The BMW 5 Series Touring (G31) 520i Steptronic, produced from 2017 to 2020, represents BMW’s entry point into the sixth-generation 5 Series wagon (Touring) lineup. Positioned as a more accessible option within the G31 range, it offered a blend of practicality, comfort, and the brand’s signature driving dynamics. This variant catered to buyers seeking a spacious, premium estate car with a focus on fuel efficiency and a smooth, automatic driving experience. It was a key model for BMW in the European market, where the Touring body style enjoys significant popularity, and also saw limited sales in North America.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | BMW |
| Model | 5 Series |
| Generation | 5 Series Touring (G31) |
| Type (Engine) | 520i (184 Hp) Steptronic |
| Start of production | 2017 |
| End of production | 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.1-7.5 l/100 km (33.1 – 31.4 US mpg, 39.8 – 37.7 UK mpg, 14.1 – 13.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.0-5.5 l/100 km (47 – 42.8 US mpg, 56.5 – 51.4 UK mpg, 20 – 18.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.8-6.2 l/100 km (40.6 – 37.9 US mpg, 48.7 – 45.6 UK mpg, 17.2 – 16.1 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 132-141 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 225 km/h (139.81 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.9 kg/Hp, 112.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.6 kg/Nm, 177.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 184 Hp @ 5000-6500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 92.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 290 Nm @ 1350-4250 rpm (213.89 lb.-ft. @ 1350-4250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | B48B20B |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 (121.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 94.6 mm (3.72 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Twin-power turbo, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.25 l (5.55 US qt | 4.62 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9.9 l (10.46 US qt | 8.71 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1630 kg (3593.53 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2350 kg (5180.86 lbs.) |
| Max load | 720 kg (1587.33 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 570 l (20.13 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1700 l (60.03 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 68 l (17.96 US gal | 14.96 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%) | 2000 kg (4409.25 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 | 4942 mm (194.57 in.) |
| Width | 1868 mm (73.54 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2126 mm (83.7 in.) |
| Height | 1498 mm (58.98 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2975 mm (117.13 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.28 |
| Minimum turning circle | 12.05 m (39.53 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | 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 97Y |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5 J x 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The 520i Touring utilizes BMW’s B48B20B 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder engine. This engine is a member of BMW’s modular engine family, known for its efficiency and performance. It features direct fuel injection, a single twin-scroll turbocharger, and variable valve timing (VANOS) on both the intake and exhaust sides. The B48 engine produces 184 horsepower at 5000-6500 rpm and 290 Nm (213.89 lb-ft) of torque between 1350 and 4250 rpm. The engine’s turbocharger is integrated into the exhaust manifold, improving responsiveness and reducing turbo lag. Paired with the engine is BMW’s 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. This transmission is known for its smooth shifts and efficiency. It offers both automatic and manual shift modes, allowing the driver to choose between convenience and control. The transmission is longitudinally mounted, driving the rear wheels.
Driving Characteristics
The 520i Touring with the 8-speed automatic delivers a comfortable and refined driving experience. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes approximately 7.8 seconds, and it reaches a top speed of 139.81 mph. While not the quickest variant in the 5 Series lineup, the 520i provides adequate power for everyday driving and highway cruising. The automatic transmission is well-tuned, providing smooth and timely gear changes. Compared to the manual transmission options, the Steptronic offers greater convenience, particularly in urban traffic. Compared to the more powerful 530i or 540i models, the 520i feels less urgent in its acceleration, but it compensates with better fuel economy. The gear ratios are optimized for both fuel efficiency and responsiveness, with lower gears providing brisk acceleration and higher gears enabling relaxed cruising.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 520i Touring typically came standard with features such as BMW’s iDrive infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display, automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Standard upholstery was typically a high-quality cloth, with leather upholstery available as an option. Optional extras included a premium sound system, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and a panoramic sunroof. Trim levels varied by market, but generally, the 520i served as the entry-level Touring model, with higher trims like the 530i and 540i offering more luxurious appointments and performance upgrades.
Chassis & Braking
The G31 5 Series Touring features a sophisticated chassis design. The front suspension utilizes a double-wishbone setup, while the rear employs an independent multi-link suspension. This configuration provides a comfortable ride and precise handling. The 520i typically came equipped with ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) were standard safety features. The suspension tuning was generally softer on the 520i compared to the higher-performance models, prioritizing ride comfort over outright sportiness. Stabilizer bars were fitted front and rear to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 520i Touring was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and comfortable estate car. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and refined driving experience. However, some critics noted that the 2.0-liter engine could feel underpowered when the car was fully loaded or traveling uphill. Compared to the 530i Touring, the 520i offered a more affordable entry point into the 5 Series lineup, but at the expense of performance. In terms of reliability, the B48 engine has proven to be generally robust, although some owners have reported issues with the timing chain and oil leaks. Fuel economy figures of 40.6 – 37.9 US mpg combined were competitive within its class.
Legacy
The BMW 5 Series Touring (G31) 520i Steptronic remains a popular choice in the used car market. Its blend of practicality, comfort, and efficiency makes it an appealing option for families and individuals seeking a premium estate car. The B48 engine, while not the most powerful in the lineup, has proven to be relatively reliable, and parts availability is generally good. The 8-speed Steptronic transmission is also known for its durability. As a result, well-maintained examples of the 520i Touring continue to command reasonable prices on the used car market, representing a good value proposition for buyers seeking a refined and versatile vehicle.
