The 4 Cylindered 5`

Entry level, something not many BMW owners would like to hear about their cars, but in the case of the 520i, this is exactly what it is. An entry level model into the world of the 5 series. Though often stigmatized, the two words �entry level� no longer mean owners having to make do with wind-up windows and vinyl seats. For although the 520i might be at the bottom of the 5 series food chain locally, but in no way is it a bottom feeder. This minute engined BMW sits well amongst it’s more well endowed brethren, and it sits proudly too.

We all know, BMW has implanted this 5 series with a lithe 2.0litre 4 cylinder engine. This small heart pumps out 156 brake horses at 6400rpm. Not anything amazing by today’s standards, but it’s no slouch either. Full on 200Nm of torque comes on at 3000rpm, respectable, but nothing to shout about. Airbags all round come as standard, as does fully electrical seats which adjust each and every way. A smooth and wonderfully easy to use 6speed shifter is mated to the car and Park Distance Control helps with parking this mid sized executive saloon.

Much debate has gone on, with many criticizing BMW’s decision of plumbing the 4 cylinder in. A number of whom proclaim a BMW with 4 cylinders as �not being a proper BMW�. They all go on and on about how all �real� BMWs must have at least 6 cylinders purring away. Although i do agree that BMW’s inline 6’s are one of the best and smoothest engines ever made (of all time!), most people seem to forget BMW also built some of the best 4 cylinders around. In truth, BMW actually builds some of the best engines around, with no mention of how many cylinders needed.

The most memorable 4 cylindered BMW has to be the manic S14 from the E30 M3s of the late 1980s, this marvel of engineering pushed out 200 brake horses with just 2.3litres of sweet NA goodness, without the need for trick variable valve lifters. Later EVO models managed to squeeze out 230 brake horses. The E30 M3 went on to become one of the most successful road racing cars ever produced.

Most recently, a beautifully engineered 4 cylinder heart found it’s way into the engine bay of the the limited production run 320si. BMW’s World Touring Car homologation special, open the bonnet and your greeted by a gorgeous carbonfibre cylinder-head cover on top of the hand-built engine which pushes out 170bhp at a peaky 7000rpm.

Many more strong and well built ‘4’s can be found throughout BMW’s history, all of which pretty much puts away all doubts about this 520i’s lack of �credentials�.

To be honest, i wasn’t sure how i’d take to the car. I had a short go at it during Performance Motor’s 520i Driving Experience event. That event pretty much convinced it’s BMW handling traits were very much intact. Though this car could use a bit more grunt, hustling it through the controlled course was extremely easy and without and drama at all. Perhaps due to the lighter weight of the ‘4 up front.

On the controlled circuit, chucking it through bends was easy and all too often, an almost relaxed affair. The steering is light enough for easy driving but could do with a bit more communication. Brakes on this car work well at scrubbing speed off and with DSC on, you’ll be kept out of trouble.

With a lack of grunt also means, more pedal to the metal action if you so like it. This is something i’ve actually come to enjoy when i drive less powerful cars, without the fear of overpowering it’s traction, mashing the pedal all the way down is somehow, all rather fun.

What this means too is that instead of concentrating on how much power to give the car, you’ll be looking at the road ahead and deciding how to handle the next corner.

With a rather supple suspension setup, you’ll be amazed at how easy this car is to throw around corners. It does roll quite a bit, but it’s all within control and through the steering wheel, feeling around the car for it’s limits isn’t an intimidating affair. Dive into a corner too fast and too hard and you’ll find the front pitches down quite a bit, with the steering wheel turned hard, the tyres start to chirp. Let off the throttle slightly and the front end grabs onto the road again, tossing the car in the direction you require. It’s a very easy and forgiving car to drive spiritedly and within limits, it can even be fun!

I ended the 520i driving experience convinced of it’s handling, but as a petrol-driven power hungry driver, my thirst went unquenched. I thought about it for a long while, and in the midst of all this thinking, a phone call came in, asking me if i’d like to take the car out for a spin over the weekend. Not one to miss a chance of driving any new car, i jumped at the opportunity.

It’s a strange feeling, just before getting the keys to any new car, the mixed feelings of excitement and anticipation. Even for the �entry level� 5 series, i was excited. With a weekend of driving ahead, i figured i can get to know the car better and perhaps give it a more honest assessment.

Setting your eyes onto this car, the shape is easily recognizable. With numerous 5ers’ roaming around our streets, the car somehow just blends into our urban surroundings with ease. Although this car might not have the flair of it’s sportier brothers and sisters, it does have an air of solidity around it. With some slight revisons to the bodywork, a little nip and tuck around the edges, BMW has managed to keep the car still looking rather modern. The most distinct update would have to be those rear lights which when turned out, have multiple beams of light spreading across like how children used to draw the sun. Up front, aggressive looking headlamps do a great job of “clearing” the traffic on expressways.

Climbing on board, first impressions are still good, all the usual BMW ergonomics and the soft leather i had come to appreciate from the previous drive. What’s missing here which might count on a day to day drive basis will probably be the lack of a sat-nav, and a personal peeve, non-automatic folding side mirrors. (Stemming from a personal incident of my own non-folding side mirrors getting totally dislodged in a local carpark) At least they fold. Owners of the 520i also miss out on climate control, but with the air-conditioning control dials and buttons so easy to operate, it’s not such a big issue for me. Interior space as always, more then adequate for 4, space enough for 5 comfortably.

Taking the car out on the road, one realizes what this car is made for. Driving to and fro work is comfortable, the BMW-Business radio and CD player works well and the car provides a nice gentle ride for everyone sitting inside. Run-flat tires are fortunately, not present on the 520i, instead, 16� rims and rubber roll all round. Although they look totally undersized and tiny compared with the car, they provide the comfort and ride quality larger sized items can only imagine.

Commuting with this car through rain soaked roads after a day at work is something well worth mentioning. Bumps and uneven surfaces are smoothed out and much noise from outside is suppressed with ease. I enjoyed how easy the car was to handle around on a daily basis with the spirited spurt every once in a while.

By no means is this car a slouch for although BMW claims a 0-100 time of 10.6 seconds, it truly does feel a tad bit quicker. Pushing the gear lever to the left engages �Sport� mode which sharpens throttle response and holds onto gears longer. Although fun, i sometimes find the engine note a little intrusive, so best leave it in D and enjoy the smooth ride. This isn’t a sports car and my take is, do not drive it like one. Overtaking maneuvers are sometimes frustrating and takes a bit of getting used to. You can either slot it into sport mode and drop a cog or two, or gas it, and wait for the kickdown before engaging in the overtaking maneuver. I had on one instance, filtered out of my lane onto the overtaking lane before flooring the throttle and the amount of time for it to react was sleep inducing to say the least. After slightly adjusting my driving style, or slotting it to �Sport mode�, it worked a whole lot better.

I never expected myself to take to this car well though, but towards the end of the weekend, i began to enjoy more and more, it’s laid back and cruise attitude. I loved the levels of comfort this car gave and how fresh i felt everytime i reached a destination. It’s just so easy to drive everyday.

Here’s what i’ve begun to understand about the car, in no way is it a sports car, or a performance saloon, and i don’t even think it’s built to be one. Most criticisms of the car stem from a point of view that this car is made for people who desire a performance machine and that is rather flawed. They are not seeing the point of this car.

This is is made for people whom after a day’s work, wish to drive home in comfortable car in a relaxed and laid back manner. Perhaps, take their family out on the weekends, or maybe even, do a spot of visitations to the in-laws. Maybe even use it to ferry important clients around on important business meetings. People whom on the rare occasion like to give the car a bit of a chuck around the bend, nothing too physical, just enough to give them a smile on their face. This car in short, is made for people who value ride quality, comfort, space and maybe a little image too, over outright power and pace.