To where I've always heard it could be
Just a dream and the wind to carry me
And soon I will be free
Fantasy, it gets the best of me
When I’m sailing
All caught up in the reverie
Every word is a symphony
Won't you believe me
CHRISTOPHER Cross’ award-winning song of 1980 still comes across as endearing. Some things don’t change even after all these years.
While this little tune was playing in the head, the body was glued to a big boy’s toy, one that had the aggressive, purposeful look that made it stand out from the crowd. Decked out in all-black and with xenon lights on at dusk, it was a pretty sight.
If ever one has wondered what it’s like to sail – on the road, mind you – just take the BMW 523i for a spin. Sailing through traffic is a breeze in this high-speed tourer.
The 5 product line was recently updated, with the 523i replacing the underpowered 520i as entry level while the 530i and 525i received refreshing changes to push the specs a few notches up.
Not least of which were lighter, more powerful engines and a few interior tweaks across the board.
The latest 5 Series is a little bigger exterior and interior-wise than its E39 predecessor. More legroom is now available in the back for the individual, resting on Dakota leather seats, to view the world without.
The interior is still largely the same as the earlier version of the E60, with minor cosmetic changes such as soft paint surfaces, lid for an enlarged driver’s side storage box and a leather finish handbrake lever handle.
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| The 523i strikes an alluring pose. |
The layout of dashboard dials and meters is not something out of an Ah Beng’s car; it’s pragmatic and tasteful. As part of the simplification and the confidence BMW has in its chockfull of electronics and sensors, the temperature gauge is gone. If the tropicalised engine overheats, the onboard computer will tell you in no uncertain terms. It has been pointed out in some online auto forums that the E60 5 Series has a secret menu through which the driver can access the engine temperature info, but the steps to get there are not for the fainthearted.
A simplified iDrive control system to manage and monitor peripheral settings is built in, with a Menu button to serve as an escape key in case one gets lost in the labyrinth of digital submenus. The iDrive, by the way, was first introduced in the 7 Series.
The famed straight six engine in Valvetronic form now comes in a magnesium-aluminium alloy crankcase. Together with an electric water pump, these two features are a world first, resulting in the 5 Series having more power, better fuel efficiency and improved revving ability.
The 523i shares the same 2.5l engine as the 525i albeit in detuned form, while the 525i is available only in the sports package.
The 523i now delivers 7bhp more power than the 520i. Maximum torque has increased by 20Nm and over 90% of the maximum torque of 230Nm are available across a wide powerband of 1,500rpm – 6,000rpm.
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) keeps the 523i on an even keel when starting or accelerating, and also improves traction, while the Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) in the 5 provides greater propulsion, especially useful on straight stretches.
DSC by default works like a charm. A colleague who has tried the 740Li described it as riding on rails when cornering fast. Guess what? It’s the same with the 523i, making it difficult but not impossible for the tail to flip from the line taken. One potential danger of having a safety feature that works is that a driver may be lulled into a false belief he is a better driver than he really is, and may push it too far.
DSC is not a synonym for being crash-proof.
A button on the dashboard lets the driver switch off DTC for some tyre-squealing fun. A message will be displayed: “DTC deactivated; DSC restricted”.
Active Steering serves a dual purpose, giving the driver more precise handling and tracking as well as working with the DSC to get him out of a sticky situation such as a slide. More power assist is offered when parking or at any lower and mid-range speeds; less is doled out at higher speeds.
The use of an all-aluminium chassis and suspension shaves off some weight, making the car even lighter. The almost 50:50 weight distribution between the front and rear axles means the 523i handles with agility and poise, behaving as if it’s lighter than it really is. Steering response is sharp.
Play with the car even more, and you will find the manual mode in the six-speed Steptronic drivetrain is the better way to enjoy the smooth climb past the century mark with speed maxing out at 232kph. However, it comes at the expense of fuel economy.
The 523i has unexceptional pick-up in auto mode, but then some drivers won’t mind, placing greater emphasis on comfort particularly in city driving. Wind noise is minimal to the extent driving the 523i is a pretty quiet affair.
For more grunt, look up the 523i’s higher-end siblings such as the 525i and the 530d. It doesn’t mean the RM355,000 523i (OTR without insurance) is out of the running. It performs respectably and delivers on comfort and the executive feel. Where power from the new composite engine is concerned, smooth is the word.