E numbers

[TheFazz]

I previously thought that the E numbers represented the sequential development of various BMW models. Each E number would represent a unique BMW chassis. Body variations (eg. convertibles, 3 series coupes etc) did not constitute a new E number. So you can have an E46 4 door sedan, 2 door coupe, a touring and a convertible. I previously also used to think that skipped E numbers were due to dropped proposals...But what happened between the current 7er (E65) and the previous 3er (E46)? Why the jump from E46 to E65 (or E60 for that matter)?Now, I believe the new 7er is an E65 and a E66 for the standard and long wheel base, respectively. Why two E numbers for the 7er?The E60 5er is produced after the 7er, but has a smaller E number... why?Next BMW produces the E90 3er... why the big jump again?What about the X5 and X3? what E numbers are coded for them?

 

[mrhartge]

the Fazz... don know why they jumped sooo high for the new 3series...but hope this helps....

Series Generations
Internally, BMW associates an "e-code" for each generation of a series ("E" stands for Entwicklung, German for development or evolution). These "chassis codes" only change to signify a major redesign of a series, or the introduction of a new series.
· BMW E12 - (1972-1981) 5 Series
· BMW E21 - (1975-1985) 3 Series
· BMW E23 - (1977-1986) 7 Series
· BMW E24 - (1976-1989) 6 Series
· BMW E26 - (1978-1981) M1
· BMW E28 - (1981-1988) 5 Series
· BMW E30 - (1983-1993) 3 Series
· BMW E31 - (1990-1999) 8 Series
· BMW E32 - (1986-1994) 7 Series
· BMW E34 - (1988-1995) 5 Series
· BMW E36 - (1990-1999) 3 Series/Z3 (as E36/7)
· BMW E38 - (1994-2001) 7 Series
· BMW E39 - (1997-2003) 5 Series
· BMW E46 - (1998-present) 3 Series
· BMW E52 - (2000-2004) Z8
· BMW E53 - (2000-present) X5
· BMW E60 - (2004-present) 5 Series
· BMW E63 - (2004-present) 6 Series coupe
· BMW E64 - (2004-present) 6 Series convertible
· BMW E65 - (2002-present) 7 Series short wheel base
· BMW E66 - (2002-present) 7 Series long wheel base
· BMW E70 - future X5
· BMW E83 - (2004-present) X3
· BMW E85 - (2003-present) Z4
· BMW E87 - (2004-present) 1 Series
· BMW E90 - future (2005) 3 Series

 

[Juan Powerblow]

Thanks Mr. HardGay for your input which I found to be very educational (including the signature, haha!!)

 

[TheFazz]

mrhartge

Thanks for the siggy!! That's a new avatar...

These "chassis codes" only change to signify a major redesign of a series, or the introduction of a new series.

Anyway, the E codes were useful as well but odd that BMW has chosen to have two separate codes for the likes of a coupe and convertible versions.

Odd also that the Z4 which was marketted before the E60 5er has a higher E number. And the E65/66 7er was introduced before the E60, but yet having a "later" E number.

 

[c-square]

yeah, confusing... it seems like the numbers were picked randomly. :aggressive:

 

[mrhartge]

Originally posted by TheFazz@May 31 2005, 02:43 PM
mrhartge

Thanks for the siggy!! That's a new avatar...

These "chassis codes" only change to signify a major redesign of a series, or the introduction of a new series.

Anyway, the E codes were useful as well but odd that BMW has chosen to have two separate codes for the likes of a coupe and convertible versions.

Odd also that the Z4 which was marketted before the E60 5er has a higher E number. And the E65/66 7er was introduced before the E60, but yet having a "later" E number.

no worries TheFazz...

logic would be , base on wheel base or structure identity...coupe & sedans may hav slight difference in dimensions...looking at this the R&D finds it easier to number it differently to avoid cuntfusion...also the machine shop can churn out frames based on the E codes easier & hassle free....

by hey i could be wrong....my dua kupang....

 

[OSFlanker]

Originally posted by TheFazz@May 31 2005, 02:43 PM
Anyway, the E codes were useful as well but odd that BMW has chosen to have two separate codes for the likes of a coupe and convertible versions.

Odd also that the Z4 which was marketted before the E60 5er has a higher E number. And the E65/66 7er was introduced before the E60, but yet having a "later" E number.

I read somewhere that the new 5 series project was started before the 7 series hence the new 5 series was designated E60 and the 7 the E65/66 even though the 7 series was launched to the public first.

BMW has the E series coding and Mercedes the W series coding, which is definitely less confusing than Porshche's code :

My 911 is a 996, your 911 is a 993 though mine is now old because the 997 has just been launched. But the 944 is not a 911 at all, nor is the 924, 928 and 951, and the 956 and 962 is a race car.

What happens to the 911 after the next 3 generations? 998 will replace 997, then 999, then do we get the 1000 911????? :beaten:

 

[johnchen]

Originally posted by mrhartge@May 30 2005, 09:54 AM
the Fazz... don know why they jumped sooo high for the new 3series...but hope this helps....

Series Generations
Internally, BMW associates an "e-code" for each generation of a series ("E" stands for Entwicklung, German for development or evolution). These "chassis codes" only change to signify a major redesign of a series, or the introduction of a new series.
· BMW E12 - (1972-1981) 5 Series
· BMW E21 - (1975-1985) 3 Series
· BMW E23 - (1977-1986) 7 Series
· BMW E24 - (1976-1989) 6 Series
· BMW E26 - (1978-1981) M1
· BMW E28 - (1981-1988) 5 Series
· BMW E30 - (1983-1993) 3 Series
· BMW E31 - (1990-1999) 8 Series
· BMW E32 - (1986-1994) 7 Series
· BMW E34 - (1988-1995) 5 Series
· BMW E36 - (1990-1999) 3 Series/Z3 (as E36/7)
· BMW E38 - (1994-2001) 7 Series
· BMW E39 - (1997-2003) 5 Series
· BMW E46 - (1998-present) 3 Series
· BMW E52 - (2000-2004) Z8
· BMW E53 - (2000-present) X5
· BMW E60 - (2004-present) 5 Series
· BMW E63 - (2004-present) 6 Series coupe
· BMW E64 - (2004-present) 6 Series convertible
· BMW E65 - (2002-present) 7 Series short wheel base
· BMW E66 - (2002-present) 7 Series long wheel base
· BMW E70 - future X5
· BMW E83 - (2004-present) X3
· BMW E85 - (2003-present) Z4
· BMW E87 - (2004-present) 1 Series
· BMW E90 - future (2005) 3 Series

I was just thinking about how confusing the e-codes are and was hoping to find somewhere a list to educate me. I was pleasantly surprised to find one so fast.

Thanks mrhartge for the education!

Cheers!