BMW 523i (E60)
BMW 5 series 2003 2.5 petrol description
Sedan BMW 523i has been produced from March, 2005 to March, 2007. It has six-cylinder petrol engine with displacement of 2.5 litres, which produces power of 177 horsepower on 5800 rpm and torque 230 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 4 and Euro 5 emission standards available. Engine lifespan (mileage before major repairs or overhaul) can last from 220 up to 370 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
On this engine, the valve seals and crankcase breather valve diaphragm tend to fail after ...
This BMW 5 series 2.5 engine oil type is 5W-30 and oil capacity is 6.5 litres.
BMW 523i has classical rear wheel drive (RWD) and manual gearbox with 6 gears.
BMW 523i accelerates to speed 100 kilometres per hour in 8.5 seconds. The maximum speed of this car is 235 km/h.
BMW 523i fuel consumption is 8.5 litres per 100km in combined city/highway mode (11.8 km/l), fuel consumption in city - 12 l/100km, highway fuel economy - 6.4 l/100km. Fuel tank capacity is 70 litres or 18.49 gallons, which gives a mileage up to 820 kilometers without refueling in urban cycle and even up to 1080 kilometers on highway.
According to user reviews, this BMW real everyday fuel consumption is 9.5 litres per 100 km, which is 12% 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.

BMW 523i technical data
Model: | BMW 523i | ||
---|---|---|---|
Body style: | Sedan | ||
Production period: | 2005. March ... 2007. March | ||
Engine: | 2497 cm3 Petrol, 6 cylinders | CO2 emissions: | 205 g/km |
Power: | 177 HP ON 5800 RPM | Torque: | 230 NM ON 3500 RPM |
Gearbox: | Manual gearbox (6 gears) | Drive type: | Rear wheel drive (RWD) |
Top speed: | 235 km/h | Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 8.5 seconds |
Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 8.5 (combined) 12.0 (urban) 6.4 (highway) | ||
Real fuel consumption: | 9.5 l/100km (24.8 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: | 2030 kg |
BMW 523i engine N52B25
Engine reliability and common problems:
On this engine, the valve seals and crankcase breather valve diaphragm tend to fail after 80-100 000 km, leading to increased oil consumption. It is recommended to choose engines manufactured in the last years of production (after 2010). The engine is not suitable for power boost modifications.Overall, this engine can last around 220,000 to 370,000 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 | 2497 cm3 |
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Number of cylinders | 6 |
Bore (cylinder diameter) | 82 mm |
Stroke length (piston move) | 78.8 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. More service info |
Timing chain change interval | 120,000 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 523i oil type | 5W-30 |
Oil capacity | 6.5 litres (6.9 quarts) More service info |
Coolant capacity | 9.8 litres (10.4 quarts) |
Power | 177 - 218 HP ON 5800 RPM |
Torque | 230 - 250 NM ON 3500 RPM |
Start of production (year) | 2004 |
Duration of production | 7 years |
Engine also used on | BMW 3 sērija BMW X3 BMW Z4 |
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. |
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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 |