One of the top of the line variants for the E39 5 Series was the BMW 540i. Introduced for the 1997 model year, the 540i was initially fitted with BMW's M62B44 engine. This 4.4L V8 engine produced 282hp and sent power to the rear wheels through manual or automatic transmissions. For the 1999 model year, this engine was updated. Now known as the M62TUB44, this updated engine featured a wider and lower powerband than its predecessor. Two body styles were offered for the 540i, sedan and station wagon (Touring). Four main variants were built: Sedan - Manual, Sedan - Automatic, Touring - Manual, and Touring - Automatic. Production of the E39 540i ended in 2003, although BMW continued the model series in its next generation E60 5 Series.