Can someone explain the BMW model numbers please?

[Mook]

3 series - E21, E30, E36, E46, then (massive jump) E90, E91, E92, E93

5 series - E34, E39, then E60, E61

Is there any logic to it, or is it just the next number available used to be given to the next model, regardless of its type?

And with, for example, the 3 series being E90, 91, 92, 93 etc, are they now giving a new model designation every year?

Yes, it's really important this!

Cheers

[SINGH]

All I know is E90 is the saloon, E91,E92 etc corresponds to weather its the estate or convertible.

[CarMad]

They will create them for each potential model in their systems and some numbers will never see the light of day.

Why they jump so much well there are a zillion different models all with variations so I guess thats a part of the reason.

The Bentley Continental was know as BY614 internally I think it was no reason why but thats what they called it so they knew what they were talking about but nobody else did outside of the company. Other numbers existed but were never built.

[PeterS]

As Carmad said, as new models/projects are started they are (were...) assigned an 'E' number. The original X5 was an E53 IIRC, which helps fill the gap between E46 and E60!!

I say were, because they've run out of 'E's. Allegedly BMWs archaic systems wouldn't be able to cope with an extra digit. So now they are 'F's. The new 5 is F10 I think...or is that the new 7 :confused:

I believe that MINIs model designations start with an R, and Rolls Royce RR. Also the just superceded 5 series was the first to have a different 'E' number for saloon/touring (E60/61), with the current 3 series following (E90/91/92/93 for saloon/touring/coupe/convertible). That alone must have accelerated the rate at which they used 'E's

Peter

Edited May 6, 2010 by PeterS