BMW 520i (E28)

BMW 5 series 1981 2.0 petrol description

Sedan BMW 520i has been produced from July, 1985 to January, 1988. It has six-cylinder petrol engine with displacement of 2.0 litres, which produces power of 129 horsepower on 5800 rpm and torque 174 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 fuel injection system, it has no turbine. Engine versions compliant with Euro 1 and Euro 2 emission standards available. Approximate engine life expectancy (mileage until serious repairs are required) for this engine is between 280 000 and 480 000 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 
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 manual gearbox with 5 gears.
BMW 520i accelerates to speed 100 kilometres per hour in 11 seconds. The maximum speed of this car is 190 km/h.

In combined cycle (city and motorway), the BMW 520i fuel consumption is 9.2 litres per 100km (10.9 km/l). Fuel tank capacity is 70 litres or 18.49 gallons, which gives a mileage up to 760 kilometers without refueling in urban cycle.
According to user reviews, this BMW real everyday fuel consumption is 10.3 litres per 100 km, which is 12% more than the manufacturer's stated. More - Real BMW 5 series fuel consumption.

With the same engine there are also two other BMW 5 series versions - with automatic gearbox (BMW 520i AT), and with automatic gearbox (BMW 520i AT) available:
  • BMW 520i AT is more sluggish, reaching 100 km/h 2 seconds later (in 13 seconds), but manufacturer's fuel consumption is lower by 0.5 litres per 100 km or 5 % - 8.7 litres per 100 km, whereas users reported real fuel consumption is higher by 0.4 litres per 100 km or 4 % - 10.7 litres per 100 km
  • BMW 520i AT is more sluggish, reaching 100 km/h 3 seconds later (in 14 seconds), moreover, it is less economic with manufacturer's fuel consumption is higher by 0.6 litres per 100 km or 7 % - 9.8 litres per 100 km, whereas users reported real fuel consumption is higher by 0.4 litres per 100 km or 4 % - 10.7 litres per 100 km
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 1981

BMW 520i technical data

Model: BMW 520i
Body style: Sedan
Production period: 1985. July ... 1988. January 
Engine: 1990 cm3 Petrol, 6 cylinders CO2 emissions: no data
Power: 129 HP ON 5800 RPM Torque: 174 NM ON 4000 RPM
Gearbox: Manual gearbox (5 gears) Drive type: Rear wheel drive (RWD)
Top speed: 190 km/h Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 11.0 seconds
Fuel consumption (l/100km): 9.2 (combined)
Real fuel consumption: 10.3 l/100km (22.8 MPG) by user reviews from various sources
Fuel tank capacity: 70 litres (18.5 gallons)
Car dimensions: 4.62m (length) 1.70m (width) 1.42m (height)
Turning diameter: 11 meters
Trunk capacity: 460 litres
Gross weight: 1780 kg

BMW 520i engine M20B20

Engine reliability:

Overall, this engine can last around 280,000 to 480,000 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 8.8 : 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 Injection
BMW 520i oil type 5W-30
Oil capacity 4.25 litres (4.5 quarts) More service info
Power 120 - 130 HP ON 5800 RPM
Torque 165 - 175 NM ON 4000 RPM
Start of production (year) 1977
Duration of production 15 years
Engine also used on BMW 3 sērija

All BMW 5 series sedan [1981 - 1988] modifications

Modification Engine Power Consumption Gearbox
BMW 518 Aug 1981 — Oct 1984 1.8 Petrol 90 HP 9.5 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 518i Oct 1984 — Jan 1988

Most fuel efficient petrol version

1.8 Petrol 105 HP 8.0 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 520i Aug 1981 — Jul 1985 2.0 Petrol 125 HP 8.8 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 520i Aug 1981 — Jul 1985 2.0 Petrol 125 HP 8.7 l/100km Automatic (4)
BMW 520i Jul 1985 — Jan 1988 2.0 Petrol 129 HP 9.2 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 520i Oct 1986 — Jan 1988 2.0 Petrol 129 HP 10.0 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 520i Jul 1985 — Jan 1988 2.0 Petrol 129 HP 8.7 l/100km Automatic (4)
BMW 520i Oct 1986 — Jan 1988 2.0 Petrol 129 HP 9.8 l/100km Automatic (4)
BMW 524d Oct 1986 — Jan 1988 2.4 Diesel 86 HP 7.4 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 524td Jul 1983 — Jan 1988

Most powerfull diesel version (115 HP)
Most fuel efficient diesel version

2.4 Diesel 115 HP 7.1 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 524td Jul 1983 — Jan 1988

Most powerfull diesel version (115 HP)

2.4 Diesel 115 HP 7.2 l/100km Automatic (4)
BMW 525i 2.5 Petrol 150 HP 10.0 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 525i 2.5 Petrol 150 HP 10.0 l/100km Automatic (4)
BMW 525e Apr 1983 — Jan 1988 2.7 Petrol 129 HP 8.1 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 525e Apr 1983 — Jan 1988 2.7 Petrol 129 HP 8.3 l/100km Automatic (4)
BMW 525e Oct 1986 — Jan 1988 2.7 Petrol 129 HP 8.8 l/100km Automatic (4)
BMW 528i 2.8 Petrol 184 HP 10.0 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 528i 2.8 Petrol 184 HP 10.0 l/100km Automatic (4)
BMW 535i Jul 1985 — Jan 1988

Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds

3.4 Petrol 218 HP 10.0 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 535i Jul 1985 — Jan 1988

Most powerfull petrol version (218 HP)

3.4 Petrol 218 HP 11.0 l/100km Automatic (4)
BMW 5 series 1981 reviews
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