BMW 5 Series facelift spied for the first time

The mid-range sedan from BMW, the 5 Series is nearing its mid-life update. The LCi version of the F10 generation 5 Series is set to arrive next year, after 4 years in the market since its introduction in 2009. Details are scarce at the moment as, typical to BMW LCi terminology, changes are minimal. The critical change areas are camouflaged, making the prediction difficult.

The headlights are unlikely to be redesigned, except some minor revision to the internal graphic, depicted by slightly different looking outer edge of the headlamp. The hood and fender too looks carry-over from the current F10. It is the front bumper that gets most of the changes, and the upper grille silhouette is different in detailing to the current F10. The lower intake also sets to be revised although it is impossible to see the precise redesign. Side view mirror might be installed with the LED repeater like its smaller siblings too.

At the back, the inner portion of the tail light looks similar with its top placement of reverse light and three strips light bars. The changes could be all on the outer portion, although the change could be limited to some re-coloring. Rear fascia looks unchanged too judging by the placement of the rear reflector although changes could well be lower down. The squarish exhaust tips seen here is not new, as this is the standard item of the higher-powered 550i available in other markets.

Other than that, expect some enhancement in the cabin, particularly the switchgear and cabin trim to make it consistent with the rest of the updated model range. Some more photos can be found after the jump.

520i badge makes a return to Malaysia

The badge 520i makes a return to the 5-series stablemate after a long hiatus following the introduction of the detuned 2.5L in the 523i variant of E60 some years back. But the return of the entry level 5-series badge was not accompanied by puny power and torque figure, hence rest assured your F10 5-series will still move, even faster in fact!

The F10 520i Malaysian introduction was accompanied by the 528i M Sport, as well as an enhanced 520d. The gasoline version (520i and 528i M Sport) are both powered by the latest BMW TwinPower turbo technology with the capacity of 2.0L. The new engine features twin-scroll turbocharging, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and Double-VANOS variable camshaft control. For 520i application, the powertrain produced a much respected 184bhp@5000-6250rpm and 270Nm@1250-4500rpm of power and torque. The engine catapult the 520i to 100 km/h in mere 8.0 seconds and to a 226 km/h of top speed. Now that is unheard before in 520i!

The F10 528i M Sport gets the same engine in different state of tune. In this state, it produced 245bhp@5000-6500rpm and 350Nm@1250-4800rpm. The much higher power and torque output results in a much faster car than the 520i, where the 100km/h sprint can be done in 6.3 seconds, and top speed 250 km/h. The difference in performance is very obvious as both cars weigh nearly the same (because the engine is the same). The 520i is  1,685kg while the 528i version is just 10kg more. More detail after the jump.

Mighty BMW 5 series diesel coming - 550dX

It has been rumored since mid this year that the M5d is coming in 2012. It is clearer now that the model in question is 550dX, as revealed through a leaked dealer presentation in Holland. The car will be powered by new tri-turbocharged diesel engine with 3.0l inline-6 configuration, producing 381bhp and over 700Nm of power and torque figures. The drive will be channeled only via the AWD systems, as denoted by "X" in the car name. The car is expect to return around 46mpg matching of those on 535d.

The new tri-turbo diesel engine features a new setup consists of  two traditional exhaust blown turbochargers in combination with an electrically driven turbocharger to added low-end response. Due to the massive torque, rear wheel drive is not even an option. BMW insiders hinted the century sprint to be around 5.0 seconds, thanks to gigantic torque and good AWD traction. Top speed will be limited to customary 250 km/h. There is also a performance oriented M550dX which will gets a hots of chassis and styling tweak by the M-division.

Production of the 550dX is expected to begin in March 2012. The new powerplant will also find its way into X5 and X6 model.