[GMTRB5]

New-generation 2.0-litre diesel engines for BMW 5 Series
A new generation of four-cylinder diesel engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology will debut this summer in the BMW 518d and the BMW 520d. The new engines will be available in both Saloon and Touring body styles and depending on specification can achieve emissions of just 109g/km.

The new engines are based on the BMW Group's new modular engine system. Particular attention has been paid to optimising the thermal dynamics of the basic engine and to achieving a very rapid response when using the Auto Start Stop function. The 2.0-litre power units feature an aluminium crankcase with thermally joined liners for optimisation of internal friction coefficients; integrated balance shafts; a map-controlled oil pump, and a highly efficient turbocharging system with variable intake geometry. The maximum pressure of the Common Rail direct injection, featuring solenoid injectors, has been increased to 2,000 bar.

In entry-level form the new engine delivers a maximum output of 150hp (an increase of 7hp over the old engine). This allows the BMW 518d Saloon to accelerate from zero to 62mph in 9.5 seconds (BMW 518d Touring: 9.1 seconds), and to achieve average fuel consumption of 65.7mpg (BMW 518d Touring: 61.4mpg) The CO2 emissions are 114g/km (518d Touring 122g/km).

For the new BMW 520d, the maximum output has increased by 6hp to an impressive 190hp, while the maximum torque has been increased by 20Nm to 400Nm. These formidable outputs mean the new BMW 520d Saloon accelerates from zero to 62mph in just 7.9 seconds, while the BMW 520d Touring requires only 8.1 seconds. Economy is just as impressive: the 520d Saloon achieves 65.7mpg (CO2 is 114g/km), with the 520d Touring posting 61.4mpg (CO2 122g/km).

Further efficiency gains can be realised when the eight-speed automatic gearbox is specified. This combination allows the 520d Saloon to achieve as much as 68.9mpg (Touring 62.8mpg) and the CO2 emissions drop as low as 109g/km (118g/km).

The BMW 518d Saloon starts at £30,265 OTR, while the Touring version costs £32,590 OTR. The BMW 520d Saloon and Touring are priced at £31,965 OTR and £34,290 OTR respectively.

And...

Proactive Drive for BMW eight-speed transmission
From the summer of 2014, the new eight-speed automatic transmission featuring Proactive Drive is available for models in the BMW 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series and 5 Series ranges.

On vehicles equipped with satellite navigation, the Proactive Drive system ensures that the moment to shift gears is precisely adapted to the current driving situation. The system works even if the navigation system is not active at that given moment.

The Proactive Driving Assistant works in tandem with the navigation system and “sees” a bend or a roundabout ahead, taking into account turn-offs and motorway exits. If the vehicle is approaching a roundabout or a bend, the transmission automatically changes down to the most appropriate gear, making optimum use of the engine braking effect. Afterwards, the system again shifts to the optimal gear for accelerating out of the bend. Unnecessary gearshifts and hunting between bends are avoided through intelligent interaction with the navigation system.

New generation of Business navigation and Professional radio.
With enhanced functions and optimised performance, the latest generation of the Professional radio and Business navigation will be introduced for models of the BMW 1 Series, 2 Series and 5 Series in the summer of 2014. The BMW 3 Series, 4 Series Coupé and the 4 Series Convertible already took these enhancements earlier in the year. Both systems have a new control unit with improved computing performance.
Improvements include:
Bluetooth audio streaming from the integration of mobile devices as well as additional BMW ConnectedDrive Services.
Graphic images now generate 10 times faster than before on the 16.5-inch control display.
High-resolution maps, which now have 3D elements and animations, and an increased speed when calculating routes.
In conjunction with the ConnectedDrive Services option, the Business navigation system can be used for the Information Plus concierge services, Real Time Traffic Information and Remote Services.

[m@rk]

I'm guessing that my new factory build 520D that arrives this Friday won't be one of these

I wonder what week they started production of the new lower emissions engine? Indeed those emissions are the same as my wifes Fiat 500!!!!!

[GMTRB5]

Yep I've asked my dealer when these changes take effect from .. my delivery is due to end of June / early July .. will let you know if I hear anything..

[remmib]

I'd assume this is from July production.

[GMTRB5]

My car is due for delivery wc 23rd June so looks like I'll miss out on this

[Markee]

Originally Posted by GMTRB5

My car is due for delivery wc 23rd June so looks like I'll miss out on this

Mid to end of June so me too.

[hajmuntz]

16.5 inch control display????

[remmib]

Originally Posted by hajmuntz

16.5 inch control display????

Isn't the Business navigation 6.5". Looks like a typo.

[hajmuntz]

Realised that. Got me wondering if capacitive screens will allow our HUDs to be touch sensitive one day.

[E60MKF]

What about the additions to the standard spec like the sports steering wheel becoming standard or is that just in the US?

[xs2man]

Originally Posted by Markee

Mid to end of June so me too.

If it's that close, and you can wait, I'd be asking my dealer to hold the build until the updates are introduced.

[gspannu]

A few more details in this BMW document.

[bd250]

The Bluetooth streaming is a great improvement, probably the biggest "news", aside from the new Diesel engines.

[remmib]

Anybody tried the new diesel engine?
Might be too soon for the F10, but the LCI X3 and X4 also has the new diesel engine, and those are already at the dealers.

[gspannu]

Originally Posted by remmib

Anybody tried the new diesel engine?
Might be too soon for the F10, but the LCI X3 and X4 also has the new diesel engine, and those are already at the dealers.

The F10 is a big car and I believe (personal opinion) that the 2l engine is not just man enough for it.

I am aware that 518, 520, etc.. is probably the most common model, but I think its too heavy for a small engine. The car feels too under powered and loses oomph very quickly when hard pushed.
No debate on the fuel economy (or emissions) though - the figures are just fabulous and I guess that is why it is so popular.

I have owned a F10 520D and switched to a 535D within a year. Now about to order another 535...

[bd250]

How do you find the 535 compares to the 520 financially? In terms of payment and fuel economy?

[m@rk]

Originally Posted by gspannu

The F10 is a big car and I believe (personal opinion) that the 2l engine is not just man enough for it.

I am aware that 518, 520, etc.. is probably the most common model, but I think its too heavy for a small engine. The car feels too under powered and loses oomph very quickly when hard pushed.
No debate on the fuel economy (or emissions) though - the figures are just fabulous and I guess that is why it is so popular.

I have owned a F10 520D and switched to a 535D within a year. Now about to order another 535...

I would disagree with that

I owned a 335D followed by a C350 CDI followed by an A7. All 3L 6 cylinder engines and all very similar performance figures

So when I discovered I was getting a 520D as a company car I was really expecting a HUGE step down.

So whilst I would never dream of taking the new car to a track day and indeed would never think of trying to "keep up" with anything termed as "quick" the car certainly does not feel underpowered and in the real world, can certainly hold it's own.

We drove down into France and back this week and the car was more than capable of sitting at 83mph all day (130kph) with all the family and a boot full of wine in the same way that all my previous cars have done. The French motorways are quite steep in places and many lesser cars see you having to changed down the gears just to maintain speed.

Likewise around town, the car has "enough" power.

So mine is the 2014 model year so 181bhp and the new engine is slightly quicker. I am not sure you are going to notice much difference.

Mine is averaging 47mpg over the first 5000 miles of it's life however as I don't pay for the fuel, I don't care.

I do miss the power I had on previous cars. The ability to leave anything for dead away from the lights with a boot full of Ikea flat pack but nowhere near as much as I was expecting to. The 520D isn't as "effortless" and needs to be worked harder that's for sure

But the 520D is still a "quick" car compared to many cars and can certainly hold it's own. It's not a 535D but it's not trying to be but underpowered it isn't and I can only assume the new engine is a little better again. Look back a few years and see how cars with 190bhp were viewed. With that sort of power you were certainly into the "performance car" category.

Drive one and see for yourself but I was pleasantly surprised.

[gspannu]

Originally Posted by m@rk

I would disagree with that

I owned a 335D followed by a C350 CDI followed by an A7. All 3L 6 cylinder engines and all very similar performance figures

So when I discovered I was getting a 520D as a company car I was really expecting a HUGE step down.

So whilst I would never dream of taking the new car to a track day and indeed would never think of trying to "keep up" with anything termed as "quick" the car certainly does not feel underpowered and in the real world, can certainly hold it's own.

We drove down into France and back this week and the car was more than capable of sitting at 83mph all day (130kph) with all the family and a boot full of wine in the same way that all my previous cars have done. The French motorways are quite steep in places and many lesser cars see you having to changed down the gears just to maintain speed.

Likewise around town, the car has "enough" power.

So mine is the 2014 model year so 181bhp and the new engine is slightly quicker. I am not sure you are going to notice much difference.

Mine is averaging 49mpg over the first 5000 miles of it's life however as I don't pay for the fuel, I don't care.

I do miss the power I had on previous cars. The ability to leave anything for dead away from the lights with a boot full of Ikea flat pack but nowhere near as much as I was expecting to. The 520D isn't as "effortless" and needs to be worked harder that's for sure

But the 520D is still a "quick" car compared to many cars and can certainly hold it's own. It's not a 535D but it's not trying to be but underpowered it isn't and I can only assume the new engine is a little better again.

Drive one and see for yourself

Fair points...

[m@rk]

Originally Posted by gspannu

Fair points...

I do accept it is all relative however and also about what you want from a car.

Nobody NEEDS the sort of power a 535D gives in the same way nobody NEEDS the power you get out of an M5 but having driven "big diesels" for many years sometimes you need to remind yourself of the difference between NEED and WANT

I would never disagree that given the opportunity and the right roads and conditions, your 535D would put a much bigger smile on my face than a 520D however there are certain Italian motors that would give me a bigger grin yet (even though they may not be as quick as the BMW)

[Gordon4499]

I Would agree the 520 is not under powered, I towed a 1.5t caravan all round the uk with my 520 and it did it with ease. I would say the 6 cyl engine is better suited to the car however, there is a significant cost differential to consider.

[njc]

I am on my 3rd 520d and I have to say that I do not think it is underpowered at all. It is a capable car that is very much able to hold its own on both Motorway and B road driving. Yes the 530 / 535d is clearly a more powerful and smoother engine...but at a cost. If you can afford the bigger engine all well and good...if not you have to cut your cloth to suit the budget.

For me the 520d ticks all my boxes for my daily B road commute to work, my annual trip to Austria for Ski-ing and the occasional trip to the west coast of Ireland.

[en1gma]

I have a 2012 520d M-Sport, and have previously owned an e39 530d.

I miss the sheer outright power of the 6-cyl engine and the growling noise it made. But in general daily commute and use, I find the 520d is fine. I have also driven to France (Dijon) with a car full of family and 'stuff' and it was great there.

What I must point out is how much more frisky it is when you change the performance control switch to 'sport'. The engine is much more responsive! This is the mode I use if I'm, erm, in a hurry....

Conversely Eco-pro mode turns it into an old Volvo 264 estate with a non-responsive, heavy, accelerator...