The Touring, or station wagon, version of the E39 BMW 540i debuted for the 1999 model year. The E39 540i Touring was powered by BMW's M62B44 engine, which was a 4.4L V8 engine that generated 282hp and 325 lb ft of torque that was sent to the rear wheels through a 5 speed automatic transmission. Although no manual transmission was offered from the factory for the E39 540i Touring, many enthusiasts have converted their automatic cars to Manual E39 540i Tourings. Production of the E39 BMW 540i Touring lasted until 2003, although the model series would continue in the next generation E60 BMW 5 Series.