Efficiently dynamic 520i

BMW FINESSE: Compared with the previous 520, this car is simply better in so many different ways

WE tested the BMW 528i recently and we loved it - it was like having vanilla ice cream on a hot day. But along with the powerful 528, BMW Malaysia has also brought in the 5 Series in 520 guise. Notice that we didn't say a 2-litre guise?

 That's because basically, both use the same engine with TwinPowerTurbo twin-scroll turbocharger - both units have Valvetronic variable valve timing, Double-Vanos variable camshaft timing and direct injected 2-litre in-line four-cyclinder engines.


The main difference is that while the 528 received a higher boost, the 520 gets less - the compression ratio has been bumped up from 10 to 1 in the 528 to 11 to 1 in the 520. The result is less power for the 520 compared with the 528 but with the loss, it gains better consumption.

 On paper, the 520 is 61hp down and only gained 0.1 litre per 100km over the 528. Looks like it's a lot to lose for such a small gain, or is it? We guess it's more about positioning rather than just simple marketing as the 520 fills up its spot traditionally under the 528.

But don't let that make you think that the 520 is just a way for someone to buy into the brand - the 520 is very much a BMW than its more powerful siblings. Though it's down on power compared with the 528, the 520 can simply out power and out run most cars in its category as we found out from a short run we had comparing the acceleration of the car to a naturally aspirated 2.4-litre powered car made from this side of the world.

Along with the turbocharger, the eight-speed transmission really ups the ante and makes the car feels alive.

The biggest test came when this writer decided to take the family for a drive - the writer's father had the idea of the car being under powered with five people in the car, but as soon as we got on the open road, he changed his mind. Compared with the previous 520, this car is simply better in so many different ways, like the fact that you can cruise all day at 110km/h while revving around 2,000rpm.

Handling wise, there is not much to say. It is a BMW and this car is just that - it drives beautifully. While some may think that BMW rides are a bit
harsh, this time the car maker has perfected the art of smoothness as you can select the Comfort setting and the ride really becomes comfortable but without the soggy feeling one might associate comfort with.

There was one thing that BMW could improve on, which is the engine starting. On top of the already efficient engine, it also comes with an auto start/stop function. It's a good feature and it really can save you fuel in the long run, especially if you do a lot of driving in a jam but every time the system kicks in to stop and restart the engine, it shakes the car a little. But we do notice that if the passengers were not told about the function, none of them would even notice the engine stopping and starting again.
So, what's the verdict? The new 520i is surely something you should consider and not let it pass just because it's "underpowered" (compared with its sibling) because this car can be more than adequate for most drivers.


Specifications of the BMW 520i
Engine: 1,997cc, in-line four-cylinder direct-injection turbocharged
Max power: 184hp @ 5,000-6,250rpm
Max torque: 270hp @ 1,250-4,500rpm
Transmission: 8-speed transmission, rear-wheel drive
Safety features: 6 airbags, dynamic stability control (DSC) including dynamic traction control, ABS, cornering brake control (CBC) and brake assist, LED daytime running lights, dynamic braking lights, run-flat tyres, Isofix child seat anchor points
Price: RM 358,800.00 OTR without insurance
ALSO IN CLASS:
Mercedes E200 CGI - RM371,888
Audi A6 2.0 TFSI - RM345,000
Lexus GS 250 Luxury - RM398,660
Infiniti M25 - RM350,000

 http://www.cbt.com.my/2012/06/04/efficiently-dynamic-520i/