BMW 520 (E12)

BMW 5 series 1974 2.0 petrol description

Sedan BMW 520 has been produced from October, 1977 to August, 1981. It has six-cylinder petrol engine with displacement of 2.0 litres, which produces power of 122 horsepower on 6000 rpm and torque 163 Nm (Newton metres) on 4000 revolutions per minute.

This 6-cylinder 12-valve engine camshaft is driven by belt (What is an engine chain and belt? ). Engine has carburetor, this is an atmospheric engine (without turbine). Engine lifespan (mileage before major repairs or overhaul) can last from 270 up to 450 thousand kilometres. Note that engine life can be longer or shorter depending on maintenance.
More engine specs 
This BMW 5 series 2.0 engine oil type is 5W-30 and oil capacity is 4.25 litres.

BMW 520 has classical rear wheel drive (RWD) and automatic gearbox with 4 gears.
BMW 520 accelerates to speed 100 kilometres per hour in 16 seconds. The maximum speed of this car is 174 km/h.

BMW 520 fuel consumption is 10 litres per 100km in combined city/highway mode (10 km/l) - this is one of most fuel efficient BMW 5 sērija 1974 - 1981 versions. Fuel tank capacity is 70 litres or 18.49 gallons, which gives a mileage up to 700 kilometers without refueling in urban cycle.

With the same engine there is also BMW 5 series version with manual gearbox (BMW 520 MT) available, which is more dynamic - it reaches 100 km/h 4 seconds faster (in 12 seconds).
BMW 5 series 2.0 service information and maintenance intervals Oil change intervals, capacities and specifications, service information for filters, spark plugs, belts etc.
BMW 5 series 1974

BMW 520 technical data

Model: BMW 520
Body style: Sedan
Production period: 1977. October ... 1981. August 
Engine: 1990 cm3 Petrol, 6 cylinders CO2 emissions: no data
Power: 122 HP ON 6000 RPM Torque: 163 NM ON 4000 RPM
Gearbox: Automatic gearbox (4 gears) Drive type: Rear wheel drive (RWD)
Top speed: 174 km/h Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 16.0 seconds
Fuel consumption (l/100km): 10.0 (combined)
Fuel tank capacity: 70 litres (18.5 gallons)
Car dimensions: 4.62m (length) 1.69m (width) 1.42m (height)
Turning diameter: 10 meters
Trunk capacity: 620 litres
Gross weight: 1770 kg

BMW 520 engine M20B20VE

Engine reliability:

Overall, this engine can last around 270,000 to 450,000 km if properly maintained, using the correct quality oil and fuel, and carrying out regular checks and maintenance.
Engine displacement 1991 cm3
Number of cylinders 6
Bore (cylinder diameter) 80 mm
Stroke length (piston move) 66 mm
Compression ratio 9.2 : 1
Camshaft drive Timing belt

Timing belt engines are generally quieter and less vibrating than chain engines, but belt usually needs to be replaced more often and the risk of breakage is higher.

More service info
Timing belt change interval 50,000 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 Carburettor
BMW 520 oil type 5W-30
Oil capacity 4.25 litres (4.5 quarts) More service info
Power 122 HP ON 6000 RPM
Torque 163 NM ON 4000 RPM
Start of production (year) 1977
Duration of production 15 years

All BMW 5 series sedan [1974 - 1981] modifications

Modification Engine Power Consumption Gearbox
BMW 518 Mai 1974 — Aug 1981 1.8 Petrol 90 HP 10.0 l/100km Manual (4)
BMW 518 Mai 1974 — Aug 1981 1.8 Petrol 90 HP 10.0 l/100km Automatic (4)
BMW 520 Oct 1977 — Aug 1981 2.0 Petrol 122 HP 10.0 l/100km Manual (4)
BMW 520 Oct 1977 — Aug 1981 2.0 Petrol 122 HP 10.0 l/100km Automatic (4)
BMW 520i Jan 1976 — Dec 1979

Most fuel efficient version

2.0 Petrol 125 HP 9.5 l/100km Manual (4)
BMW 525 Feb 1974 — Aug 1981 2.5 Petrol 150 HP 11.0 l/100km Manual (4)
BMW 525 Feb 1974 — Aug 1981 2.5 Petrol 150 HP 12.0 l/100km Automatic (4)
BMW 528 Jan 1976 — Dec 1977 2.8 Petrol 170 HP 10.8 l/100km Manual (4)
BMW 528i Jan 1977 — Dec 1978 2.8 Petrol 177 HP 10.6 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 528i Jul 1977 — Aug 1981 2.8 Petrol 184 HP 12.0 l/100km Manual (4)
BMW 528i Jul 1977 — Aug 1981 2.8 Petrol 184 HP 12.0 l/100km Automatic (4)
BMW M 535i Jan 1980 — Dec 1981

Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds

3.5 Petrol 218 HP - Manual (5)
BMW 5 series 1974 reviews
Alfa Romeo Audi BMW Chevrolet Chrysler Citroen Dacia Dodge Fiat Ford Honda Hyundai Infiniti Isuzu Jaguar Jeep Kia Lada (VAZ) Land Rover Lexus Mazda Mercedes Mini Mitsubishi Moskvich Nissan Opel Peugeot Porsche Renault Rover SAAB Seat Skoda Smart Subaru Suzuki Toyota Volkswagen Volvo
Contact us: info@auto-abc.lv