BMW models?

Question

Can somebogy explain the difference between following BMW 3-series models: 318, 320, 323, 325, 328, 330, 335, M3?

Answer 1

The difference is in the engines. The badge will actually dictate the engine size.

318 - started as a 1.8l and finished as a 1.9l. model now doesnt exist and has been renamed 320

320 - use to be a 2.2l 6cyl and is now a 2.0l 4cyl

323 - at present is a downtuned 2.5l 6cyl

325 - 2.5l 6cyl

328 - downtuned 3.0l 6cylinder, model no longer exists

330 - 3.0l 6cyl

335 - is the new 3.0l bi-turbo 6cyl

M3 - is currently a 3.2l 6cyl but new model with be a 4l V8.

The specifications also differ in terms of standard equipment

Answer 2

The "first 3" refers to the series or group model. The two digit number that follows refers to the engine size so the 318 model would have a 1.8 liter engine, a 325 would have a 2.5 liter engine whereas the 330 would have a 3.0 liter engine and so forth...

As for the M3, it is the high end 2 door coupe (also available in convertible) model which uses a larger sized higher output engine and a more agile and sportier suspension. Even the steering wheel on the M3 has a thicker grip than same year model 3 series vehicles. If you're looking at buying a 3 series BMW, the M3 is The Ultimate of THE ULTIMATE 3-Series DRIVING MACHINES.

Some of these models are also year specific. For example, the 335 is a model that BMW just began producing with their 2006 models. The 323 & 328 models were pre 1999 models. And lastly, the 318 model was either only produced for a few years or that they ended production of that line in late 1990's/early 2000's.

There is one other differentiating factor when looking at BMW models in general and that would be the letter(s) that follow the numbers you are asking about. These may include an "i" which refers to a 4-door Sedan. A "ci" which refers to a 2 door coupe model; a "cic" which refers to a 2 door convertible; and "xi" which refers to an all wheel drive model. Also, some european & south american models may include the letter "d" which refers to a diesel fueled engine.

Answer 3

I love BMWs and one reason is the naming system (Don't laugh!). All the numbers and letters you see actually mean something!

The first number of a BMW designates the Series, 3-seires, 5-series, etc. It defines the frame and overall size and length of the car.

The next two numbers designate the engine size: 1.8 liter, 2.0 liter, 2.3 liter, 2.5 liter, 3.0 liter, etc.

Finally the letters you see after the numbers mean something as well. The most common is the " i ". It means fuel injected, it is a holdover from an earlier time when having a car with fuel injection was impressive, almost all cars now are fuel injected but BMW likes to keep the " i " anyway. (if you go to Europe, you may find some old BMWs with a " d ", this means they have a diesel engine.) You may also see an "X" at the end of some BMWs, this means it has all wheel drive. Now the " C " and the " c " can be confusing The capitol " C " appears as the first letter and means the car is a coupe, ie. 325Ci. However, if you see a lowercase " c ", it will appear as the last letter and it means the car is a cabriolet (convertible), ie. 325ic. Some coupe convertible models have two "c"s, ie 325cic. I don't know why the added the extra first "c" since all the convertibles are coupes anyway!?! If you see an " s " at the end it means the car is the sport model (usually different suspension, tires, etc.), ie. 325is.
The "M", now that means Motorsport. Basically an M3, M5 or M6 is a top-of-the-line 3-series, 5-series or 6-series that has been handed over to the BMW Motorsport Division for special treatment!!!
It was a shame they moved away from the naming convention for the X5, X3, Z3, Z4 and Z8.
The "M" cars are special and they don't need the rest of the numbers and letters!

Answer 4

OK, 318, 320, 323, 325, 328, 330, 335, &M3! Assuming the North American market, generally engine displace with a few exceptions. The after number codes are: "i' = 4dr today, earlier it was for injected; "ic"=convert.;"ci"=coupe & convert; "ix or xi"=awd; "it"=touring; "is"=sport version;"xit"=awd touring

318 - 1.8L engine (4 cylinder)
320 - 2.0L engine (4 cylinder)
323 - 2.5L engine (6 cylinder)
325 - 2.5L engine (6 cylinder)
328 - 2.8L engine (6 cylinder)
330 - 3.0L engine (6 cylinder)
335 - 3.0L engine (6 cylinder) turbo charged
M3 - Motorsports version of the 3 series; engines vary by year, i.e., (1988-91 - 4cy 2.3L; 1995-1999 -6cy 3.0L; 2001-present -6cy 3.2L)

Answer 5

Motor size.318 is 1.8 litter 325 is 2.5 ext. The M3 is the street racer version and what is considered by most auto magazines to be the best car of its kind in the world. Not only is the motor more powerful the car has different suspension different body and interior.

Answer 6

the bigger the number the bigger the car and the more power and M3 is a modifyed 3 series BMW me personly i would go for the M3 if i had the money

Answer 7

The first # 3 is the # of doors inclding the the trunk lid,the next 2 #s are the motor size.M3 does not fit htis system.

Answer 8

ENGInes

Answer 9

horsepower, and 4-6 cylinders, if i remember right

Answer 10

design, engine pretty much everything lol!