BMW details 2012 5 Series 520i, 525d and 528i engine specs
BMW has confirmed engine outputs, fuel economy and performance figures for the 2012 5 Series 520i, 525d and 528i, with new turbocharged petrol and diesel units.
BMW has announced full engine specifications for the 2012 5 Series 520i, 525d, and 528i, confirming power outputs, fuel consumption, and performance figures for the UK market. The updated engine range introduces new turbocharged petrol and diesel units, with an emphasis on efficiency and reduced emissions. This update marks a shift from the previous six-cylinder engines to more efficient four-cylinder options, reflecting BMW’s strategy to balance performance with environmental considerations.
Overview of 2012 BMW 5 Series Engine Updates
2012 BMW 520i: Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Petrol
The 520i now features a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. This engine produces 184hp and 270Nm of torque, delivering power to the rear wheels. The standard transmission is a six-speed manual, while an eight-speed automatic is available as an option. BMW claims the new engine offers improved efficiency compared to the previous naturally aspirated six-cylinder unit, although official fuel economy figures for the 520i were not detailed in the announcement. Buyers can expect a more responsive driving experience thanks to the turbocharged setup, which provides more torque at lower engine speeds.
| Engine Type | 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol |
|---|---|
| Power Output | 184hp |
| Torque | 270Nm |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual (standard), eight-speed automatic (optional) |
2012 BMW 525d: Four-Cylinder Turbo Diesel
Replacing the earlier six-cylinder diesel, the 525d now uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine. This unit delivers 218hp and 450Nm of torque, making it one of the most powerful four-cylinder diesels in its segment at the time. The 525d shares transmission options with the 520i, offering both a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic. BMW positions the 525d as a high-torque, efficient alternative to traditional six-cylinder diesels, with the aim of providing strong performance alongside improved fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. While precise figures for fuel consumption and emissions were not provided for the 525d, BMW highlighted the efficiency gains resulting from the engine downsizing.
| Engine Type | 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel |
|---|---|
| Power Output | 218hp |
| Torque | 450Nm |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual (standard), eight-speed automatic (optional) |
2012 BMW 528i: New Turbo Petrol Replaces Six-Cylinder
The 528i replaces its previous naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. This new powerplant produces 245hp and 350Nm of torque. The engine, already familiar from its application in the 3 Series, is designed to deliver more torque at lower revs and to improve efficiency. As with the other models, the 528i is available with a six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed automatic gearbox. The move to a smaller, turbocharged engine is part of BMW’s broader push towards lower emissions and better fuel economy without sacrificing performance.
| Engine Type | 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol |
|---|---|
| Power Output | 245hp |
| Torque | 350Nm |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual (standard), eight-speed automatic (optional) |
520d EfficientDynamics Edition: Focus on Economy
BMW also highlighted the 520d EfficientDynamics Edition, which is aimed at buyers prioritising low running costs and company car drivers. This model uses a 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 184hp and 380Nm of torque. Its standout feature is its efficiency: BMW claims a combined fuel consumption of 4.5 litres per 100km (62.8mpg) and CO2 emissions of 119g/km. The company stated that these figures are at least ten percent better than the most efficient segment rivals at the time, while still delivering competitive performance. The 520d EfficientDynamics Edition accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds and has a top speed of 231km/h.
| Engine Type | 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel |
|---|---|
| Power Output | 184hp |
| Torque | 380Nm |
| Fuel Consumption (combined) | 4.5l/100km (62.8mpg) |
| CO2 Emissions | 119g/km |
| 0-100km/h | 8.2 seconds |
| Top Speed | 231km/h |
Transmission Options Across the Range
All 2012 BMW 5 Series 520i, 525d, and 528i models are equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. For those seeking greater comfort or efficiency, BMW’s eight-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic is available as an option. This transmission is designed to optimise both performance and fuel economy, further supporting the efficiency improvements seen in the 2012 model year updates.
Summary of Engine and Performance Specifications
| Model | Engine Type | Power (hp) | Torque (Nm) | Transmission (Standard/Optional) | Fuel Consumption (l/100km) | CO2 (g/km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 520i | 2.0-litre turbo petrol | 184 | 270 | Manual/Automatic | N/A | N/A |
| 525d | 2.0-litre turbo diesel | 218 | 450 | Manual/Automatic | N/A | N/A |
| 528i | 2.0-litre turbo petrol | 245 | 350 | Manual/Automatic | N/A | N/A |
| 520d EfficientDynamics | 2.0-litre turbo diesel | 184 | 380 | Manual/Automatic | 4.5 | 119 |
