F10 BMW 5 series Deep-review (After 5+ years, Is it still worth to buy?)

The BMW 5 series was one of the legendary model in BMW and it was first launched in 1972. Now, the latest 7th generation has already on market since 2016. The F10 is the 6th generation and the term 'F' represents the internal designations for the different chassis-models of a car. 

(G30/31/38 7th generation)

(F10/11/07/18 6th generation)

(E60/61 5th generation)

(E39 4th generation)

(E34 3th generation)

(E28 2nd generation)

(E12 1st generation)

The car we have here today is an 2013 BMW 523i 2.0T and it was imported from Japan. Although it say '523i' but it's actually '520i', because BMW may name the same model with different number basis on the market area (Asia, North America, Euro, etc.). In this review, we are going to find out some details about this car and finally decide is it still worth to buy or not!

1. Performance

This 2013 BMW 523i 2.0T has swapped from stright six cylinder engine to a four cylinder N20 engine. It will produce 135kw(181hp) at 5,200-6,250 rpm and 270 N.m at 1,250-4,500 rpm. It would accelerate from 0-100km/h in 8.1 sec. However, from the performance data, this is not a car that can give you an extremely fast acceleration experience. But it is enough for drivers to handle daily drive in both urban and highway.

One thing need to be noticed, the Twin-power turbo on this car is not Twin-turbo (Bi-turbo), the definition between them could easily confuse customers.

2. Exterior

The car we review today was imported from Japan. BMW 5 series sales three different body styles in Asia area: Highline, Luxury and M Sport. For some people who is not familiar with BMW, the body style can be reconised by the badges on front fender.

BMW made a small change to the 5 Series in 2013. The car was replaced with a new LED headlight, which greatly improved the visibility of the road at night. The wide body and body line also make the 5 Series look more muscular.

Based on the positioning of the 5 Series as a luxury model, its length and wheelbase also reaches 4,899mm and 2,970mm. The BMW's classic two-kidney intake grille is highly recognizable on the road.

The market price of mineral white colour is normally higher than other colors in NZ, and between highline and M sport, the M sport are more popular and expensiver basis on same specs.

Overall, in terms of look and feel, 5 series reduces the 'sports' label and replaces it with a more' business 'look. Different from the 3 Series, the target customers of the 5 Series tend to be elder consumers with stronger consumption ability.

3. Interior

The BMW 523i Highline comes with power seats, seat heating, automatic wipers, automatic headlights, adaptive headlights and more. Unfortunately, the original owner did not choose like ACC, head-up display and Harman kardon speakers which can enhance the overall sense of luxury.

Of course, reversing image and radar are standard, and the clarity of BMW reversing image is commendable. Compared with the reversing image of Audi and Mercedes-Benz, BMW should be said to be the brand with the best experience.

BMW's IDrive system is very convenient to use, and the damping of the buttons and steering wheel also make the vehicle more luxurious. The second generation of IDrive system improves the interaction between the vehicle and the driver, and all vehicle data and related Settings can be operated through this system.

The color of the sixth-generation 5 series night atmosphere light is slightly monotonous, with only one color. But the night atmosphere lights of the seventh-generation 5 series can be adjusted by the drivers.

Although the positioning of the 5 Series is a luxury model, the leg space of the rear seat is not ideal. Although the seat stuffing is very full and the leg support is very good, it is precisely because of this that the length of the seat is longer, which reduces the length of the leg space. In the Chinese market, BMW has launched the long wheelbase version of the 5 Series. In this version, the length of leg space has been greatly improved. Unfortunately, the long wheelbase version is only sold in China.

4. Common problem

Althought this N20 engine is one of the great engine in the world, but it can still occur some problems (not always) after a certain number of miles.

Timing Chain

Usually occur after 80,000km/ Cost $1000+

Value cover & Gasket leaks

Usually occur after 96,000km or even 160,000km/ Cost $500+

Note: In the long run, due to the increase in the number of kilometers and years, the parts of automobiles will gradually wear out during daily use. Therefore, some parts will be gradually replaced after driving to a certain number of kilometers. In daily driving, regular maintenance can effectively extend the service life of the car.

5. Conclusion

The BMW F10 523i stands out in terms of fuel consumption, configuration and reliability, but its power performance tends to be mediocre. Although it is not a 3 Series' sport 'to drive, its road feedback and shock absorbers are still commendable. For consumers with budgets above $23,000, that's enough to pick up a 5 Series in good condition. But the longer car is not suitable for less skilled drivers and for 'speed' drivers. Of course, if you want both 'luxury' and 'sport', consider the more expensive M5, but a budget of $65,000 + will put many people off!

Please don't forget to put your comments and suggestions below and tell me what car you wish to see in the future!

Reference:

BMW 5 Series. (n.d.). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_5_Series

Common problems with the BMW 5 Series. (n.d.). BreakerLink. https://www.breakerlink.com/blog/cars/common-problems-bmw-5-series/