BMW enjoys a well-earned reputation for producing cars that perfectly combine luxury and driver satisfaction. No vehicle better demonstrates that philosophy than this 2002 BMW 530i. From its interior appointments to its syrupy smooth six-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual transmission, it has something to suit almost everyone. The seller has chosen to list the 530i with No Reserve, further increasing its desirability to potential buyers. They have listed this German gem here on eBay in Montclair, California. Bidding has raced to $5,100, and with No Reserve to muddy the water, this BMW is only days away from finding a new home.

BMW introduced the E39 as the Fourth Generation of its 5-Series in 1995, and following a facelift in 2000, cars remained on sale until 2003. The first owner ordered this 530i in 2002, selecting Titanium Silver Metallic to coat its exterior. The seller confirms that it has spent its life in California, with the lack of exposure to adverse conditions leaving the BMW rust-free. It is also pleasing to find that the California sun hasn’t exacted a toll on the paint, especially considering that Silver is prone to patchiness and developing a matte appearance. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and there are no plastic issues. This 530i scores extra points, courtesy of the first owner’s decision to order it with a factory glass sunroof. The remaining glass is excellent for its age, and the alloy wheels exhibit no evidence of physical damage.

BMW marketed the 530i as a prestige model, and this car’s Gray leather trim reinforces that approach. It is only the tip of the iceberg, with the new owner also receiving climate-control air conditioning, power operation for the windows, locks, seats, and mirrors, cruise control, a tilt wheel, a range of airbags, and a premium stereo with a CD player. The overall condition is impressive for a vehicle with over two decades of service under its belt. The leather has slight wear on the driver’s seat outer edge, but it hasn’t developed holes. The dash looks excellent, the burl walnut holds a deep shine, and there is no damaged or broken plastic. This BMW has 136,000 miles on its odometer, but the appearance suggests it hasn’t been abused or neglected.

BMW enjoys a reputation on two fronts once the focus shifts to its mechanical components. The first is that the company is acknowledged for producing some of the most beautifully smooth production six-cylinder engines in automotive history. Secondly, the enormous level of success the company has enjoyed in endurance racing has translated to its road car division, with these cars often clocking enormous odometer readings without requiring anything beyond rudimentary servicing. The 3.0-liter six hiding under this classic’s hood perfectly demonstrates both traits, running beautifully with a six-figure odometer reading. It sends 225hp and 221 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a five-speed manual transmission, and that feature could be this car’s strongest point. Most buyers preferred the self-shifter when ordering a 530i, with only around 5,400 US buyers selecting the 5-speed during the entire production run for the E39. The seller confirms that this 530i has been meticulously maintained and recently received a full service. It runs and drives perfectly, with no apparent mechanical needs or shortcomings identified during a recent thorough written inspection.

The 2002 BMW 530i doesn’t offer the same blistering performance as the M5, but it is still an effective long-distance tourer, providing excellent fuel economy. The stick shift will appeal to those seeking a classic that will immediately engage them in a satisfying driving experience when they slip behind the wheel. The fact that this BMW has already attracted forty-seven bids demonstrates that people like what they see. Even if you are not interested in parking this German beauty in your garage, monitoring the auction could prove entertaining if the action so far is an accurate guide.