BMW 5 Series Review & Road Test
November 26, 2009 by Matt Brogan
Bargain basement fuel economy without compromising credibility
Model Tested:
- 2009 BMW E60 520d; 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel; six-speed automatic; sedan – $76,400*
Options:
- Electric Glass Sunroof $3,495 (Fitted)
Fuel economy; smooth & sure-footed ride; spacious; quiet & comfortable cabin
LHD wipers; some option pricing; vibration at idle; weak low-beam headlamps
CarAdvice Rating: 
As the motoring world tightens its collective belt, drivers have become far more savvy vis-à-vis economy motoring. But just because a car is frugal, or efficient, shouldn’t mean it’s compromised in terms of equipment, drivability, comfort, or worse still, credibility.
Fortunately BMW’s Efficient Dynamics programme may provide some salvation to the on-going battle between better fuel economy and a satisfying drive in the form of its cheapest 5 Series, the entry-level 520d.
The 520d combines a spacious, quiet cabin (just 67dB at 100km/h) with all the mod-cons expected of the premium Bavarian brand. Best of all the highly favoured combination of a smooth ride and dynamic handling has, for the most part, been retained.
Inside a familiar blend of leather and dark wood grain provides a simple yet elegant decor to a cabin loaded with features that include dual-zone climate control, tilt/telescopic steering, electric seat adjustment (height and recline only), remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, cruise control, satellite navigation, six CD tuner with iPod connectivity, Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone connection, head-up display, leather upholstery, auto wipers and headlamps plus front and rear foglamps. A long list of options are also available at cost.
In fact were it not for the annoying LHD wipers, that leave an arc of uncleared windscreen, weak low-beam headlamps and a slight engine vibration at idle, the 520d would almost boast a cabin near-ideal in size and amenity.
Up front the 520d features a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine sending 130kW of power and 350Nm of torque to the rear wheels. It’s hardly what you’d call a strong performer, but it isn’t exactly slow either with 0-100km/h dealt with in just under 8.5 seconds.
Highway cruising is comfortable and nearly effortless thanks to a smooth and decisive six-speed automatic transmission with large hills and overtaking tackled with very little fuss. Around town it’s much the same story with turbo lag barely worth a mention.
Fuel economy, an obvious strong point for the efficient and dynamic 520d is an obvious high point, but not quite where the figures would have you believe. Official ADR numbers state a combined average figure of just 5.6L/100km. Our week of 50:50 city/highway driving (with climate control on) instead returning 6.8L/100km – not bad in my books.
The drive on offer from the 520d is typically BMW with a smooth and sorted attitude to every situation. The only weak points of note being a brake pedal reluctant to reach a truly ’soft stop’ – perhaps as a result of the car’s regenerative braking system – and steering that feels just a fraction light on centre.
Otherwise all controls are simple and intuitive with a clean layout that makes on-the-go operation a cinch. The standard head-up display with speed, cruise control and satellite navigation prompts is also a delight in those times when your eyes are needed front and centre.
With safety features including front, side and curtain airbags, ESC with Traction Control, plus ABS with Cornering Brake Control, EBA and EBD, the 520d scores an impressive five-star crash test rating both locally (ANCAP) and back home in Germany (EuroNCAP).
There’s no skimping when it comes to the back seat either with rear leg room more than ample – even with the front seat at full extension. Cargo space is also five-star with an impressive 520 litres on offer.
While it might be $14,000 more than a similarly spec’ed Commodore (or $19,000 more than a similar spec’ed Falcon) the 520d is a worthy consideration to the badge-conscious family or fleet buyer, especially if you’re keen on being green.
BMW’s 520d is available now from $76,400*.
*Pricing is a guide as recommended to us by the manufacturer.
For a full road test on the petrol powered BMW 5 Series, click on this link.
Ratings:
CarAdvice Overall Rating:
How does it Drive: 
How does it Look:
How does it Go:
Road Test the Rivals:
Specifications:
- Engine: 1995cc DOHC four-cylinder (16 valve)
- Power: 130kW @ 4000rpm
- Torque: 350Nm @ 1750rpm
- Induction: Common rail & turbocharged
- Transmission: Six-speed automatic
- Driven Wheels: Rear
- Brakes: Discs with ABS, CBC, EBA & EBD
- Top Speed: 229km/h (Claimed)
- 0-100km/h: 8.45 seconds
- CO2 Emissions: 149g/km
- Fuel Consumption: 5.6L/100km (ADR)
- Fuel Consumption: 6.8L/100km (As Tested)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 70L
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- ANCAP Rating: Five-star
- Airbags: Front, Side & Curtain
- Safety: ESC with Traction Control
- Spare Wheel: Space Saver
- Suspension: Strut (F) / Multi-link (R)
- Cargo Capacity: 520L
- Tow Capacity: 1800kg (Braked)
- Turning Circle: 11.4m
- Warranty: Three-Year / Unlimited Kilometre
- Weight: 1520kg (Tare)
- Wheels: Alloy 16 x 7.0-inch
Great car, but one thing never mentioned in road tests are the insurance, servicing and spare parts costs. The few dollars you save in fuel can easily be wiped out when you drop it in for a service or get an insurance renewal.
Why are you reviewing this car when the new 5-series is due in about 6 months time? I have to admit the $76,000 price tag is amazing – the 5-series is cheaper today than it was 25 years ago (but not if you consider inflation). I remember in 1999 the Herald had a front page article with a picture of a BMW 5-Series – it was about the upcoming GST, claiming that the $90,000 BMW would cost $75,000 after the introduction of GST, and that other luxury car prices would plummet. Of course this never ended up happening, but who would have guessed that 10 years later you’d be able to buy a 5-series for that very price?
“Why are you reviewing this car when the new 5-series is due in about 6 months time?”
Because someone might want to buy one today? What a weird question…
It’s not a weird question. The BMW 520s came out in October 2008 – over a year ago. Why would they wait until late 2009, right before the new model arrives, to review this car? Any smart person would be putting off the purchase of a 5-series until next year. Who buys a car right at the end of it’s model cycle?
“Who buys a car right at the end of it’s model cycle?”
Subaru and Skoda drivers do since it’s 110% guarantee the next model will be uglier.
Yeah well no one buys a high end luxury car right before because once the new model comes out, the value of the old one plummets.
LOL… Very well said G6ETURBO..
Subaru is for sure part of that group!
Those who dont wish to put their faith in a whole new chassis and structure. Your only real peace-of-mind then is that you have the law, warranties etc. on your side but I take it most people would like to avoid those if possible so your better off just getting a more tried and tested model and in this case still get what is probably a brillant every-day drivers car.
I must say, the 5-Series styling has not aged well. For something that was so controversial when it came out, it looks awful dull now.
I would also add that the suspension of BMW can’t deliver a high level of comfort!
My next car hopefully, forget the 335d whilst it will burn off many this is ample enough. Can’t wait til the A6 goes. Never thought I’d say that but I just want to ty this for a change. 8.5’s to 62 is darn good for a 4cyl in a big lump like this.