BMW 520i (E28)
BMW 5 series 1981 2.0 petrol description
Sedan BMW 520i has been produced from August, 1981 to July, 1985. It has six-cylinder petrol engine with displacement of 2.0 litres, which produces power of 125 horsepower on 5800 rpm and torque 170 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, this is an atmospheric engine (without turbine). Engine versions compliant with Euro 1 and Euro 2 emission standards available. Engine lifespan (mileage before major repairs or overhaul) can last from 280 up to 480 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
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 188 km/h.
BMW 520i fuel consumption is 8.8 litres per 100km in combined city/highway mode (11.4 km/l), fuel consumption in city - 12.5 l/100km, highway fuel economy - 6.5 l/100km. Fuel tank capacity is 70 litres or 18.49 gallons, which gives a mileage up to 780 kilometers without refueling in urban cycle and even up to 1060 kilometers on highway.
According to user reviews, this BMW real everyday fuel consumption is 9.2 litres per 100 km, which is 5% more than the manufacturer's stated. More - Real BMW 5 series fuel consumption.

BMW 520i technical data
Model: | BMW 520i | ||
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Body style: | Sedan | ||
Production period: | 1981. August ... 1985. July | ||
Engine: | 1990 cm3 Petrol, 6 cylinders | CO2 emissions: | no data |
Power: | 125 HP ON 5800 RPM | Torque: | 170 NM ON 4000 RPM |
Gearbox: | Manual gearbox (5 gears) | Drive type: | Rear wheel drive (RWD) |
Top speed: | 188 km/h | Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 11.0 seconds |
Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 8.8 (combined) 12.5 (urban) 6.5 (highway) | ||
Real fuel consumption: | 9.2 l/100km (25.6 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 | ||
Ground clearance: | 140 mm (approximate, with standard suspension, unladen vehicle) | ||
Trunk capacity: | 460 litres | ||
Gross weight: | 1730 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 |
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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 |
Coolant capacity | 12 litres (12.7 quarts) |
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 |
Most often compared to
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) |
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) |