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.
Typically, a car’s name will begin with one of these letters: “M,” “X,” “Z,” or “i.” These vehicles come in a range of body designs.
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.
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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.
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.
For its models, BMW used a complex alphabetic nomenclature:
Bayerische Motoren Werke, one of the “German Big 3” upscale automakers, is referred to as “BMW.” The English translation is Bavarian Motor Works. For its models, the BMW nomenclature has also adopted intricate Alpha-Numeric combinations. BMW models therefore employ a somewhat different combination than Audi.
For several of its models, BMW Nomenclature use numbers, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8, followed by alphabets, such as I “d,” & “x.” Other times, the BMW nomenclature includes an alphabet, such as “M,” “X,” or “Z,” followed by a model number. So, we made an effort to decode these letters and digits.
The odd numbers (3, 5, and 7) and even numbers (2, 4, 6, and 8) in the BMW Nomenclature are designated for 4-door sedans and 2-door coupes, respectively. The 1-Series is the smallest and least expensive BMW model offered, and is available as a Hatchback or Coupe/Convertible with a 3-door or 5-door option. The 8 series is the largest and most expensive BMW Luxury vehicle, though.
BMW Background
Bavarian Motor Works is referred to as BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke in German). The business, formerly known as BMW AG, was established in Munich in 1916. BMW was founded as a WWI airplane engine producer. 1928 saw the debut of its first automobile. Building vehicles didn’t take off as a major industry until after World War II. The 2002 and its successor, the 3 Series, laid the groundwork for BMW to develop into a powerhouse in the luxury and performance markets starting in the 1980s.
Understanding BMW Names
With a few exceptions, deciphering BMW car names is rather straightforward once individuals figure out the secret. Each vehicle name has a three-digit number combination. The segment or model series is identified by the first digit. The size of the car increases with the number. When the vehicle is a sports activity vehicle (or coupe) or roadster, BMW inserts an X or Z before the model name.
The previous two digits before them represent the engine displacement (e.g. 30 for 3.0 liter). Currently, they display “virtual displacement” or the output in kilowatts (kW). The names of the X and Z models are followed by either xDrive (for AWD vehicles) or sDrive (for RWD or FWD versions), respectively.
The final letter in lowercase stands for the drive technology. Diesel versions have a “d” for diesel, gasoline models have a “I” for injection, and plug-in hybrids have a “e.”
The BMW 745e is a plug-in hybrid 7-series sedan with a 45 performance number as a result (between 300 and 350 kW). Having a virtual displacement of 30, the Z4 sDrive30i is a rear-wheel-drive roadster fueled by gasoline.
Which BMW model is the best?
1. BMW E30 M3 (1986-1991) (1986-1991) The very first BMW M3 produced, the E30, is regarded by many auto aficionados (including us) as the best M3 ever. It was the BMW M3 that started it all. It created history at the time, and automotive enthusiasts still talk about it now.
How can I figure out which BMW model I have?
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).
Mercedes or BMW, which is better?
BMW remains the overall champion when it comes to luxury performance, even if the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is one of the best-performing large luxury sedans on the road right now. Customers should choose a BMW automobile if they want performance and style in one convenient package.
What do the various BMW series mean?
The current BMW lineup is divided into ten categories using both numerical and letter designations. The MSRP rises accordingly with each series number, and the 2 series through the 8 series comprise a variety of coupe and sedan-like vehicles. Odd-numbers are more formal and classically styled, whereas even-numbers include sportier interiors and designs. High-performance, electrified, and SUV options are represented by letter series.
- The smallest and least expensive two-door coupe and convertible is the 2 Series.
- A four-door compact sedan called the 3 Series is also available as a sports wagon (Touring) or a somewhat bigger Gran Turismo.
- Compact two-door coupe the 4 Series is also offered as a convertible and a four-door Gran Coupe.
- A classic midsize four-door sedan with standard gas, plug-in hybrid, and high-performance options is the 5 Series.
- Full-size four-door sedan 7 Series is offered in the M and ALPINA trims, both of which have strong performance.
- The 8 Series is a top-of-the-line full-size contemporary coupe that comes in convertible, four-door Gran Coupe, and M coupe forms.
- Larger SUVs and crossovers from the X1 to the X7 are part of the X Models line, which also offers M models.
- Select BMM series and X models that offer improved performance are known as M models (e.g. the X3 is also available as X3 M)
- BMW’s electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, known as BMW I Models, are both a distinctive model and hybrid alternatives (like the 530e plug-in hybrid)
Which BMW is the least dependable?
- The BMW 3 Series from 2012 is dreadfully unreliable.
- Buy no 3 Series between 2007 and 2011.
- If at all possible, we advise purchasing a certified pre-owned BMW.
What does 40i in a BMW mean?
The 6-cylinder versions are represented by the 40i series. The sDrive is rear-wheel drive, whereas the xDrive is all-wheel drive, and this is the key distinction. Jan 26, 2021