BMW 5 Series E39, Facelift 2000 520i (170 Hp)


Overall Rating

8.1 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine 4.2 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 4.2 / 5
Comfort 4.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

BMW 5 Series:

The BMW 5 Series is an executive car manufactured and marketed by BMW since 1972. It is the successor to the BMW New Class sedans and is currently in its eighth generation. The car is sold as either a sedan or, since 1991, a station wagon. A 5-door fastback was sold between 2009 and 2017. Each successive generation has been given an internal G-code designation since 2017. Previously, a F-code designation was used between 2010 and 2016, while an E-code designation was used between 1972 and 2010. These are used to distinguish each model and generation from each other....(Read more on Wikipedia)

E39, Facelift 2000 Overview:

BMW 5 Series (E39, Facelift 2000). With 210 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1495 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.1 s). The top speed reaches 226 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

520i (170 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

More engaging with the manual gearbox, offering sufficient power for daily tasks, though still not a performance variant.

Fuel Economy

Decent fuel economy for an entry-level petrol, especially when driven carefully.

Best Use Case: Economical daily driver for mixed city and highway use.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Superb ride and handling balance
  • • High-quality, ergonomic interior
  • • Wide range of refined and powerful engines
  • • Timeless, elegant design
  • • Excellent long-distance cruiser

Cons:

  • • Potential for rust issues (especially rear arches)
  • • Cooling system components can be weak points
  • • VANOS unit issues on some petrol engines
  • • Higher maintenance costs than some rivals
  • • Older automatic transmissions can feel dated

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E39: 1998 - 2000).

General:
Brand:BMW
Model:5 Series
Generation:E39, Facelift 2000
Modification (Engine):520i (170 Hp)
Start of production:2000
End of production:2003
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:170 Hp @ 6100 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:78.3 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:210 Nm @ 3500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M54B22 More details about the engine M54B22
Engine displacement:2171
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:6.5 l
Coolant:10.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:80 mm
Piston Stroke:72 mm
Compression ratio:10.8:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:12.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:9 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:9.1 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:9.1 sec
Maximum speed:226 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:8.8 kg/Hp, 113.7 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.1 kg/Nm, 140.5 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:8.6 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1495
Max. weight:2005
Max load:510
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:460 l
Fuel tank capacity:70 l
Size:
Length:4775 mm [Same length.]
Width:1800 mm [Same width.]
Height:1435 mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2830 mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1516 mm
Rear (Back) track:1530 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size205/65 R15
Wheel rims size15
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionSeveral levers and rods

If you could change one thing about the BMW 5 Series, what would it be?