The BMW 540i Touring, part of the E39 facelift range produced from 2000 to 2004, represented the pinnacle of performance and luxury within the 5 Series wagon lineup. Positioned as the premium variant, it offered a significant step up in power and refinement compared to the 528i and 530i models. The E39 Touring, in general, was BMW’s first foray into a factory-produced 5 Series wagon, and the 540i capitalized on this with a powerful V8 engine and sophisticated automatic transmission. This model catered to buyers seeking a practical yet exhilarating driving experience, blending the utility of a station wagon with the performance expected of a BMW.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | BMW |
| Model | 5 Series |
| Generation | 5 Series Touring (E39, Facelift 2000) |
| Type (Engine) | 540i V8 (286 Hp) Steptronic |
| Start of production | 2000 |
| End of production | 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 18.2 l/100 km (12.9 US mpg, 15.5 UK mpg, 5.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8.9 l/100 km (26.4 US mpg, 31.7 UK mpg, 11.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 12.3 l/100 km (19.1 US mpg, 23 UK mpg, 8.1 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 6.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 6.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 6.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.3 kg/Hp, 159.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.1 kg/Nm, 245.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 286 Hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 65 Hp/l |
| Torque | 440 Nm @ 3600 rpm (324.53 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M62B44 |
| Engine displacement | 4398 cm3 (268.38 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 92 mm (3.62 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82.7 mm (3.26 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.5 l (7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 12 l (12.68 US qt | 10.56 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1790 kg (3946.27 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2310 kg (5092.68 lbs.) |
| Max load | 520 kg (1146.4 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 410 l (14.48 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1525 l (53.85 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4805 mm (189.17 in.) |
| Width | 1800 mm (70.87 in.) |
| Height | 1445 mm (56.89 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2830 mm (111.42 in.) |
| Front track | 1516 mm (59.69 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1527 mm (60.12 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 120 mm (4.72 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Inclined Lever |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/55 R16; 235/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 16; 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 540i Touring was the M62B44, a 4.4-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine. This engine, a descendant of BMW’s long line of V8s, featured all-aluminum construction, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) with four valves per cylinder, and a sophisticated Bosch Motronic engine management system. The multi-port fuel injection system delivered fuel directly to each cylinder, optimizing combustion efficiency. The M62B44 produced 286 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft) of torque at 3600 rpm. Paired with this engine was a 5-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, offering both fully automatic operation and the ability for the driver to manually select gears. This transmission was known for its smooth shifts and responsiveness, contributing to the overall refined driving experience.
Driving Characteristics
The 540i Touring’s combination of a powerful V8 and a well-tuned automatic transmission resulted in brisk acceleration. The 0-60 mph sprint was achieved in approximately 6.4 seconds, and the car was electronically limited to a top speed of 155 mph. While not as overtly sporty as a manual transmission-equipped 540i, the Steptronic offered a comfortable and effortless driving experience. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios were optimized for both acceleration and fuel efficiency, providing ample power for highway cruising and passing maneuvers. Compared to the 6-speed manual, the automatic traded some raw responsiveness for ease of use, making it a more appealing option for drivers prioritizing comfort and convenience.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 540i Touring came standard with a generous array of features, including leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with memory function, automatic climate control, a premium sound system, and a sunroof. Optional extras included navigation system, heated front and rear seats, sport suspension, and upgraded interior trim options. The interior design was typical BMW, emphasizing functionality and a driver-focused layout. The wagon’s rear seats could be folded down to expand cargo capacity, providing versatility for carrying larger items.
Chassis & Braking
The E39 Touring chassis featured an independent suspension with wishbones at the front and an inclined lever rear suspension. This setup provided a comfortable ride while maintaining good handling characteristics. The 540i Touring was equipped with ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety and control during emergency braking situations. The steering was a hydraulic power-assisted rack-and-pinion system, offering precise and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 540i Touring was generally well-received by automotive critics, who praised its powerful engine, refined ride, and spacious interior. However, the fuel economy was often cited as a drawback, particularly compared to the more fuel-efficient 528i and 530i models. The 540i’s higher price point also limited its appeal to a smaller segment of the market. Compared to the 530i, the 540i offered a significant performance advantage, but at a considerable cost increase. The 540i also stood out from the diesel-powered 530d, offering a different driving experience focused on smooth power delivery rather than fuel efficiency.
Legacy
The M62B44 engine, while known for its reliability, requires regular maintenance, including valve stem seal replacements to prevent oil leaks. The Steptronic automatic transmission is generally durable, but fluid changes are crucial for long-term reliability. Today, the E39 540i Touring is a sought-after classic among BMW enthusiasts, appreciated for its combination of performance, luxury, and practicality. Well-maintained examples command a premium in the used car market, and the car remains a testament to BMW’s engineering prowess during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
