BMW 5 Series Touring (F11) 523i (204 Hp)


Overall Rating

8.5 / 10
Safety 5.0 / 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)

Touring (F11) Overview:

BMW 5 Series (Touring (F11)). With 270 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.9 l/100km). With a weight of 1715 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.2 s). The top speed reaches 231 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

523i (204 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Smooth but somewhat underpowered for the car's size, feeling less urgent than turbocharged alternatives.

Fuel Economy

Moderate fuel consumption, not as efficient as newer turbo engines.

Best Use Case: City driving, those prioritizing smoothness over outright pace.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Spacious and practical estate body style with generous boot capacity.
  • • Refined ride quality and excellent interior comfort for long journeys.
  • • Extensive range of powerful and efficient engines, particularly the diesel options.
  • • High-quality interior materials and superb build quality.
  • • Engaging driving dynamics for a large estate, especially with adaptive suspension.

Cons:

  • • Can be expensive to maintain, especially for higher-spec engines and optional features.
  • • Some engines (e.g., N47 diesel timing chain, N63 petrol V8) have known reliability concerns.
  • • Large dimensions can make urban parking and maneuvering challenging.
  • • Optional extras significantly increase the initial purchase price.
  • • Older naturally aspirated petrol engines can be thirsty.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Touring (E61 LCI, facelift 2007): 2009 - 2010).

General:
Brand:BMW
Model:5 Series
Generation:Touring (F11)
Modification (Engine):523i (204 Hp)
Start of production:2010
End of production:2011
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Station wagon (estate)
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:204 Hp @ 6100 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:68.1 Hp/l [64mm more]
Torque:270 Nm @ 1500-4250 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:N53B30A More details about the engine N53B30A
Engine displacement:2996
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Direct injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:6.5 l
Coolant:6.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:85 mm
Piston Stroke:88 mm
Compression ratio:12:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:10.9 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:7.9 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 5
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:8.2 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:8.2 sec
Maximum speed:231 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:8.4 kg/Hp, 119 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.4 kg/Nm, 157.4 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:7.8 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1715
Max. weight:2365
Max. roof load:100 kg
Max load:650
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1670 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:560 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):1900 kg
Fuel tank capacity:70 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:750 kg
Permitted towbar download:90 kg
Size:
Length:4907 mm [64mm more]
Width:1860 mm [14mm more]
Height:1462 mm [29mm less]
Wheelbase:2968 mm [82mm more]
Front track:1600 mm
Rear (Back) track:1626 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):141 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.95 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears6
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 steeringElectric Steering
Tires size225/55 R17 97W
Wheel rims size8J x 17
Front suspensionDouble wishbone
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension

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