CAR explains BMW E and F names

Tallest · 11-23-2009, 10:46 AM

Somewhat curious to know.

All the BMW E and F codenames explained

By Tim Pollard
http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/News/Se...mes-explained/

23 November 2009 14:45

With the launch of the new 2010 BMW 5-series due this evening at 7.00pm UK time, what better excuse for a spot of anorak indulgence? We've researched all the different BMW E and F codenames and explained them all in our handy list below. Perfect in case your specialist subject on Mastermind includes BMW codenames and you need to sort your E30 from your E90s.

Historically, each BMW has carried an E project number – standing for Entwicklung, or development. The numbers have then risen progressively up to triple digits, at which point F numbers have taken over.

So browse the BMW codename list below and scratch up on your knowledge. And ponder what could have been; there are numeric gaps which we can only imagine were stillborn projects or new cars that never saw the light of day.

BMW E codenames

BMW E3 2500/2800 saloons, 1968-1977
BMW E9 2000-2800 coupés, 1968-1974
BMW E12 1st-gen 5-series, 1975-1981
BMW E21 1st-gen 3-series, 1976-1983
BMW E23 1st-gen 7-series, 1978-1987
BMW E24 1st-gen 6-series, 1977-1989
BMW E25 Turbo concept car, 1972
BMW E26 M1 supercar, 1978-1981
BMW E28 2nd-gen 5-series, 1982-1988
BMW E30 2nd-gen 3-series, 1984-1992
BMW E31 8-series, 1989-1999
BMW E32 2nd-gen 7-series, 1986-1994
BMW E32/2 2nd-gen 7-series LWB, 1987-1994
BMW E34 3rd-gen 5-series, 1989-1995
BMW E36 3rd-gen 3-series, 1992-1999
BMW E36/5 3-series Compact, 1994-2000
BMW E36/7 Z3, M Roadster, M Coupé, 1995-2002
BMW E38 3rd-gen 7-series, 1994-2001
BMW E38/2 3rd-gen 7-series LWB, 1994-2001
BMW E38/3 3rd-gen 7-series armoured, 1998-2001
BMW E39 4th-gen 5-series, 1996-2004
BMW E46 4th-gen 3-series, 1999-2005
BMW E46/5 2nd-gen 3-series Compact, 2001-2004
BMW E52 Z8, 2000-2003
BMW E53 1st-gen X5, 2000-2006
BMW E60 5th-gen 5-series, 2004-2010
BMW E61 5th-gen 5-series Touring, 2004-2010
BMW E63 2nd-gen 6-series, 2003-
BMW E65 4th-gen 7-series, 2001-2008
BMW E66 4th-gen 7-series LWB, 2002-2008
BMW E67 4th-gen 7-series armoured, 2001-2008
BMW E68 4th-gen 7-series hydrogen
BMW E70 2nd-gen X5, 2007-
BMW E82 1st-gen 1-series, 2004-
BMW E83 1st-gen X3, 2003-
BMW E85 1st-gen Z4, 2003-2009
BMW E90 5th-gen 3-series saloon, 2005-
BMW E92 5th-gen 3-series coupé, 2005-

BMW F codenames

F01 5th-gen 7-series, 2008-
F02 5th-gen 7-series LWB, 2008-
F03 5th-gen 7-series armoured, 2008-
F10 6th-gen 5-series saloon, 2010-
F11 6th-gen 5-series Touring, 2010-
F12 3rd-gen 6-series coupé, 2011-
F13 3rd-gen 6-series convertible, 2011-
F25 2nd-gen X3, 2011-
F30 6th-gen 3-series, 2011-

With thanks to Tony Lewin's excellent book The Complete Book of BMW for research purposes

jibaholic101 · 11-23-2009, 11:43 AM

thanks for that!

BK · 11-23-2009, 12:28 PM

Timeline on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:BMW_cars

Tallest · 11-23-2009, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BK

Timeline on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:BMW_cars

well then consider it as one more reason to post the

button next times this gets asked.

JRJ1970 · 11-23-2009, 01:03 PM

I don't like the "F" letter. First thing it makes you think of is "Ford."

HJV · 11-23-2009, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrjinsa

I don't like the "F" letter. First thing it makes you think of is "Ford."

Or fighterplanes, like the F-18.

This one's got dual exhaust.

cotmfk · 11-23-2009, 02:22 PM

It's just natural progression. Eventually, they should be at G. Then BMW may build the G35. (snicker)

SoYank · 11-23-2009, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HJV

Or fighterplanes, like the F-18.

This one's got dual exhaust.

Dual turbos, er, turbines, too.

Castel · 11-23-2009, 05:30 PM

Letter F makes me think of Lexus, IS-F.

Crisp · 11-23-2009, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 320what

Somewhat curious to know.

All the BMW E and F codenames explained

By Tim Pollard
http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/News/Se...mes-explained/

23 November 2009 14:45

With the launch of the new 2010 BMW 5-series due this evening at 7.00pm UK time, what better excuse for a spot of anorak indulgence? We've researched all the different BMW E and F codenames and explained them all in our handy list below. Perfect in case your specialist subject on Mastermind includes BMW codenames and you need to sort your E30 from your E90s.

Historically, each BMW has carried an E project number – standing for Entwicklung, or development. The numbers have then risen progressively up to triple digits, at which point F numbers have taken over.

So browse the BMW codename list below and scratch up on your knowledge. And ponder what could have been; there are numeric gaps which we can only imagine were stillborn projects or new cars that never saw the light of day.

BMW E codenames

BMW E3 2500/2800 saloons, 1968-1977
BMW E9 2000-2800 coupés, 1968-1974
BMW E12 1st-gen 5-series, 1975-1981
BMW E21 1st-gen 3-series, 1976-1983
BMW E23 1st-gen 7-series, 1978-1987
BMW E24 1st-gen 6-series, 1977-1989
BMW E25 Turbo concept car, 1972
BMW E26 M1 supercar, 1978-1981
BMW E28 2nd-gen 5-series, 1982-1988
BMW E30 2nd-gen 3-series, 1984-1992
BMW E31 8-series, 1989-1999
BMW E32 2nd-gen 7-series, 1986-1994
BMW E32/2 2nd-gen 7-series LWB, 1987-1994
BMW E34 3rd-gen 5-series, 1989-1995
BMW E36 3rd-gen 3-series, 1992-1999
BMW E36/5 3-series Compact, 1994-2000
BMW E36/7 Z3, M Roadster, M Coupé, 1995-2002
BMW E38 3rd-gen 7-series, 1994-2001
BMW E38/2 3rd-gen 7-series LWB, 1994-2001
BMW E38/3 3rd-gen 7-series armoured, 1998-2001
BMW E39 4th-gen 5-series, 1996-2004
BMW E46 4th-gen 3-series, 1999-2005
BMW E46/5 2nd-gen 3-series Compact, 2001-2004
BMW E52 Z8, 2000-2003
BMW E53 1st-gen X5, 2000-2006
BMW E60 5th-gen 5-series, 2004-2010
BMW E61 5th-gen 5-series Touring, 2004-2010
BMW E63 2nd-gen 6-series, 2003-
BMW E65 4th-gen 7-series, 2001-2008
BMW E66 4th-gen 7-series LWB, 2002-2008
BMW E67 4th-gen 7-series armoured, 2001-2008
BMW E68 4th-gen 7-series hydrogen
BMW E70 2nd-gen X5, 2007-
BMW E82 1st-gen 1-series, 2004-
BMW E83 1st-gen X3, 2003-
BMW E85 1st-gen Z4, 2003-2009
BMW E90 5th-gen 3-series saloon, 2005-
BMW E92 5th-gen 3-series coupé, 2005-

BMW F codenames

F01 5th-gen 7-series, 2008-
F02 5th-gen 7-series LWB, 2008-
F03 5th-gen 7-series armoured, 2008-
F10 6th-gen 5-series saloon, 2010-
F11 6th-gen 5-series Touring, 2010-
F12 3rd-gen 6-series coupé, 2011-
F13 3rd-gen 6-series convertible, 2011-
F25 2nd-gen X3, 2011-
F30 6th-gen 3-series, 2011-

With thanks to Tony Lewin's excellent book The Complete Book of BMW for research purposes

So any 2010 5 series is an F10 even if it has the E60 body?

DFW_M · 11-23-2009, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crisp

So any 2010 5 series is an F10 even if it has the E60 body?

I believe the E90 came out in Europe as the 2005 model, a year earlier than in the USA. I assume the same thing happens with the 5er?

bavarian19 · 11-23-2009, 07:19 PM

nice!

MontegoGoGoGo · 11-23-2009, 07:31 PM

Hey cool!

But they forgot E93 & E91!

MCMLXXXIX · 11-23-2009, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crisp

So any 2010 5 series is an F10 even if it has the E60 body?

no. its the body style. 2010 is the production year. a 2010 5er is an e60

so what does the F stand for? nothing?

bsamoul · 11-23-2009, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crisp

So any 2010 5 series is an F10 even if it has the E60 body?

No, the new body style 5 will be an F10, the E60 is the current one.

pmeloche · 11-24-2009, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MontegoGoGoGo

Hey cool!

But they forgot E93 & E91!

They also forgot the E64 (6 Series convertible), the E86 (1st gen Z4 Coupé), and the E89 (2nd gen Z4). Sloppy research.

Here are some more that they missed:

E10 2002
E20 2002ti
E81 1 Series 3-door Hatchback
E87 1 Series 5-door Hatchback
E88 1 Series Convertible
E71 X6

ACZakka325i · 11-26-2009, 12:53 PM

I don't know why the F designation would make you think of a Ford or IS-F? These are internal model designations and have nothing to do with competing models or similar.

Its not like were saying the F30 (internal name) is competing with the IS-F (marketing name).

scott@bmwhn · 11-28-2009, 06:07 PM

they also forgot the the 550i GT
F05 i think

pmeloche · 11-28-2009, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scott@bmwhn

they also forgot the the 550i GT
F05 i think

FWIW, Wikipedia gives F07 for the 550i GT.

Scorpion · 11-28-2009, 08:16 PM

Pretty interesting, I thought they just skipped all those numbers for no reason lol. You learn something new everyday.

pmeloche · 11-29-2009, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scorpion

Pretty interesting, I thought they just skipped all those numbers for no reason lol. You learn something new everyday.

Internally, BMW has teams of designers to design new platforms. For instance, for the E46 3 Series they would have two teams who would each come up with their own design and each team would be assigned a design code (let's say E45 and E46). Then, whichever design team wins then their code becomes official and the code of the losing design is relegated to oblivion.

It's very much like the procurement of military systems. When the Air Force sent a RFP for a small fighter to complement the F-15 Eagle General Dynamics and Northrop came up with their entry which were given the codes XF-16 and XF-17 respectively. Eventually, GD won and its design became the F-16 and the F-17 never was.

As an aside, when the U.S. Navy wanted a single replacement for the F-14 and A-6 McDonnell-Douglas bought the Northrop XF-17 design, and came up with the F/A-18.

linds · 11-29-2009, 10:29 PM

Thank for sharing,I like it

11-23-2009, 10:46 AM	#1
Tallest Major General 1565 Rep 6,419 Posts Drives: 911 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Sweden iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 911 [10.00]	CAR explains BMW E and F names Somewhat curious to know. All the BMW E and F codenames explained By Tim Pollard http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/News/Se...mes-explained/ 23 November 2009 14:45 With the launch of the new 2010 BMW 5-series due this evening at 7.00pm UK time, what better excuse for a spot of anorak indulgence? We've researched all the different BMW E and F codenames and explained them all in our handy list below. Perfect in case your specialist subject on Mastermind includes BMW codenames and you need to sort your E30 from your E90s. Historically, each BMW has carried an E project number – standing for Entwicklung, or development. The numbers have then risen progressively up to triple digits, at which point F numbers have taken over. So browse the BMW codename list below and scratch up on your knowledge. And ponder what could have been; there are numeric gaps which we can only imagine were stillborn projects or new cars that never saw the light of day. BMW E codenames BMW E3 2500/2800 saloons, 1968-1977 BMW E9 2000-2800 coupés, 1968-1974 BMW E12 1st-gen 5-series, 1975-1981 BMW E21 1st-gen 3-series, 1976-1983 BMW E23 1st-gen 7-series, 1978-1987 BMW E24 1st-gen 6-series, 1977-1989 BMW E25 Turbo concept car, 1972 BMW E26 M1 supercar, 1978-1981 BMW E28 2nd-gen 5-series, 1982-1988 BMW E30 2nd-gen 3-series, 1984-1992 BMW E31 8-series, 1989-1999 BMW E32 2nd-gen 7-series, 1986-1994 BMW E32/2 2nd-gen 7-series LWB, 1987-1994 BMW E34 3rd-gen 5-series, 1989-1995 BMW E36 3rd-gen 3-series, 1992-1999 BMW E36/5 3-series Compact, 1994-2000 BMW E36/7 Z3, M Roadster, M Coupé, 1995-2002 BMW E38 3rd-gen 7-series, 1994-2001 BMW E38/2 3rd-gen 7-series LWB, 1994-2001 BMW E38/3 3rd-gen 7-series armoured, 1998-2001 BMW E39 4th-gen 5-series, 1996-2004 BMW E46 4th-gen 3-series, 1999-2005 BMW E46/5 2nd-gen 3-series Compact, 2001-2004 BMW E52 Z8, 2000-2003 BMW E53 1st-gen X5, 2000-2006 BMW E60 5th-gen 5-series, 2004-2010 BMW E61 5th-gen 5-series Touring, 2004-2010 BMW E63 2nd-gen 6-series, 2003- BMW E65 4th-gen 7-series, 2001-2008 BMW E66 4th-gen 7-series LWB, 2002-2008 BMW E67 4th-gen 7-series armoured, 2001-2008 BMW E68 4th-gen 7-series hydrogen BMW E70 2nd-gen X5, 2007- BMW E82 1st-gen 1-series, 2004- BMW E83 1st-gen X3, 2003- BMW E85 1st-gen Z4, 2003-2009 BMW E90 5th-gen 3-series saloon, 2005- BMW E92 5th-gen 3-series coupé, 2005- BMW F codenames F01 5th-gen 7-series, 2008- F02 5th-gen 7-series LWB, 2008- F03 5th-gen 7-series armoured, 2008- F10 6th-gen 5-series saloon, 2010- F11 6th-gen 5-series Touring, 2010- F12 3rd-gen 6-series coupé, 2011- F13 3rd-gen 6-series convertible, 2011- F25 2nd-gen X3, 2011- F30 6th-gen 3-series, 2011- With thanks to Tony Lewin's excellent book The Complete Book of BMW for research purposes __________________ 997.2 F30.F11.E86.E90.E90.E36
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

11-23-2009, 11:43 AM	#2
jibaholic101 Brigadier General 172 Rep 3,496 Posts Drives: women wild Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Charleston, SC iTrader: (0)	thanks for that! __________________ some italian, german, and japanese ones; and on order more of the same
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-23-2009, 12:28 PM	#3
BK Smiling politely 179 Rep 7,931 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Washington DC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [9.00]	Timeline on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:BMW_cars __________________ E90 330i Black Sapphire 6MT \| 991.1 C4 Platinum Silver 7MT
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-23-2009, 01:03 PM	#5
JRJ1970 Captain 29 Rep 600 Posts Drives: 2014 428i F32 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: San Antonio, TX iTrader: (0)	I don't like the "F" letter. First thing it makes you think of is "Ford." __________________ Jay (in San Antonio, TX) 2014 428i coupe, mineral gray metallic with black interior, black ash trim, luxury edition.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-23-2009, 02:22 PM	#7
cotmfk Major General 2160 Rep 6,194 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: FL iTrader: (12)	It's just natural progression. Eventually, they should be at G. Then BMW may build the G35. (snicker) __________________ T1M3LESS M3 is for sale https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1423045
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-23-2009, 05:30 PM	#9
Castel Captain 73 Rep 801 Posts Drives: Tanzanite Blue '13 E92 M3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (6)	Letter F makes me think of Lexus, IS-F.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-23-2009, 07:19 PM	#12
bavarian19 General 558 Rep 18,849 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: VA iTrader: (23)	nice!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-23-2009, 07:31 PM	#13
MontegoGoGoGo I'm kind of a bitch 400 Rep 895 Posts Drives: Montego/Cream E93 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: St. Louis & St. Petersburg iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E93 [0.00]	Hey cool! But they forgot E93 & E91! __________________ E93: Montego/Cream <---- E46 (Coupe): JB/Black <---- E30 (Cabrio): Alpine White/Black
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-26-2009, 12:53 PM	#17
ACZakka325i Colonel 285 Rep 2,007 Posts Drives: 2 stroke Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: CT iTrader: (2)	I don't know why the F designation would make you think of a Ford or IS-F? These are internal model designations and have nothing to do with competing models or similar. Its not like were saying the F30 (internal name) is competing with the IS-F (marketing name). __________________ (Waitlist): #1 M2CSL (Current): 2016 F15 X5 3.5xdrive - 2010 997.2 C4S Coupe (Past): 2016 F30 340xi M-Sport -2013 535i xdrive 2008 E92 M3 - 2006 E90 325i 2002 E46 325xi - 1991 E30 325i
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-28-2009, 06:07 PM	#18
scott@bmwhn Major 140 Rep 1,245 Posts Drives: Msport X3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Houston iTrader: (3)	they also forgot the the 550i GT F05 i think __________________ 03' 525iT stick, 22' 530i Previous: 20' X3 M40i, 19' 740i Msport, 17' 430i GC, 15' Msport X3 28i, 15' Sportline X1 28i, 13' Msport 328i, 09' Msport 335i, 07' Msport 335i
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-28-2009, 08:16 PM	#20
Scorpion Major 169 Rep 1,210 Posts Drives: Nothing Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Nowhere iTrader: (0)	Pretty interesting, I thought they just skipped all those numbers for no reason lol. You learn something new everyday.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-29-2009, 10:29 PM	#22
linds Banned 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: bmw Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: china iTrader: (0)	Thank for sharing,I like it
	Appreciate 0 Quote

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search