2015 BMW 520i Reviews

Andrew Chesterton road tests and reviews the new BMW 5 Series 520d, 530i, 530d and 540i sedans with specs, fuel consumption and verdict at its Australian launch in Victoria.

We turn the spotlight on BMW 520i  and ask the big questions, including the most important -- would you buy one? What is it? This is the entry level medium large BMW sedan with the smallest petrol engine. How much? It comes in under the Luxury Tax trigger so the price is a tempting $79,990 but there are pages of

Few areas of the new car market are more fearsly faught than the executive car class.BMW 5 SeriesPrice: from $79,900 (520i)Engine: 2.0-litre petrol turbo; 135kW/270NmTransmission: 8-spd automatic, RWDThirst: 6.2L/100, 144g/km CO2Mercedes-Benz E-ClassPrice: from $79,900 (E200 sedan)Engines:2.0-litre petrol turbo; 135kW/300NmTransmission: 7-spd automatic, RWDFuel: 6.4L/100, 148g/km CO2 

BMW Australia has given its 5 Series range a mid-life upgrade with some minor styling changes, engine enhancements and added value for money by including its 'Lines' packages as standard.

Halfway through a seven-year stint as the enviable car bay filler in Australia's corporate garage, BMW raises the bar.

BMW's 5 Series has long been a class benchmark, successfully balancing its requisite size and luxury with a dynamic edge that often evades its rivals.

A 2.0-litre petrol engine powering a two-tonne prestige sedan would have been unthinkable only a few years ago.  Now it's about to roll into BMW dealerships in the form of an entry level 5 Series that matches the 520d diesel model in performance and undercuts it on price by enough to offset the differences in fuel

Question: Can a four go into a five?The answer, so far as the question has related to BMW's 5 Series, has for some time been yes. The qualifier's been that the four in question is a turbo diesel, it being accepted that any Bimmer four cylinder engine that sips petrol has about as much power in practice as a UN resolution. But there is legislation to which the marque synonymous with exhilarating inline sixes isn't immune, such as that of the EU which heavily taxes larger capacity engines and the juice that fuels them. So it's auf wiedersehen to bigger, naturally-breathing powerplants and in with smaller, more efficient units with turbos attached.If that means little or nothing to you, just know that when it comes to German cars, less engine really does mean better performance and economy. Take the Opel unit that powers the Holden-built Cruze.The new entry level 5 Series sedan is powered by an engine that not only makes a mockery of those who worship size for the sake of it, but which - when it also goes into the new 3 Series next year - could wrest class leadership from deadly rival Mercedes-Benz.VALUEAt $77,900 the 520i is about par with Audi's well-meaning A6  2.0 TFSI and a good six grand under the nearest equivalent E-Class. Standard kit includes 17-inch alloys, stop/start function, nav screen, front and rear park distance control, cruise control (with automatic braking), Bluetooth and audio streaming and anti-dazzle interior mirrors plus the fixtures you'd expect.So it starts from within the meat of the forthcoming 3 Series range, bringing it within reach of a new tier of buyers. The point is, that unlike the outgoing entry-level 3, there's nothing try hard about this Fiver.TECHNOLOGYFeel free to skip to next bit if you're not fussed by what lurks beneath the bonnet and do so safe in the knowledge that it does the job exceptionally. For those who wish to know more, BMW has finally clambered aboard the direct injection turbo four bandwagon that's long been driven by in this segment by Audi and has since been joined by Mercedes.This, the milder tune of two versions of a new 2.0-litre engine, is good for 135kW/270Nm due to a twin-scroll turbocharger in which DI is abetted by variable valve and double camshaft control. That makes for a respectable 0 to 100km/h dash time of eight seconds and highly respectable juice use of 6.4L/100km.That's in a good part due to the eight-speed automatic. We - well "I" actually - have sneered at octo autos as mere one gearmanship, what with Mercedes running a seven. Well, it works so seamlessly here that it redefines that word.DESIGNWhen Carsguide had the top whack 535i at last year's COTY, Gover said approvingly that BMW had decided to make the 5 Series a luxury car once more. After the confronting shape and spartan cabin of its Chris Bangle designed forebear, we saw at once what he meant.The great thing is you can move from the cockpit of a $150,000 5 Series into this and discern little or no difference. Audi is no longer the benchmark for cabin quality, fit and finish.The slightly longer front overhand of this generation Fiver might fly in the face of BMW convention, but it certainly doesn't hurt the aesthetics. Actually, seen sitting next to the previous model, it's not so great a departure as it appears initially. It's the sort of continuity that enhances resale.SAFETYTick them off. Five star Euro crash rating, full outfit of airbags et al. Optional is lane departure warning and radar cruise control with automatic braking. Anti-lock brakes, which allow steering under emergency stopping, are one thing, but the perfectly balanced front to rear weight distribution and the rear wheel drive tactility to take full advantage of that steering are quite another. Dynamics such as these put the "active" into "active safety".DRIVINGAgain the European dilemma - petrol or diesel. Both fours go happily into the 5. This time though, the gas sipper rather than the oiler gets the nod if only for what BMW are pleased to call "sheer driving pleasure". There's been sufficient precedents in the past few years for us not to be surprised by the ability of turbo DI fours to shift bigger European cars. Yet the new block astonishes afresh, not for scorching acceleration - though this is impressive - rather for relentlessness.There's hesitation off the mark  as the turbo spools up, but only the slightest - all the torque arrives from 1200rpm and remains on hand till 4000. Unless you're bashing the redline - which it's quite willing to do in manual mode - it's almost always giving you all the grunt its got and sound tastefully crisp and rorty as it does so.Capable when married to the diesel, the octo slusher is happier still with this unit, which at some 200km/h on the autobahn is barely north of 4000 revs in eighth gear. Australia's freeway limit is hardly going to tax it. And this, remember, is the lowest tune version.It will surely be only sweeter in the much lighter and more nimble 320i which arrives in our parts later next year after March's initial new 3 Series launch. In the meantime, we're bound to ask if the entry level 5 Series is too good for BMW's own good?Some 20 grand under the 528i and almost 60 under the twin turbo six 535i, it's difficult to mount a case for either in our part of the planet after cracking on in the 520i. Yes, of course it'd get flayed by its six cylinder slinging kinsmen in a straight line dash, but we're talking elegant sufficiency here, not glorious excess.Some of us have carped that the costly optional drive select mode has to be switched to optimum modes in order to achieve the dynamics you're entitled to expect from a BMW. The 520i's lighter front end makes for an engaging drive even without troubling Sport or the all out Sport Plus setting. When making the tyres yelp a bit, this feels very much like a slightly overgrown 3 Series - and that's as good as it gets.VERDICTAll the executive sedan you could want or need, the best 5 Series is the "least" of them.BMW 520iPrice: $77,900Warranty: 3 years/unlimitedResale: TCService Interval: 15,000/12 monthsEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol; 135kW/270NmBody: four doors, five seats Dimensions: 4899mm (L) 1860 (w) 1464 (h) 2968 (wb)Transmission: 8-sipped automatic; RWDThirst: 6.4L/100km; 149g Co2 km"Want 5 of the best? Look no further"

The reality of life is that few of us have the bucks to buy the luxury 'Benz, BMW or Jaguar we might aspire to own, they're simply too expensive for the regular Joe in the street. But step back in time to an older model and owning a once unattainable car from one of these great companies can be a real possibility.One such car in question is the BMW 535i that was released in the late 1980s and remained on sale until 1993.  In the days before the arrival of the 'M' Series the 535i was the performance king in the Bavarian carmakers local range.Today it's largely been lost in the crowd with the vast number of sporty BMWs that have since been released, but a chance encounter recently with an acquaintance who had bought one for a couple of grand was a reminder of what can be bought with a very limited budget.MODEL WATCHThe 535i was the top model in the E34 5-Series range that arrived here in 1988.  Minus the edgy look that overtook later models from BMW the E34 was a classically elegant four-door sedan that boasted beautifully clean lines and balanced proportions.It was a great looker when it was new, and that it remains a good looking car today when there are still many on the road is a testament to the appeal of its styling. It's hard to imagine that more than 20 years have passed since it was launched.The E34 range was extensive, extending from the modest 2.0-litre 520i through the popular 2.5-litre 525i and the 3.0-litre 530i to the sporty 535i that sat atop the tree.  Later there was the V8 540i and the first M5, both of which shoved the 535i into the background, but for a year or two the 535i was the king of the road.The E34 platform was highly regarded with independent suspension back and front, responsive power steering and powerful four-wheel disc brakes.  Up front it had a 3.5-litre fuel-injected single overhead camshaft six-cylinder engine boasting 155 kW at 5700 revs and 3.5 Nm at 4000 revs.BMW offered the choice of a five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic transmission, with the final drive through the rear wheels in traditional BMW style.  Standard features were air, central locking, fog lamps, power windows and radio/cassette sound.An Executive model was available with alloy wheels, cruise and a power sunroof.  There was also a 535is model available with power mirrors, a limited- slip diff and traction control.IN THE SHOPThe key to enjoying the thrill of driving an old car is to buy well, and there is one simple rule to follow when buying: condition, condition, condition.  To find the best car in the best condition it's necessary to shop, shop, and shop.BMW service specialist John Heckrath of Heckrath Engineering Services reckons the 535i is a great car, to own and to drive.  The engine is very strong and gives little trouble; the only word of warning he gives is that they can give cylinder head trouble if they get hot.The main reason they might get hot is a failure of the plastic reservoir in the radiator, which was a common failure with this model 5-Series.  If the temp gauge climbs off the scale don't be tempted to keep driving it, disaster awaits if you ignore the telltale sign of trouble.Brakes can be expensive to replace if that's needed to make a car roadworthy; expect a bill of $1000 for a full brake rebuild with new rotors.  Suspension bushes, particularly the front caster bar bushes, do wear so listen for a knocking noise under brakes, but the caster bar isn't expensive so isn't a huge concern.Electrics can be an issue; things like power windows and the heater control are known weaknesses. Check the operation of all systems to identify anything that isn't working and might need repairing.  The body stands up well, and doesn't rust, and the paint doesn't fade to any degree.Inside the trim also stands the test of time well and the dash isn't prone to cracking, but some minor trim parts do eventually come unglued and the foam in the headlining can crumble in time.  But a car with 200,000-plus kilometres already will keep going long into the future if well maintained.ON THE ROADSettle into the driver's seat of the 535i and you immediately feel at home, the controls readily fall to hand and the dials tell you all you need to know without any of the superfluous information you get on later cars.Start the silky smooth six and hit the road and you are quickly transported back to an age when the engine was the true heart of the car.  While sporty in character with plenty of good old grunt, the 535i is really a high-speed cruiser and at home on the open highway.The straight-six engine revs smoothly and sweetly with great mid- range response to make overtaking a breeze.  When required it would race to 100 km/h in 9.5 secs and cover the standing 400-metre dash in 16.5 secs.It also handles with aplomb, even though it's quite a big car. The steering response is quick and accurate, the handling nicely balanced and predictable, while the ride is firm but comfortable.IN A CRASHThe 535i was born before the widespread adoption of airbags, but it is a fundamentally sound motorcar with a solid body and a well- balanced, responsive chassis that gives the driver every chance of avoiding a crunch.  If it lacks the passive safety of airbags the 535i does have the important active safety delivered by ABS antilock braking.AT THE PUMP Ask anyone about the 535i and you're likely to be told that it's a gas-guzzler. That is its reputation and it is a well-earned one at that.  The 535i shouldn't be bought if you're concerned about fuel consumption; this is a high performance car and it will use quite a lot of fuel.A road test at the time of the launch had it returning 11.9 L/100 km, which isn't too bad, but that can quickly blow out to 14 L/100 km or more if that taps are regularly opened with enthusiasm.LOOK FOR. Classically elegant shape.. Smooth six-cylinder engine.. Sporty performance.. Thirsty if driven hard.. Expect high mileage.. Service record a must.THE BOTTOM LINEAn oldie but a goodie. Buy right and you will thoroughly enjoy the thrill of driving one of the greats from a bygone era.RATING 70/100

BMW’s 5-Series is universally admired by owners and rival carmakers alike. So much do its rivals admire it that they have regularly used it as a yardstick when developing cars of their own.Holden used the then current 5-Series as the main benchmark when it was developing the VB Commodore in the 1970s, and again when it did the VE a couple of years back, and Ford has also used it in developing its recent Falcon models.Remarkably, given so many companies have used it as a benchmark for their own new cars the BMW has managed to keep its allure. It seems that it remains tantalisingly out of reach.MODEL WATCH The E39 5-Series followed one of the best, and most successful models BMW has ever produced, the E34, in 1996. Previous 5-Series BMWs were highly regarded, as can be seen by then Holden chassis guru Peter Hanenberger’s choice of the 5-Series as a benchmark for the VB Commodore in the mid-1970s, but the E34 cemented its place at the head of the pack.It had a unique blend of chassis agility and six-cylinder sweetness in a fully equipped package able to accommodate five in refined comfort that no other carmaker could match. Even its great rival Mercedes-Benz couldn’t match it for dynamics.The E34 really brought BMW to the attention of the Australian motoring public. Here was a good-sized car they could afford, at a pinch, if they were doing well. It’s now 20 years old, but it’s still popular with buyers of used cars.So the E39 had lots to live up to when it was launched in 1996. Unlike the models that followed it the E39 was a mild evolution of the E34, which was wonderfully elegant with clean lines and perfect proportions. The E39 was sleeker and smoother, but it retained the elegance that keeps the E34 looking fresh even today. There were new headlights and a new grille at the front, a smoother roofline and a stubby tail reminiscent of the smaller 3-Series. It was a car that looked good from all angles, a modern classic and a worthy successor to the great E34.The six-cylinder is BMW’s signature engine and the E39 had a number of choices of engine size. All had the silky smoothness, purposeful response, and seductive snarl that were so characteristic of BMW sixes down through the ages, but in the E39 they also delivered more power and torque for an enhanced driving experience.They started with the 2.5-litre double overhead camshaft engine with 125 kW and 245 Nm, but for more grunt there was the 2.8-litre engine that boasted 142 kW and 280 Nm. They were followed by the sportier V8 models, which packed the considerable punch of a 180 kW 3.5-litre double overhead camshaft bent eight and its bigger 240 kW 4.4-litre brother. All were linked to a five-speed auto transmission, but it had the option of the Steptronic sequential shift that aped a manual change.The agility of the BMW classic has always been one of its most admired attributes and the E39 could claim even better dynamics, partly because of its much stiffer body shell that gave it a very stable foundation. Independent suspension front and back with a sporty tune, precise and responsive power steering, and the power of ABS-supported disc brakes on all corners combine to deliver a dynamic driving package. All models were well equipped with all the fruit you could wish for in a prestige luxury car.IN THE SHOP The attraction of a used 5-Series is strong for those who couldn’t or wouldn’t afford one new, but they need to be approached with both eyes open and a questioning mind. As with any used car buy the best you can afford within your budget and leave enough left over to service it.Servicing BMWs can be expensive if you stick with the dealers. They generally give good service, but you pay top dollar for it, so link up with a specialist service mechanic with a good knowledge of BMWs and you will save heaps. Little goes wrong with BMWs on a regular basis, but brake wear is a consistent complaint with owners facing a hefty bill for replacement rotors and pads.Look for oil leaks around the engine. A rough idle could indicate a lack of servicing and extended oil change periods. BMWs also require the factory replacement parts, like shocks, exhaust etc. to give their best, but that’s not to say non-genuine parts will completely ruin the driving experience. A BMW specialist should know which non-genuine parts can be safely used and those to steer clear of.IN A CRASH The 5-Series has an array of airbags to protect the occupants in the event its chassis and braking prowess aren’t enough to avoid a crash. Front and side airbags were standard across the range.AT THE PUMP Expect to get around 11.0 L/100 km on average from a six and 13.0 L/100 km from a V8.OWNERS SAY Ed Malek’s 2000 523i had done 79,000 km when he bought it. It was clean and tidy, performed well and passed a mechanical and safety check. He hesitated for a while before buying it, but each time he hopped back into his 2005 Magna, he was convinced he should. He was impressed with its handling, low level of road and wind noise, comfort, and safety with eight airbags. The 2.5-litre six lacks a little grunt from take-off, but on the open highway it powers along admirably. Around town he gets 10.7 L/100 km. A few rattles have developed, which he believes could be the window regulators, and the CD changer is malfunctioning.LOOK FOR • BMW badge cred.• Timeless elegant looks• Great chassis dynamics• Sweet six under the bonnet• Roomy interior• Costly parts and serviceTHE BOTTOM LINE Great looking and performing sporting saloon that rewards the driver.RATING 80/100