Every car manufacturer uses internal codes to identify their vehicles, and BMW is no different. For BMW, these identifiers come in the form of chassis codes and engine codes. These systematic codes are crucial for organized planning, development, and avoiding any confusion in the automotive world. BMW engines are identified by codes like M, N, B, S, or P, while chassis and bodies are recognized by E, F, G, or U codes.
Understanding BMW Engine Designations
In the early days, BMW engine codes were relatively straightforward. For instance, M10 represented four-cylinder engines, M20 for smaller six-cylinder units, and M30 for the larger “Big Six” engines. However, as BMW’s engine range expanded significantly, a more detailed and informative coding system became necessary. The system we see today was developed and implemented starting in the mid-1980s.
BMW engine codes are designed to pack a wealth of information about the engine’s architecture and technology into a compact designation. Standard BMW production engines typically use an “M”, “N”, or “B” prefix. Engines developed by BMW M GmbH, the performance division, are marked with an “S” code. Motorsport race engines get a “P” designation.
Click on an image below to explore the specifics of each engine family.
Image Alt Text: BMW S Engine Code Chart: Breakdown of S14, S38, S50, S52, S54, S62, S65 BMW M engine codes.
Image Alt Text: BMW M Engine Code Chart: Decoding M20, M50, M52, M54, M62, S52, S54, S62 standard BMW engine codes.
Image Alt Text: BMW N Engine Code Chart: Guide to understanding N20, N51, N52, N53, N54, N55, N62 BMW engine family codes.
| BMW Motorsport S Engine Code Key | BMW M Engine Code Key | BMW N Engine Code Key |
|---|---|---|
Image Alt Text: BMW B Engine Code Chart 2020: Explanation of B38, B46, B48, B58 BMW engine code structure in 2020.
Image Alt Text: BMW B Engine Code Chart 2023: Updated guide to B38, B46, B48, B58 BMW engine codes as of 2023.
| BMW B Engine Code Key (2020 version) | BMW B Engine Code Key (2023 version) | |
|---|---|---|
It’s worth noting that BMW’s adherence to its own coding rules isn’t always strict. Technological advancements and rapid changes sometimes outpace even internal coding logic. While we’ve provided several engine code keys, variations and exceptions can exist.
BMW M GmbH, in particular, was initially slower to adopt the newer coding systems. S engine codes largely mirrored the M engine key format up until the S63 engine in 2009. After the S63, S series engines began to align more closely with the corporate coding structure introduced with the N series.
For PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) models, an additional powertrain code is used to designate the engine and electric motor combination. While a comprehensive key for these codes isn’t readily available, they typically begin with “XB1”. For example, the G20 330e features a “XB1142O1” powertrain, which includes the B46 gasoline engine and a GC1P25M0 electric battery/motor. Since PHEV models largely utilize standard B-series gasoline engines with supplementary electric components, the “XB1” code is often less relevant when sourcing engine parts.
Occasionally, you might encounter engine codes that deviate from the standard keys. These instances usually involve BMW using a shorthand abbreviation. “N52N” is a common example found in BMW documentation and parts websites like RealOEM. Around 2007, BMW opted for “N52N” instead of the more formally structured N52B30M0, likely to differentiate it from slightly different N52K and N52O engines in 2006 models. BMW also sometimes blends new and old coding conventions, such as using “N63TU” instead of N63T1. “TU” stands for “Technical Update,” indicating a significant engineering revision. This practice might be a carryover from the older M code system, where major updates were denoted by a “TU” suffix (e.g., M62TU), a tradition BMW seems reluctant to fully abandon.
BMW Chassis Codes Explained
Image Alt Text: BMW Chassis Code Chart: Key to understanding BMW E, F, and G chassis code designations.
The E code chassis system, still in use in discussions today for older models, originated in the mid-1960s with the development of the E3 ‘New Six’ sedans. The ‘E’ in the code stands for “Entwicklung,” the German word for “development.” The numerical part of the code advances with each new model project. It’s important to note that not all E-chassis codes represent production vehicles; even concept cars can receive an E code designation during development.
By the late 2000s, the E code series was nearing exhaustion, prompting BMW to transition to F chassis codes. Just a decade later, the F series was superseded by G chassis codes. The relatively short lifespan of the F chassis series can be attributed to the increasing number of codes needed to differentiate various body styles. It wasn’t until the mid-2000s that BMW began using distinct chassis codes for different body styles of the same model. Now, a coupe, sedan, convertible, and wagon can each have a unique chassis code, even if they share core components like engine, drivetrain, brakes, and suspension. This system allows for more specific identification and shorter, more informative codes. The number of F chassis models produced in just ten years equaled the number of E codes developed over the preceding 40 years!
It’s crucial to distinguish between BMW chassis codes and the BMW CLAR chassis. CLAR (Cluster Architecture) refers to a modular engineering platform – a set of shared components that can be utilized across various models and vehicle classes (like UKL and GKL subdivisions). CLAR is an engineering concept, while the chassis code is a specific vehicle identifier.
BMW model years traditionally begin in September of the preceding year. For example, a 2012 328i model would typically be released in September 2011 (9/2011). However, BMW often “pre-releases” models earlier in the year, particularly for facelifted models (LCI – Life Cycle Impulse) or major updates. These pre-releases often occur in March or July. For example, the 2011 E92 335i, which received the new N55 engine, was released in March 2010 but was marketed as a 2011 model. When ordering parts, providing your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is often necessary to confirm the exact model year and other critical specifications.
The following comprehensive list details BMW models and their corresponding engines for the US market, along with a selection of notable Euro models. This list should be a valuable resource for anyone sourcing BMW parts or looking for BMW trivia!
| Series | Chassis | Model | Engine or Power Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| i3 Series | |||
| I01 Plug-In Electric Vehicle (2014-2021) | |||
| 2014-2017 | i3 | ||
| 2014-2017 | i3 REx | ||
| 2018 | i3 | ||
| 2018 | i3 REx | ||
| 2019-2021 | i3 (LCI) | ||
| 2019-2021 | i3 REx (LCI) | ||
| i4 Series | |||
| G26 Gran Coupe eDrive (2022-) | |||
| 2022- | i4 eDrive35 | ||
| 2022- | i4 eDrive40 | ||
| 2022- | i4 M50 | ||
| i8 Series | |||
| I12 Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) (2015-2020) | |||
| 2015-2018 | i8 Coupe | ||
| 2018-2020 | i8 Coupe | ||
| I15 Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) (2015-2020) | |||
| 2018-2020 | i8 Roadster | ||
| iX Series | |||
| I20 Plug-In Electric Vehicle (2022-) | |||
| 2022- | iX xDrive40 | ||
| 2022- | iX xDrive50 | ||
| 2022- | iX M60 | ||
| 1 Series | |||
| E82 Coupe / E88 Convertible (2008-2013) | |||
| 2008-2013 | 128i | ||
| 2008-2013 | 128i | ||
| 2008-2010 | 135i | ||
| 2011-2013 | 135i | ||
| 2011-2013 | 135is | ||
| 2011-2012 | 1M | ||
| 2 Series | |||
| F22 Coupe / F23 Convertible (2014+) | |||
| 2014-2017 | 228i, 228i xDrive | ||
| 2014-2017 | 228i, 228i xDrive | ||
| 2018- LCI facelift | 230i, 230i xDrive | ||
| 2014-2017 | M235i, M235i xDrive | ||
| 2014-2018 | M235i Racing | ||
| 2018- LCI facelift | M240i, M240i xDrive | ||
| 2019- LCI facelift | M240i Racing | ||
| F87 (2016+) | |||
| 2016-2017 | M2 | ||
| 2018 LCI facelift | M2 | ||
| 2019 | M2 Competition | ||
| F44 GranCoupe (2020-) | |||
| 2020- | 228i FWD (UKL2) | ||
| 2020- | 228xi AWD (UKL2) | ||
| 2020- | M235xi AWD (UKL2) | ||
| G42 Coupe / G43 Convertible (2023-) | |||
| 2022- | 230i, 230i xDrive | ||
| 2022- | M240i, M240i xDrive | ||
| G87 (2023-) | |||
| 2023- | M2 | ||
| F74 GranCoupe (2025-) | |||
| 2026- | 228 | ||
| 2025- | 228 xDrive | ||
| 2025- | M235 xDrive | ||
| 3 Series | |||
| E21 (1977-1983) | |||
| 1977-1983 | 320i | ||
| 1977-1982 | 320/6 | ||
| 1978-1983 | 323i | ||
| E30 (1984-1992) | |||
| 1984-1985 | 318i | ||
| 1989-1992 | 318i | ||
| 1984-1987 | 325e | ||
| 1984-1987 | 325es | ||
| 1988 | 325 (“Super E”) | ||
| 1987-1992 | 325i | ||
| 1987-1992 | 325is | ||
| 1988-1991 | 325ix | ||
| 1988-1991 | M3 | ||
| 1992 | M3 Evo III | ||
| E36 (1992-1999) | |||
| 1992-1995 | 318i | ||
| 1996-1997 | 318i | ||
| 1994-1995 | 318i | ||
| 1994-1995 | 318i | ||
| 1992-1995 | 318is | ||
| 1996-1997 | 318is | ||
| 1998-1999 | 323ic | ||
| 1998-1999 | 323is | ||
| 1992 | 325i | ||
| 1993-1995 | 325i | ||
| 1994-1995 | 325ic | ||
| 1992 | 325is | ||
| 1993-1995 | 325is | ||
| 1996-1998 | 328i | ||
| 1996-1999 | 328ic | ||
| 1996-1999 | 328is | ||
| 1993-1995 | M3 (Euro) | ||
| 1995 | M3 (US) | ||
| 1996-1999 | M3 (Euro) | ||
| 1996-1999 | M3 (US) | ||
| E36/5 (1995-1999) | |||
| 1995 | 318ti | ||
| 1996-1999 | 318ti | ||
| E46 (1999-2006) | |||
| 1998-2000 | 320i | ||
| 2000-2006 | 320i | ||
| 2000 | 323Ci | ||
| 1999-2000 | 323i | ||
| 2001-2006 | 325Ci | ||
| 2001-2005 | 325i | ||
| 2003-2005 | 325i | ||
| 2001-2005 | 325xi | ||
| 2000 | 328Ci | ||
| 1999-2000 | 328i | ||
| 2001-2006 | 330Ci | ||
| 2001-2005 | 330i | ||
| 2001-2005 | 330xi | ||
| 2003-2005 (sedan) | 330i ZHP | ||
| 2004-2006 (coupe) | 330ci ZHP | ||
| 2001-2006 | M3 | ||
| E90 Sedan / E91 Sport Wagon (2006-2011) | |||
| 2006 | 323i (CAN) | ||
| 2006 | 325i, 325xi | ||
| 2007-2008 | 328i, 328xi | ||
| 2009-2011 LCI facelift facelit | 328i, 328xi | ||
| 2006 | 330i, 330xi | ||
| 2009-2011 LCI facelift | 335d | ||
| 2007-2008 | 335i, 335xi | ||
| 2009-2010 LCI facelift | 335i, 335xi | ||
| 2011 LCI facelift | 335i, 335xi | ||
| 2008-2011 | M3 Sedan | ||
| E92 Coupe / E93 Convertible (2007-2013) | |||
| 2007-2010 | 328i, 328xi | ||
| 2011-2013 LCI facelift | 328i, 328xi | ||
| 2007-2010 | 335i, 335xi | ||
| 2011-2013 LCI facelift | 335is | ||
| 2011-2013 LCI facelift | 335i, 335xi | ||
| 2008-2013 | M3 | ||
| 2010 | M3 GTS | ||
| F30 Sedan / F31 Sport Wagon / F34 GT (2012-2018) | |||
| 2013-2015 | 320i, 320i xDrive | ||
| 2016-2018 LCI facelift | 320i, 320i xDrive | ||
| 2014-2015 | 328d, 320d xDrive | ||
| 2016-2018 LCI facelift | 328d, 328d xDrive | ||
| 2012-2014 | 328i, 328i xDrive | ||
| 2012-2014 | 328i, 328i xDrive | ||
| 2015-2016 LCI facelift | 328i, 328i xDrive | ||
| 2015-2016 LCI facelift | 328i, 328i xDrive | ||
| 2016-2018 | 330e | ||
| 2017-2018 | 330i, 330i xDrive | ||
| 2012-2014 | 335i, 335i xDrive | ||
| 2015 LCI facelift | 335i, 335i xDrive | ||
| 2016-2018 | 340i, 340i xDrive | ||
| 2012-2015 | ActiveHybrid 3 | ||
| F80 Sedan (2015+) | |||
| 2015-2016 | M3 | ||
| 2017-2018 LCI facelift | M3 | ||
| G20 Sedan / G21 Sport Wagon (2019-) | |||
| 2020- | 330e | ||
| 2019-2024 | 330i, 330i xDrive | ||
| 2025- LCI facelift | 330i, 330i xDrive | ||
| 2020-2024 | M340i, M340xi | ||
| 2025- LCI facelift | M340i, M340xi | ||
| G80 Sedan (2021-) | |||
| 2021-2024 | M3 | ||
| 2021-2024 | M3 Competition, M3 CS | ||
| 2021-2024 | M3 Competition xDrive | ||
| 2025- LCI facelift | M3 | ||
| 2025- LCI facelift | M3 Competition, M3 CS | ||
| 2025- LCI facelift | M3 Competition xDrive | ||
| 4 Series | |||
| F32 Coupe / F33 Convertible / F36 GranCoupe (2014-2020) | |||
| 2014-2015 | 428i, 428i xDrive | ||
| 2016-20172018- LCI facelift | 430i, 430i xDrive | ||
| 2014-2015 | 435i, 435i xDrive | ||
| 2016-20172018- LCI facelift | 440i, 440i xDrive | ||
| F82 Coupe, F83 Convertible (2015+) | |||
| 2015-2017 | M4 | ||
| 2018- LCI facelift | M4 | ||
| 2016 | M4 GTS | ||
| 2018 | M4 CS | ||
| G22 Coupe / G23 Convertible / G26 GranCoupe (2021-) | |||
| 2021- | 430i, 430iX | ||
| 2025- | 430i xDrive | ||
| 2021-2024 | M440i, M440iX | ||
| 2025- | M440i, M440iX LCI | ||
| G26 Gran Coupe (2022-) | |||
| 2022-2024 | 430i xDrive | ||
| 2025- | 430i xDrive | ||
| 2022-2024 | M440i xDrive | ||
| 2025- | M440i xDrive | ||
| 2022- | i4 eDrive40 | ||
| 2022- | i4 M50 | ||
| G82 Coupe, G83 Convertible (2021-) | |||
| 2021-2024 | M4 | ||
| 2021-2024 | M4 Competition | ||
| 2023-2024 | M4 CSL | ||
| 2021-2024 | M4 Competition xDrive | ||
| 2025- LCI facelift | M4 | ||
| 2025- LCI facelift | M4 Competition | ||
| 2025- LCI facelift | M4 Competition xDrive | ||
| 5 Series | |||
| E12 (1972-1981) | |||
| 1977-1981 | 528i | ||
| 1975-1978 | 530i | ||
| E28 (1982-1988) | |||
| 1983-1988 | 524td | ||
| 1982-1987 | 528e | ||
| 1988 | 528e “Super E” | ||
| 1982-1984 | 533i | ||
| 1985-1988 | 535i | ||
| 1985-1988 | M535i (Euro) | ||
| 1988 | M5 | ||
| E34 (1989-1995) | |||
| 1989-1990 | 525i M20 | ||
| 1993-1995 | 525i M50 | ||
| 1993-1995 | 530i | ||
| 1989-1992 | 535i | ||
| 1993-1995 | 540i | ||
| 1995 | 540i M-Sport | ||
| 1991-1995 | M5 | ||
| 1994-1995 | M5 (Euro) | ||
| E39 (1997-2003) | |||
| 2001-2003 | 525i | ||
| 1997-1998 | 528i | ||
| 1999-2000 | 528i | ||
| 2001-2003 | 530i | ||
| 1997-1998 | 540i | ||
| 1999-2003 | 540i | ||
| 1999-2003 | M5 | ||
| E60 Sedan / E61 Sport Wagon (2004-2010) | |||
| 2004-2005 | 525i | ||
| 2006 | 525i, 525xi (US) | ||
| 2007-2010 | 528i, 528i xDrive | ||
| 2004-2005 | 530i | ||
| 2006-2007 | 530i, 530xi | ||
| 2007-2010 | 535i, 535i xDrive | ||
| 2004-2005 | 545i | ||
| 2006-2010 | 550i | ||
| 2006-2010 | M5 | ||
| F07 GT, F10 Sedan (2011-2016) | |||
| 2011 | 528i, 528i xDrive | ||
| 2012-2016 | 528i, 528i xDrive | ||
| 2011-2016 | 535d, 535d xDrive | ||
| 2011-2016 | 535i, 535i xDrive | ||
| 2012-2016 | ActiveHybrid 5 (535i) | ||
| 2011-2013 | 550i, 550i xDrive | ||
| 2014-2016 | 550i, 550i xDrive | ||
| 2012-2016 | M550d xDrive (Euro) | ||
| 2012-2016 | M5 | ||
| G30 (2017-) | |||
| 2017-2019 | 530i, 530i xDrive | ||
| 2020- | 530i, 530i xDrive | ||
| 2017-2019 | 530e, 530e xDrive | ||
| 2017-2019 | 540i, 540i xDrive | ||
| 2020- | 540i, 540i xDrive | ||
| 2018-2019 | M550i, M550i xDrive | ||
| 2020- | M550i, M550i xDrive | ||
| F90 (2018-) | |||
| 2018- | M5 | ||
| G60 (2024-) | |||
| 2024- | 530i, 530i xDrive | ||
| 2024- | 540i xDrive | ||
| 2025- | 550e xDrive | ||
| 2024- | i5 eDrive40 | ||
| 2025- | i5 xDrive40 | ||
| 2024- | i5 M60 xDrive | ||
| G90 Sedan / G99 Wagon (2025-) | |||
| 2025- | M5 sedan (G90) | ||
| 2025- | M5 Touring (G99) | ||
| 6 Series | |||
| New Class (1965-1969) | |||
| 1965-1969 | 2000C | ||
| 1965-1969 | 2000CS | ||
| E9 Coupe (1968-1975) | |||
| 1968-1971 | 2800CS | ||
| 1972-1975 | 3.0CS | ||
| 1972-1975 | 3.0CSi | ||
| 1972-1973 | 3.0CSL | ||
| 1974-1975 | 3.0CSiL | ||
| E24 (1977-1989) | |||
| 1977 | 630CSi | ||
| 1982-1984 | 633CSi | ||
| 1985-1989 | 635CSi, L6 | ||
| 1983-1989 | M635CSi (Euro) | ||
| 1987-1989 | M6 | ||
| E63 Coupe / E64 Convertible (2004-2010) | |||
| 2004-2005 | 645Ci | ||
| 2006-2011 | 650i | ||
| 2006-2010 | M6 | ||
| F06 GranCoupe / F12 Convertible / F13 Coupe (2012-2017) | |||
| 2012-2017 | 640i | ||
| 2012 | 650i, 650i xDrive | ||
| 2013-2017 | 650i, 650i xDrive | ||
| 2012-2018 | M6 | ||
| G32 Gran Turismo / G33 Gran Coupe (2018+) | |||
| 2018- | 640i, 640i xDrive | ||
| 2018- | 640i, 640i xDrive (G33?) | ||
| 2018- | 640d, 640d xDrive | ||
| 7 Series | |||
| E23 (1977-1987) | |||
| 1978-1984 | 733i | ||
| 1985-1987 | 735i, L7 | ||
| 1980-1983 | 745i (Euro) | ||
| 1984-1986 | 745i (South Africa) | ||
| E32 (1988-1994) | |||
| 1988-1992 | 735i, 735iL | ||
| 1993-1994 | 740i, 740iL | ||
| 1989-1994 | 750iL | ||
| E38 (1995-2001) | |||
| 1995 | 740i, 740iL | ||
| 1996-1998 | 740i, 740iL | ||
| 1999-2001 | 740i, 740iL | ||
| 1995-1997 | 750iL | ||
| 1998-2001 | 750iL | ||
| E65 SWB / E66 LWB (2002-2008) | |||
| 2002-2004 | 745i, 745Li | ||
| 2005-2008 | 750i, 750Li | ||
| 2002-2008 | 760Li | ||
| 2004-2008 | Alpina B7 | ||
| F01 SWB / F02 LWB (2009-2015) | |||
| 2008-2012 | 740i, 740Li | ||
| 2013-2015 | 740i, 740Li | ||
| 2009-2012 | 750i, 750Li, 750Li xDrive | ||
| 2013-2015 | 750i, 750Li, 750Li xDrive | ||
| 2009-2015 | 760Li | ||
| 2010-2015 | Alpina B7 | ||
| G11 SWB / G12 LWB (2016-) | |||
| 2016-2019 | 740i, 740Li | ||
| 2020- | 740i, 740Li | ||
| 2016- | 750i, 750Li, 750Li xDrive | ||
| 2016- | M760Li xDrive | ||
| 2016- | Alpina B7 xDrive | ||
| G70 SWB / G71 LWB (2023-) | |||
| 2023- | 740i / 740i xDrive | ||
| 2024- | 750e xDrive | ||
| 2023- | 760i xDrive | ||
| 2024- | i7 eDrive50 | ||
| 2023- | i7 xDrive60 | ||
| 2024- | i7 M70 xDrive | ||
| 8 Series | |||
| E31 (1990-1998) | |||
| 1994-1995 | 840Ci | ||
| 1996-1998 | 840Ci | ||
| 1991-1994 | 850i | ||
| 1994-1998 | 850Ci | ||
| 1992 | M8 (prototype) | ||
| 1992-1997 | 850CSi | ||
| G14 Convertible / G15 Coupe / G16 GranCoupe (2018-) | |||
| 2019- | 840i, 840i xDrive | ||
| 2019- | M850i xDrive | ||
| F91 Convertible / F92 Coupe / F93 GranCoupe (2018-) | |||
| 2019- | M8 |
| X1 Series |
|---|
| E84 (2009-2015) |
| Models |
| 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i |
| 2009-2011 X1 xDrive28i |
| 2012-2015 X1 xDrive28i |
| 2009-2015 X1 xDrive35i |
| F48 (2016-2023) |
| 2016-2019 X1 sDrive28i |
| 2016-2019 X1 xDrive28i |
| 2020-2023 X1 sDrive28i |
| 2020-2023 X1 xDrive28i |
| U11 (2023-) |
| 2023- X1 xDrive28i |
| 2024- X1 M35i xDrive |
| X2 Series |
|---|
| F39 (2018-) |
| Models |
| 2018-2019 X2 sDrive28i |
| 2018-2019 X2 xDrive28i |
| 2020- X2 sDrive28i |
| 2020- X2 xDrive28i |
| 2019-2023 X2 M35i |
| 2023- X2 M35i |
| X3 Series |
|---|
| E83 (2003-2010) |
| Models |
| 2003-2005 X3 2.5i |
| 2003-2006 X3 3.0i |
| 2007-2010 X3 3.0i |
| 2007-2010 X3 3.0si |
| F25 (2011-2017) |
| 2011 X3 xDrive28i |
| 2012-2017 X3 xDrive28i |
| 2012-2017 X3 xDrive35i |
| G01 (2018-2024) |
| 2018-2019 X3 xDrive30i |
| 2020-2024 X3 xDrive30i |
| 2018-2019 X3 M40i |
| 2020-2024 X3 M40i |
| 2020-2024 X3 xDrive30e |
| F97 (2020-2024) |
| 2020-2024 X3M |
| G45 (2025-) |
| 2025- X3 30 xDrive |
| 2025- X3 M50 xDrive |
| X4 Series |
|---|
| F26 (2014-2018) |
| Models |
| 2014-2018 X4 xDrive28i |
| 2014-2018 X4 xDrive35i |
| 2015-2018 X4 M40i |
| G02 (2019-2024) |
| 2019 X4 xDrive30i |
| 2020-2024 X4 xDrive30i |
| 2019 X4 M40i |
| 2020-2024 X4 M40i |
| F98 (2020-2024) |
| 2020-2024 X4M |
| X5 Series |
|---|
| E53 (2000-2006) |
| Models |
| 2000-2006 X5 3.0i |
| 2000-2003 X5 4.4i |
| 2004-2006 X5 4.4i |
| 2002-2003 X5 4.6is |
| 2004-2006 X5 4.8is |
| E70 (2007-2013) |
| 2007-2010 X5 3.0si |
| 2011-2013 X5 xDrive35d |
| 2011-2013 X5 sDrive35i |
| 2011-2013 X5 xDrive35i |
| 2007-2010 X5 4.8i |
| 2011-2013 X5 xDrive50i |
| 2010-2013 X5M |
| F15 (2014-2018) |
| 2014-2018 xDrive35d |
| 2014-2018 sDrive35i |
| 2014-2018 xDrive35i |
| 2014-2018 xDrive50i |
| F85 (2014-2019) |
| 2014-2019 X5M |
| G05 (2019-) |
| 2019-2023 sDrive40i |
| 2024- sDrive40i |
| 2019-2023 xDrive40i |
| 2024- xDrive40i |
| 2021-2023 X5 45eX |
| 2024- X5 50eX |
| 2019-2020 X5 xDrive50i |
| 2020-2023 X5 M50i |
| 2024- X5 M60i |
| F95 (2020-) |
| 2020-2023 X5M |
| 2024- X5M |
| X6 Series |
|---|
| E71 (2009-2013) |
| Models |
| 2009-2010 X6 xDrive35i |
| 2010-2013 X6 xDrive35i |
| 2009-2013 X6 xDrive50i |
| 2010-2013 X6M |
| F16 (2014-2019) |
| 2014-2019 X6 sDrive35i |
| 2014-2019 X6 sDrive35i |
| 2014-2019 X6 xDrive50i |
| F86 (2014-2019) |
| 2014-2019 X6M |
| G06 (2020-) |
| 2020-2023 X6 40i |
| 2020-2023 X6 40iX |
| 2024- X6 40iX |
| 2020-2023 X6 M50iX |
| 2023- X6 M60iX |
| F96 (2014-2019) |
| 2020-2023 X6M |
| 2024- X6M Competition |
| X7 Series |
|---|
| G07 (2019-) |
| Models |
| 2019-2022 X7 xDrive40i |
| 2023- X7 xDrive40i |
| 2019-2020 X7 xDrive50i |
| 2021-2022 X7 M50i |
| 2023- X7 M60iX |
| 2020-2022 Alpina XB7 |
| 2023- Alpina XB7 |
| XM Series |
|---|
| G09 (2023-) |
| Models |
| 2023- XM |
| 2023- XM Label Red |
| Z Series |
|---|
| Z1 (1989-1991) |
| Models |
| 1989-1991 Z1 |
| E36/7 Roadster, E36/8 Coupe Z3 (1996-2002) |
| Models |
| 1996-1997 Z3 1.9 |
| 1999-2000 Z3 2.3 |
| 2001-2002 Z3 2.5 |
| 1997-1998 Z3 2.8 |
| 1999-2000 Z3 2.8 |
| 2001-2002 Z3 3.0 |
| 1998-2000 MZ3 |
| 2001-2002 MZ3 |
| E85 Z4 Roadster, E86 Z4 Coupe (2003-2008) |
| Models |
| 2003-2005 Z4 2.5i |
| 2003-2005 Z4 3.0i |
| 2006-2008 Z4 3.0i |
| 2006-2008 Z4 3.0si |
| 2006-2008 Z4M |
| E89 Z4 (2009-2016) |
| Models |
| 2011-2016 Z4 sDrive28i |
| 2009-2010 Z4 sDrive30i |
| 2009-2016 Z4 sDrive35i |
| 2009-2016 Z4 sDrive35is |
| G29 Z4 (2020-2025) |
| Models |
| 2020-2025 Z4 sDrive30i |
| 2020-2025 Z4 M40i |
| E52 Z8 (2020-2025) |
| Models |
| 1999-2003 Z8 Roadster |
| 2003-2004 Alpina Roadster |
| Toyota Supra |
|---|
| MkV A90 GR (2019-) |
| Models |
| 2023- Supra 30i |
| 2019-2022 Supra M40i |
| 2023- Supra M40i |
| McLaren F1 |
|---|
| Models |
| 1994-1998 F1 |
Epilogue: BMW Trivia and Engine Code Facts
A few interesting facts and figures about BMW to keep in mind:
1. The BMW Emblem: Not a Propeller. Despite popular belief, the BMW roundel emblem is not a “whirling propeller.” This misconception originated from BMW advertising campaigns in the late 1920s. The emblem itself predates this campaign and actually represents the official colors of the State of Bavaria (Bayern), Germany – blue and white.
2. Model Numerals: Power Class, Not Engine Size. While historically, the last two numerals in a BMW model name might have indicated engine size, this is no longer consistently true. Since the late 1990s, these numbers primarily represent the power class of the vehicle. BMW has a history of increasing displacement for turbocharged models, and with turbocharging now prevalent across their engine range, this naming convention continues. Consider these examples:
- The E23 745i used a turbocharged 3.2-liter engine (M102/M106). The “45i” designation implied that its turbocharged output was comparable to a larger, naturally aspirated 4.5-liter engine.
- The E46 323i featured a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 6-cylinder engine (M52TU). Its 169 horsepower placed it in the “23i” classification. Interestingly, the later E46 325i also used a 2.5-liter engine but with a higher output of 184 horsepower.
- The E90 325i, 328i, and 330i models all used a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine (N52). However, due to varying power outputs, they received different model designations: 325i = 215hp, 328i = 231hp, 330i = 255hp.
- The E90 335i, equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter engine (N54/N55), theoretically produced horsepower equivalent to a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated engine.
- The F44 M235i, despite using a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, carries a “35i” badge. This is due to two factors: its position within the M Sport line, signifying high performance, and its B48 engine’s output of over 300 horsepower, placing it within the “35i” power class.
- The G20 M340i, while not equipped with a 4.0-liter engine, uses a 3.0-liter single-turbo engine that delivers a theoretical output comparable to a 4.0-liter engine (382hp).
3. The McLaren F1’s S70 Engine: Unique Lineage. The S70 engine powering the legendary McLaren F1 is not the same engine found in the E31 850CSi or the M8 prototype. This confusion stems from a misunderstanding of BMW’s engine codes and the model timeline. As clarified earlier, “S” denotes a BMW M Gmbh engine, developed by M engineers like Paul Rosche. “7” signifies a V12 engine, and “0” indicates the development phase. While all engines in the F1, F1 GTR, 850CSi, and M8 share the “S70” code, they are distinct engines. BMW’s naming convention, using designations like S70/2 and S70/3 to differentiate variants, while helpful, can lead to confusion when the suffix is omitted.
The F1 and E31 M8 engines are closely related, perhaps “step-brothers.” Their development timelines are closely aligned, and they share many technical similarities. While complete specifications for the M8 engine are scarce, it is believed to have featured a 6.0-liter displacement, 24-valve heads per cylinder bank, coil-on-plug ignition, individual throttle bodies, and a dry-sump oil system. However, Gordon Murray and McLaren deemed the M8 engine too bulky and heavy for the F1. Paul Rosche, ever the innovator, responded by developing a new engine. At the time, Rosche was also working on the E36’s Euro S50 engine, which incorporated impressive technical features, including VANOS variable valve timing. Visually, the S70/2 engine in the McLaren F1 resembles two S50 engines joined together. The M8 S70/1 engine, in contrast, appears quite different, particularly in its valve cover and front-end design, and notably seems to lack a VANOS system. The M8 V12 was initially conceived to push the existing M70 engine design to its limits, thus retaining some of the M70’s basic architecture.
Many of these advanced technologies are absent in the 850CSi engine’s S70B56. It lacks VANOS, individual throttle bodies, and a dry-sump oil system (likely for practical reasons in a production car). This doesn’t diminish the 850CSi’s status as an ///M product. It was engineered by M engineers, produced by BMW M, and BMW literature recognizes it as the first “S70” engine (although the M8’s development timeline is not definitively established). The 850CSi remains a powerful and iconic model within the E31 8 Series lineup.
The M8 engine, although not used in the F1, was a crucial stepping stone. Some of its technology and concepts influenced the McLaren customer program and later found their way into the Euro S50 engine (which subsequently evolved into the S54). The M8 stands as a significant, albeit often misunderstood, link in the development of the F1 and other BMW Motorsport engines. While the F1 became the most celebrated member of the S70 engine family, its DNA is deeply rooted in BMW’s exceptional engineering capabilities.
Acknowledgments to Hagerty Insurance, BMWBlog, Peloton25, Jay Leno, and the book Driving Ambition: The Official Inside Story of the McLaren F1 for their invaluable background information and insights.
