THE development of a new 125kW/340Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine means a new entry-level to the BMW 5 Series saloon line-up in the form of the 520d. Not only is the new 520d the cheapest 5 Series available at $79,900 – coming in $5000 below the similarly-equipped 140kW/230Nm petrol-engined 523i – but it is some $35,000 less than the only diesel model previously available, the 3.0-litre six-cylinder 530d. The 520d has the same specifications and equipment as the 525i (apart from lacking active steering) and therefore comes standard with stability control, ABS brakes, eight airbags, 16-inch alloys (without run-flat tyres), leather upholstery, a 6.5-inch colour control display monitor, Bluetooth phone preparation, in-dash CD player and CD changer in the glovebox, dual automatic climate control, automatic interior mirror, multi-function leather steering wheel and iDrive computer.