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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 BMW 5-Series (F10) Forums Regional Forums UK Can you identify engine capacity on a debadged 5-Series?
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      03-22-2014, 12:16 PM   #1
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Can you identify engine capacity on a debadged 5-Series?

Hi All

Back in the day I used to enjoy (!) working out the engine capacity and cylinders from the trim level tell-tails on a debadged BMW. For example the type and number of grill slats, exhaust number and size etc...

It's seems these days you can't tell a 520d from a 530d. Of course you can now tell a Luxury from an SE etc. Is this a sign of the times, the 'status' as such is derived from the trim level not the engine size? How does this then fit with a performance brand such as BMW who's heritage would have always wanted to place a straight six 3.0 over a 2.0 four

Thoughts?
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      03-22-2014, 12:35 PM   #2
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I agree there should be more differences, like the old chrome slats on the grill. Maybe different wheels designs?

At least the 535d gets the two exhausts.
I bet the 520d owners don't mind so much....
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      03-22-2014, 12:47 PM   #3
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Well I'll play...I think its:-

535d easy as its the twin pipes
530d dual left hand side pipes, chrome trim in door handles tell you its 6 cylinder model
525d/520d can't tell externally I think dual pipes on left and no chrome door handles for both
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      03-22-2014, 12:55 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ChesterX5 View Post
Well I'll play...I think its:-

535d easy as its the twin pipes
530d dual left hand side pipes, chrome trim in door handles tell you its 6 cylinder model
525d/520d can't tell externally I think dual pipes on left and no chrome door handles for both
My 520d has the chrome trim on the door handles !
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      03-22-2014, 01:16 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ChesterX5 View Post
Well I'll play...I think its:-

535d easy as its the twin pipes
530d dual left hand side pipes, chrome trim in door handles tell you its 6 cylinder model
525d/520d can't tell externally I think dual pipes on left and no chrome door handles for both
520d and 530d both have dual side exhaust. 90% certain they are both black too..
The lci 520 doesn't have chrome on handles.
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      03-22-2014, 01:16 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ChesterX5 View Post
Well I'll play...I think its:-

535d easy as its the twin pipes
530d dual left hand side pipes, chrome trim in door handles tell you its 6 cylinder model
525d/520d can't tell externally I think dual pipes on left and no chrome door handles for both
As I read the brochure all the M Sport models have the two pipes - one left and one right, all the Luxury models also have left and right pipes but with rectangular chrome tips, and the Modern and SE versions both have the twin pipes on the LH side. All apparently regardless of engine size. So it would appear that there's nothing to enable you to spot engine size. Am I right or have I missed something?

Just to keep all other road users guessing I have debadged mine, including those - IMHO - daft looking MSport badges on the front wings.
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      03-22-2014, 01:56 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Welshman View Post
As I read the brochure all the M Sport models have the two pipes - one left and one right, all the Luxury models also have left and right pipes but with rectangular chrome tips, and the Modern and SE versions both have the twin pipes on the LH side. All apparently regardless of engine size. So it would appear that there's nothing to enable you to spot engine size. Am I right or have I missed something?

Just to keep all other road users guessing I have debadged mine, including those - IMHO - daft looking MSport badges on the front wings.
Really in the UK, has this totally changed then for the LCI? I'd be very surprised if this is the case, great though, was thinking of a 530D.
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      03-22-2014, 01:56 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mroll320 View Post
520d and 530d both have dual side exhaust. 90% certain they are both black too..
The lci 520 doesn't have chrome on handles.
Yep, that's what I was saying.
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      03-22-2014, 01:57 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by camnhoj View Post
My 520d has the chrome trim on the door handles !
Ahhh ok, impossible then, did you tick some extended light packages, comfort access or is this an LCI thing now?
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      03-22-2014, 02:02 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ChesterX5 View Post
Ahhh ok, impossible then, did you tick some extended light packages, comfort access or is this an LCI thing now?
Ambient lighting gives you the chrome handles.
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      03-22-2014, 02:16 PM   #11
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The think the only difference between 520d and 530d are slightly larger brakes on the 530d.
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      03-22-2014, 02:49 PM   #12
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Also another aspect was that in the UK the spec in the brochure always used to build with engine size and cylinders. It would list all the items included for a model line like SE then add items in addition for 6 cylinder SE. Now the brochure only seems to add items of spec as you step from SE to Modern an the Luxury.

Of course it will make more sense in the new world when we are all driving 1.0 hybrids
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      03-22-2014, 03:01 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Welshman View Post
As I read the brochure all the M Sport models have the two pipes - one left and one right, all the Luxury models also have left and right pipes but with rectangular chrome tips, and the Modern and SE versions both have the twin pipes on the LH side. All apparently regardless of engine size. So it would appear that there's nothing to enable you to spot engine size. Am I right or have I missed something?

Just to keep all other road users guessing I have debadged mine, including those - IMHO - daft looking MSport badges on the front wings.
Is this something new coming along? The BMW UK site and online 'LCI standard specification' document has not changed. M-sport still have the existing twin, single left & right pipes, with the quadrilateral (as BMW term them) on the 550i, as listed through the model range.

BTW, your debadged car with "single left and right pipes" has to be the 535d, 535i or ActiveHybrid at present, enthusiasts will just use the ears to know which is which. They'll know which one is the "tractor".

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      03-22-2014, 03:42 PM   #14
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I'll put the cat amongst the pigeons....

if its de-badged, it's a 520d?

I'll dive for cover and hide now!
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      03-22-2014, 03:49 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AP View Post
I'll put the cat amongst the pigeons....

if its de-badged, it's a 520d?

I'll dive for cover and hide now!
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      03-22-2014, 03:53 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AP View Post
I'll put the cat amongst the pigeons....

if its de-badged, it's a 520d?

I'll dive for cover and hide now!
Mines debadged...... But yep it's a 520d! Lol
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      03-22-2014, 04:00 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AP View Post
I'll put the cat amongst the pigeons....

if its de-badged, it's a 520d?

I'll dive for cover and hide now!
Some truth in that, as most debadged models are the smaller engines.

I've thought of debadging my 535i, but I think the exhaust pipes give it away.

Plus having a 535i badge is a good conversation starter, BMW enthusiasts approach me saying something like, "see you've got a petrol, not many of those about... how do you like it" kind of chat.

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      03-22-2014, 04:43 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by immx View Post
Mines debadged...... But yep it's a 520d! Lol
Same as that
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      03-23-2014, 04:08 AM   #19
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Mines De badged. I'm embarrassed at having a 550i. I fear those Green Peace types. They're too aggressive for me.
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      03-23-2014, 04:42 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dobbo9 View Post
Mines De badged. I'm embarrassed at having a 550i. I fear those Green Peace types. They're too aggressive for me.
Lmfao
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      03-23-2014, 07:36 AM   #21
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LCI cars, 520d and 530d now have black twin pipes to the left at the rear.

Chrome strip on the door handles indicates only that it has Ambient lighting. This is the best way to tell between models though, as this not standard on LCI 520d, so unless specced have solid handles, whereas every other model has chrome strips

LCI vs pre LCI is easier, 10 slats on grille vs 12 slats on pre LCI
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      03-23-2014, 07:38 AM   #22
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Re debadging - E60 520d was badged, F10 520d debadged, nothing to do with hiding it, just that the chamois used to get caught in the badge.

99% will not know the difference 520/530, nor will they care. Neither do I, more to life than keeping up with the Jones's
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