Approximately three months after our test drive on the BMW F10 528i, we were given an opportunity to test drive another F10, ie the entry level 523i. This test model is a semi knocked down model (SKD), assembled in Malaysia for its domestic market.
In terms of features the test model appears to have slightly better specs than the initial 523i, a fully assembled and imported model launched last year. For a start, the car has a larger LCD display with iDrive controls and Navigation System Professional.
Other features which are standard on the vehicle include, Dynamic Damping Control/Dynamic Driving Control, Brake Energy Regeneration, Dynamic Stability Control/Traction Control, Anti Lock Braking System, Brake Assistant, Integral Active Steering and Park Distance Control.
Compared to the earlier 528i, the 523i lacks the powered sunroof, pedal shifters, Head-Up display and the Adaptive Headlights. Both models offer a range of safety features including multiple airbags for the front, side and rear.
Among the F10 fleet in Malaysia, the 523i is the common model seen on the road. Occasionally, there is the odd 528i and the 535i here and there. The F10 has a distinctive look at night with set of arching red tail lamps which sets it apart from the crowd.
DRIVING IT
The dashboard appears just a bit bare since there is an absence of the pedal shifters and chrome lining on the steering wheel. Other than that, there is little to tell it apart from the earlier 528i as most of the other equipment is also standard on this model.
The Dakota leather seats are electronically adjustable with memory functions (driver’s seat). Steering column is adjustable electronically and to improve comfort levels there is an independent 4 zone air condition control (ie with separate controls for rear passengers as well).
Parking the car in Malaysian designated car parks requires a bit of care and practice to be proficient. The front is actually wider and longer than the first impressions from the driver’s perspective. Park Distance Control helps but it pays to be just a bit more cautious especially when you are turning into your spot.
I noted that for this test model, the LCD display has a better contrast compared to the earlier 528i. This is much better and enables the graphical display to be more vivid and clearer even during brighter days.
Powered by the N52 engine block, the 523i churns out a max output of 150kW (204hp) @ 6,300 rpm and a max torque of 250Nm @ 2,750 – 3,000 rpm. According to the specs, its top speed is rated at 234 km/h and is capable of accelerating from 0 – 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds.
Despite having an ‘older’ engine block, transmission is updated in this model with an 8-speed automatic with steptronic. Since there are no pedal shifters, engaging the steptronic function would be on the gearshift lever itself.
DYNAMIC DAMPING/DRIVING CONTROL
It is great that BMW included this feature for an entry level car such as the 523i. Hopefully, this will become a standard feature throughout its entire range of models in the future. This system works in conjunction with the transmission, integral active steering and damping systems of the car.
There are 4 separate modes. The first one is COMFORT. This is the softest of all settings and possibly a bit too soft for those who are used to the harder set up of recent BMW cars. However, this setting will help wean the first timer in getting used to run flat tyres and firmer suspensions.
The next setting is NORMAL. This is the preferred setting and provides a good balance of comfort and sportiness. Acceleration is brisk with no noticeable lag in power and responsiveness. Steering is light while gear changes are relatively seamless. It provides the better fuel economy.
After NORMAL is SPORT. In this setting there is an option for you to separately configure the drivetrain and chassis of the car, either collectively or individually. In this setting the steering firms up while the rpm raises a notch (about an extra 500 rpm). The rise in rpm was barely noticeable as the engine remained refined. You would only notice this by looking at the tachometer.
I recall in my previous experience using the SPORT mode in the 528i was less than satisfactory with a lag in response followed by a sudden surge forward. Happily for this test model, this was no longer the case. There is an urgency in response but missing the strong uncomfortable jerk forward which we felt earlier.
The final mode is SPORT+. In this mode the car’s stability controls are turned off. Similar to the SPORT mode the steering firms up and the rpm raises a notch. I found that driving in the SPORT mode yielded a better driving experience as the firmer steering gave an assurance of better ‘control’. However, at both SPORT modes, you have to expect higher fuel consumption.
Apart from SPORT mode, there is also the option to turn off the stability/traction control separately to provide you with a bit more ‘edge’ in your driving experience. The parking brake is engaged electronically via a switch next to the gearshift lever.
OTHER AREAS
Specific to this test model, I found that even after a mileage of 2,000km+, the firing of the N52 engine was not entirely smooth. Perhaps I was expecting a more refined performance but during times when the car idled I sensed a very slight intermittent vibration. Past experience with N52 engine blocks yielded better refinement.
Insulation of the car could have been better. Again perhaps I was expecting better coming off from testing the X6. Driving alongside cars in the freeway, external noises were a bit more apparent than preferred.
Tyre roar from the front set of wheels was also quite noticeable especially for coarse and older tarred surfaces. Initially, I thought there might be a bearing issue but later pin it down to probably the tyres. The car was equipped with 17 inch Goodyears (225/55 R17) which were generally okay in performance but could have been better.
Average fuel consumption was on the high side. The best reading I got from the on board computer was 10.9 litres per 100 km. This was quite far off from the official specs of 6.0 litres per 100 km (combined). The usual reading we observed was around 11.2 litres to 11.0 litres per 100 km for a mix of town and freeway driving.
The strength of the 523i lies in its handling. Equipped with the Integral Active Steering system, the car is able to steer accurately and quickly. During one of the test runs, the car was able to keep to the driving line even after a brisk turn (close to 70º) while our resident car usually veers off into the other lane.
Sound quality from the car’s entertainment system is good and it is more suited towards bass heavy tracks. The car’s cruise control system is quite easy to operate via buttons on the left side of the steering wheel. The set of buttons on the right side of the steering wheel controls the volume and settings of the entertainment system.
The 523i gave a good account of itself and retains the legendary handling characteristics of a BMW. There are areas which can be improved upon such as the reducing the average fuel consumption, giving it a better set of wheels and improving the insulation to make the car better.
MAINTENANCE
| Full Tank | 70 litres @ RM133 (Ron 95) | ||||
| Insurance | n/a | ||||
| Road Tax | RM877 per annum | ||||
| Standard Service | Free service for first 3 years | ||||
| Warranty | 3 Years or 60,000km whichever is earlier | ||||
These are estimated costs applicable to Malaysia only which are subject to change without notice. Road Tax is for private registration in Peninsular Malaysia. Standard/scheduled service excludes additional or specific service/repairs requested. Please reconfirm these terms and costs with an authorized BMW dealer.
VITAL STATISTICS
| Engine | BMW straight six-cylinder petrol engine | ||||
| Capacity | 2,497cc | ||||
| Max Output | 150 kW (204hp) @ 6,300 rpm | ||||
| Max Torque | 250 Nm @ 2,750-3,000 rpm | ||||
| Top Speed | 234 km/h | ||||
| Acceleration 0-100km | 8.5 sec | ||||
| Fuel Consumption | 6.0 litres per 100 km (combined) | ||||
Source: BMW Brochure
Note: Please reconfirm the above specifications with an authorized BMW dealer
SOUNDS
Click on these to sample sounds from the car!
F10 523i Acceleration (Outside)
