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BMW 5 Series E39 520i (150 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
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 Overview:
BMW 5 Series (E39). With 190 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1470 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 11.5 s). The top speed reaches 210 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 (150 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The entry-level straight-six offers adequate power for city driving and relaxed cruising, but can feel underpowered when pushed, especially with the automatic.
Fuel Economy
Reasonable fuel economy for a six-cylinder, but not outstanding. Can be thirsty if driven hard.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional ride quality and handling balance
- • High-quality interior materials and build
- • Timeless and elegant design
- • Wide range of refined and powerful engines
- • Excellent long-distance cruiser with superb ergonomics
Cons:
- • Common cooling system issues (water pump, thermostat, expansion tank)
- • Suspension components wear (bushings, ball joints) requiring regular attention
- • Potential for rust on sills and wheel arches, especially in older models
- • Electrical gremlins (pixel display issues, window regulators, ABS modules)
- • V8 engines can be expensive to run and maintain due to complexity and fuel consumption
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E34: 1993 - 1995).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 5 Series |
| Generation: | E39 |
| Modification (Engine): | 520i (150 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1995 |
| End of production: | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 150 Hp @ 5900 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 75.3 Hp/l [55mm more] |
| Torque: | 190 Nm @ 4200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M52B20 More details about the engine M52B20 |
| Engine displacement: | 1991 |
| 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 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 66 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 11:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 14.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.7 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 210 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.8 kg/Hp, 102 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.7 kg/Nm, 129.3 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.9 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1470 |
| Max. weight: | 1980 |
| Max load: | 510 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 460 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4775 mm mm [55mm more] |
| Width: | 1800 mm mm [49mm more] |
| Height: | 1435 mm mm [23mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2830 mm mm [69mm more] |
| Front track: | 1516 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1530 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/65 R15 V |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Several levers and rods |
Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the BMW 5 Series?