BMW Models
BMW identifies its products with both an internal chassis number, like E36, and a model number that’s visible to the world, like 740IL. This chart will help decode those combinations for BMW vehicles sold in the United States.
| The BMW 1 series |
| E87 1 series | (2004 - present) includes 116i, 118i, 120i, 130i, 118d, 120d. |
| • Current US models are 128i and 135i in coupe and convertible form. |
| The BMW 3 series |
| E21 3 series | (1975 - 1984) |
| E30 3 series | (1982 - 1994) |
| E36 3 series | (1990 - 2001) |
| E46 3 series | (1998 - 2007) |
| E90 3 series | (2005 - present) |
| • Current US models are 328 and 335 in coupe, convertible, sedan, and wagon versions. All wheel drive is available on most US variants. |
| The BMW 5 series |
| E12 5 series | (1972 - 1981) |
| E28 5 series | (1981 - 1987) |
| E34 5 series | (1987 - 1996) |
| E39 5 series | (1995 - 2004) |
| E60 5 series | (2003 - present) |
| • Current US models are 528, 535, 550 in sedan and wagon versions. The 528 and 535 models are offered in all wheel drive versions as well. |
| The BMW 6 series |
| E24 6 series | (1976 - 1989) |
| E63 6 series | (2003 - present) |
| • Current US model is the 650i in coupe or convertible form. |
| The BMW 7 series |
| E23 7 series | (1977 - 1986) |
| E32 7 series | (1986 - 1994) |
| E38 7 series | (1994 - 2001) |
| • US models were 7401, 740iL, and 750iL. The 740 cars are the most common and most reliable. The 12 cylinder 750 models have been problematic, more so as they age. |
| E65 7 series | (2001 - present) |
| • US models were 745 and 760. These were the first 7-series BMWs to feature idrive. |
| F01 7 series | (2009-up) |
| • Current US versions are the 750 and 760 in long and short wheelbase. An all wheel drive version is available. |
| The BMW 8 series |
| E31 8 series |
(1989 - 1999) |
| The BMW M series are BMW’s highest performance models. They are built on the standard chassis with upgraded engines and running gear, and various aero body modifications. |
| E26 M1 | (1979 - 1981) |
| E30 M3 | (1985 - 1992) |
| E36 M3 | (1992 - 2000) |
| E46 M3 | (2001 - 2007) |
| E90 M3 | (2007 - present) |
| E28 M5 | (1985 - 1987) |
| E34 M5 | (1988 - 1995) |
| E39 M5 | (1998 - 2003) |
| E60 M5 | (2005 - present) |
| E24 M6 | (1983 - 1989) |
| E63 M6 | (2005 - present) |
| Z3 M Coupe | (1998 - 2000) |
| Z3 M Roadster | (1997 - 2001) |
| Z4 M Coupe | (2006 - present) |
| Z4 M Roadster |
(2006 - present) |
| The BMW X series |
| E83 X3 | (2003 - present) |
| E53 X5 | (1999 - 2007) |
| E70 X5 | (2007 - present) |
| X6 – |
(2007 – present) |
| The BMW Z series |
| E30 Z1 | (1987 - 1991) |
| E36 Z3 | (1997 - 2002) |
| E85 Z4 | (2002 - present) Current US versions are 3.0 and 3.5 |
| E52 Z8 |
(1999 - 2003) The Z8 was a limited production exotic. It’s becoming collectible today. |
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