BMW 520i (E34)
BMW 5 series 1988 2.0 petrol description
Sedan BMW 520i has been produced from April, 1990 to December, 1995. It has six-cylinder petrol engine with displacement of 2.0 litres, which produces power of 150 horsepower on 5900 rpm and torque 190 Nm (Newton metres) on 4200 revolutions per minute.
This 6-cylinder 24-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). The engine meets the Euro 2 emissions standard. Engine lifespan (mileage before major repairs or overhaul) can last from 310 up to 520 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 5.75 litres.
BMW 520i has classical rear wheel drive (RWD) and automatic gearbox with 5 gears.
BMW 520i accelerates to speed 100 kilometres per hour in 12 seconds. The maximum speed of this car is 207 km/h.
BMW 520i fuel consumption is 9 litres per 100km in combined city/highway mode (11.1 km/l). Fuel tank capacity is 80 litres or 21.14 gallons, which gives a mileage up to 880 kilometers without refueling in urban cycle.
According to user reviews, this BMW real everyday fuel consumption is 11.3 litres per 100 km, which is 26% more than the manufacturer's stated. More - Real BMW 5 series fuel consumption.

BMW 520i technical data
Model: | BMW 520i | ||
---|---|---|---|
Body style: | Sedan | ||
Production period: | 1990. April ... 1995. December | ||
Engine: | 1991 cm3 Petrol, 6 cylinders | CO2 emissions: | no data |
Power: | 150 HP ON 5900 RPM | Torque: | 190 NM ON 4200 RPM |
Gearbox: | Automatic gearbox (5 gears) | Drive type: | Rear wheel drive (RWD) |
Top speed: | 207 km/h | Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 12.0 seconds |
Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 9.0 (combined) | ||
Real fuel consumption: | 11.3 l/100km (20.8 MPG) by user reviews from various sources | ||
Fuel tank capacity: | 80 litres (21.1 gallons) | ||
Car dimensions: | 4.72m (length) 1.75m (width) 1.41m (height) | ||
Turning diameter: | 11 meters | ||
Trunk capacity: | 460 litres | ||
Gross weight: | 1990 kg |
BMW 520i engine M50B20TU
Engine reliability:
Overall, this engine can last around 310,000 to 520,000 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 | 1991 cm3 |
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Number of cylinders | 6 |
Bore (cylinder diameter) | 80 mm |
Stroke length (piston move) | 66 mm |
Compression ratio | 11 : 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. |
Fuel system | Injection |
BMW 520i oil type | 5W-30 |
Oil capacity | 5.75 litres (6.1 quarts) |
Power | 150 HP ON 5900 RPM |
Torque | 190 NM ON 4200 RPM |
Start of production (year) | 1990 |
Duration of production | 6 years |
Often in the first years of production, engines tend to have various constructive problems, so it is recommended to choose a car with this engine from 1993 onwards. |
Most often compared to
All BMW 5 series sedan [1988 - 1995] modifications
Modification | Engine | Power | Consumption | Gearbox | Drive type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BMW 518i
Oct 1989 — Jan 1994 Most fuel efficient petrol version by real consumption |
1.8 Petrol | 113 HP | 8.6 l/100km | Manual (5) | Rear wheel |
BMW 518i
Oct 1992 — Mai 1995 Most fuel efficient petrol version |
1.8 Petrol | 116 HP | 8.1 l/100km | Manual (5) | Rear wheel |
BMW 518iN
Jan 1994 — Dec 1995 Most fuel efficient petrol version |
1.8 Petrol | 116 HP | 8.1 l/100km | Manual (5) | Rear wheel |
BMW 518iN Jan 1994 — Dec 1995 | 1.8 Petrol | 116 HP | 8.6 l/100km | Automatic (4) | Rear wheel |
BMW 518i Apr 1994 — Mai 1995 | 1.8 Petrol | 116 HP | 8.6 l/100km | Automatic (4) | Rear wheel |
BMW 520i Jan 1988 — Apr 1990 | 2.0 Petrol | 129 HP | 10.0 l/100km | Manual (5) | Rear wheel |
BMW 520i Jan 1988 — Apr 1990 | 2.0 Petrol | 129 HP | 10.0 l/100km | Automatic (4) | Rear wheel |
BMW 520i Apr 1990 — Dec 1995 | 2.0 Petrol | 150 HP | 8.9 l/100km | Manual (5) | Rear wheel |
BMW 520i Apr 1990 — Dec 1995 | 2.0 Petrol | 150 HP | 9.0 l/100km | Automatic (5) | Rear wheel |
BMW 524td Jan 1988 — Oct 1991 | 2.4 Diesel | 116 HP | 7.1 l/100km | Manual (5) | Rear wheel |
BMW 524td Jan 1988 — Oct 1991 | 2.4 Diesel | 116 HP | 7.3 l/100km | Automatic (4) | Rear wheel |
BMW 525i Jan 1988 — Apr 1990 | 2.5 Petrol | 170 HP | 9.5 l/100km | Manual (5) | Rear wheel |
BMW 525i Jan 1988 — Apr 1990 | 2.5 Petrol | 170 HP | 9.8 l/100km | Automatic (4) | Rear wheel |
BMW 525i Apr 1990 — Dec 1995 | 2.5 Petrol | 192 HP | 9.0 l/100km | Manual (5) | Rear wheel |
BMW 525i Apr 1990 — Dec 1995 | 2.5 Petrol | 192 HP | 8.8 l/100km | Automatic (5) | Rear wheel |
BMW 525iX 4x4 Oct 1991 — Dec 1995 | 2.5 Petrol | 192 HP | 9.6 l/100km | Manual (5) | All wheel |
BMW 525iX 4x4 Oct 1991 — Dec 1995 | 2.5 Petrol | 192 HP | 9.5 l/100km | Automatic (5) | All wheel |
BMW 525td
Mai 1993 — Dec 1995 Most fuel efficient diesel version by real consumption |
2.5 Diesel | 115 HP | 7.1 l/100km | Manual (5) | Rear wheel |
BMW 525td Mai 1993 — Dec 1995 | 2.5 Diesel | 115 HP | 7.3 l/100km | Automatic (4) | Rear wheel |
BMW 525tds
Oct 1991 — Dec 1995 Most powerfull diesel version (143 HP) |
2.5 Diesel | 143 HP | 7.0 l/100km | Manual (5) | Rear wheel |
BMW 525tds
Oct 1991 — Dec 1995 Most powerfull diesel version (143 HP) |
2.5 Diesel | 143 HP | 7.2 l/100km | Automatic (5) | Rear wheel |
BMW 530i Jan 1988 — Apr 1990 | 3.0 Petrol | 188 HP | 11.0 l/100km | Manual (5) | Rear wheel |
BMW 530i Jan 1988 — Apr 1990 | 3.0 Petrol | 188 HP | 11.0 l/100km | Automatic (4) | Rear wheel |
BMW 530i Oct 1992 — Dec 1995 | 3.0 Petrol | 218 HP | 11.0 l/100km | Manual (5) | Rear wheel |
BMW 530i Oct 1992 — Dec 1995 | 3.0 Petrol | 218 HP | 10.0 l/100km | Automatic (5) | Rear wheel |
BMW 535i Jan 1988 — Oct 1992 | 3.4 Petrol | 211 HP | 11.0 l/100km | Manual (5) | Rear wheel |
BMW 535i Jan 1988 — Oct 1992 | 3.4 Petrol | 211 HP | 12.0 l/100km | Automatic (4) | Rear wheel |
BMW 540i V8
Jan 1992 — Dec 1995 Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds |
4.0 Petrol | 286 HP | 11.4 l/100km | Manual (6) | Rear wheel |
BMW 540i
Oct 1992 — Dec 1995 Most powerfull petrol version (286 HP) |
4.0 Petrol | 286 HP | 12.0 l/100km | Automatic (5) | Rear wheel |