BMW 523i is a high-performance car with lots of luxury and safety features. It is also spacious, stylish, and fuel-efficient. BMW offers the 523i in either sedan or touring body style. Therefore, buyers have the choice of picking a car that meets their needs best.
The BMW 523i may offer lots of outstanding features, but it also has several issues that interested buyers and users should know about. For instance, it has engine problems, timing chain issues, a faulty sunroof, and damaged tensioners.
Aside from the common issues that this car comes with, it is also unreliable and quite costly to maintain. Also, it has a high initial cost, which may deter some buyers. Overall, the BMW 523i is a nice car and has a lot to offer.
History of BMW 523i
The BMW 5-Series was launched in 1972 and it has some of the most exceptional BMW models of all time. The BMW 523i was introduced in 2010 and is part of the sixth-generation BMW 5-Series. BMW offers this model in two body styles; the F10 BMW 523i sedan and the BMW F11 523i touring.
Both the sedan and touring are stylishly built and come with top-notch features. They are also spacious, fuel-efficient, and luxurious. These cars were produced between 2010 and 2017. Additionally, they both feature a rear-wheel-drive system as standard, which is great for traction.
Features of BMW 523i
Appearance
When it comes to exterior appeal, the BMW 523i is one of the best-looking cars in its class. It competes favorably with the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Some of the features that stand out are the high gloss black active air stream kidney grille and trapezoidal visible exhaust tailpipes.
Additionally, it comes with large wheels with a BMW badge that gives the car a sporty look. Other notable features include dynamic brake lights with LED daytime running lights, body-color door handles, and an all-around anti-corrosion system.
The interior of the BMW 523i is also beautifully finished with expensive materials. It has leather seats, a leather steering wheel, velour floor mats, lumbar support, and much more. It is also spacious and very advanced.
This car has a wheelbase of 114-inches, a length of 190.6-inches, a width of 72.7-inches, and a height of 58-inches. So, it’s a medium-sized car, which is perfect for daily driving or for family use.
Performance
The BMW 523i F10 and F11 come with two engine options. The first engine is the N52B25 inline-6 engine, while the second engine is the N53B30 inline-6 engine. The first engine produces a maximum of 201 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, while the second engine produces a maximum of 240 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque.
If you want a performance model, you will have to opt for the BMW 523i M Sport that produces a maximum of 201 bhp and 199 lb-ft of torque. It also has a top speed of 148 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 in just 7.6 seconds.
Comfort and Cargo Space
The BMW 523i sedan and touring are spacious and can accommodate up to five people. They also have ample trunk space, even though the BMW 523i comes with more space as the rear seats can be folded. So, if you desire a car with more cargo area, the 523i touring is the best choice.
Fuel-efficiency
Even though the BMW 523i is a high-performance car, it does not consume a lot of fuel. It is very fuel-efficient as it consumes around 6.1 liter per 100 km, which is very outstanding.
Price
The price of the BMW 523i depends on the model year and the condition that the car is in. Most of the used BMW 523i models range between $20,000 and $40,000.
FAQ
Is the BMW 523i a good car?
Yes, the BMW 523i is an excellent car. Not only is it spacious, luxurious, comfortable, and fuel-efficient, but it is also practical. Nevertheless, this car has several issues and it is not very reliable. But with proper care and maintenance, you won’t have to deal with costly repairs. Overall, it is a nice car for daily drivers.
How long does the BMW 523i engine last?
If the car is well-maintained, the engine should last over 200k miles. On the contrary, if it is not well-maintained, then it will be quite challenging to clock over 150k miles. On average, most BMW 5-series clock between 200,000 to 250,000 miles. This means your BMW 523i engine should last for more than 15 years.
What engine is the BMW 523i?
The BMW 523i comes with two engine options. The first engine is the N52B25 inline-6 petrol engine, while the second engine is the N53B30 inline-6 petrol engine. Note that the first engine is only offered to the Asian market, while the second engine is made for the European market.
What are the common problems with the BMW 523i?
Before you invest in the BMW 523i, it is crucial to find out some of the problems that you will encounter, so that you’re better prepared. Some of them are engine failure, timing chain issues, damaged tensioners, faulty sunroof, problems with the cooling system, and air conditioning issues.
Even though the above problems are common on the BMW 523i, not every model year has them. So, find out which problems are found on the 523i model year that you intend to buy.
How fast is the BMW 523i?
The BMW 523i M Sport variant has a top speed of 148 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 7.6 seconds. Thanks to 201 bhp and 199 lb-ft of torque. The base 523i is somewhat slower as it has a top speed of 146 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 7.5 seconds.
Bottom line
If you want an elegant, comfortable, spacious, fuel-efficient, safe, and practical car, the BMW 523i is an excellent choice. But like most BMWs, it also comes with several issues that can be minimized through proper care and maintenance. Besides, the car is not very reliable and it is quite costly to maintain.
All in all, it will save you some cash on fuel as it is more efficient than its rivals. Generally, this is a nice family car, and it’s ideal for those who want luxury and performance in one car.
