[Marty P]

Who, Why, Where and How does BMW come up with the Letters and Numbers for Each Car F80 , F30 and so on. Are these codes for different makes and models and there platforms i.e. engines and chassis .

[AndDown]

Originally Posted by Marty P

Who, Why, Where and How does BMW come up with the Letters and Numbers for Each Car F80 , F30 and so on. Are these codes for different makes and models and there platforms i.e. engines and chassis .

This will explain it better than I could:

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-new...mes-explained/

and here:
http://www.bmwism.com/bmw_e_m_symbols.htm

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Marty P

Who, Why, Where and How does BMW come up with the Letters and Numbers for Each Car F80 , F30 and so on. Are these codes for different makes and models and there platforms i.e. engines and chassis .

First letter is easy ... New chassis New letter we are at F so next chassis will be G

The actual number after the chassis code is a mystery to me

[BavarianFanatic]

The letter is the current primary chassis platform designation in the overall series. The numbers are internal sequential "design study" numbers. There are gaps in the numbering on occasion because there are concepts/studies that never come to fruition. Variations of a given chassis that actually makes production then get numbered sequentially from the base code. For example, starting with the E90 3 series, the sedans were E90, wagons E91, coupes E92, and convertibles E93. Prior to E90, there were not different unique designations for the different configurations (E30 covers sedan, coupe, wagon, and convertible for example). Now with the F30, we have a whole slew of F3x designations for each chassis configuration.

As I understand it, the jump to the "G" base is because of a move to a completely new modular platform that everything from 3 Series on up will share. This is the reason why they're not running the "F" series all the way out into the 90s as one might logically expect.

Back in the day, it was a very simple and straightforward designation that was chronological. A higher number simply meant that chassis was developed later than one with a lower number. Now they've kind of gone sideways with the whole thing so it's a bit less obvious.

[BM57]

BavarianFanatic is quite correct with his detailed explanation. If I may add, in addition to what he said, think about all the Registered Trademarks that BMW has filed for including vehicles that they may or may not produce.

Take for example the 2007 CS Concept designed by Karim Habib which was cancelled for financial reasons. I wonder what model designation that carried. Not to mention the BMW M1 Homage Concept. BMW has also registered the M7 and M10 names. I wonder if those will ever come to fruition.

Here's a another list of BMW Fahrzeug Codes (Entwicklungscodes):
http://www.bmwarchiv.de/e-code/

[Marty P]

Thank you for al the great replies I have received ,all of them have helped me sort through the madness of BMW logic. The other day I parked next to a 325i , so besides the two doors in that coupe what is the differences between them that is the 325i and the 328i ? or all 3 series for that matter . I know the 335 has a six banger but is that it? thanks

[BM57]

To answer your question properly, it requires narrowing it down a little. Are you asking about the differences between all the models within the current generation or with previous ones? There are engine, chassis, suspension, optional equipment, +++.

Just let me know more specifically what you'd like to learn about so that I can help. I don't know how much you know already in regards to the 3 series history or current model and so I'd rather help you in a more structured way.

I'm not sure if the links below will help answer some of your questions, but you can take a look if you want. I thought it might be better to post something than nothing while waiting for your next reply:

Scroll down the page to "Edmunds Summary Review of the 2012 BMW 3 Series" and you'll see a good general description:
http://www.edmunds.com/bmw/3-series/2012/review/
http://www.edmunds.com/bmw/3-series/2013/review/
http://www.edmunds.com/bmw/3-series/2014/review/
http://www.edmunds.com/bmw/3-series/2015/review/
http://www.edmunds.com/bmw/3-series/2016/review/

Full 2012 BMW 3 Series (F30) Ordering Guide (All Options and Packages Info)
http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=609252


2015 BMW 3 Series Price and Order Guides
http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=991665


Technical engine differences between 320i - 328i
N20B Engine - 320i vs 328i (Same?)
http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=654722

Engine vs Engine - 320i to 328i - Where is the missing 60HP?
http://www.f30driver.com/forum/showthread.php?t=966132