Order Online or Call:  
888-280-7799  
McAfee SECURE sites help keep you safe from identity theft, credit card fraud, spyware, spam, viruses and online scams
  Search our site:   

View Cart  | Project List | Order Status |  Help    

 

 
 


Pelican Technical Article:

BMW Designation FAQ
Jared Fenton

Difficulty Level: 3
Difficulty scale: Adding air to your tires is level one
Rebuilding a BMW Motor is level ten

     This article is the one in a series that will be released in conjunction with Wayne's upcoming book, 101 Projects for Your BMW 3-Series.  The book will be 256 pages of full color projects detailing everything from performance mods to timing the camshafts.   With more than 350+ full-color glossy photos accompanying extensive step-by-step procedures, this book should be a staple in any 3-Series owner's collection.  See The Official Book Website for more details.  The book is due out in October 2005.  
       Quite often, I get asked about BMW designations. What does this “ti” mean? What is the difference between the 525i and a 535i? E thirty what? So I decided to write a small article that would try to explain the differences between the designations and try to clear up some confusion on the subject. That said, here are some questions I have received.

What do they call my car an “E” something when it’s a 325i, 535i, etc..?

  When you hear you car being referred to as an E classification, what they are referring to is the body style of a particular car. For instance, BMW has produced a 3 Series model from 1976 to 2003. Naturally, the body style changes over time, so to avoid confusion; they refer to the 1976-83 3 Series as an E21, the 1984-91 cars as E30, 1992-99 cars as E36, and the present models as the E46. Keep in mind that certain early cars do not have an E number. Here’s a break down of the “E” numbers as well as the early designations

114     1602 – 2002tii
118     1500, 1600-4, 1800, 1800tii   
120     2000C/CS/CA
121     2000, 2000ti, 2000tilux
E3       2500 – 3.3Li
E6       1600, 1800, 2000 touring
E9       2500CS – 3.0 CSi
E12     5 Series cars from 1974 to 1981
E21     3 Series cars from 1976 to 1983
E23     7 Series cars from 1977 to 1986
E24     6 Series cars from 1976 to 1989
E26     M1
E28     5 Series cars from 1981 to 1987
E30     3 Series cars from 1984 to 1991
E31     8 Series cars from 1989 to 1997
E32     7 Series cars from 1986 to 1994
E34     5 Series cars from 1988 to 1995
E36     3 Series cars from 1992 to 1999
E36/5  318ti from 1995 to 1999
E36/7  Z3 Roadster from 1996 to 2002
E36/8  Z3 Coupe from 1996 to 2002
E38     7 Series cars from 1994 to 2001
E39     5 Series cars from 1995 to 2001
E46     3 Series cars from 1999 to 2003
E52     Z8 Roadster from 2000 to 2003
E53     X5 from 2000 to 2006
E60     5 Series cars from 2004 to 2009
E61     5 Series cars from 2004 to 2007 (Wagon models)
E63     6 Series cars from 2004 to present (Coupe)
E64     6 Series cars from 2004 to present (Convertible)
E65     7 Series cars from 2002 to 2008 (short wheelbase)
E66     7 Series cars from 2002 to 2008 (long wheelbase)
E67     7 Series cars from 2002 to 2008 (armored version)
E68     7 Series Cars from 2002 to 2008 (hydrogen powered)
E70     X5 from 2007 to present
E71     X6 from 2008 to present
E72     X6 Hybrid from 2008 to present
E81     1 Series from 2004 to present (3 door hatchback)
E82     1 Series from 2004 to present (Coupe)
E83     X3 from 2004 to 2010
E84     X1 from 2009 to present
E85     Z4 Roadster from 2002 to 2008
E86     Z4 Coupe from 2002 to 2008
E87     1 Series from 2004 to present (5 door hatchback)
E88     1 Series from 2004 to present (Convertible)
E89     Z4 from 2009 to present (Sedan models)
E90     3 Series cars from 2005 to 2008, M3 2008 to present (Sedan models)
E91     3 Series cars from 2005 to 2008 (Wagon models)
E92     3 Series cars from 2006 to present (Coupe models)
E93     3 Series cars from 2007 to present (Convertible models)
F01     7 Series cars from 2008 to present (short wheelbase models)
F02     7 Series cars from 2009 to present (long wheelbase models)
F03     7 Series cars from 2008 to present (armored version)
F04     7 Series cars from 2009 to present (Hybrid)
F07     5 Series Gran Turismo from 2009 to present
F10     5 Series cars from 2009 to present
F11     5 Series cars from 2009 to present (Wagon models)

What do these letters on the back of my car mean?

  Traditionally BMW has used a series of letters to denote differences between models. For instance “is” would mean injected sports. Here’s a breakdown of the letters and what they mean. Keep in mind that various BMW’s used combinations of these letters. However, these letters are the most common.

i     Fuel Injected
is    Fuel Injected – Sports. Sports package, with better suspension, sway bars, etc..
ic    Fuel Injected – Cabriolet, Convertible models
e    ETA model. Built by BMW as efficiency-minded cars during the 1980’s
es   ETA – Sports, ETA model with sports package.
Ci   Fuel Injected – Coupe. This designation is used on most modern BMW’s
Csi  Fuel Injected – Sports Coupe.
iT    Fuel Injected – Touring.  BMW’s station wagon.
iX   Fuel Injected – All Wheel Drive.
Ti    Fuel Injected – Touring Compact.  
Tii   Fuel Injected – Touring International. Used only on early cars.   
M    Motorsports.  M3, M5 for example, BMW’s hot rod.
L     Luxury (formerly).  Basically a normal car fitted with full leather and all options, i.e. L6, L7
 L     Long wheelbase (currently).

What is the difference between a 525i and a 535i? A 325i and a 328is?

  With the exception of the early cars, 1600, 1800, 2002 etc., BMW has usually used a three digit numbering system to identify models. The first number refers to the Series, for instance 328is would be a 3 Series, while a 740iL would be a seven series. The last two numbers are typically the engine displacement of a particular model, So, a 328is Would mean a 3 Series, Fuel Injected 2.8 liter engine with the sports package. The 740iL would refer to a 7 Series, Fuel Injected 4.0 liter engine with a luxury package. Keep in mind that the last two numbers do not always mean actual engine displacement.

What are they talking about when they say my 325i has an M20?

  Usually BMW uses an M or S designation to identify their engines. In most cases several different engines would be used in a particular series, such as a 2.8, 3.5, and 4.0 all being available in the 5 Series. Here is a breakdown of the various designations and engines. For each engine listed, there is usually a displacement code. For instance, an M20B27 would be an M20 engine with a 2.7L displacement.

These are old engine codes that are no longer used.

 M41      4 Cylinder 1.6L DIDTA carburetor
 M42      4 Cylinder 1.8L DIDTA carburetor
 M49      6 Cylinder 3.4L 24-valve Motorsport twin-cam
 M60      6 Cylinder 2.0L and 2.3L carburetor or fuel injection
 M68      6 Cylinder 2.5L and 2.8L carburetor
 M69      6 Cylinder 3.2L fuel injection
 M86      6 Cylinder 2.8L fuel injection (L-Jetronic)
 M90      6 Cylinder 3.5L
 M92      4 Cylinder 1.8L fuel injection (K-Jetronic)
 M99      4 Cylinder 1.8L 2B4 carburetor
 M102    6 Cylinder 3.2L turbocharged

These are the current engine codes used.

M10       4 Cylinder 1.8L or 2.0L single overhead cam, timing chain.
M20       6 Cylinder 2.0, 2.3, 2.5 or 2.7L single overhead cam, timing belt.
M21       6 Cylinder 2.4L Diesel single overhead cam, timing belt.
M30       6 Cylinder 2.8, 3.0, 3.2, or 3.4L single overhead cam, timing chain.
M40       4 Cylinder, DOHC
M41       4 Cylinder Diesel
M42       4 Cylinder 1.8L DOHC
M44       4 Cylinder 1.9L DOHC
M50       6 Cylinder 2.0, 2.3, or 2.5L DOHC
M50TU    6 Cylinder 2.0, 2.3, or 2.5L DOHC, VANOS variable intake
M51       6 Cylinder Diesel
M52       6 Cylinder 2.0, 2.3, 2.5, or 2.8L DOHC, VANOS variable intake
M52TU   6 Cylinder 2.5 and 3.0L DOHC, VANOS variable intake and exhaust
M54       6 Cylinder 2.5 and 3.0L DOHC, VANOS variable intake and exhaust
M56       6 Cylinder 2.5L DOHC, Dual VANOS, SULEV (low emissions)
M60       8 Cylinder 3.0 or 4.0L
M62       8 Cylinder 3.5 or 4.4L
M70       12 Cylinder 5.0L
M73       12 Cylinder 5.4L
M88       6 Cylinder 3.5L, 24 valve Motorsport engine (only in the BMW M1)
M88/3    same as above, but for all other vehicles
N42       4 Cylinder 1.8 and 2.0L (not used in North America)
N45       4 Cylinder 1.6 and 2.0L (not used in North America)
N46       4 Cylinder 1.8 and 2.0L (not used in North America)
N47       4 Cylinder Diesel with common rail injection
N52       6 Cylinder 2.5 and 3.0L Valvetronic and Double VANOS
N53       6 Cylinder 2.5 and 3.0L Valvetronic and Double VANOS with direct fuel injection
N54       6 Cylinder 3.0L Twin Turbo
N55       6 Cylinder 3.0L TwinPower Turbo with Valvetronic and direct fuel injection
N62       8 Cylinder 3.6, 4.0, 4.4 or 4.8L with Valvetronic and Double VANOS
N63       8 Cylinder 4.4L Twin Turbo with direct fuel injection
N73       12 Cylinder 6.0L with Valvetronic
N74       12 Cylinder 6.0L TwinPower Turbo with Double VANOS and direct fuel injection
S14       4 Cylinder 2.3L DOHC Motorsport engine (only in the E30 M3)
S38       6 Cylinder 3.6 or 3.8L DOHC Motorsport engine
S50       6 Cylinder 3.0 or 3.2L DOHC, Dual VANOS Motorsport engine (Non-US M3)
S50US   6 Cylinder 3.0 or 3.2L DOHC, Single VANOS Motorsport engine (US M3)
S52       6 Cylinder 3.2L DOHC, Dual VANOS Motorsport engine
S54       6 Cylinder 3.2L DOHC, Dual VANOS Motorsport engine
S62       8 Cylinder 5.0L quad cam, quad VANOS Motorsport engine
S70       12 Cylinder 5.6L Motorsport engine

  I hope this article has been helpful in determining the differences between the various BMW models.

     Well, there you have it - it's really not too difficult at all.  If you would like to see more technical articles like this one, please continue to support Pelican Parts with all your parts needs.  If you like what you see here, then please visit our online BMW catalog and help support the collection and creating of new and informative technical articles like this one.  Your continued support directly affects the expansion and existence of this site and technical articles like this one.  As always, if you have any questions or comments about this helpful article, please drop us a line.

Cheers! 

Comments and Suggestions:
vjderoseComments: Great list! Why is the 3 series from 2004 not listed? My wife's 325Cic was made in 5/04.
Thank you!
December 29, 2011
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: Thanks for the note, I'll have Jared take a look at this... - Wayne at Pelican Parts
XcarsComments: Please explain - I have 2004 X3 autom. E83 with 2.5l M54 engine. Everyone says that 325xi is the same engine from 2003-2005 E46 cars 4wd- yet the pistons are different between the two models and there are E46 engines from those years with front mounted blades fan which X3 doesn't have. So is it really exchangeable? What about management and/or switch from manual to automatic car?
October 8, 2011
MikeComments: What E classification does a 2002 M roadster with an S54 engine fall under? It can't be the same as the 2002 Z with the smaller engine E 36.
September 20, 2011
AndyComments: The M40 is a SOHC
September 12, 2011
rsrdanComments: the S52 is not a dual vanos engine
August 30, 2011
road runnerComments: I have a 1993 325i that has had several issues from day 1. When I first bought the car the "check engine" light was on...the man said he had taken it to the BMW dealer and for around 100.00 they could get it off,and he said there was nothing wrong with the car,it just had alot of sensors,nothing to worry about..lol yeah,I'm stupid.Anyway I took it to a shop and the man said was good,that it did idle rough but after warming up it stops.After getting the car home we parked it and now it will not crank.It turns over like it wants to but doesn't it spits and sputters..can you tell me what I can do.
August 12, 2011
RadarcontactComments: The E46 model carried over into the 2006 lineup as the last 3-series ragtop convertible. I don't think a 'vert was produced in '07, but was then resumed in '08 as the hardtop convertible.
July 24, 2011
MitchComments: I have a 1995 mercedes with a 3.2 inline 6, how do you get the timing chain guide out? I need to replace the head gasket and have the head ready to come out except for this.
May 21, 2011
PhilipMcComments: About no model number, I have a 1996 LTD, it has no model number, I think it is because it is a "Limited" LTD
February 20, 2011
Mr CComments: my steering wheel won't adjust anymore, it just make noise like it should but don't move at all. What must i do? Is a part i can order or what need guided, thanks
December 31, 2010
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: I'm assuming you have a 5 or 7-Series with an auto-adjusting wheel like the one in my car. Sounds like the mechanism just broke and/or wore out. You need to take it apart to see what is broken, and then see what parts you can order. I haven't personally taken mine apart yet. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
Bmwben750Comments: Which is a better engine, the BMW 4.4 n62 engine or the 4.8? Or, are they same engine but different cc?
The 4.4 is on the BMW 745 and 4.8 on the 750.
November 13, 2010
JessComments: I believe the L in the 740il designation stands for long wheelbase because the 740i without the L is distinctly shorter by comparison.
November 11, 2010
NeilComments: @Larry Beemer:

the "E" designation as in E46 or E90 is an internal within BMW reference for specific model types. The E stands for 'entwicklung' which is German for 'development'. For example E46 is the 3 series manufactured from 1999 to 2005.
October 8, 2010
M3 DaveComments: "E46" also applies to M3 2001-2006
"E90" also applies to M3 2008-present
"E92" also applies to M3 2008-present
"E93" also applies to M3 2008-present

"L" refers to Long wheelbase i.e. "745i" versus "745iL"
August 24, 2010
EuropeanComments: M40 is SOHC.
And you still missing M43 SOHC.
August 14, 2010
JimComments: Great reference. I'm n the market for a used BMW and find this a very helpful reference. Thanks for the effort put into developing this!
July 30, 2010
FrederikComments: Sorry to mention, but there is a mistake in the list.
The M50 and m52 never came in a 2,3 liter version.
Thank you for a fantastic page which i just discovered :-
Frederik from Denmark
July 26, 2010
MarkComments: I'm trying to find an official explanation for the occasional BMW you see with no model number or letter designation on the trunk lid at all. It hasn't been removed; it just was never installed. A custom factory order, I've always assumed, that doesn't correspond to any particular factory variation; but I can't seem to find it spelled out anywhere. Do you know for sure?
July 20, 2010
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: I've seen some of these too. Perhaps it was a factory option, or the dealer took it off at the customer's request. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
AnoymousComments: You missed off the m43 l4 8v 115hp, successor to m40. not available in US. Was put in E36 318i Saloons, Convertables and Compacts 318ti, where as the E36 Coupι got the M42 and M44 engines.
May 14, 2010
mrobxnyComments: Yes I want to change it from celcius to farenheit and want to know any other information concerning this thank you
April 29, 2010
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: Depending upon the car, there should be a combination of buttons that you can push. Check your owner's manual for more details. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
mrobxnyComments: how can i change the temp/clock display in my car from german/metric to english/standard anyone have any idea
April 29, 2010
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: Do you mean from Celsius to Fahrenheit? - Wayne at Pelican Parts
terje53Comments: How do I recode a new key for a 1997 523i?
March 17, 2010
Born to BoreComments: Can I get to the rear parking sensor without removing the bumper, it is the far offside sensor. A mechanic states they are working when they click as you get near them?
January 21, 2010
DanielComments: I'm trying to turn off the oil and maint lights on my E30 1988 convertible using the posted article - but how do I orient the diagram so I know which pin is which with my harness? which way is '"up"? Thanks
October 23, 2009
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: On the last car I did this on, I believe that the connector or connector plug has the terminals labeled in the connector housing in very small print? - Wayne at Pelican Parts
blue knightComments: The clicking sound that one normally hears when you turn on a signal light comes on with fast intervals for 3 seconds and slows down to its normal intervals. This happens only on the left hand signal lever. I was advised to check all the light bulbs as well as the sockets.OK I am stumped with the removal of the left front signal lamp. Already referred to the Owner's Manual and it simply states to unhook the lamp from the open slot at the top of the assembly and pull the lamp towards you. Huh? Please help.
September 14, 2009
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: Yup, there's a tab and you sortof just slide it out. But, as the lamps get old, this tab can break off. We sell a lot of these for this reason... - Wayne at Pelican Parts
m10bkyComments: thanks for info/ Wayne/ I'm sending you pic/ of hd/lites to make sure its the same type that you discribe I cant find the screws/bolts that fix the lense to the casing/am I doing it wrong ! thanks M1OBKY
July 6, 2009
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: i>- Wayne at Pelican Parts 
M1O BKYComments: The information & write ups are realy helpfull, so well done all. May I ask how do I remove the external lenses on e39 1997 h/lights so that I can clean the glass they appear to be sealed, any advice ! thanks M10 BKY
July 6, 2009
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: There are two or three screws in the front. Simply loosen them and then the lenses slide right out. Be careful not to have them hang up on the lower "eyelids" underneath the lamps. - Wayne at Pelican Parts 
ejguillotComments: Doesn't the L in 740iL mean long wheelbase?
June 17, 2009
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: Yes, I believe that's correct, and the article is incorrect. The longer wheelbase models typically came with more luxury stuff bolted on, so it's an easy mistake to make. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
The BMW STEP KidComments: A 2005 X3 is an E-83 and new BMW engines use the N designation instead of the M.
May 11, 2009
Larry BeemerComments: I have two BMWs, and I can't find any reference to the "E" designation anywhere in the owner documentation. Where do you find it?
May 7, 2009
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: Which car are you referring to specifically? - Wayne at Pelican Parts
sdeleonComments: Where does the 2005 X3 falls under?
April 30, 2009
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: Good question. I'll have my staff update this with the latest cars, this is a few years old. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
  

Got more questions?  Join us in our BMW Technical Forum Message Board, and ask a question to one of our many automotive experts.

  Search our site:   

View Cart & CheckOut | Project List | Order Status |  Help    

 

[Home] [Customer Service] [Shopping Cart] [Privacy Statement]
 [Contact Us] [About Us] [Shipping] [Map to our Location]

Copyright © 2008 Pelican Parts Inc.