Second diesel joins BMW 5-Series range
BY JAMES STANFORD | 20th Aug 2007
BMW is adding a new 2.0-litre diesel model to its 5-Series range this November.
As predicted by GoAuto in July, the new oil-burner becomes the new entry level 5-Series model, sitting at $79,900.
That gives it a clear cost advantage over the next cheapest 5-Series, the 523i petrol model at $84,900.
Until now, the only diesel 5-Series model available was the 530d, which delivers impressive performance thanks to 480Nm of torque, but costs a hefty $115,000.
The 2.0-litre diesel, which was first introduced for the 1-Series this June, is an all-alloy common-rail turbo unit that produces 125kW at 4000rpm and 340Nm of torque at 1750rpm.
It will be fitted as standard with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Using that gearbox, the 520d records a 0-100km/h time of 8.6 seconds which is not embarrassing, but not impressive either.
The fuel consumption figure is much more appealing.
When tested to the ADR 81/01 standard, the 520d uses just 6.1 litres per 100km of combined city and highway driving.
Standard equipment for the 520d includes 16-inch alloy wheels, woodgrain trim, leather seats, 6.5-inch colour information screen, Bluetooth phone preparation, dual-zone climate control, anti-dazzle rear-view mirror and on-board computer.
Safety gear includes electronic stability control, traction control, anti-skid brakes and eight airbags.
The new 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine that powers the 520d will also be added to the X3 all-wheel-drive range this November and is expected to join the 3-Series range early next year.
BMW Australia has also taken the opportunity to introduce a new automatic transmission option for the 530i, 530d and 550i models.
The Sport function costs $1000 and means, at the press of a button, the transmission control module sharpens the accelerator response while automatic gearbox changes faster.
The driver can change gears using the regular shift lever or by pressing the steering wheel-mounted paddle shift buttons which are included in the price of the package.
BMW Australia has also announced it will show the swooping CS concept at the Australian Motor Show in Sydney in October.
The sleek four-door coupe, which was revealed at the Shanghai Motor Show this April, is understood to provide a preview of what a new BMW luxury coupe may look like if it is given the green light for production.
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