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).
Explained BMW Chassis Codes
What do the BMW chassis codes mean? Most likely, you’ve seen it on our website in application instructions or diagrams from RealOEM or BimmerCat.
When certain replacement parts are only made for a particular chassis or body type, the BMW chassis code, also known as the BMW manufacturer code or BMW model code, can tell you a lot about your individual BMW. There are some model years that might occasionally overlap. For instance, in 1999, both the E36 and E46 3 series were available on the market at the same time. On these kinds of splits, knowing your specific chassis code is crucial when selecting new components.
Historically, the first letter of the BMW chassis codes has always been “E,” which stands for the German word for development, Entwicklung. These were referred to for a while as “BMW E Codes.” BMW gradually replaced “E codes” with codes that begin with “F,” and they are currently using “G.”
With the final seven digits of the VIN, you can quickly find your chassis code on RealOEM if you don’t know it. You’ll receive the essential details here, including the chassis code, engine, manufacturing code, and manufacture date. We suggest using bimmercat for further car details because it will provide you with more details, installed factory equipment, and practical parts diagrams. When choosing parts that fit automobiles with certain option codes, this is a particularly helpful tool.
The BMW chassis code charts included here cover every model that was sold in the US from 1965 until the present day.
What makes my BMW model known?
How can I find out which BMW model I own? My car will be sold, I think. But before I can do so, I need to know the model in order to calculate its value.
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There are several ways to determine what model of BMW you own. Where to check is here.
The name of the manufacturer and the make and model of your car should be imprinted on the outside of your car. Verify by the trunk or the back panel.
You should consult your owner’s handbook. The make and model are typically indicated on the manual’s cover or in the first few pages.
The VIN: The four to eight numbers of this 17-digit code represent your specific BMW model series.
Look inside the driver’s door’s frame or jamb to find your VIN. As an alternative, you might locate it where the dashboard meets the windshield on the driver’s side.
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How is a BMW VIN number read?
The 17-digit BMW vehicle identification number, or VIN, is a special identifier that identifies your automobile and contains information such as the year it was made.
- One: This is where the automobile was put together. It was assembled in Germany if the VIN begins with a W. If it begins with a 5, the car was put together in the United States.
- Digit two: The manufacturer is indicated by this character. The letter B indicates German manufacturing, while the letters U or Y indicate American manufacturing.
- Three: This is the type of vehicle. It will usually be an X or an A.
- Digits four through eight: This part of the VIN provides information about the specific car, including its model, body type, engine, and transmission.
- Nine: This digit is used to check the validity of the VIN. If you enter it wrong, there will be a mistake in the VIN.
- Numbers 10 and 11: The year and the factory where it was put together.
- Digits 12 through 17: These last digits are the factory’s production sequence number, which distinguishes the car as a special item.
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What does G in BMW mean?
- Since the G/S in 1980, BMW has referred to its adventure bikes as GS. GS stands for Gelande Sport and Gelande/Strasse (off-road/on-road).
- XR: Rather than off-road capable motorcycles, these are adventure-tourers in the ADV style.
Heritage The Heritage line receives different treatment from BMW. There are two versions of the R 18: standard and classic. A conventional version of the nineT series is available, along with the Scrambler, Pure, and historically-minded /5.Roadster models. The Roadster line is simple to use. They all end with R, indicating that they are all naked upright sportbikes. Sport
- RR: Road racing comes to mind when you hear the term. These BMW motorcycles have the best performance.
- GS: Whereas the RS is road/sport, including sport-touring when bags are added, the GS is off-road/sport.
- B: Seek out the B classification if you’re looking for a low-slung Bagger.
- GTL: GTL identifies the motorcycle as a Grand Touring Luxury machine because it is the dresser for the touring line.
- GT: Grand Touring is when luxury is removed and a little bit of sport is added.
- Grand America: The Grand America transforms the Bagger design into a dresser.
- Reise-Tourer, which translates to “travel-tourist,” is the term used for this title. It serves as a sport-tourer and is the lone boxer in the Tour roster. It’s not quite as sporty as the RS in the Sport range, though.
After finishing this story, you will be able to identify BMW model names without thinking about them.
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.
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.
Genuine, OE, OEM, Aftermarket, and Performance replacement parts for BMW are available in FCP Euro’s online parts catalog. We only sell the best OE, OEM, and Genuine parts for BMW, plus we provide a variety of free BMW DIYs, buying guides, how-tos, and blog articles. Our website was designed with the BMW enthusiast in mind.
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Describe the BMW F10.
The sixth generation of the BMW 5 Series, which was produced for model years 2010 to 2017, is represented by the BMW F10/F11/F07/F18. The range’s body types include: 4-door sedan or coupe (F10) five-door estate or wagon (F11, marketed as “Touring”) 5-door sports car (F07, marketed as “Gran Turismo”)
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
Describe an F36 BMW.
The BMW 4-Series F36 Gran Coupe is a tiny executive/luxury entry-level vehicle. represents the market sector “D (large automobiles)”. Between 2014 and 2021, the automobile was available in 5-door hatchback (liftback) body styles. 2017 saw a significant transformation (or “face lift”) during a model run.
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.
The meaning of the BMW M series
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.
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.