The third generation of the BMW 5 Series (E34) started as a thoroughbred six-cylinder model series in January 1988. However, from the summer of 1989 a four-cylinder sedan was also produced that was destined for export markets. As of 1993, it was complemented by a Touring version (BMW 518i Touring) and was also sold in Germany from that year. The BMW 518i Touring was supplied with the same engines installed in the sedan (M40B18 and from April 1994 M43B18). Only around 6,600 examples of the Touring version of the BMW 518i had been produced by June 1996.