Ballarat Chatter Magazine of the

BMW Car Club, Ballarat, Inc Serving Country Victoria

Volume 10 : Edition 1 : September 2017

Graeme & Martha Burt’s BMW 528i

Happy BMW Motoring

BMW CAR CLUB – BALLARAT

OFFICE BEARERS

Brian Robertson Peter Butters

President Secretary &

Newsletter Editor

Max Prentice Ray Barber

Treasurer Red Plate Officer

Bruce Turner Graeme Burt

Committee Member Committee Member

Nonie Robertson Geoff Merrett

Committee Member Committee Member

The things you need to know …..

The BMW Car Club Ballarat, Inc. is a fully accepted member of BMW Clubs Australia. The opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Club or its Management Group.

BMW Car Club Ballarat

President’s Annual Report 2017

Firstly many thanks to all committee members who have assisted in the running of the Club over the last 12 months. A special thanks to Ray as secretary who has kept it all together also to Peter for the terrific News Letter to keep us all informed. We must not forget Max who keeps the Club afloat. Many thanks. Membership numbers are always a concern and it is pleasing to report that, at last count, we have increased our numbers by 2 up to 26. In an effort to recruit more members earlier this year we gave Ballarat BMW a “flyer” detailing our Club and for them to hand one out when ever they sold a BMW. To date nothing has resulted from this idea. Events over the past 12 months. I won’t dwell on these in detail as these have been covered in the various News Letters.

However mention should be made of our very interesting visit to the Queenscliffe Fort. Our Weekend Away to Swan Hill and an unusual day that Herbal Lore arranged by Max to sample some wonderful liquors. The Presidents lunch at the Farmers Arm Hotel Beeac was well attended with some generous giveaways from BMW Australia. The hotel’s owner, Ian McDowell’s collection of cars sparked a lot of interest from many Club members. Several Pub lunches /dinners were organized over the year, most of which were well attended lunch was held at the Quoin Winery on July 15th This was a well attended event and the last event before tonight’s AGM. Members indicated that we should do the same thing next year. Great to hear such positive comments.

Brian Robertson - President

Check out the website –

www.bmwcarclubballarat.org.au

In This Issue –

Run to Quoin Winery, Sunday July 15

AGM Royal Mail hotel Friday September 8

Upcoming Events

Committee Contact Points

BMW from the NET

Run to the Quoin Winery - Waubra

Sunday July 15

BMW CAR CLUB BALLARAT AGM Friday September 8

Office Bearers for the coming year

President Brian Robertson

Secretary Peter Butters Treasurer Max Prentice Committee Members Graeme Burt Bruce Turner

Nonie Robertson Geoff Merrett Club Permit Officer Ray Barber Magazine Editor Peter Butters

Upcoming Events

Diary Dates

Outlined below are some up and coming club events for your diaries.

Sunday 24th September - Run to the Swiss Mountain hotel at Blampied for lunch and

then to Over Wrought Sunday 29th October - Run to Castlemaine and then steam train to Maldon

Sunday 19th November - Run to Trentham to Cosmopolitan Hotel for lunch

Saturday January 13 - Run to Lal Lal

Australia Day Breakfast

Further details to be provided prior ………

Committee Email Addresses &

Mailing Address : PO Box 4149 Alfredton 3350 -

Website : www.bmwcarclubballarat.org.au

Committee Contact Points

Peter Butters 0409 253 139

Ray Barber 0427 518 707

Graeme Burt 0422 405 489

Max Prentice 53 364372

Brian Robertson 0438 522 871

Bruce Turner 0417 330 808

BMW - from the Net.

BMW X7 concept previews new full-size, 3-row

SUV

Viknesh Vijayenthiran

10 Sep 11, 2017

Follow Viknesh

BMW’s a bit late to the full-size SUV party, but as they say, “better late than never.”

The German automaker will use its home show, this week's 2017 Frankfurt auto show, to present the X7

iPerformance concept, a hulking SUV with typical BMW design cues coupled with a plug-in hybrid

powertrain and a light and airy cabin.

Although it’s a concept, the X7 iPerformance is a thinly veiled preview of a new X7 BMW will add to its

lineup next year. Though yet to be confirmed, the production X7 will likely feature the carbon fiber-infused

version of BMW’s CLAR modular platform which right now is only found in the 7-Series.

A new kind of luxury

The X7 iPerformance also signals the design we can expect for the interiors of future BMW models. Instead

of cramming the cabin with old-world features, the designers went with sleek, minimalist and high-tech

cool. This was achieved via elementary forms, high-class materials and the latest in infotainment and

connectivity.

It also adds to the feeling of lightness in the interior and thus the sense of comfort. In addition, a large

panoramic roof lets in plenty of light and makes the space feel even bigger. There are six seats spread over

three rows, but count on the production version to have seven seats. Materials used include leather (a mix of

white and dark, olive-bronze), open-pore ash wood, and matte and polished aluminum.

There’s also no missing the numerous digital screens. For the driver there’s a 12.3-inch screen serving as the

instrument cluster. A second screen of similar size and with touch capability sits at the top of the center

stack. The effect is of one unbroken display, much like in the high-end models from Mercedes-Benz. Two

more touchscreens are found in the second row, allowing more passengers to stay connected or entertained

while on the road.

2019 BMW X7 spy shots - Image via S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

BMW X7 iPerformance concept, 2017 Frankfurt auto show

Production in United States

The X7 will be built at BMW’s plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina and should reach showrooms late next

year. It was confirmed as early as 2014 and prototypes have been running in the wild since at least 2016.

We’re expecting it as a 2019 model, with inline-6, V-8, and plug-in hybrid options.

BMW’s absence from the segment was notable, as the automaker was a pioneer with its original X5,

arguably one of the first SUVs to offer car-like ride and handling. The X5 also proved a key player in

transforming the SUV segment into a mainstream one.

Like the X5, the X7 should quickly prove to be one of the more compelling options in its class. Potential

rivals include the Cadillac Escalade, Infiniti QX80, Lexus LX, Lincoln Navigator, Mercedes-Benz GLS and

Land Rover Range Rover.

Extra air of exclusivity

Coinciding with the reveal of the X7 iPerformance concept, BMW will announce a new strategy for its

upper echelon models, i.e. the upcoming X7 and 8-Series as well as the existing 7-Series and i8. Not only

will the cars come with unique design treatments and features, they’ll also sport a black-and-white version

of the BMW roundel first used 100 years ago. It will feature the company name “Bayerische Motoren

Werke” in full to highlight BMW’s long history.

BMW will have a busy stand in Frankfurt. In addition to the X7 iPerformance, the automaker will also

present an electric sedan concept from its BMW i sub-brand, an M8 GTE race car, the 8-Series and Z4

concepts that we saw earlier this year, as well as the new M5 and recently updated i3 range.

We’ll be bringing you live coverage from the show once the doors open on September 12, and you can stay

up to date on it all by frequenting our dedicated hub.

BMW plans to join the seven-seat brigade with its Frankfurt motor show concept, the X7 iPerformance

SUV, and compete with the large-class SUVs from the likes of Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Audi, Volvo

and Lexus.

It’s more than a concept, though, with BMW stating it’s almost production-ready and could see showrooms

in 2018 with a likelihood of an Australian appearance soon after.

The X7 – which is its production name – is based on the platform of the brand’s largest current SUV, the

X5, albeit with stretched proportions for better third-row space and cargo capacity compared with its

stablemate.

BMW did not officially state what powers the 5200mm X7, but it is reported to have a 3.0-litre turbo-

six with an electric motor.

BMW said the X7 will come as a proper seven-seater though showed the concept at Frankfurt this week with

three rows of two seats.

For production, the X7 is also expected to lose some show-stand glitz including the transparent roof with

supporting Y-shaped structures, 23-inch wheels and the dashboard’s crystal glass switches.

BMW did not officially state what powers the 5200mm X7, but it is reported to have a 3.0-litre turbo-six

with an electric motor. The SUV concept has plug-in technology carried over from the X5 xDrive40e SUV

and 530e and 740e sedans.

In profile the X7 has some of the bull-nosed styling and side-glass elements of the Volvo XC90. The

pronounced twin kidney grilles are the largest to be fitted to a BMW and are flanked by slim LED headlights

that give the face the impression of a squinting rabbit.

The concept is shown with 23-inch wheels, flush door handles, chrome horizontal trim to the lower side

edges and the tailgate, and three-dimensional L-shaped tail-lights.

Inside, the X7 concept is an evolution of the latest BMW cabin design with two 12.3-inch TFT screens that

flow from the centre to the driver’s binnacle.

Plush cabin materials include olive-bronze leather fascias with gold pigment, open-pore ash, real aluminium

accents and crystal glass switches.

The second-row passengers share the personalised infotainment with the front occupants.

The six seats are individual shell-backed lounge seats that ride on slender rails to maximise foot space.

The second-row passengers share the personalised infotainment with the front occupants, including

touchscreen monitors with access to digital services and office content.

Users can also send a song they want to hear to the vehicle’s music system using touch gesture, as well as

send an article to the person sitting next to them.

The X7 was first hinted at in 2014 when BMW confirmed a seven-seat model would be made at the

company’s Spartanburg, South Carolina factory.

INDYWHEELS

Check out this modified BMW M235i

Cunning engine and chassis enhancements boost the BMW M235i

Tony Middlehurst/AutoCar

Tuesday 4 July 2017 09:56 BST

On paper, the BMW M235i sounds like a brilliant everyday performance motor. For the enthusiast, it ticks

many boxes: fast, rear-wheel-drive, choice of manual or automatic gearboxes, small enough to be wieldy,

big enough for four and a fair bit of luggage, and now available used for as little as £20,000.

The trouble is, cars don’t ride on paper. On roads, the generally very good M235i is hamstrung by not

having the standard limited-slip differential that arguably should be fitted on any RWD sports coupé, and by

its poorly damped suspension on any roads that aren't as smooth as a marble floor, which is pretty much all

of them.

Buckingham-based tuning company Birds claims to have unlocked the M235i’s potential with its B2

conversion. Birds has a long track record in nicely-modded BMWs. For this M235i they asked ex-racing

driver James Weaver and experienced chassis engineer Pete Weston to play with the upgraded Bilstein

suspension. The B-Series Sports Suspension kit is built to their Birds-exclusive specifications and costs

£1554.23, including installation and warranty, but excluding VAT.

A £2248 Birds engine management upgrade takes the turbo six’s power up to 385bhp, and a £1694 Quaife

unit plugs the limited-slip differential gap. Throw in a set of Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres and front-axle spacers

and you’re up to a VAT-included total of £7,238 for the conversion. Then you can start considering other

options like uprated anti-roll bars and Alcon brakes, and – for manual cars – a short-shift kit and clutch

pedal weight adjustment kit.

Does the B2 conversion work? From a handling and all-round performance perspective, totally. The

suspension’s ability to sort out poor roads and its ride quality are both greatly enhanced. The standard car’s

vertical pogo-ing has been replaced by an air of calm composure. Even without the optional axle spacers,

which apparently improve things even more, the steering has a new precision about it.

That Quaife differential really brings the best out of the M235i. The standard car’s open diff frustrates by

smoking an unloaded tyre or zapping the car into surprise oversteer when you stamp on the throttle. The

Quaife adds much more playfulness, letting you slide the BMW like a classic rally Escort or hold it in neat

little corner-exit drifts. You can get a dealer-fit M Performance LSD from BMW, but at £2500 it’s a lot

dearer than Birds’ one.

The software upgrade is the only engine mod, but it works a treat. Now there’s serious pull from just

2000rpm and extreme mid-range urgency en route to the fast-arriving limiter. It’s a properly quick car,

although you wouldn’t realise it from the slightly colourless exhaust note.

We Just Drove a Brand New BMW That Basically Turns Into a

Cool Nightclub in the Evening

If you’re the owner of a M235i, either new or used, and want it to be both fast and fun on a daily basis, we

strongly recommend the Birds B2 upgrades. You can get Birds to bolt it all on in one shot, or do it gradually

piece by piece. In that case the best order would be chassis first, then diff, then engine.

As a by the way, it’s worth noting that you can fit the entire kit to the M135i hot hatch, and everything bar

the engine upgrade to the M140i or M240i.

Birds BMW M235i

Engine 6cyls in line, 2998cc, turbocharged petrol

Power 385bhp at 6500rpm

Torque 391lb ft at 3250rpm

Gearbox 8-spd automatic

Kerbweight 1530kg; 0-60mph 4.3sec estimated

Top speed 155mph

BMW preparing a 405-hp M2 CS with detuned M4

engine

Jeff Glucker

1 Sep 8, 2017

Follow Jeff

2018 BMW M2

BMW still uses the Ultimate Driving Machine slogan, but it doesn't always wear it well. The automaker

certainly churns out its share of segment busting niche fillers that aren't fit to sniff the tires of some of the

classic hits, but it also still makes a few cars that live up to the slogan. Now we hear that the already great

M2 is set to get an even more intense version. Get ready to be very excited by the impending arrival of the

BMW M2 CS.

Carscoops has a bit of the low down on the upcoming top-tier model in the 2 Series family. BMW will swap

out the M2's single-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 for the twin-turbo unit found in the more powerful M4.

BMW fans know that it's the N55B30T0 employed in the current M2. That engine is good for 365

horsepower. Powering the M4 is the S55B30T0. This engine gives you a lighter crankshaft, stronger pistons,

and a few other internal goodies. More importantly, it doubles up on the turbocharging and power rises to

425 horsepower or 444 horses with the Competition package.

In the BMW M2 CS, the S55 will be slightly detuned to produce 405 horsepower. We don't know if the car

will be given the DCT only, or also be offered with a 6-speed manual transmission. We do know, however,

that BMW is only going to crank out 1,000 units of this special M2.

Carscoops' info comes from a Spanish website that says production is set for March and first deliveries are

due in May. There is no word yet on how many will come to the U.S.

If you want one, you better start calling your local dealership now to reserve a spot in line.

BMW introduces the Tesla fighter – BMW i Vision

Dynamics

Auto Shows | September 12th, 2017 by Horatiu Boeriu 4

At the Frankfurt Auto Show, BMW has just introduced a highly awaited Tesla competitor. Launched under

the BMW i Vision Dynamics, the new all-electric concept …

At the Frankfurt Auto Show, BMW has just introduced a highly awaited Tesla competitor. Launched under

the BMW i Vision Dynamics, the new all-electric concept features a coupe-like design with four doors,

reminiscing of a 4 Series Gran Coupe based on its dimensions: length / width / height: 4,804 mm / 1,933 mm

/ 1,387 mm Wheelbase: 2,993 mm

The new concept has a range of 600 km (373 miles) and a top speed of 200 km/h (120 mph) and acceleration

of 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.0 seconds.

BMW says that the i Vision Dynamics design “draws on BMW’s long track-record in dynamics, innovation

and quality of detail, and re-interprets that heritage through form and function for the challenges of future

mobility.” Aerodynamic requirements define the car’s progressive appearance. Barely visible joins and the

flush integration of glass into the main body lend the study a modern and technical overall impression.

Within the smoothly flowing, neatly aligned progression of the surfaces along the car’s flanks, the new

characterisation of the window profile is a standout feature of the BMW i Vision Dynamics. This iconic

styling cue, which made its debut on the first wave of BMW i models, is depicted here in a fresh, likewise

function-led interpretation and also sharpens the identity of the car’s flanks. Their virtually symmetrical

form allows all passengers an equally good view out, highlighting the attention paid to the passengers and

the shared driving experience in the interior. This is something that will gain further in importance in the

future, in particular as far as (semi-) autonomous and connected driving is concerned.

The distinctive driving experience is further enhanced by the full-length glass surface running from the

windscreen to the rear window. This heightens the sensation of room and enables a feeling of spaciousness

and freedom inside the car that belies its dynamic exterior silhouette. Viewed from the outside, the unbroken

roof graphic reinforces the enclosed, modern feel of the exterior thanks to seamless transitions through the

front and rear end.

Just like the BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics, the new concept aims to be an emotional car that shows

BMW’s commitment not only to electric drives but also to emotional design.

With the i3 and i8 we have designed a revolutionary city car and a revolutionary sports car,” says Adrian

van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “And now the BMW i Vision Dynamics is

combining electric mobility with the core values of BMW: dynamism and elegance. We are therefore

demonstrating how the product range and the design language of BMW i can be evolved further into other

concepts.”

BMW has yet to reveal more information on the i Vision Dynamics, but our sources say a market launch in

2021 is being planned and the future naming convention has yet to be defined. One thing is certain: it won’t

be called i5 and if we were to place some bets, we would pick the 4 Series Gran Coupe name for the new

electric car.

BMW Blames Tightening Legislation and Scandals

for Diesel Downfall

Interesting, News | September 11th, 2017 by Gabriel Nica 1

The fact that Volkswagen was caught cheating on its emission tests initially seemed to be an issue which

would affect the VAG Group alone, but …

The fact that Volkswagen was caught cheating on its emission tests initially seemed to be an issue which

would affect the VAG Group alone, but some of us expected it to send a shock-wave through the entire

industry. BMW and other manufacturers are currently feeling the pressure coming in from the ruling bodies

of the EU, having to accelerate the development of hybrid and electric vehicles at a faster pace than they

would’ve preferred. And even though the Bavarians have been quiet up until now, a recent statement from

Klaus Frolich, the head of the R&D department in Munich shows the tremendous pressure the engineers are

working under right now and who they consider to blame for it.

During the speeches held last week by Frolich and BMW CEO Harald Kruger ahead of the Frankfurt Motor

Show the former said “The actions of some have severely compromised the credibility and trustworthiness

of our industry. As a result, we now face tighter – and sometimes irrational – approaches to legislation.

Around the world, regulations on fuel consumption, emissions and safety are changing faster than ever

before.” That’s a definite hint at Volkswagen and their actions, no matter how you look at it.

Even so, the man was quick to point out a couple of facts about the efforts BMW has put into cutting CO2

levels for over 20 years now, the company starting to infuse EfficientDynamics technology into its cars from

the end of the 1990s. “We were the only ones to deliver on the voluntary agreement on CO2 emissions –

since 1995, we have cut our average fleet emissions by over 40 percent” he said. “And when it comes to

cutting emissions, we don’t just follow the letter of the law. We deliver on its principles. Independent tests

show that our emissions are the lowest. And we use superior technologies to our competitors,” Frolich

added.

And indeed, independent test confirm that BMW has the lowest emissions of the German manufacturers,

followed by Mercedes-Benz. Even so, the Dieselgate scandal still affected the Germans directly, for

example when a magazine in Germany published a story, claiming that the Bavarian brand also manipulated

tests. Even though it turned out to be fake, the article prompted a drop in shares for the BMW Group that

cost them several millions in a matter of days.

TEST DRIVE: 2017 BMW 520d Efficient

Dynamics

3-Series, 5-series, News, Test Drives | September 11th, 2017 by Gabriel Nica 2

Being a jack of all trades is definitely not easy. Especially if you also want to do at least half the jobs well.

In order …

Being a jack of all trades is definitely not easy. Especially if you also want to do at least half the jobs well.

In order to understand what that must be like, you need to step into the shoes of a BMW engineer who

worked on the new 5 Series. As a matter of fact, that has been the job description of all 5ers ever made. So

instead, consider yourself invited into the shoes of every engineer who ever worked on a 5 Series for BMW.

To add insult to injury, the same job description applies for the designers. They need to be able to pen a car

that can be described as both elegant, aggressive and sporty at times. Do you have what it takes? If so,

you’re probably already working for BMW.

The reason why bringing such a car to life seems so hard to do is actually BMW’s own fault. They are

paying the price for bringing out better cars with each new generation. Over the course of 40 years, the 5

Series evolved and became better and better, culminating with the G30 model that we have in dealerships

today. Having invented its own segment back in the day, you wouldn’t expect anything less from the

Bavarians and today, all reviews seem to point out that the G30 5 Series is back on top after being briefly

dethroned by the E-Class.

Looking at the range of engines available for the 5 Series you suddenly start to realize that the chassis it’s

using needs to cover an extremely wide range of needs. From those looking for the ultimate performance

and driving experience aboard the M5 to those family guys needing practicality, comfort and efficiency. For

the latter folks, that’s where the 520d Efficient Dynamics steps in.

This is claimed to be the most efficient BMW 5 Series ever made by the Bavarians and after a couple of

days with it, we’re starting to believe them. Under the hood of the new 520d ED hides the same engine as on

the regular flavor 520d and that’s a first for cars wearing the Efficient Dynamics badge. Up until recently,

these super-efficient models used to come with slightly reworked mills that usually had less power than the

normal cars. For example, the F30 320d the Efficient Dynamics version is powered by a 2-liter 4-cylinder

diesel engine making 163 HP instead of 190 HP. However, that’s not the case here, as I said, and the 520d

ED comes with the fully fledged 190 HP and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque of the B47 engine. And while I

expected it to be rough and noisy as it turned out to be on the MINI Countryman Cooper SD, on the 5 Series

the exact same engine was as quiet and soft as a whisper.

It wasn’t by mistake that Forbes Japan claimed that the 523d Japanese-market model is the quietest 5 Series

in the range. It’s actually quite amazing how little sound makes its way inside the cabin from the engine bay.

I’m even more impressed as I was coming from a BMW M760Li xDrive, a car using a V12 engine with a

balance hard to match by any other engine configuration. Therefore, I was quite impressed with the effort

BMW put into isolating the noisy hum of the 4-cylinder B47 mill from the occupants of the car. The only

situation in which I actually heard it roar was when I took it close to the redline for some overtaking.

Of course, in terms of power and acceleration there were some rather big differences between the 520d and

the M760Li but when you’re stuck in traffic, doing 15 mph, the 600 hp of the M760Li become just a figure

on paper while the 520d ED starts to shine. One thing that also contributed a lot to the image of a classy

athlete was the fact that, since the Efficient Dynamics edition is configured to be as efficient as possible, you

do spend a lot of time coasting around town. That means the engine is just idling and you’re wafting away

towards a red light, keeping things eerily quiet.

That’s just one of the things that separates the run of the mill 520d from the 520d ED version. Another one

you can notice from the get go is the fact that, unlike most other BMWs, which start in Comfort mode, the

520d ED started in Eco Pro mode as its default setting. That means that unless you configured Eco Pro mode

to your own preferred settings, once you started the engine, the car’s systems would make sure the AC

would be turned down, while the gearbox would upshift five times or more by the time you reach 40 mph,

all to sip as little fuel as possible.

It was quite surprising just how soon the car would upshift when in the default Eco Pro mode. Combined

with the coasting, you only get to see the rev counter go up over 2,000 RPM if you really push it. In full

disclosure, you rarely get to see the tachometer at all in the 520d ED because of the new instrument cluster

that replaces the rev counter with a power display when in Eco Pro mode.

And that’s completely fine because the car reaches its maximum torque at 1,750 rpm and therefore you bask

in down-low torque all the time. The engine is powerful enough to handle its 1,600 kg (3,527 lbs), which is

more than just okay for a car of this size. Sure, it’s not going to be a land rocket, the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h)

sprint taking 7.5 seconds but, then again, not everyone’s looking to break speed records when behind the

wheel.

The issues most people will have with the 520d ED model will arise on the highway. That’s because at

speeds over 130 km/h (78 mph), when the car has four adults on board and their luggage, the extra weight

will become noticeable and acceleration spurts will take longer than usual. Therefore, if you’re thinking this

is the perfect car for drag racing on the highway you might want to look elsewhere.

On the other hand, if you’re careful with the throttle you’ll easily cover 1,000 km (over 620 miles) on a full

tank and I’m not talking only about highway cruising here. During my time with the car, I spent about 40%

of my time inside the city and 60% of it on the highway and I covered 950 km (close to 600 miles) with one

tank of diesel. Around town the on-board computer showed a fuel consumption of around 6.7 l/100 km up to

7.5 l/100 km (31.3 to 35.1 mpg). Mind you that’s in the world’s fifth most congested city in the world, so

I’m guessing in other parts of the planet, those numbers would be considerably different. Out on the

highway, I couldn’t get lower than 5.5 l/100 km (42.7 mpg) but that’s more than decent in my book,

considering the average speed was 110 km/h (68 mph).

Therefore, this would be the ideal car for a family man or woman looking to buy a car that wouldn’t hurt

their wallet whenever they decide to go for a longer drive or maybe a fun trip with the family. However,

they would be also be interested in the cabin and luggage space when deciding and the 5 Series does great in

that regard as well.

Up front the driver and the passenger get a lot of room inside. The new 5 Series is actually more spacious

than its main rivals in this regard, offering more leg room and head room than the Audi A6 and Mercedes-

Benz E-Class, even though the two other German cars are newer. Due to the high roof line and the fact that

the front seats slide a long way back, you won’t have any issues. Getting in isn’t difficult either, the doors

opening wide and allowing you to get in and out with ease. Of course, you’re going to have to find a wide

enough parking space in order to use these wide-opening doors to their full potential in the first place but

that’s a different story.

The things one can complain about up front is the fact that the door cubbies can only take small bottles of

water, an issue most BMWs have. Other than that, the glovebox is a decent size and the storage space in the

center console can fit keys and wallets with ease, being quite wide and deep.

As for the back seats, two full grown adults will fit in easily but it would be quite a stretch to fit three of

them back there. There’s ample headroom but the person sitting in the middle would be riding a bit higher

than the other two because of the seat configuration and transmission tunnel. And if in terms of headroom,

the 5 Series bodes better than the E-Class in terms of leg room the Merc does seem to be the winner. The

seats are comfortable though and the doors do open wide.

The boot has a capacity of 530 liters and that’s a bit smaller than the E-Class but only by a fraction. The

space is well split and you can also use the underfloor storage for smaller items. The main issue is the

opening, which does have a tall lip which can be annoying at times. Nevertheless, it’s more than decent for

the luggage needed for four people going on a one-week trip. To top everything off, the 5 Series range can

be fitted with automatically opening boot lids, that can be activated by simply kicking your foot under the

rear bumper. While it may seem gimmicky at first, it does come in handy, especially when you have your

hands full.

Therefore, there are pros and cons to buying the 520d Efficient Dynamics but that isn’t a new idea. Every

car demands a decision from its prospective owner, as the perfect car hasn’t been invented yet. However, the

new 5 Series range does come pretty close for those wanting an athlete in the shape of a business-class mid-

size sedan.

When it comes to driving, the 5 Series is definitely the king of its class. The CLAR-built chassis shows its

prowess whenever you want to push it to the edge and it is a joy to drive this thing, even when you’re behind

the wheel of an Efficient Dynamics model. That’s because adaptive dampers and new-age ECU and gearbox

software make sure the 520d has a different character whenever you push one of the Drive Mode buttons on

the center console, next to the gearshift lever.

And while 190 PS (187 hp) may not be a back-breaking figure, the fact that the 520d is rather light on its

feet makes driving it quite the experience. There’s no hint of understeer when taking the car to eight tenths

and the body roll is well kept in check. However, in order to get the same results behind the wheel as we did

you do need to get your car with the Variable Damper Control system which may be expensive but makes a

big difference in the end.

Without VDC the car rides a bit rough and going over bumps and potholes does upset the balance of the car

enough to become bothersome on longer stretches of bad roads. However, even if you do go for the adaptive

dampers, if you’re looking for the utmost comfortable ride we’d recommend steering away from big wheels

or the standard runflat tires as they do have quite a big say in the way the car ends up behaving on the road.

In the end, there’s a reason why the 520d is the best-selling 5 Series model in the history of the brand and

one of the best-selling BMWs of all time altogether. The engine under the hood is so efficient (Efficient

Dynamics edition or not) it becomes a great deal for those covering huge distances every year. Since

Germany’s Autobahn system isn’t going anywhere, it’s clear to see why people flock to buy these cars

whenever they come out.

So power be damned, the 520d handles great. Combining that with the space and comfort it’s capable of

offering, the low starting price and low maintenance, it’s hard to build a case against it. While in the past we

used to blame the noise coming out of the engine bay and into the cabin as the biggest flaw of the 520d,

today that’s no longer the case and in our book, this Alpine White 5er is undoubtedly a winner.

Once again

Until our next Issue - happy BMW Motoring