When it comes to car model, OEM options, and possible retrofits, BimmerTech is regularly questioned. Our customers are undoubtedly aware of the BMWs they own, but occasionally they require a bit extra assistance understanding its characteristics. Additionally, we frequently give them advice on available car enhancements. To obtain this information, the VIN must first be decoded. The 17-digit VIN, which stands for “Vehicle Identification Number,” can be found on the dash or door jamb of your BMW. Knowing your VIN is crucial if you want to learn everything there is to know about the OEM components in your car and the high-tech enhancements BimmerTech has to offer.
We’ve incorporated a skilled VIN checker for our clients so they can learn more about their cars. Get all the details on your BMW’s series, model, head unit, engine, power, transmission, color (in case you and your wife see it differently ;)), manufacture date, upholstery, and steering system right away by clicking the banner below. Last but not least, you can find out about any OEM hardware and software that your BMW has, which is important for conceivable future updates.
Find out where the VIN number is located in your car and how to decode it.
In This Article...
a simple starting point tutorial that is quick and straightforward…
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).
How BMW Naming Schemes Work
Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW all employ an alphanumeric naming scheme. BMW vehicles are available in numbered series from 1 to 8. A bigger automobile equates to larger odd-numbered series. Even-numbered series typically feature variations on the preceding series’ body design. (Note that the names of the series don’t use hyphens like Mercedes-Benz classes: 3 Series versus E-Class.) SUVs are X models. Roadsters are Z models. The prefixes sDrive (two-wheel drive) and xDrive (all-wheel drive) can also be added to models; however, not all RWD BMWs are identified with a sDrive badge. Cars beginning with a lowercase I are electric or hybrid models.
The size of the engine is indicated by the second set of numerals in a model name. Previously, they monitored engine displacement. A larger number today just denotes a larger engine. The last letter (for instance, 230i) designates the vehicle’s engine type. For gasoline fuel injection, most automobiles terminate with i. There are also “e” electrified hybrids and “d” diesel vehicles in some markets.
There are “M Cars” that are created by BMW’s M performance division, such as the M5. These stand apart from vehicles such as the M550i xDrive, which frequently have more power and sportier tuning and styling than the basic variants. Alpina is another tuner that creates high-performance BMWs that are made and offered by BMW. They start with the letter B. (i.e. XB7).
If you put it all together, “X6 xDrive50i” succinctly describes the car in BMW lingo, yet telling someone you just bought it can be a mouthful.
How can I determine if my BMW is a M Series?
The VIN number is arguably the simplest way to recognize a BMW M Series. Given that all you have to do is look at the first three letters, this method is the quickest and most effective. The WBS prefix is used in the VIN numbers of all BMW M vehicles. The VIN numbers of all other BMW automobiles start with WBA.
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.
How do I determine whether my BMW is AM sport?
M Sport is the bottom rung of the BMW M ladder. Instead than being a special vehicle variation like M Performance or M, “M Sport” is simply an accessory package that can be applied to practically any BMW. The M Sport package is available for even high-end vehicles like the 7-Series, 8-Series, and X7. Depending on the car, the M Sport package may have different items. But at the very least, it offers distinctive outward and interior details. Some minor M emblems, darker exterior and interior trim, bigger wheels, a sportier-looking body package, and a unique steering wheel are among these changes. However, certain BMWs get much more.
M Performance is a level up from M Sport. The insignia on the trunk makes it simple to identify between the two. For example, a 340i with the M Sport package will only say “340i,” whereas the BMW M340i with M Performance will actually say “M340i.” And whereas M Sport focuses primarily on appearance, M Performance adds real speed. Keeping with the 3-Series, the M340i receives a unique engine from the base model. A 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower is the standard powertrain for the 3-Series. The 3.0 litre twin-turbocharged six-cylinder in the M340i, however, produces 382 horsepower. The M Performance variant still has a manual transmission, but it also includes M Sport brakes, M Sport exhaust, sportier tires, bigger wheels, more selectable driving modes, and a standard electronically controlled locking rear differential.
The quickest and most potent trims are the M Performance cars, although due to the extensive performance upgrades, BMW officially views its M products as unique models. Because of this, official M vehicles lack trim names; for example, the M3 and X6 M are simply badged as “M3” and “X6 M.” And every BMW M SUV and automobile is built with track racing in mind, unlike M Performance cars, which are primarily meant for street driving. Every X5 M and X6 M purchaser has access to training at one of BMW’s M driving schools. Which, given the support the M models receive, is probably absolutely necessary. The most evident is increased strength. Similar to the M340i, the regular BMW M3 has a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine, however the M3’s engine produces 425 horsepower. This is increased to 444 horsepower by the M3 Competition. The forthcoming 2021 M3 might have up to 510 horsepower. The M-specific alterations, however, go beyond that.
How do I find out if the Sport package is in my BMW 328i?
You most likely have the sport package if the front seats in your vehicle feature leg extenders. You don’t have the sport package if you floor it and reach your top speed of 130 mph. If your top speed is 155 miles per hour, you have the sport package. Sport seats, sport steering wheel, sport wheels, stance that is decreased
What does BMW 118i mean?
The 118i is the first model in the line. Although it is the cheapest and slowest petrol variant available, the 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine nonetheless has a brisk 0-62 mph pace of 8.5 seconds. It only comes with front-wheel drive, but there are two different gearbox options: a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
What type of BMW 1 Series is a 2013 model?
The 128i and 135i remain the two primary models of the 2013 BMW 1-Series. Since the 1-Series M Coupe is no longer available, the 135is is a new model for 2013 that captures some, but not all, of that performance deliciousness.
The 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine used in BMW 128i models produces 230 horsepower, while the 135is model uses the same engine as the 335i and produces 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. All 1-Series vehicles are rear-wheel drive and come with an option of either a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, a six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, a six-speed manual transmission, or both (128i) (135i).
The engine of the 135is is upgraded to produce 320 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. A redesigned differential in the 135is delivers reduced operating temperatures and, in principle, slightly improved efficiency in power delivery. It also contains unique programming for the stability control system. Utilizing brand-new double-helical ball bearings, it accomplishes this by lowering friction and the quantity of oil required inside the differential. But unlike the 1-Series M Coupe, the 135is continues to lack a genuine mechanical limited-slip differential, relying instead on the well-known brake-based simulated differential lock to enhance acceleration and low-traction grip.
The 135is accelerates quickly; when equipped with the 7-speed dual-clutch, the 0-60 mph sprint takes just 5.3 seconds. With its harsher suspension tuning, enhanced aerodynamics, and larger wheels with livelier tires, the optional M Sport package improves things even more.
The 1-Series is impressive on the road because to its poised and balanced handling, evident but not excessive body roll, great all-around grip, and quick acceleration. Enthusiasts will like a stability and traction management system that doesn’t interfere too much and permits reasonably aggressive driving.
The ability to brake is quite strong. Although track activity can lead to heat soak and fade unless the street-oriented brakes are upgraded, it is steady and straight.
Describe F32 BMW.
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.
A BMW 3 Series is what?
The German company BMW has been producing the 3 Series brand of small executive automobiles since May 1975. It has been built in seven distinct generations and is the replacement for the 02 Series.
Initially only available as a 2-door saloon, the 3 Series now comes in 4-door saloon, 2-door convertible, 2-door coupe, 5-door estate, 5-door liftback (“Gran Turismo”), and 3-door hatchback body styles. Since 2013, the 4 Series has been used to sell the coupe and convertible vehicles, therefore these body types are no longer part of the 3 Series lineup.
BMW’s best-selling model, the 3 Series, has won numerous honors throughout its history and represents about 30% of the brand’s yearly total sales (excluding motorcycles).
A BMW 328i is a 3 Series, right?
BMW 3 Series models from 2014 Sedans are available in trim levels 320i, 328i, 328d, 335i, and ActiveHybrid 3. BMW offers all-wheel-drive variants of practically all of vehicles, known as “xDrive.” Only the 328i xDrive and 328d xDrive grades are offered for the wagon.
What does BMW M mean?
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.
Is A 328i A F30 A BMW?
Sedan (F30) The 328i and 335i were early models, and the 330i and 340i were later models (following LCI). In March 2012, the 320i, 318d, and 316d models were introduced to the F30 lineup.
BMW E36: What Does It Mean?
The German carmaker BMW produced the third generation of the 3 Series line of small executive vehicles from 1990 to 2000. It is identified by the model designation E36. The four-door sedan body style was used for the first models, then in subsequent years, the coupe, convertible, wagon (“Touring”), hatchback (“Compact”), and the uncommon four-door convertible Baur TC4 were added.
The first 3 Series to be made available in a hatchback body configuration was the E36. It was also the first 3 Series to be offered with a four-cylinder diesel engine, a five-speed automatic transmission, and a six-speed manual transmission (in the 1996 M3). Comparing the current generation of the 3 Series to earlier models, the multi-link rear suspension was also a considerable improvement. The E36 did not have all-wheel drive, in contrast to the preceding (E30) and following (E46) models.
Every year the E36 was on the market, it was included in Car & Driver magazine’s 10Best list.
The powerful BMW S50 or BMW S52 straight-six engine powers the fast E36 M3 (depending on country). 1992 saw the release of the E36 M3, which came in coupe, sedan, and convertible body types.
Since it was the first time BMW coupled the incredibly amazing 6 cylinder BMW ‘M’ engine with one of the finest all-around chassis modifications, the first series of the BMW E36 M3 is now regarded as one of the company’s greatest accomplishments during the early development of the M3. The E36 M3 offers one of the best drivable platforms for road and track use of any reasonably priced mass-produced five-seater sedan or coupe created in the preceding century, significantly surpassing the earlier E30, which was proposed as a touring car with four cylinder (but very sophisticated).
The E36 started to be phased out and was eventually replaced in 1999 after the launch of its successor, the E46 3 Series, in 1998.