[rangertrace]

I'm sure there is a thread somewhere, but why do many forum members refer to their BMWs by N20 or whatever, rather than 2014 Whatever? Other than its shorter. Also, can someone tell me where the list of these models is, so I might have a better idea what the thread is about before opening it?

Thank you very much,

Trace

[Sephiroth]

People often refer to BMWs using the engine code (N20, S65, etc.) and more commonly the internal chassis code (F30, E90, etc.).

[Twix]

A 135i coupe, for instance could be either an E82 N54 or E82 N55 depending on whether it has the older twin turbo 3 litre six, or the newer single turbo 3 litre six. Enthusiasts will denote their car on the specifics so others know exactly what they drive, and not just the generic 135i.

Turner Motorsports, google them, they have a list of every BMW in code on their website.

[E39lolz]

I say e84 35i, period.

[dc_wright]

Originally Posted by rangertrace

I'm sure there is a thread somewhere, but why do many forum members refer to their BMWs by N20 or whatever, rather than 2014 Whatever? Other than its shorter. Also, can someone tell me where the list of these models is, so I might have a better idea what the thread is about before opening it?

Thank you very much,

Trace

The reason we use the chassis designation (E85, E36, E89, etc.) is BMW does not have model years like US manufacturers do. They release a given chasssis and then manufacture that model for a number of years until it's succeeded by an updated model. The variants within that chassis will have a designation to differentiate between them. They may do a minor styling change mid-life of a model, but that's it. The Bimmerfest models page does a pretty good job of cross referencing the model number we see in BMW advertising, with the chassis numbers, and the years they were produced.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=1

[Matski]

http://www.bmwarchiv.de/e-code/