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).
What Do the Numbers In BMW Models Mean?
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.
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 is the BMW model number?
The VIN for your BMW is printed on your car. The driver-side front door’s interior frame or jamb as well as the dashboard close to the driver’s side windscreen’s base are the most frequent sites. Keep in mind that a legitimate VIN has exactly 17 letters and numbers to make finding one easier.
You should be able to locate your VIN on the registration or insurance records for your vehicle if you can’t find it on the vehicle if some of the characters aren’t apparent. By checking your VIN online and comparing the results to what you already know about your vehicle, you can verify it.
The letters I/i, O/o, and Q/q, which are frequently confused with the numerals 1 and 0, are never included in VINs in order to limit the chance of confusion. Make sure you haven’t misinterpreted any of the characters if you’re having problems deciphering your VIN.
Is BMW a brand or a type?
The brand of a car is its make, whereas the exact model available under that brand is its model. For instance, the brand/make of a Chevrolet Equinox is Chevrolet, and the model is Equinox. Some vehicles, like the BMW M3, can even have numbers.
How is BMW numbered?
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.
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.
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”)
The German automaker BMW produced this version of the 3 Series (F30/F31/F34/F80) from 2012 and 2019. It is a front-engined vehicle that may be purchased as a hatchback, saloon, or estate and has either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. From a 114 BHP 2L Inline 4 Turbo diesel engine to a 454 BHP 3L Inline 6 Bi-Turbo petrol engine, there are many different power levels available. Both the front and back suspensions are MacPherson struts.
a BMW 335i an F30?
For the 2012 model year, the BMW 335i made its début as an F30 3 Series version. The 335i was available as the F30 Sedan, F31 Wagon, and G…
For the 2012 model year, the BMW 335i made its début as an F30 3 Series version. The N55B30M0 engine from BMW was used in the 335i, which came in Sedan (F30), Wagon (F31), and Gran Turismo (F34) body types. A 6 gear manual or 8 speed automatic transmission was used to drive the rear wheels of this turbocharged 3.0L inline six engine, which produced 302hp. The F30 BMW 335i was manufactured until 2015, when the F30 BMW 340i took its place.
A 2014 BMW 335i Sedan sold for $30,000 on April 19, 2022, making it the most expensive sale ever.
A: On February 14, 2022, a 2014 BMW 335i Sedan sold for $17,000, according to records.
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.
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.
BMW E90: What Does It Mean?
We’ll give you a quick crash course in the E90-gen 3er before we get into the intricacies so you can catch up before you invest any money. Beginning in 2006 and lasting until 2012, the E90-generation BMW 3 Series received a mid-cycle refresh (LCI) in 2009.
Although it is referred to as the E90-generation, that chassis code actually has a few different iterations. Standard designations for vehicles include “E90” for sedans, “E91” for five-door wagons, “E92” for two-door coupes, and “E93” for two-door convertibles. The same is true for M3 cars, as this generation of BMW has no M-specific chassis codes.
Describe the BMW F34.
The sixth-generation BMW F30 3-Series has a fastback body type, which is known as the BMW F34 GT or the 3-Series GT (Gran Turismo). The 2013 Geneva International Motor Show saw the debut of the 3-Series Gran Turismo, which remained a reliable offering from the automaker until its unfortunate retirement nearly seven years later.
BMW’s decision to discontinue the model does not necessarily imply that the vehicle was a total failure. The 3-Series Gran Turismo may not be for everyone, but it checks all the appropriate boxes for anyone who value comfort and room over driving performance.
This is a fairly unusual vehicle because BMW decided not to continue the “GT” variant with the current G20 3-Series. We’ve put up a thorough information on the BMW F34 GT 3-Series that covers the various engine options, optional extras, and common faults and difficulties to watch out for.
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.