BMW 520i (E60)

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BMW 5 series 2003 2.2 petrol description

Sedan BMW 520i has been produced from July, 2003 to March, 2005. It has six-cylinder petrol engine with displacement of 2.2 litres, which produces power of 170 horsepower on 6100 rpm and torque 210 Nm (Newton metres) on 3500 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). Engine versions compliant with Euro 3 and Euro 4 emission standards available. Engine lifespan (mileage before major repairs or overhaul) can last from 270 up to 450 thousand kilometres. Remember that engine life depends on regular maintenance and the quality of the materials used (oils, fuels, etc.).
More engine specs
The BMW M54B22 is a 2.2-liter naturally aspirated inline-six producing around 170 hp. It is generally regarded as a durable and well-balanced engine, typical of BMW’s classic straight-six lineup. When maintained properly it can easily exceed 300,000 ... This BMW 5 series 2.2 engine oil type is 5W-30 and oil capacity is 6.5 litres.

BMW 520i has classical rear wheel drive (RWD) and manual gearbox with 6 gears.
BMW 520i accelerates to speed 100 kilometres per hour in 9 seconds. The maximum speed of this car is 230 km/h.

BMW 520i fuel consumption is 9 litres per 100km in combined city/highway mode (11.1 km/l), city fuel economy - 13 l/100km, fuel consumption on highway - 6.8 l/100km. Fuel tank capacity is 70 litres or 18.49 gallons, which gives a mileage up to 760 kilometers without refueling in urban cycle and even up to 1020 kilometers on highway.
According to user reviews, this BMW real everyday fuel consumption is 9.7 litres per 100 km, which is 8% more than the manufacturer's stated. More - Real BMW 5 series fuel consumption.

BMW 5 series safety

During safety testing BMW 5 series has obtained 4 stars from five, which means good safety level.
Adults (driver and passenger) safety of BMW 5 series is evaluated with four stars, children safety - with four stars, and for pedestrian protection BMW 5 series got one star.

With the same engine there is also BMW 5 series version with automatic gearbox (BMW 520i AT) available, which is more sluggish, reaching 100 km/h 0.9 seconds later (in 9.9 seconds), moreover, it is less economic with manufacturer's fuel consumption is higher by 0.8 litres per 100 km or 9 % - 9.8 litres per 100 km, whereas users reported real fuel consumption is higher by 0.9 litres per 100 km or 9 % - 10.6 litres per 100 km.

BMW 5 series 2.2 service information and maintenance intervals Oil change intervals, capacities and specifications, service information for filters, spark plugs, belts etc.

BMW 520i technical data

Model:	BMW 520i
Body style:	Sedan
Production period:	2003. July ... 2005. March
Engine:	2171 cm³ Petrol, 6 cylinders	CO2 emissions:	219 g/km
Power:	170 HP ON 6100 RPM	Torque:	210 NM ON 3500 RPM
Gearbox:	Manual gearbox (6 gears)	Drive type:	Rear wheel drive (RWD)
Top speed:	230 km/h	Acceleration 0-100 km/h:	9.0 seconds
Fuel consumption (l/100km):	9.0 (combined) 13.0 (urban) 6.8 (highway)
Real fuel consumption:	9.7 l/100km (24.2 MPG) by user reviews from various sources
Fuel tank capacity:	70 litres (18.5 gallons)
Car dimensions:	4.84m (length) 1.85m (width) 1.47m (height)
Turning diameter:	11 meters
Trunk capacity:	520 litres
Gross weight:	2025 kg

BMW 520i engine M54B22

Engine reliability and common problems:

The BMW M54B22 is a 2.2-liter naturally aspirated inline-six producing around 170 hp. It is generally regarded as a durable and well-balanced engine, typical of BMW’s classic straight-six lineup. When maintained properly it can easily exceed 300,000 km, but it does have several known weaknesses that owners should be aware of.

One of the most common complaints is increased oil consumption. The piston rings are relatively thin and tend to stick over time, which leads to oil burning as mileage rises. Oil loss can also be aggravated by problems in the crankcase ventilation system. The PCV valve often clogs or fails, sometimes as frequently as every 50,000–70,000 km, which can cause pressure buildup in the crankcase and push oil through various seals.

The engine is also quite sensitive to overheating. The cooling system components—particularly the thermostat and water pump—must be kept in good condition, because overheating can warp the aluminum cylinder head. Regular monitoring of the cooling system is essential for long-term reliability.

Wear in the VANOS variable valve timing system is another common issue. As the internal seals age, the system may lose efficiency, leading to rough idle, reduced power, and a characteristic rattling sound. The intake system can also cause trouble: the DISA valve inside the intake manifold may stick or fail, and in some cases the plastic manifold itself can develop cracks.

Oil leaks are not unusual either. Typical leak points include the valve cover gasket, the oil filter housing gasket, and sometimes the oil pan. Oil from the valve cover may even reach the spark plug wells if the gasket deteriorates. Electrical faults occasionally appear as well, most often involving the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors.

The engine responds best to high-quality oil and regular maintenance. Oil changes every 7,000–10,000 km and careful attention to the cooling system help prevent many of the typical issues. Despite its flaws, the M54B22 remains a well-known and respected engine whose common problems are well documented and generally manageable.
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.
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	2171 cm³
Number of cylinders	6
Bore (cylinder diameter)	80 mm
Stroke length (piston move)	72 mm
Compression ratio	10.7 : 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	250,000 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	6.5 litres (6.9 quarts) More service info
Coolant capacity	9.8 litres (10.4 quarts)
Power	170 HP ON 6100 RPM
Torque	210 NM ON 3500 RPM
Start of production (year)	2000
Duration of production	7 years
Engine also used on	BMW 3 sērija BMW Z4 BMW Z3
	Generally, the use of an engine in several models and its long production run is an indication of the quality of the engine and the success of its design.

Carmakers tend to use similar engines with different parameters for models available in different markets and time periods.

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Compare BMW 5 series 2003 2.2 petrol 2003 to other cars

All BMW 5 series sedan [2003 - 2007] modifications

Modification	Engine	Power	Consumption	Gearbox	Drive type
BMW 520d Sep 2005 — Mar 2007 Most fuel efficient diesel version	2.0 Diesel	163 HP	5.9 l/100km	Manual ⁽⁶⁾	Rear wheel
BMW 520d Sep 2005 — Mar 2007	2.0 Diesel	163 HP	6.9 l/100km	Automatic ⁽⁶⁾	Rear wheel
BMW 520i Jul 2003 — Mar 2005	2.2 Petrol	170 HP	9.0 l/100km	Manual ⁽⁶⁾	Rear wheel
BMW 520i Sep 2003 — Mar 2005	2.2 Petrol	170 HP	9.8 l/100km	Automatic ⁽⁵⁾	Rear wheel
BMW 523i Mar 2005 — Mar 2007 Most fuel efficient petrol version	2.5 Petrol	177 HP	8.5 l/100km	Manual ⁽⁶⁾	Rear wheel
BMW 523i Mar 2005 — Mar 2007	2.5 Petrol	177 HP	9.3 l/100km	Automatic ⁽⁵⁾	Rear wheel
BMW 525i Sep 2003 — Mar 2005	2.5 Petrol	192 HP	9.4 l/100km	Manual ⁽⁶⁾	Rear wheel
BMW 525i Sep 2003 — Mar 2005	2.5 Petrol	192 HP	9.9 l/100km	Automatic ⁽⁶⁾	Rear wheel
BMW 525i Mar 2005 — Mar 2007	2.5 Petrol	218 HP	8.7 l/100km	Manual ⁽⁶⁾	Rear wheel
BMW 525i Mar 2005 — Mar 2007	2.5 Petrol	218 HP	9.4 l/100km	Automatic ⁽⁶⁾	Rear wheel
BMW 525xi 4x4 Mar 2005 — Mar 2007	2.5 Petrol	218 HP	9.6 l/100km	Manual ⁽⁶⁾	All wheel
BMW 525xi 4x4 Mar 2005 — Mar 2007	2.5 Petrol	218 HP	10.0 l/100km	Automatic ⁽⁶⁾	All wheel
BMW 525d Jan 2004 — Mar 2007	2.5 Diesel	177 HP	6.7 l/100km	Manual ⁽⁶⁾	Rear wheel
BMW 525d Jan 2004 — Mar 2007	2.5 Diesel	177 HP	7.8 l/100km	Automatic ⁽⁶⁾	Rear wheel
BMW 530i Jul 2003 — Mar 2005	3.0 Petrol	231 HP	9.8 l/100km	Manual ⁽⁶⁾	Rear wheel
BMW 530i Jul 2003 — Mar 2005	3.0 Petrol	231 HP	9.9 l/100km	Automatic ⁽⁶⁾	Rear wheel
BMW 530i Mar 2005 — Mar 2007	3.0 Petrol	258 HP	8.8 l/100km	Manual ⁽⁶⁾	Rear wheel
BMW 530i Mar 2005 — Mar 2007	3.0 Petrol	258 HP	9.3 l/100km	Automatic ⁽⁶⁾	Rear wheel
BMW 530xi 4x4 Mar 2005 — Mar 2007	3.0 Petrol	258 HP	9.7 l/100km	Manual ⁽⁶⁾	All wheel
BMW 530xi 4x4 Mar 2005 — Mar 2007	3.0 Petrol	258 HP	10.0 l/100km	Automatic ⁽⁶⁾	All wheel
BMW 530d Jul 2003 — Sep 2005	3.0 Diesel	218 HP	6.9 l/100km	Manual ⁽⁶⁾	Rear wheel
BMW 530d Jul 2003 — Sep 2005	3.0 Diesel	218 HP	7.8 l/100km	Automatic ⁽⁶⁾	Rear wheel
BMW 530d Sep 2005 — Mar 2007	3.0 Diesel	231 HP	6.7 l/100km	Manual ⁽⁶⁾	Rear wheel
BMW 530d Sep 2005 — Mar 2007	3.0 Diesel	231 HP	7.5 l/100km	Automatic ⁽⁶⁾	Rear wheel
BMW 530xd 4x4 Sep 2005 — Mar 2007	3.0 Diesel	231 HP	7.6 l/100km	Manual ⁽⁶⁾	All wheel
BMW 530xd 4x4 Sep 2005 — Mar 2007	3.0 Diesel	231 HP	8.2 l/100km	Automatic ⁽⁶⁾	All wheel
BMW 535d Sep 2004 — Mar 2007 Most powerfull diesel version (272 HP)	3.0 Diesel	272 HP	8.0 l/100km	Automatic ⁽⁶⁾	Rear wheel
BMW 540i Mar 2006 — Mar 2007	4.0 Petrol	306 HP	11.0 l/100km	Manual ⁽⁶⁾	Rear wheel
BMW 540i Mar 2006 — Mar 2007	4.0 Petrol	306 HP	10.0 l/100km	Automatic ⁽⁶⁾	Rear wheel
BMW 545i Sep 2003 — Sep 2005	4.4 Petrol	333 HP	11.0 l/100km	Manual ⁽⁶⁾	Rear wheel
BMW 545i Sep 2003 — Sep 2005	4.4 Petrol	333 HP	11.0 l/100km	Automatic ⁽⁶⁾	Rear wheel
BMW 550i Sep 2005 — Mar 2007 Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds	4.8 Petrol	367 HP	11.0 l/100km	Manual ⁽⁶⁾	Rear wheel
BMW 550i Sep 2005 — Mar 2007 Most powerfull petrol version (367 HP)	4.8 Petrol	367 HP	11.0 l/100km	Automatic ⁽⁶⁾	Rear wheel

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