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.
In This Article...
BMW Clarifies What Model Numbers Mean Currently
The latest episode of the official BMW podcast explores the evolution of the company’s renowned naming scheme. You should feel (somewhat) less perplexed after reading this.
In the past, reading the model name of a BMW would reveal a lot about it. You were looking at a 3.0-liter gasoline engined 3-series if the badge on the boot said “330i.” The displacement didn’t always equal the last two digits, but generally it worked out that way. We could go on, but the majority of models adhered to the standard or at least didn’t wander too far from it. The E39 540i featured a 4.4-liter engine, the E82 125i utilized a 3.0 liter, and so on.
This approach was employed for many years, as stated in BMW’s most recent podcast, which makes use of portions of the business’ quite lengthy naming guide website page. Prior to World War Two, all automobiles had a 300 number to distinguish them from BMW bikes and airplanes (100s) (200s). Following the war, names were all over the place, but the ‘E12’ 5-series brought order to the chaos in 1972. BMW wanted a new system that would be simple for customers to comprehend regardless of the language they spoke.
The naming convention no longer functions this way, as some shockingly irate keyboard warrior types will loudly inform you. A human being! However, since displacement is no longer the primary method by which BMW delivers its customers greater power, the conventional approach is no longer viable.
The same size engine is currently used by numerous variations of each model, with the power outputs changed by various levels of turbocharging and occasionally by the addition of hybrid technology. We’re sure you’ll agree that having three separate products with the same name as 520d might be a little perplexing.
More recently, battery electric vehicles, which have no engines at all, have added to the complexity of the situation. Similar to what Audi started doing a few years ago, the last two digits of this and the majority of other BMW models now denote various output “tiers.” According to BMW, “45” refers to vehicles with an output of between 300 and 350kW. (402 – 469bhp). That is the total output with electrical aid, which explains why, despite the fact that the 540i and 545e hybrids both have the same internal combustion engine, the 545e hybrid has a higher figure.
The initial “e” did originally stand for the Greek letter “eta,” designating cars that were “optimised for torque and RPM,” according to BMW. These days, plug-in hybrid models employ it. Although “leccy M stuff” receives a simpler naming scheme, e.g. i4 M50, complete EVs like the i4 eDrive40 get a more modern moniker called “eDrive.”
Exclusively the Z and X model lines are designated for two-wheel drive, whereas the moniker xDrive is only applied to all-wheel drive derivatives that are available with and without the technology but are otherwise identical. As always, a badge with a I or “d” at the end denotes gasoline injection or diesel.
For example, a M Division’d 3-series is an M3, but on SUVs, the magic letter is coupled with just one number designating the “series” and appears after the model name. Although electric cars and SUVs only have the two digits, such as the X3 M40i, you get the standard three-digit number if it’s a half-fat M car, such as M550i.
What does the I in the BMW i8 stand for?
Born Electric served as the tagline for the 2011 launch of the BMW I brand. The letter I which once stood for injection in BMW’s gasoline and diesel engines, is now used to represent the future of mobility. A comprehensive approach to sustainable mobility is embodied by the BMW i. BMW considers not only the final product but also the manufacturing process, which now makes use of 100% green energy, renewable and recycled materials, and digital services while using 70% less water.
The first vehicle in the I Series was the BMW i3, which was introduced in 2014. Due to the combination of aluminum and carbon fiber, the i3 is an eco-friendly electric vehicle for city driving that isn’t any heavier than a regular vehicle. comprising a synchronous electric motor with a single gear and utilizing a 94Ah lithium-ion high-voltage battery (33kWh). It has 170 horsepower, enabling a 0-62 mph time of 7.3 seconds, but it also has a 186-mile range.
Eighty percent of all surfaces visible to front passengers on the i3 are constructed of recyclable or renewable materials, making it a showcase for environmentally friendly products. When it comes to resources, BMW I is also thinking along those lines; starting in 2021, its electric motors will utilize two-thirds less cobalt and no rare earths. One of the most popular high-end electric vehicles in Europe is the BMW i3.
The meaning of BMW i3
W20K06U0 25 kW I2range extender, 647 cc Europe 9 L (2.4 US gal) In the US, 7.2 L (1.9 US gal) (2014-2016) In the US, 9 L (2.4 US gal) (2017+)
The BMW i3 is a BMW-made, high-roof, B-segment hatchback with an electric drivetrain that utilizes rear-wheel drive, a single-speed transmission, an underfloor lithium-ion battery pack, and an optional gasoline engine that can expand the vehicle’s range. The BMW i3 was the company’s first mass-produced zero-emission vehicle and was introduced under the BMW I sub-brand for electric vehicles.
The Richard Kim-designed i3 comes with a single five-door configuration, a CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced polymer) passenger module that is extremely lightweight and strong, and a lower aluminum module that houses the chassis, battery, drive system, and motor. Two smaller clamshell rear doors with rear hinges are included on the bodywork. The i3 had its concept premiere at the 2011 International Motor Show Germany, and Leipzig manufacturing of the vehicle started in September 2013.
From 2014 to 2016, it was the third-best-selling electric vehicle in the world; by the end of 2021, it had sold over 220,000 units globally. With over 47,500 units supplied until December 2021, Germany is listed as its top-selling market, followed by the United States with more over 45,000.
The 2014 World Green Car of the Year and 2014 World Car Design of the Year were both given to the i3, earning it two World Car of the Year Awards. The i3 won the first UK Car of the Year Awards for Best Supermini of 2014 and UK Car of the Year 2014, each of which came with an iF Product Design Gold Award.
The meaning of BMW iA
The distinction between having a manual or automatic transmission is the typical meaning for the I or iA designation, as noted in various posts above. This identification was once printed by BMW on the door jamb VIN labels.
What does BMW mean by 135i?
The 135i is the top-of-the-line coupe and convertible vehicle in the majority of countries (excluding the limited production 1M Coupe). The N54 twin-turbo 3.0-liter engine with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission powered the 135i from 2007 to 2010. The N55 single-turbo 3.0 liter engine with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission replaced the 135i engine starting in 2010. Due to less fluid being needed in the differential, the double-helical ball bearings used in the differential installed to the 135i operate at a lower temperature and heat up more quickly. The brakes on the 135i have disk diameters of 324 mm and 338 mm, respectively, and feature 6-piston front calipers and 2-piston rear calipers.
The E81/E87 hatchback range’s highest model, the 130i, went on sale in September 2004. Its N52 3.0 liter normally aspirated engine is mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
How is BMW numbered?
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.
What distinguishes the BMW i3 from the BMW i3s?
Since the BMW i3 has been available for five years, we have encountered both admirers and detractors of its appearance. There is no denying that the BMW i3 has distinctive styling. This holds true for both the inside and exterior, which both contain fascinating materials and contemporary designs, many of which look natural or repurposed. Additionally, the dashboard successfully combines form and function.
The i3 is slightly shorter than a Fiesta and has a relatively tiny overall footprint (4 meters), but it boasts a very roomy inside with cutting-edge design that is larger than that of a BMW 3 Series. However, the i3 only has two back seats, and in order to access these seats, passengers in the front seats must first unlock the front door. The result is a huge aperture without a central door pillar, however this is less convenient for the typical family with children than other, more traditional electric vehicles. A small compartment beneath the hood can be used to store the charging connections, but the 260-liter trunk can only be regarded as average in size.
The i3s sports a 40mm wider track, a 10mm lower ride height, and 20mm wider wheels than the original i3 (20 inch). 184 horsepower of power and 270 Nm of torque have been added (the i3 has 170 hp) (i3 is 250Nm). There is also a 40% increase in power and torque at high rpms in addition to the peak power improvement. The single-speed transmission is still used in the i3s.
The i3’s floor has a sizable lithium-ion battery underneath its skin, while the body is primarily made of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). Under the boot floor of the range extender being tested is a 2-cylinder, 0.6-liter petrol engine similar to one found in a BMW motorcycle. Until it can be recharged or until the 9-liter gasoline tank can be filled, the range extender can recharge the battery if it runs out of juice. In contrast to a plug-in hybrid, the i3 is always propelled by its battery and electric motor rather than switching to its gasoline or diesel engine when the battery is low.
Why is there an I in the number 325i?
In the past, each vehicle’s first letter was either a I for gas cars (the I stands for fuel-injected) or a “d” for diesel versions. This was altered when hybrid engines were added to the 3 Series, 5 Series, and 7 Series sedans.