BMW introduced the 525i variant of their E34 5 Series for the 1989 model year. Over the course of production, BMW used three different engines to power the E34 525i. At first, it used BMW's 168hp M20B25 inline six engine, but from 1992, they used their 189hp M50B25 inline unit. This engine had a brief run before BMW introduced their M50B25TU for 1993, which was the featured variable valve timing, and an improved powerband. Both manual and automatic transmissions were offered for this series of rear wheel drive cars, as well as sedan or touring wagon body styles. Production of the E34 525i ended in 1996, but the 525i would continue life in the next generation of 5 Series, as the E39 BMW 525i.