BMW’s 5-series E39 model was produced from 1995 to 2004, launched as a sedan, with a station wagon body style being introduced in 1996. The E39 marked a variety of firsts for the German manufacturer’s 5-series line: the 5-series was now available with a four-cylinder diesel engine, the amount of aluminium components was increased considerably, and rack and pinion steering was now used for four and six-cylinder models.