F10 520i acceleration: The Truth Behind the Myth

[Juan Powerblow]

I like how Hafriz Shah of Autocar Malaysia puts it. I think he was reviewing the X3 2.0i when it "gobbled" what appeared to be a V50 T5. When it comes to acceleration, it's not your HP or torques that matter most per se, it's the torque curve. Recently, I was driving the F10 520i on the way to LCCT, enjoying the comfort and civility when I got poked by a M Sports E90 325i in an obvious hurry. I gave way, only to keep up until those empty and safe stretches to put the above theory to the test. On 3 to 4 drag stints, the F10 out-dragged the E90 albeit slightly, about 3 car lengths. I tested this while in front and even from the back after giving way again. The only part I gave up was at the roundabout coz I figured there's no way Dynamic Damping and the extra weight could match the M Sports on tighter bends. The wonders of BMW's twin scroll turbo still amazes me! There's no replacement for displacement? Well, forced induction and direct injection just booted out this obsolete fact.

 

[MarcoMeswara]

Good feedback buddy. What's the fastest you have taken the f10 520i to ?

 

[Juan Powerblow]

Good feedback buddy. What's the fastest you have taken the f10 520i to ?

I better not say and even then in this case, I wasn't sure coz eyes were on the road and rear mirrors. But I don't think I have hit double century yet.

 

[Atmosphere Motorsport]

So far i hit 215km/h with the f10 520i

 

[VKS]

wah very the fast la u guys..:smokin:

 

[Juan Powerblow]

The reason why I highlighted this experience and titled the thread as such is simply this. On paper, the E90 325i churns out 218 bhp / 250 Nm torque whilst F10 520i only eeks out 184 bhp / 270 Nm torque. It's logical then that 325i hits 100 kmh in 7.7 secs whilst the 520i, only in 8 secs. The latter is 0.5 secs slower than the F30 320i with same engine and tuning. Yet in 328i and 528i guise, the 528i is only slower by 0.2 secs.

I believe... the 520i's acceleration time is grossly understated and pessimistic. I dunno why, perhaps to make it look equal than E200 and A6 2.0T (in lower state of tune). Maybe, to even make the 523i don't look so bad. Or... to get E60 525i owners to change up to 528i i.e. discouraging them from going for 520i coz it seems to be a bigger downgrade. But, truth be told, if you're changing up from E60 525i to F10 520i, you should really be smilin'. Yet again, M'sia prices screwed up. With only 40k diff, they be smiling a lot more in a F10 528i

 

[MarcoMeswara]

wah very the fast la u guys..:smokin:

Speed thrills buddy .... :rock:

 

[andrewlim8]

With only 40k diff, they be smiling a lot more in a F10 528i[/QUOTE]

then y didnt u go for 528i ??