How Many Cylinders Does a BMW 5 Series Engine Have?
4 Answers
The BMW 5 Series produced by Brilliance BMW is equipped with a 4-cylinder engine; the imported BMW 5 Series offers both 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines. Below are the powertrain combinations for the imported BMW 5 Series: 1. 525 Model: Features a low-power version of a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, delivering a maximum power of 135 KW and a maximum torque of 290 N·m. 2. 530 Model: Equipped with a high-power version of a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, matched with an 8-speed automatic transmission, producing a maximum power of 185 KW and a maximum torque of 350 N·m. 3. 540 Model: Comes with a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder turbocharged engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, offering a maximum power of 250 KW and a maximum torque of 450 N·m.
The number of cylinders in a BMW 5 Series engine depends on the specific model and year, so it can't be generalized. I've studied the current 5 Series lineup - both the 525 and 530 models use a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, with different power tuning but identical structure. However, the higher-end 540i comes with a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder, offering a completely different level of smoothness during acceleration. As for the ultimate performance M5, from previous generations to current models, it consistently uses a 4.4-liter V8 engine with supercar-level power output. By the way, the hybrid 535Le is also based on a 4-cylinder engine. Therefore, when purchasing, you need to carefully check the specifications - entry-level 4-cylinder models are more affordable, but those pursuing driving refinement tend to prefer 6-cylinder or 8-cylinder options.
My friend just bought a used BMW 5 Series and specifically asked me about the engine. The current 525Li and 530Li models mostly use the B48 series 2.0T four-cylinder engine, which is fuel-efficient and powerful enough. If you see a model with a 540i badge, it definitely has the B58 inline-six engine, and the sound at startup is completely different. Old-school car enthusiasts might remember the E60-era M5 with its V10 engine, but the current M5 models all use the S63 4.4TV8, and the explosive power of the eight-cylinder is particularly noticeable on the track. There's also an inline-six diesel version, but it's rare in China. Basically, you can tell the number of cylinders just by looking at the badge number when choosing a car.
Last week, I test drove the latest BMW 530. The salesperson mentioned that the main models now come with four-cylinder engines. However, the engine layout is quite sophisticated—the inline configuration ensures better front-to-rear weight distribution. If you want to experience a six-cylinder, you’d need to go for the 540, which drives as smooth as Dove chocolate. The top-tier M5 comes with an eight-cylinder engine, each cylinder equipped with a turbocharger. A mechanic once told me that four-cylinders are cheaper to maintain in the long run, but six-cylinders generally last longer. The hybrid version packs an electric motor system into the engine bay, but the core remains a four-cylinder. The driving feel differences between various cylinder counts are more noticeable than the specs suggest.
