2013 BMW 5 Series (F10) LCI 518d 6MT RWD (150 HP)

Vehicle Overview

BMW refreshed the sixth generation of the 5 Series, the F10, in 2013, four years after the model’s introduction in October 2009, but the changes were not over yet.

The German automaker sold more than 5.5 million units of the 5 Series ever since the model’s introduction in 1972, and customers were very happy with the F10. But still, BMW had its calendar of upgrades, so it applied them to the model in 2013. There were several exterior changes and other interior upgrades, but those were just the beginning. The final touch came later, in 2014 when a new family of engines came to refresh the powertrains of BMW’s mid-size executive sedan series.

In terms of design, the 5 Series F10 was loved by everyone, so the styling department had the difficult job of subtly improving it without spoiling it. As a result, the front fascia remained largely the same, although the headlights got standard bi-Xenon brights with an option for LED fog lamps. The door mirrors also sported LED blinkers.

From its profile, the athletic silhouette of the vehicle remained unaltered but was enhanced with new options for 18” alloy wheels. In the back, depending on the drivetrain version, the 5 Series featured either twin pipes on the side or two exhausts on each side.

The most significant changes happened on the inside, and especially on the dashboard. BMW installed a standard analog instrument cluster fitted with a lower LCD for additional information or a 10.25” TFT screen. Besides, atop the center stack, the car manufacturer introduced a new generation of infotainment systems named NBT (Next Best Thing).

Thanks to this new system, drivers could access the BMW ConnectedDrive system, which allowed them to book hotels in advance, avoid traffic congestion, or listen to online radios. Depending on the region, BMW offered even Facebook and Twitter integration into the system.

In terms of safety, thermal imaging, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and Lane Departure Warning were also available as options. Furthermore, the 5 Series could also be fitted with an advanced automatic parking system, where the driver didn’t have to do anything, just to be seated behind the steering wheel.

Under the hood, the most significant novelty was the introduction of a new 143 PS (141 hp) version of the two-liter turbo diesel engine that was already installed on the 520d and the 525d. But that was just the beginning. In 2014, the refreshed version of the 5 Series F10 got rid of the old N-series engines (both gasoline and turbo diesel) and got the B-Series ones, which also came with improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

Like the non-facelifted version, the 5 Series F10 LCI was available with either six-speed manuals or eight-speed automatics that sent the torque to the rear or in all corners.