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.
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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 BMW E numbers are there?
The German word Entwicklung, which means development, is represented by the letter E in the E-number. New cars are given E numbers at the manufacturer when they are still in the development stage before their official sales name has been assigned. E numbers became F numbers as they reached the triple digits.
What distinguishes the BMW I from the BMW E?
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.
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.
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.
What does BMW’s E series mean?
As is the case with our BMW 745e PHEV, models with a “e” in their names indicate that they are plug-in hybrids ( Read more: All types of EVs). Vehicles with all-wheel drive carry the word “xDrive” after their name.
What does the I stand for in a BMW?
BMW is an acronym for Bayerische Motoren Werke, or Bavarian Motor Works in English, as both enthusiasts and professionals are aware. BMW occasionally has AG, or Aktiengesellschaft, attached. This approximately translates to “joint-stock company.”
What does BMW F10 mean?
Let’s start out easy. Things might easily become a little perplexing because BMW employs so many words that are interchangeable, such as BMW 5 Series, BMW 535i, and BMW F10. F10 is the one you’re most likely to never hear, out of the three. Instead of an F10, people typically refer to their vehicles as a BMW 325i or BMW 335i.
But when you break everything down, you can see how it all fits together. The executive car lineup from BMW includes the 5 Series, which is positioned above the smaller 3 Series and below the opulent 7 Series. Since 1972, BMW has produced the 5 Series in a number of variations.
Internally, BMW refers to the sixth-generation 5 Series sedan, which was built between 2010 and 2016, as the F10. The model code distinguishes it from cars from the previous generation of the 5 Series, such as the E60, E39, and E34.
What does BMW’s F Series mean?
The BMW F series is a line of parallel-twin engine dual sport motorcycles produced by BMW Motorrad in Berlin, Germany. The line, which debuted in 2008, consists of the F650GS, F700GS, F800GS, and F800GSA. The F650GS was superseded by the F700GS in 2012, while the F800GSA, which had a larger front fairing and screen and a 24-litre (5.3 imp gal; 6.3 US gal) fuel tank, was introduced the following year. Both the F800S and the F800GT use belt drives.
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 F30.
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.
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.
The E46 is from what year?
The fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series, the BMW E46, was created between 1997 and 2006.
“Just take a ride in the new 3-Series, the distilled of all the charms of the Munich brand, to comprehend what BMW is!” It doesn’t seem unreasonable for journalists from the Austrian motor magazine Autorevue to praise the latest generation E46 3-series. There was no denying that BMW engineers had created another masterpiece. It suffices to recall that the 3-Series rose to the third-most popular vehicle in Germany after the results of 1999. not in its segment, but in terms of sheer quantity! The outcome was just amazing for the premium segment’s non-priced product.
The valvetronic variable valve timing system and the first direct injection diesel BMW are the major characteristics.
The E46 was often referred to as the “vehicle without flaws,” and it all started with a stunning design. The renowned Chris Bangl has recently joined the design team, which has carefully and softly revised the appearance of the previous “three” iteration. Twin circular headlights behind clear dispensers, branded Bavarian nostrils that have become a part of the hood, and a more sloping roof line have all contributed to the creation of a classic, timeless appearance that still appears current today.
The E46 has once again grown more spacious thanks to the new design, which skillfully hides the 3 Series’ noticeably expanded dimensions. The “3 Series” was able to maintain its original weight thanks to the extensive use of cutting-edge materials like steel and aluminum superalloys in the design.
For this reason, the restyled E46, which was debuted in 2001, maintained the appearance of the original, changing only in minor details, such as the shape of the headlights, bumpers, and taillights. A stabilizing system is a component of all modifications’ basic hardware.
But the engine front saw the biggest advancement. BMW unveiled the 316i Compact in 2001 at the Geneva Motor Show, equipped with the ground-breaking Valvetronic variable valve control system that operates without a throttle. Later, the Valvetronic technology was added to the three in different configurations, and eventually to additional BMW models.
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.
Which E46 year is the best?
The M3 E46 has VANOS, or variable valve timing, to change cam and valve timing across a wide RPM range.
When you test-drive your potential E46 M3, be on the lookout for the following signs: a lack of power at lower rpms, sluggish acceleration, a harsh idle, and a lengthy cold-start. All of those can be an indication of Vanos issues.
The VANOS system contains numerous components that regularly malfunction, including:
- Oil Pump VANOS
- SOLENOID VANOS
- Bolts for camshaft sprockets
- Combustion Camshaft Hub
Depending on the cause, replacement costs can range, however if you need to replace the entire unit with a rebuilt unit, it might cost around $1800.