The figures do not give you a true picture of the difference between these two cars. The 520i (2.2l) with auto box since the EU4 emmisions were brought in Sept 04 is an absolute dog in terms of performace. Its sluggish, dangerous, underpowered and suffers from major transmission slam. BMW have had thousands of customer complaints worldwide on these issues which have all been discussed on this forum. So much so that it fast tracked the implementation of its 523 engine by five months. However BMW always kept the co line that the car was inside the spec which they layed down for the car (In other words screw your mr customer we dont care if your not happy and we will keep on denying there is anything wrong.

The 523i (2.5L) is a much better car and all of the power and transmission slam problems are sorted out in this car. The main differences of course are start/stop button, chrome grill, new idrive knob, trunk opeing button, oil gauge in i drive and speed limit alarm.

Take the new car its the best offer you will get, hope this helps

 

If I remember correctly, the E60 520i is a four cylinder 2.2L engine. Compare with a 2.5L six cylinder is a different thing. Again the spec you listed is numbers from BMW, when I try 0-100 in my car it doesn't feel 10s to me so I think is worth it given all the trouble you have. I have enjoy my 523 very much and as you can see in my sig. I have been driving this 2.5L since the last generation 3 and 5 and this engine I think is amazing and compare with the E39 the response is much better and so is the acceleration I think because of a lighter car.

When the E60 comes out with the 523 I just went and get it and did not regret the decision of not going for the 525 as I tested both and the power difference is not day and night but I think the edge is given to the 525 in high speed, not much opportunity for me to go 200km here so the difference doesn't bother me at all.

 

There is no such thing as a 4 cylinder e60.
http://www.e60.net/information/options/engines/

The 520i has 6 cylinders

 

To be scientifically correct, there is a 4 cylinder E60, which is the 520d. It is a 4 cylinder, 2.0L, turbocharged diesel engine.

Anyhow you are right about the 520i, it is a 6 cylinders 2.2 L petrol engine.

Shebs

 

The 520i is a 6 cylinder. The engine in your E60 is not the same as the one that was in the E39 and E46. That engine was 170 hp@5500, 245 NM@3950. Your current engine is 177 hp@5800, 230 NM@3500. They are close, but they have different charecteristics and torque curves.

Anyways I am glad that you like your 523i , I think I will go for the deal and get it.

 

You are absolutly right...I'm supprised

 

OK thanks for pointing that out. I did point out "if I remember correctly", I just know that the E90 320i have 6 cylinder.

 

Anyways is your call.

 

Sorry to disappoint you, but exactly since the E90 the 320i is a 4 cylinder.
It used to be a 6 in the E36 and E46, but much to many people's disliking they changed it to 4pot in the E90.

The 2.0d is still a 4pot, too.

 

I test drove the 523i. There is a difference in power compared to 520i I am currently driving. The lower end torque of the 523 is better than 520i although the hp is only increased by 7 bhp. Also, the 523i sports a valvetronic engine and it is smoother and more fuel efficient. Go for the upgrade.