Although your vehicle’s model number is prominently badged on the back of your BMW, internal classifications into E/F and G model codes also exist. The body style, model, and approximate age can typically be determined by specialists or dealers using this three-digit combination.
You can find the model code for your BMW E, F, or G using this short list. The car will always be referred to on our website (in any article or explanation) using the main body code (indicated in bold).
In This Article...
Which “e” is my BMW according to the body designations?
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 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 (in ascending order based on size: 1, 2, 3, etc.). The next two digits used to represent the engine size, but now they represent performance.
Describe the BMW F10.
The BMW F10 (sedan version), BMW F11 (wagon version, marketed as Touring), and BMW F07 (fastback version, marketed as Gran Turismo) are the executive cars that make up the sixth generation of the BMW 5 Series. They were manufactured by BMW from January 2010 (for the 2011 model year) to 2017, with the F10 being introduced to the domestic market on March 20, 2010, and the F11 in the summer of 2010. The F07 Gran Turismo was constructed from early September 2009 to 2017, and it was released in late October 2009 on the domestic German market.
The 5 Series Gran Turismo is the first and only fastback-bodied 5 Series model ever made. Additionally, the F10 generation of the 5 Series is the first to offer a hybrid drivetrain, a turbocharged V8 engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission, a dual-clutch transmission (in the M5), active rear-wheel steering (known as “Integral Active Steering”), electric power steering, a double-wishbone front suspension, an LCD instrument cluster (known as “Black Panel Display”), and automatic parking (called “Parking Assistant”). In China, Mexico, and the Middle East, a long-wheelbase sedan with the model number F18 was offered for sale.
The BMW S63 twin-turbocharged V8 engine and a 7-speed dual clutch transmission power the 2011-released M5 variant. It uses a turbocharged engine for the first time in an M5.
The G30 5 Series was introduced in February 2017 to replace the F10.
What does E46 on a BMW mean?
The E46 3 Series was the successor to the E36 3 Series, whose manufacturing terminated in 2000, and is the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series line of small executive automobiles. It was manufactured by the German automaker BMW from 1997 to 2006. The E46 was first made available in sedan, coupe, convertible, station wagon, and hatchback body styles in November 1997. The 3 Series Compact has been the name given to the latter.
The 2-door coupe version of the M3 performance variant debuted in June 2000, while the convertible version debuted in April 2001. The BMW S54 straight-six engine powers the M3, which has a 6-speed manual or 6-speed SMG-II automated manual transmission as an option.
After the E90 3 Series sedans were released in late 2004, the E46 lineup began to be phased out. The E46 coupe and convertible body types, however, were still manufactured up until August 2006.
What is a BMW F32?
The compact executive automobiles BMW F32 (coupe version), BMW F33 (convertible version), and BMW F36 (five-door liftback variant, marketed as “Gran Coupe”) make up the first generation of the BMW 4 Series. From 2014 until 2020, the F32/F33/F36, which is frequently referred to as the F32, were produced.
The E92/E93 coupe/convertible versions of the fifth-generation 3 Series lineup were replaced by the F32. The F32 is produced alongside the F30 3 Series and has several features in common with it. The F32/F33/F36 are powered by turbocharged petrol and diesel engines with 3 cylinders (petrol only), 4 cylinders, and 6 cylinders, just like the F30 3 Series line.
Early in 2014, the F82/F83 M4 versions with strong performance were released. They are propelled by an S55 straight-six turbocharged engine.
Describe the BMW E90.
Learn how James Paick won the CSF Bimmer Challenge while driving his E92 BMW M3, and how he developed a passion for racing.
The fifth generation of the BMW 3 Series, often known as the E90 or E9X, was built from 2004 until 2013. BMW E90 (sedan), BMW E91 (wagon, or Touring), BMW E92 (coupe), and BMW E93 are among the chassis codes that are featured (convertible). BMW 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335is, 335d, and M3 are among the models.
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Describe an F30 BMW.
Let’s begin with the fundamentals. BMW’s naming practices can be a little perplexing with so many titles that seem similar, such as BMW 3 Series, BMW 320i, and BMW F30. F30 is the one you’re probably least likely to hear out of the three. Instead of using the term “F30,” people typically refer to their vehicles as BMW 325i or 335i.
When you break something down, you can see how it functions. The BMW 3 Series is a line of small executive vehicles that sits below the larger 5 Series. Since it began to be produced in 1975, the 3 Series has undergone numerous iterations.
BMW’s internal model code for the sixth-generation 3 Series sedan, which was built between 2011 and 2019, is F30. With this model code, it can be distinguished from 3 Series cars from earlier BMW generations, such as the E90, E46, and E36.
Is my BMW a F or E?
Eand F Numbers for BMW The German word Entwicklung, which means development, is represented by the letter E in the E-number. New cars are given E numbers at the manufacturer when they are still in the development stage before their official sales name has been assigned. E numbers became F numbers as they reached the triple digits.
Describe BMW F20.
The subcompact automobiles BMW F20 (5-door hatchback) and BMW F21 (3-door hatchback) are part of the second generation of the BMW 1 Series. From 2011 through 2019, BMW developed the F20/F21 generation, which is frequently referred to as the F20.
The coupe and convertible variants of the BMW 1 Series’ second generation were sold separately under the new BMW 2 Series moniker.
Initially, inline-four gasoline, inline-four diesel, and inline-six gasoline engines were used to power the F20/F21. Inline-three gasoline and diesel engines were added to the model lineup in 2015. Every engine has a turbocharger.
The F20/F21 utilises rear-wheel drive (rather than front-wheel drive) for the majority of versions, in contrast to most hatchback rivals. The first 1 Series to offer an optional all-wheel drive is the F20/F21 (called “xDrive” by BMW).
The BMW 1 Series (F40), which replaces the F20, started manufacturing in July 2019.
What does E60 on a BMW mean?
The BMW E60 (sedan version) and BMW E61 (wagon variant, branded as “Touring”) are the two models that make up the BMW 5 Series executive automobiles’ fifth generation. From 2003 through 2010, BMW developed the E60/E61 generation, which is frequently known to as the E60.
The iDrive infotainment system, head-up display, active cruise control, active steering, adaptive headlights, night vision, lane departure warning, and voice control are just a few of the new technical technologies that the E60 generation offered. With a turbocharged gasoline engine, a 6-speed automatic transmission, and regenerative braking, the E60 was the first 5 Series to be made available.
The BMW S85 V10 engine powers the M5 model, which debuted in 2005. It was offered in sedan and wagon body types, with the 7-speed SMG III transmission being used in the majority of vehicles. It was the first and only M5 variant with a V10 engine that was offered for sale.
The BMW 5 Series (F10), the E60’s replacement, started going into production in January 2010.
What does BMW stand for?
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.
What does F90 on a BMW mean?
A development of the S63 from the previous generation, the engine. The new M5 has the same amount of power as the special edition “Competition Package” and “30 Jahre M5” vehicles of the previous generation, at 441 kW (600 PS; 591 hp), but more torque, at 750 Nm (553 lbft, or 70 Nm (52 lbft) than the previous M5.
The gearbox is an automated ZF 8HP eight-speed transmission. Compared to the dual-clutch transmission used in the previous generation, the torque converter automatic transmission used by the F90 is the first M5 model. According to BMW, this transmission was chosen for its durability and the fact that shift times are not noticeably slower than those of a dual-clutch transmission.