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.
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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). 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. 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. If it’s a M vehicle, you get the standard three-digit number, such as M550i, even though electric vehicles and SUVs only have two, for instance. X3 M40i.
SWISS
Originally, the “i” stood for fuel injection. The “i” model was first launched when Bimmers were still carbureted (that’s not written correctly). Fuel injection was used. The “i” later distinguished between the economy and performance models. I just know that.
Perhaps I should have said that I obtained that information from another user of this website. To me, it sounded right. I’ll double-check my sources the next time, I guess.
The meaning of BMW i3
647 cc W20K06U0 25 kW I2range extender 7.2 L (1.9 US gal) in the US (from 2014 to 2016) and 9 L (2.4 US gal) in the US (from 2017 and beyond)
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.
What does the I in the i3 BMW stand for?
Page 3. BMW I represents futuristic cars and mobility solutions, innovative design, and a view of premium that is highly influenced by sustainability. The BMW i3 provides a cutting-edge driving experience that combines exceptional agility and thrills with the allure of calm, nearly silent travel.
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 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.
What does M on a BMW 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 is 328i in BMW?
A direct injected 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine in the BMW 328i’s 4-door compact executive automobile produces 240 HP. The 8-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission with Adaptive Transmission Control (ATC), the free 6-speed manual transmission, or the optional Sport automatic transmission with paddle shifters all deliver power to the rear wheels. The M Sport trim line includes a M Aerodynamic Kit, M Sport wheels and suspension, a M Sport steering wheel, M Sport seats, and distinctive M Sport colors and trims to make the 328i even sportier.
If the M Sport package is insufficient for you, M Sport Brakes and the Dynamic Handling package, which includes variable sport steering and an Adaptive M Suspension, are both available options. The front of the car’s optional black kidney grilles, carbon fiber mirror caps, carbon fiber brake handle, and M Performance side sill decals may all be ordered if you want to give it a bit more individuality.
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 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 Li on BMW mean?
The third generation of the 7 Series, which was built from 1994 until 2001, is known as the E38. Standard length and long wheelbase (“iL”) sedans made up the model line.
There were straight-six, V8 and V12 petrol engines offered. The turbocharged straight-six engine debuted in the E38 and was later joined by a twin-turbocharged V8 in 1999, making it the first 7 Series to be offered with a diesel engine.
The first vehicle with curtain airbags was the E38. Additionally, it was the first BMW to provide an integrated television and the first European vehicle to offer satellite navigation.
How is BMW numbered?
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.