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).
In This Article...
Identifying Information
The VIN is printed on any official documents you may have for your BMW. The VIN will be printed on the front of your BMW title or registration.
Your BMW’s year, make, model, trim, options, transmission, engine, and even color can all be found out via the VIN. Find out more about deciphering BMW. If you have all of your papers, you can also locate your BMW VIN on your sales receipt, registration, and insurance card.
The Where to Find BMW VIN Number guide is intended to be useful. For additional assistance with your BMW, consult these troubleshooting and repair instructions.
offers and information tailored to you.
Your car’s dashboard is made to provide you access to everything, including Motorplan details, service information, and offers for parts and accessories that are specific to your car, in one convenient location. We’ll transport you to your individual dashboard as soon as you enter your BMW VIN number or car registration number in the box given.
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.
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.
Did you know that you can compare auto insurance quotes using your VIN? With the Jerry app, it’s simple. Jerry, a certified broker, undertakes all the legwork involved in obtaining affordable estimates from the most well-known insurance providers and purchasing new auto insurance. If you find a better bargain, Jerry can even assist you in canceling your current policy!
Describe the BMW F10.
The BMW F10 (sedan version), BMW F11 (wagon version, marketed as Touring), and BMW F07 (fastback version, marketed as Gran Turismo) are the executive cars that make up the sixth generation of the BMW 5 Series. They were manufactured by BMW from January 2010 (for the 2011 model year) to 2017, with the F10 being introduced to the domestic market on March 20, 2010, and the F11 in the summer of 2010. The F07 Gran Turismo was constructed from early September 2009 to 2017, and it was released in late October 2009 on the domestic German market.
The 5 Series Gran Turismo is the first and only fastback-bodied 5 Series model ever made. Additionally, the F10 generation of the 5 Series is the first to offer a hybrid drivetrain, a turbocharged V8 engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission, a dual-clutch transmission (in the M5), active rear-wheel steering (known as “Integral Active Steering”), electric power steering, a double-wishbone front suspension, an LCD instrument cluster (known as “Black Panel Display”), and automatic parking (called “Parking Assistant”). In China, Mexico, and the Middle East, a long-wheelbase sedan with the model number F18 was offered for sale.
The BMW S63 twin-turbocharged V8 engine and a 7-speed dual clutch transmission power the 2011-released M5 variant. It uses a turbocharged engine for the first time in an M5.
The G30 5 Series was introduced in February 2017 to replace the F10.
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.
Our Lifetime Replacement Guarantee covers all replacement components you purchase, including consumables and wear-and-tear parts like brake pads, gaskets, rotors, filters, and wiper blades. You won’t ever have to pay for an auto part again if you order it from us.
What do the numbers in the BMW series 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.
How can I determine my car’s precise model?
Here’s how to determine a car’s make and model now that you know what they denote:
The manufacturer’s name and the model name should normally be written on the back of your car on opposite sides. On the front and back of the majority of cars, you can find the manufacturer’s logo.
The owner’s manual’s cover often lists the vehicle’s make and model. If not, it ought to be in the first few pages at the very least.
Checking the VIN, or vehicle identifying number, will also reveal the car’s make and model (also known as chassis number in Ireland).
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.
The meaning of the BMW 40i
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 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.
What distinguishes a BMW as a M sport?
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 kind of car is that?
The distinction between a vehicle’s make and model is that the former relates to the brand of the vehicle, whereas the latter refers to the particular model of the vehicle. Using a Nissan Altima as an example, Nissan is the manufacturer and Altima is the specific model.
What distinguishes the BMW E90 from the E92?
Later in this article, we’ll return to this subject. Prior to getting into the details of the 2007–2013 328i’s specifications, it’s critical to establish some fundamentals. The E90 and E92 belong to the same 3-series generation. E90 stands for the sedan, and E92 for the coupe. Since they both have the same BMW N52 engine, the engine specifications will not change.
The E90 and E92 designations, however, indicate that the cars actually rest on separate chassis. Specifications like the 328i’s weight, length, ground clearance, etc. differ between the coupe and sedan versions. As a result, we’ll try our best to detail the precise specifications for the E90 and E92 328i. Despite having various chassis, they are really rather similar.
*Where information is applicable to both the E90 and E92, we’ll refer to it in this article as the E9x. Since both 328i models employ the exact same engine, for instance, under the following heading.
Can I identify the model using the VIN number?
The VIN number reveals the date and location of the car’s manufacture. It provides information on the maker, the model, the year, the trim level, as well as special features and technical details. The VIN number of your vehicle can be used to monitor registration, warranty claims, thefts, and insurance coverage.