BMW 5 Series Touring (E39)

The BMW 5 Series Touring from the new model series followed the sedan in March 1997. The sedan provided the all-aluminium chassis with the rear axle adapted to the requirements of the touring body. The aluminium compact rear axle permitted an even flatter configuration thanks to the inclined arrangement of the shock absorbers. This enabled the luggage compartment of the BMW 5 Series Touring to be even more smoothly contoured and designed without disruptive suspension pods. This measure further increased the already high utility value of the Touring model. The BMW 5 Series Touring also introduced the rear window that could be opened separately. This allowed small items of luggage to be loaded and unloaded without opening the entire tailgate. In addition, an extendable loading floor was available for the 5 Series Touring and this made loading much easier, particularly for heavy or bulky items.