The BMW 5 Series Touring (F11) 520d Steptronic, produced from 2010 to 2013, represents BMW’s entry point into the premium, mid-size wagon segment. Positioned as a more practical alternative to the 5 Series sedan, the F11 generation – the fourth iteration of the 5 Series Touring – offered a blend of luxury, performance, and cargo capacity. The 520d variant, equipped with the Steptronic automatic transmission, was a popular choice for European buyers seeking a balance between fuel efficiency and respectable performance. It served as the base diesel engine option within the F11 Touring lineup, sitting below the more powerful 525d and 530d models.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | BMW |
| Model | 5 Series |
| Generation | 5 Series Touring (F11) |
| Type (Engine) | 520d (184 Hp) Steptronic |
| Start of production | 2010 |
| End of production | 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg, 43.5 UK mpg, 15.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.6 l/100 km (51.1 US mpg, 61.4 UK mpg, 21.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg, 53.3 UK mpg, 18.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 139 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 220 km/h (136.7 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.3 kg/Hp, 107.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.5 kg/Nm, 221.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 184 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 92.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 380 Nm @ 1750-2750 rpm (280.27 lb.-ft. @ 1750-2750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | N47D20C |
| Engine displacement | 1995 cm3 (121.74 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90 mm (3.54 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.2 l (5.49 US qt | 4.58 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.2 l (7.61 US qt | 6.34 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1715 kg (3780.93 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2365 kg (5213.93 lbs.) |
| Max load | 650 kg (1433 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 560 l (19.78 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1670 l (58.98 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 2000 kg (4409.25 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 90 kg (198.42 lbs.) |
| Length | 4907 mm (193.19 in.) |
| Width | 1860 mm (73.23 in.) |
| Height | 1462 mm (57.56 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2968 mm (116.85 in.) |
| Front track | 1600 mm (62.99 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1626 mm (64.02 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 141 mm (5.55 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.95 m (39.21 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission Steptronic |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 225/55 R17 97W |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 520d Touring is the N47D20C, a 2.0-liter inline-four diesel engine. This engine, a cornerstone of BMW’s EfficientDynamics strategy, utilizes a second-generation common rail direct injection system operating at 1,800 bar. This high-pressure injection contributes to improved combustion efficiency and reduced emissions. The N47D20C also features a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) with an intercooler, providing a broad torque curve and responsive power delivery. The engine produces 184 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm. Paired with this engine is the ZF 8HP80 eight-speed automatic transmission, marketed by BMW as “Steptronic.” This transmission is known for its smooth shifts, efficiency, and adaptability to various driving conditions. It offers both fully automatic operation and manual gear selection via steering wheel-mounted paddles or the gear selector.
Driving Characteristics
The 520d Steptronic offers a comfortable and refined driving experience. While not overtly sporty, the engine provides sufficient power for everyday driving and highway cruising. The eight-speed automatic transmission is a key contributor to the car’s usability, offering seamless gear changes and helping to keep the engine in its optimal power band. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes approximately 7.9 seconds, and the car has a top speed of 136.7 mph. Compared to the more powerful 525d or 530d variants, the 520d feels less urgent in its acceleration, but the difference is often negligible in real-world driving scenarios. The Steptronic transmission, while efficient, can sometimes feel hesitant during quick downshifts compared to the more direct feel of a manual gearbox.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 520d Touring typically came equipped with a generous amount of standard features, including automatic climate control, a BMW Professional radio system, power-adjustable front seats, and alloy wheels. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with leather options available as an upgrade. Common optional extras included a navigation system, a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, and parking sensors. Trim levels varied slightly depending on the market, but generally, the 520d was positioned as the entry-level Touring model, offering a good balance of features and affordability.
Chassis & Braking
The F11 5 Series Touring utilizes a double wishbone front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. The 520d models typically featured ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, along with ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), and traction control. The suspension was tuned to prioritize comfort, but still offered a reasonably controlled driving experience. The weight distribution, influenced by the engine layout and rear-wheel drive configuration, contributes to balanced handling.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 520d Touring was well-received by automotive critics as a practical and efficient premium wagon. It was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and fuel economy. Compared to its siblings, the 520d offered a more affordable entry point into the 5 Series Touring range, making it attractive to buyers who didn’t require the extra performance of the higher-output models. Fuel economy was a key selling point, with the 520d achieving combined fuel consumption figures of around 44.4 US mpg. Reliability was generally good, although some early N47 engines were known to experience timing chain issues, which were addressed in later revisions.
Legacy
The F11 5 Series Touring, and specifically the 520d Steptronic variant, has become a popular choice in the used car market. Its blend of practicality, comfort, and efficiency continues to appeal to buyers seeking a premium wagon. While the N47 engine’s timing chain issue is a known concern, regular maintenance and preventative checks can mitigate this risk. The 8HP80 transmission is renowned for its durability and reliability. Today, well-maintained examples of the 520d Touring represent a good value proposition for those seeking a refined and capable wagon.
