Background
BMW 528i Touring (E39) was one of the key estate models of the fourth-generation 5 Series. The E39 Touring entered the market in 1997, with the 528i occupying a central position in the range by combining BMW’s traditional straight-six engine, rear-wheel drive and the practical Touring body. BMW regarded the 528i as one of the core models of the new Touring range, and at launch it was the most powerful six-cylinder E39 Touring.
Practical yet driver-focused
The E39 Touring retained the sporting and driver-focused character of the Sedan while adding greater luggage capacity and the versatility of an estate body. Its aluminium rear axle was adapted specifically for the Touring, with inclined shock absorbers allowing the luggage compartment floor to remain as flat as possible. Practicality was further improved by a separately opening rear window, allowing smaller items to be loaded without opening the entire tailgate.
2.8-litre straight-six
The BMW 528i Touring was powered by a 2.8-litre M52 straight-six engine with a displacement of 2,793 cm³. It produced 193 hp or 142 kW at 5,300 rpm and 280 Nm of torque. The engine featured VANOS variable camshaft timing and was characterised by smooth power delivery and the refined running qualities traditionally associated with BMW straight-six engines.
Technical update in 1998
In 1998 the 528i received an updated version of the engine known as the M52TU. One of its most important developments was Double VANOS, allowing variable timing of both the intake and exhaust camshafts. Maximum output remained unchanged at 193 hp, but the revised engine offered improved flexibility and efficiency across a wider engine-speed range.
7.9 seconds and 229 km/h
With the 5-speed manual transmission, the BMW 528i Touring accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 7.9 seconds and reached a top speed of 229 km/h. Power was sent to the rear wheels, and the 528i offered an excellent balance of performance, comfort and everyday practicality. This combination made it one of the most characteristic versions of the E39 Touring.
528i passes the baton to the 530i
Production of the BMW 528i Touring ran from January 1997 to August 2000. As part of the 2000 model update, it was replaced by the new 530i Touring, powered by a 3.0-litre M54 engine producing 231 hp. The 528i therefore remained one of the central six-cylinder petrol models of the first phase of E39 Touring production.
More than 30,000 cars
Historical production figures record a total of 30,244 BMW 528i Touring models. This made it one of the more widely produced six-cylinder versions of the E39 Touring and demonstrated the appeal of combining sporting driving characteristics with the practicality of an estate body.
Model in the collection
The BMW 528i Touring (E39) in my collection was produced by Schuco.
Technical data in brief
Production period: January 1997 – August 2000
Production location: BMW Plant Dingolfing, Germany
Body style: five-door Touring
Engine: M52B28 / M52TUB28 straight-six
Displacement: 2,793 cm³
Power: 193 hp / 142 kW @ 5,300 rpm
Torque: 280 Nm
Transmission: 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic also available
Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive
0–100 km/h: 7.9 seconds with manual transmission
Top speed: 229 km/h
Weight: approximately 1,625 kg
Production: 30,244 cars
Special feature: the most powerful six-cylinder E39 Touring at launch, combining a 2.8-litre straight-six with the practical Touring body