Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), is an independent German company and manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles. BMW is the parent company of the MINI and Rolls-Royce car brands. It is also one of the leading car and motorcycle manufacturers in the world.
The current BMW model lineup is split into what is referred to as "Series", traditionally identified by a single digit - e.g. the 3 Series.
In 2004 BMW announced plans to make odd-numbered series saloon/sedan and estate/wagon models (BMW calls its estates/wagons Touring models), while even-numbered series will be two-door coupés and cabriolets. This convention started informally in 1976 with the introduction of the 6 Series and later continued in 1989 with the 8 Series, but died off when the latter was discontinued in 1999. This practice was revived as the Z4 replaced the aging Z3 roadster in 2003 and continues as the new 6 Series augments the existing BMW 5 Series.
BMW 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 AG reported in September 2006 that BMW would switch to the letter "F" for their future models, beginning with the F01 7 Series replacement.
* BMW E3 — (1968–1977)
2.5, 2.8, 3.0, 3.3 "New Six" sedans
* BMW E9 — (1969–1975) 2800CS, 3.0CS, 3.0CSL "New Six" coupés
* BMW E12 — (1974–1981) 5 Series
* BMW E21 — (1976–1983) 3 Series
* BMW E23 — (1977–1986) 7 Series
* BMW E24 — (1976–1989) 6 Series
* BMW E26 — (1978–1981) M1
* BMW E28 — (1981–1987) 5 Series
* BMW E30 — (1984–1991) 3 Series (1982-1983 E30 sold in Europe)
* BMW E31 — (1989–1997) 8 Series
* BMW E32 — (1986–1994) 7 Series
* BMW E34 — (1988–1995) 5 Series
* BMW E36 — (1992–1999) 3 Series
* BMW E36/5 — (1995–1998) 3 Series Compact (US market known as "318ti")
* BMW E36/7 — (1996-2002) Z3 Series Roadster
* BMW E36/8 — (1998-2002) Z3 Series Coupé
* BMW E38 — (1994–2001) 7 Series
* BMW E39 — (1995–2003) 5 Series
* BMW E46/5 — (2000–2004) 3 Series Compact
* BMW E46/4 — (1998–2005) 3 Series Sedan
* BMW E46/3 — (1999–2005) 3 Series Touring/Sports Wagon
* BMW E46/2 — (1999–2006) 3 Series Coupé
* BMW E46/C — (1999–2006) 3 Series Convertible
* BMW E52 — (2000–2003) Z8
* BMW E53 — (2000–2006) X5
* BMW E60 — (2004–present) 5 Series
* BMW E61 — (2004–2007) 5 Series Touring/Sports Wagon
* BMW E63 — (2004–present) 6 Series coupé
* BMW E64 — (2004–present) 6 Series convertible
* BMW E65 — (2002–2007) 7 Series short wheelbase
* BMW E66 — (2002–2007) 7 Series long wheelbase
* BMW E67 — (2002–2007) 7 Series Protection
* BMW E70 — (2007-present) X5
* BMW E71 — (2008) X6
* BMW E72 — (2008) X6 Hybrid
* BMW E81 — (2007-present) 1 Series (3-door)
* BMW E82 — (2007-present) 1 Series Coupé
* BMW E82/2 — (2010) Z2
* BMW E83 — (2004–present) X3
* BMW E85 — (2003–present) Z4
* BMW E86 — (2006–present) Z4 Coupé
* BMW E87 — (2004–present) 1 Series (5-door)
* BMW E88 — (2008) 1 Series Convertible
* BMW E89 — (2009) Z4 roadster
* BMW E90 — (2005–present) 3 Series
* BMW E91 — (2005–present) 3 Series Touring/Sports Wagon
* BMW E92 — (2006–present) 3 Series Coupé
* BMW E93 — (2007–present) 3 Series Convertible
* BMW E99 — (2009) V5 Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS)
* BMW F01 — (2008) 7 Series
* BMW F02 — (2009) 7 Series long wheelbase
* BMW F03 — (2008) 7 Series Protection
* BMW F04 — (2009) 8 Series Light Base
* BMW F10 — (2010) 5 Series
* BMW F11 — (2012) 5 Series Touring/Sports Wagon
* BMW F12 — (2011) 6 Series Coupé
* BMW F13 — (2011) 6 Series Convertible
* BMW F25 — (2011) X3...
