The 525i was a variant of the BMW E39 5 Series that was introduced for the 2001 model year. The E39 525i was powered by BMW's 189hp M54B25 inline six engine and was offered with manual or automatic transmission options. These rear wheel drive cars were available in sedan or touring (station wagon) body styles, and were produced until 2003. BMW would reintroduce the 525i in the next generation of 5 Series as the E60 525i.