BMW 520i (Touring E61)
BMW 5 series 2007 2.0 petrol description
Estate car / wagon BMW 520i has been produced from January, 2007 to December, 2010. It has four-cylinder petrol engine with displacement of 2.0 litres, which produces power of 170 horsepower on 6700 rpm and torque 210 Nm (Newton metres) on 4250 revolutions per minute.
This 4-cylinder 16-valve engine camshaft is driven by chain (What is an engine chain and belt? ). Engine has fuel injection system, this is an atmospheric engine (without turbine). Engine versions compliant with Euro 4 and Euro 5 emission standards available. Engine lifespan (mileage before major repairs or overhaul) can last from 220 up to 370 thousand kilometres. It is important to remember that engine life is highly dependent on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used.
More engine specs
The BMW N43 engine is built around a lightweight alloy cylinder block with a twin-cam, 16-valve head. It uses a dual-pump fuel delivery system—one located inside the tank to transfer fuel and supply the high-pressure pump, which then boosts fuel pressure up to 200 ...
This BMW 5 series 2.0 engine oil type is 5W-30 and oil capacity is 4.25 litres.
BMW 520i has classical rear wheel drive (RWD) and automatic gearbox with 6 gears.
BMW 520i accelerates to speed 100 kilometres per hour in 10 seconds. The maximum speed of this car is 219 km/h.
BMW 520i fuel consumption is 7 litres per 100km in combined city/highway mode (14.3 km/l), city fuel economy - 9.5 l/100km, fuel consumption on highway - 5.5 l/100km. Fuel tank capacity is 70 litres or 18.49 gallons, which gives a mileage up to 1000 kilometers without refueling in urban cycle and even up to 1260 kilometers on highway.
According to user reviews, this BMW real everyday fuel consumption is 8.6 litres per 100 km, which is 23% more than the manufacturer's stated. More - Real BMW 5 series fuel consumption.

BMW 520i technical data
Model: | BMW 520i | ||
---|---|---|---|
Body style: | Estate car / wagon | ||
Production period: | 2007. January ... 2010. December | ||
Engine: | 1995 cm3 Petrol, 4 cylinders | CO2 emissions: | no data |
Power: | 170 HP ON 6700 RPM | Torque: | 210 NM ON 4250 RPM |
Gearbox: | Automatic gearbox (6 gears) | Drive type: | Rear wheel drive (RWD) |
Top speed: | 219 km/h | Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 10.0 seconds |
Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 7.0 (combined) 9.5 (urban) 5.5 (highway) | ||
Real fuel consumption: | 8.6 l/100km (27.4 MPG) by user reviews from various sources | ||
Fuel tank capacity: | 70 litres (18.5 gallons) | ||
Car dimensions: | 4.84m (length) 1.85m (width) 1.49m (height) | ||
Turning diameter: | 11.4 meters | ||
Ground clearance: | 143 mm (approximate, with standard suspension, unladen vehicle) | ||
Trunk capacity: | 500 litres | ||
Trunk max capacity: | 1650 litres (with rear seats folded down) | ||
Gross weight: | 2190 kg |
BMW 520i engine N43B20
Engine reliability and common problems:
The BMW N43 engine is built around a lightweight alloy cylinder block with a twin-cam, 16-valve head. It uses a dual-pump fuel delivery system—one located inside the tank to transfer fuel and supply the high-pressure pump, which then boosts fuel pressure up to 200 bar. Notably, the system lacks a fine fuel filter and relies only on a basic mesh filter in the tank.This engine uses direct fuel injection, and many of its recurring problems are tied to that system. Poor-quality fuel quickly damages the expensive injectors, which are often the root cause of hard cold starts. Many owners report that the engine refuses to start in the morning, and in most cases, the only long-term solution is replacing all injectors with the latest revision.
Misfires and uneven engine operation may also stem from faulty ignition coils. The engine runs hot, making it particularly sensitive to oil quality—cheap oil can degrade quickly under such conditions. Plastic coolant flanges and hoses are prone to cracking and should be monitored closely.
Another weak point is the vacuum pump, which frequently begins leaking and requires replacement as early as 70,000 km. The timing system, especially the Double VANOS components, is known for its limited durability.
The exhaust system is another frequent source of trouble. It includes a NOx storage catalyst and sensor. The catalyst stores nitrogen oxides and periodically burns them off in a regeneration process. As the car ages, this regeneration becomes more frequent, particularly the burn-off of sulfur deposits. However, regeneration requires sustained highway speeds—NOx regeneration activates around 80 km/h, while sulfur regeneration only starts near 100 km/h and takes significantly longer.
Failure to regenerate leads to fault codes and eventual failure of the NOx sensor, which is expensive to replace. Oil leaks are common over time, as is typical for many N-series engines. Valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing gaskets, VANOS solenoids, and vacuum pump seals all tend to require replacement eventually.
Coolant flange leaks are also common. These parts are made of plastic and tend to develop cracks at the joints over time. Fortunately, replacements are inexpensive and easy to source.
Overall, this engine can last around 220,000 to 370,000 km if properly maintained, using the correct quality oil and fuel, and carrying out regular checks and maintenance.
The engine has hydraulic valve tappets (lifters), which provide quieter operation and do not require periodic adjustment, but are more complex in design and can cause serious engine damage in the event of failure.
Engine displacement | 1995 cm3 |
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Number of cylinders | 4 |
Bore (cylinder diameter) | 84 mm |
Stroke length (piston move) | 90 mm |
Compression ratio | 12 : 1 |
Camshaft drive | Timing chain Chain motors are considered more reliable, chain replacement usually is required less often than a timing belt, but they are often louder and vibrate more. More service info |
Timing chain change interval | 150,000 km (recommended) Sometimes manufacturers do not specify timing chain replacement intervals and design chains for engine life. However, once the recommended change interval has been reached, it is recommended to periodically check the condition of the chain and to change the chain if excessive stretching is detected or if unusual noises from the engine or other symptoms occur. |
Fuel system | Injection |
BMW 520i oil type | 5W-30 |
Oil capacity | 4.25 litres (4.5 quarts) More service info |
Coolant capacity | 9.8 litres (10.4 quarts) |
Power | 122 - 170 HP ON 6700 RPM |
Torque | 185 - 210 NM ON 4250 RPM |
Start of production (year) | 2007 |
Duration of production | 6 years |
Engine also used on | BMW 3 sērija BMW 1 sērija |
All BMW 5 series estate car [2007 - 2010] modifications
Modification | Engine | Power | Consumption | Gearbox | Drive type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BMW 520i
Most fuel efficient petrol version |
2.0 Petrol | 170 HP | 6.9 l/100km | Manual (6) | Rear wheel |
BMW 520i
Most fuel efficient petrol version by real consumption |
2.0 Petrol | 170 HP | 7.0 l/100km | Automatic (6) | Rear wheel |
BMW 520d Touring
Mar 2007 — Sep 2007 Most fuel efficient diesel version by real consumption |
2.0 Diesel | 163 HP | 6.1 l/100km | Manual (6) | Rear wheel |
BMW 520d Touring Mar 2007 — Sep 2007 | 2.0 Diesel | 163 HP | 7.1 l/100km | Automatic (6) | Rear wheel |
BMW 520d Touring
Sep 2007 — Jan 2010 Most fuel efficient diesel version |
2.0 Diesel | 177 HP | 5.3 l/100km | Manual (6) | Rear wheel |
BMW 520d Touring Sep 2007 — Jan 2010 | 2.0 Diesel | 177 HP | 5.8 l/100km | Automatic (6) | Rear wheel |
BMW 520i Touring
Sep 2007 — Jan 2010 Most fuel efficient petrol version |
2.2 Petrol | 170 HP | 6.9 l/100km | Manual (6) | Rear wheel |
BMW 520i Touring
Sep 2007 — Jan 2010 Most fuel efficient petrol version by real consumption |
2.2 Petrol | 170 HP | 7.0 l/100km | Automatic (6) | Rear wheel |
BMW 523i Touring Mar 2007 — Jan 2010 | 2.5 Petrol | 190 HP | 7.7 l/100km | Manual (6) | Rear wheel |
BMW 523i Touring Mar 2007 — Jan 2010 | 2.5 Petrol | 190 HP | 7.7 l/100km | Automatic (6) | Rear wheel |
BMW 525i Touring Mar 2007 — Jan 2010 | 2.5 Petrol | 218 HP | 7.7 l/100km | Manual (6) | Rear wheel |
BMW 525i Touring Mar 2007 — Jan 2010 | 2.5 Petrol | 218 HP | 7.7 l/100km | Automatic (6) | Rear wheel |
BMW 525xi Touring 4x4 Mar 2007 — Jan 2010 | 2.5 Petrol | 218 HP | 8.4 l/100km | Manual (6) | All wheel |
BMW 525xi Touring 4x4 Mar 2007 — Jan 2010 | 2.5 Petrol | 218 HP | 8.4 l/100km | Automatic (6) | All wheel |
BMW 525xd 4x4 | 2.5 Diesel | 197 HP | 6.9 l/100km | Manual (6) | All wheel |
BMW 525xd 4x4 | 2.5 Diesel | 197 HP | 7.0 l/100km | Automatic (6) | All wheel |
BMW 525i | 3.0 Petrol | 218 HP | 7.7 l/100km | Manual (6) | Rear wheel |
BMW 525i | 3.0 Petrol | 218 HP | 7.7 l/100km | Automatic (6) | Rear wheel |
BMW 525xi 4x4 | 3.0 Petrol | 218 HP | 8.4 l/100km | Manual (6) | All wheel |
BMW 525xi 4x4 | 3.0 Petrol | 218 HP | 8.4 l/100km | Automatic (6) | All wheel |
BMW 530i Touring Mar 2007 — Jan 2010 | 3.0 Petrol | 272 HP | 7.9 l/100km | Manual (6) | Rear wheel |
BMW 530i Touring Mar 2007 — Jan 2010 | 3.0 Petrol | 272 HP | 7.7 l/100km | Automatic (6) | Rear wheel |
BMW 530xi Touring 4x4 Mar 2007 — Jan 2010 | 3.0 Petrol | 272 HP | 8.5 l/100km | Manual (6) | All wheel |
BMW 530xi Touring 4x4 Mar 2007 — Jan 2010 | 3.0 Petrol | 272 HP | 8.4 l/100km | Automatic (6) | All wheel |
BMW 525d Touring Mar 2007 — Jan 2010 | 3.0 Diesel | 197 HP | 6.4 l/100km | Manual (6) | Rear wheel |
BMW 525d Touring Mar 2007 — Jan 2010 | 3.0 Diesel | 197 HP | 6.6 l/100km | Automatic (6) | Rear wheel |
BMW 530d Touring Mar 2007 — Jan 2010 | 3.0 Diesel | 235 HP | 6.6 l/100km | Manual (6) | Rear wheel |
BMW 530d Touring Mar 2007 — Jan 2010 | 3.0 Diesel | 235 HP | 6.8 l/100km | Automatic (6) | Rear wheel |
BMW 530xd Touring 4x4 Mar 2007 — Jan 2010 | 3.0 Diesel | 235 HP | 7.2 l/100km | Manual (6) | All wheel |
BMW 530xd Touring 4x4 Mar 2007 — Jan 2010 | 3.0 Diesel | 235 HP | 7.2 l/100km | Automatic (6) | All wheel |
BMW 535d Touring
Mar 2007 — Jan 2010 Most powerfull diesel version (286 HP) |
3.0 Diesel | 286 HP | 7.0 l/100km | Automatic (6) | Rear wheel |
BMW 550i Touring
Mar 2007 — Jan 2010 Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds |
4.8 Petrol | 367 HP | 11.0 l/100km | Manual (6) | Rear wheel |
BMW 550i Touring
Mar 2007 — Jan 2010 Most powerfull petrol version (367 HP) |
4.8 Petrol | 367 HP | 11.0 l/100km | Automatic (6) | Rear wheel |