & Condition:
The car is accompanied by a wealth of supporting documentation, including the complete original leatherbound BMW bookpack, MOT certificates, multiple servicing and maintenance invoices, and the original purchase invoice from Wyndham BMW of Cardiff.
The Service Booklet contains nine service stamps, ranging from the first record...
Points of note
£2,484
Lowest Price (Since 2020)
£11,382
Median Price (Since 2020)
£37,464
Highest Price (Since 2020)
World Record
If this vehicle sells at the mid-point of its estimate it will set a new world record for the [enter model]
Bottom 10%
The mid-point of the vehicle's estimate places it in the bottom 10% of sold prices we've ever seen for the BMW 5 Series (E39) 540i
Lowest Price
If this vehicle sells at the mid-point of its estimate it will be the lowest price we've seen for the [enter model]
Average Price
The mid-point of the vehicle's estimate places it near the average price we see for the [enter model]
Rare Sale
This vehicle comes to market rarely. In auction records we've only seen [enter number] sold before
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This vehicle comes is an icon of the game. Any collection would benefit from having one
Previous Sales
Gallery

MOT Information
Valid
Expires on Sep 10 2026
Latest MOT Mileage
78,030 miles
Registration Date
1997-11-19
MOT History
Passed
On Sep 11 2025 with 78,030 miles
There was 1 defect noted.
Advisory:
- Oil leak, but not excessive engine (8.4.1 (a) (i))
Passed
On Nov 09 2022 with 78,018 miles
There was 1 defect noted.
Advisory:
- Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread slight damage (0.1 (b))
Passed
On Nov 03 2021 with 78,001 miles
Passed
On Nov 03 2020 with 77,799 miles
There was 1 defect noted.
Advisory:
- front tyres wearing slightly on outer edges
Passed
On Nov 05 2019 with 77,237 miles
Passed
On Nov 05 2018 with 76,313 miles
There were 6 defects noted.
Minor:
- Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated trailing arm (5.3.4 (b) (i))
Advisory:
- Items removed from driver's view prior to test
- Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))
- Nearside Front Outer Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play drop link (5.3.4 (a) (i))
- Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm ball joint has slight play trailing arm (5.3.4 (a) (i))
Passed
On Nov 02 2017 with 74,888 miles
Passed
On Nov 16 2016 with 74,270 miles
Passed
On Nov 16 2015 with 73,284 miles
Passed
On Nov 10 2014 with 70,764 miles
There were 2 defects noted.
Advisory:
- Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
Passed
On Nov 06 2013 with 69,197 miles
Passed
On Nov 19 2012 with 66,924 miles
There was 1 defect noted.
Advisory:
- Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)
Passed
On Nov 17 2011 with 62,577 miles
There were 2 defects noted.
Advisory:
- Rear Tie bar/rod has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)
- Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)
Passed
On Nov 15 2010 with 59,960 miles
Passed
On Nov 17 2009 with 55,445 miles
Passed
On Nov 11 2008 with 51,518 miles
Passed
On Nov 14 2007 with 47,679 miles
There was 1 defect noted.
Advisory:
- Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
Passed
On Nov 22 2006 with 44,277 miles

