The numbers always show which end of the size range the car falls on: the higher the number, the bigger the car. The ultra-sporty models, like coupes, are usually assigned even numbers.
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Model naming practice for BMW
Have you ever wondered how BMW names its cars or what nomenclature they use? Even if BMW changed the pattern in recent years, it’s still fascinating to look at earlier models and understand why.
BMW automobiles are typically identified by a three-digit number followed by one or two letters. The first number is the series number, and the next two numbers are the cubic centimeters (cc) of the engine divided by 100. With the E39 5 Series vehicle, which was named the 523i despite having a 2.5-liter engine, BMW’s rational model naming policy took a turn.
Different types of engines, body types, and platforms are represented by the letters that come after the numbers.
As I’ve already indicated, new engines with the same displacement but new technologies have naturally changed the name practice. The N54B30, a 3.0-liter twin-turbo engine utilized in the 335i model, and the N53B30, a 3.0-liter straight-six engine, are the most recent ones that come to mind.
The initial number or letter’s definition
For sedans, BMW utilizes the odd numbers 3, 5, and 7, and for coupes or other comparable vehicles, it employs the even numbers 2, 4, 6, and 8. The 1 series is BMW’s smallest and most affordable vehicle. For SUV-shaped and four-wheel drive cars, BMW uses the letter X as the model name. The X1 to X6 are the five SUVs that BMW offers. The X1 and X3 are small SUVs, and the X4 is a small entry-level vehicle. The X5 and X6 are larger SUVs.
BMW’s letter “Z” stands for “Coupe / Roadster.” The Z3/Z4 are two-seat coupe performance automobiles. Numbers preceded by a little letter “i” stand for “Innovation,” which refers to electric and hybrid vehicle types. The i3 is a compact hatchback electric vehicle. The i8 is a sporty coupe plug-in hybrid vehicle.
Numbers come after letters, and vice versa.
Some car names in the realm of BMW nomenclature begin with a letter and a number, like the M3. Other names, like the 328i, start with a number and a letter.
These cars have a variety of body shapes, and if the name of the car begins with a letter, it usually begins with one of these: “M,” “X,” “Z,” or “i.”
M refers to the BMW Motorsport division, just like the M3 that was just discussed. Crossover/SUV body types are represented by the letter X. According to their size, the X Series cars are likewise numbered from one to seven, with the midsize X6 being a sports activity coupe. Z stands for two-seaters in the roadster form that have rear-wheel drive. Electric or hybrid vehicles, such as the five-door hatchback i3, are identified by the lowercase i.
There is one more, more mysterious letter prefix: “B,” which stands for Alpina, a business that produces and markets high-performance BMWs. This prefix denotes modified variants of several Beemer series on automobiles.
The names of BMW passenger automobiles begin with a number that denotes a series. The series go from 1 to 8, with the 1 Series being the smallest and most affordable vehicle and the 8 Series being the biggest and most expensive. Originally, four-door sedans were designated by odd-numbered series, like 3, 5, and 7. Two-door coupes and other similar vehicles were meant to be covered by even-numbered series names like 2, 4, 6, and 8.
But in more recent years, BMW expanded the body variants of the odd-number series, throwing a monkey wrench into its moniker. For instance, BMW increased the 3 Series’ door count from four to five, adding a three-door hatchback, a five-door liftback, a five-door station wagon, and two convertible doors. As a result, identifying a car’s body style within a series may not always be possible using the series numbering method.
What does a BMW 340i mean?
BMW modified some of their cars’ badging in 2016. The majority of 28i models started wearing 30i badges, while 35i models switched to 40i. The new BMW B58 engine was introduced at the same time as these modifications. Simply put, the BMW 340i is the 335i’s updated model. Both vehicles are aimed towards a comparable customer base and have similar performance out of the box. However, there are a lot of distinctions when you get down to the details. In this post, we examine performance, handling, tuning, and dependability between the 335i and 340i.
What does my BMW model number mean?
How do you crack the model names in the BMW code? The three-digit combination’s first digit denotes the series. The next two digits used to represent the engine size, but now they represent performance.
What does 40i in a BMW mean?
The 6-cylinder versions are represented by the 40i series. Jan. 26, 2021 The primary distinction is that the sDrive is rear-wheel drive while the xDrive is all-wheel drive.
What does the acronym BMW 328i mean?
Balqy Firman Syah, one. Look at the second and third numbers in any BMW’s name to find out how big the engine is. The “25” in the BMW 325 indicates that the vehicle has a 2.5-liter engine, whereas the “28” in the BMW 328 indicates that the vehicle has a 2.8-liter engine.
Why do BMWs have three stripes?
In the 1970s, when the German carmaker initially began its motorsports racing program, the famous /M logo of BMW was created. The italicized “M” of the logo is followed by various colored stripes, each of which has a distinct significance.
The blue stripe, according to BMW Blog, symbolizes both the automaker and the Bavarian area from which it is derived. The red stripe commemorates Texaco, a major American oil company that collaborated with BMW in the early stages of M racing. As red and blue combine to form purple, the central purple stripe stands for their cooperation.
BMW made a minor change to the M emblem in recent years, swapping the purple stripe with a dark blue one. The symbol is still widely recognized, though.
In fact, the three stripes are tastefully incorporated into both the exterior and inside of every BMW M-badge car. Even vehicle upholsterers are finding it difficult to come up with fresh, original methods to use the colors to adorn the cabins.
Of course, using the proper thread and colors is necessary in order to pull off these small but significant elements.
Amann’s Serafil polyester thread, which is used by BMW, is available at JPM Coachworks in Smyrna, Georgia.
According to Joseph Pavich of JPM Coachworks, “the most popular colors individuals choose for the tri-stitch are red 504, light blue 7463, and dark blue 1078.” “Most modern wheels use a significantly thicker Tex size 207 (Ticket size 15), while older wheels used a Tex size 138 (Ticket size 20).”
What does BMW’s M stand for?
The word “Motorsport” refers to the BMW M Series, which was initially developed to support BMW’s racing program. Over time, the BMW M program started to add customized vehicle models to its roster, which are now accessible to the general public.
What distinguishes a BMW 318 from a 320?
Which BMW Model Is Better? The BMW boasts a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that produces 136 horsepower. The 320i is roomier and has more leg and arm room, while the 318i has a larger, more practical trunk.
What distinguishes the BMW 328i and 330i?
The 330i’s engine note is noticeably better than the 328i’s. At lower rpms, it sounds more like a six-cylinder engine. On the 330i, the transmission and engine seem to be more harmoniously mated in Comfort mode. Strangely, the 330i’s Sport mode didn’t seem to alter the driving dynamics as much as it did the 328i.
BMW E90: What Does It Mean?
We’ll give you a quick crash course in the E90-gen 3er before we get into the intricacies so you can catch up before you invest any money. Beginning in 2006 and lasting until 2012, the E90-generation BMW 3 Series received a mid-cycle refresh (LCI) in 2009.
Although it is referred to as the E90-generation, that chassis code actually has a few different iterations. Standard designations for vehicles include “E90” for sedans, “E91” for five-door wagons, “E92” for two-door coupes, and “E93” for two-door convertibles. The same is true for M3 cars, as this generation of BMW has no M-specific chassis codes.
What distinguishes the BMW 316 from the 318?
If you mean the diesel vehicles, they all basically have the same 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine, only tuned differently. Thus, a 316d will have 110 horsepower, a 318d will have 140 horsepower, and a 320d will have 190 horsepower.
What distinguishes the BMW 320 from the 325?
The 320i (156hp) and 325i (218hp) have a 62hp difference in power. That power loss amounts to 30%. Smaller wheels and other equipment variations will also be present. I realize it’s personal, but the inline 6-cylinder engine, which is only offered in 323+ versions, is what I believe distinguishes the 3 Series.
How does BMW E work?
Although you may have heard a lot of “e” words at your local BMW Service Center, along with potentially some “f” and “s” words, phrases like “e36,” “e60,” and “e28” have specific meanings to BMW mechanics and aficionados. For instance, an e46 is referred to as a 2003 330i. Depending on the look and year of your BMW, these “e” designations are used to define BMW Body style design. Entwicklung, the German term for development or evolution when you link the ‘e’, is abbreviated as “E.”
If you don’t understand any of these terms, the following list should assist you identify the code name for your BMW.
What distinguishes the BMW I from the BMW e?
You might have seen the designations 530i, 540i, or M550i on a 5 series sedan. The performance of the engine increases with the size of the last two digits in the number. A 540i, for example, will have greater power than a 530i. Originally, this number was directly related to the engine’s litre capacity; however, it is now used to denote overall power.
The fuel type is indicated by the letter at the end of each vehicle’s name. Gas models are identified by a “i,” diesel vehicles by a “d,” and plug-in hybrids by a “e.” BMW’s electric I Models feature a “i” before the digits in the car name, which is confusing. Therefore, a BMW 330i is gas-powered whereas a BMW i4 from 2022 is electric.
Which BMW series is the best?
1. BMW E30 M3 (1986–1991) The BMW M3 that started it all, the E30 was the first M3 produced and is regarded as the best ever by many auto aficionados, including ourselves. It created history at the time, and automotive enthusiasts still talk about it now.
What distinguishes the BMW X5 40i and 45e?
The EPA estimates that the 45e earns 20 less combined MPG average in hybrid driving than the ordinary X5 40i. The X5 45e weighs 5,672 pounds, which is much higher than the 4,828-pound X5 xDrive 40i because of the batteries and hybrid systems.