what does the 3 number designator mean on BMWs? (ex: 328)?

Answer 1

The model name/number...

The current BMW model lineup is split into what they call "Series 2", traditionally identified by a single digit - e.g. the 3 Series

Answer 2

In older BMWs it was simply the model version and the engine size.

A 328 would be a 3-Series with a 2.8litre engine.

This started to change in the mid 90s though. The first number still represents the model version, but the engine size numbers have gone a bit off tangent.

A 323 has a 2.5 litre engine. A 320 has a 2.2 litre. Sone 318s are 1.9s. An 850CSi had a 5.6 engine and a 840 had either a 4 litre or a 4.4 litre depending on when you bought it.

A new 335i is still a 3 series, but the engine is a 3 litre. They call it a 335 because it has more power than a 330 (due to twin turbos). They simply want to differentiate between the older less powerful cars and the newer ones with an engine of the same capacity.

Check out http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/Models.aspx?manu=869 for details of engine capacity relative to model numbers.

Answer 3

all BMW numbers have a special meaning.....

first letter stands for the series of the car (the actual model)
last two numbers stand for engine displacement in litres.

for example;
BMW 745 means that the car is series 7 with 4.5 litre engine
BMW 760 means that the car is series 7 with 6.0 litre engine
BMW 645 means that the car is series 6 with 4.5 litre engine
BMW 530 means that the car is series 5 with 3.0 litre engine
BMW 545 means that the car is series 5 with 4.5 litre engine
BMW 328 means that the car is series 3 with 2.8 litre engine

but, however, exceptions are included;
BMW series M,
BMW X5,
BMW X3,
BMW series Z
these models do not have any numbers, so the engine displacement is usually shown at the bottom of the fenders.

most confusing exceptions are in BMW 750 and 650. from the numbers you may think that the engine volume is 5.0 litre, but the actual volume of the engine is 4.8 litres.


hope that helps........

Answer 4

The number 3 designates that that particular model belongs to a 3 series, and the following numbers indicate the engine size. 3 series, 2.8 litre engine.

Ford would use "Focus" to differentiate a unique model from its "Mondeo" whereas BMW prefer the number prefix designation.

The 3 series models are generally less expensive than the more luxury 5 series that BMW make. The numerical system may also promotes a more effiecient and industrial design-like image for their products, instead of the connotations that are attached to certain models of car e.g "fiesta" or "Corsa" or "Vectra" purely becuase of their name.

Answer 5

the first number is the size of the car (3 is the small sedan/coupe, 5 is the medium sized sedan, 7 is the large sedan, 6 is a large GT, or historically, a car slightly larger than the 5 series.)

the next numbers are the engine size. 28 means 2.8 liter engine.

then there are also the //M cars, which are their performance models. They do //M then the number based on the first number in the XXX designation (m3= performance model 3xx).

the letters after also have various meanings. i is the standard trim (like 330i), x is all wheel drive (330xi), I dont remember what c means, L is the luxury version, sometimes larger (740Li)

Answer 6

3 designates the platform series....

It would kind of correspond with Corolla, Camry and Avalon
series 3, 5 and 7

Answer 7

Its the series numerical designator.

Answer 8

It's what they use for a model - like Ford uses Taurus, Focus, Explorer, etc.

Answer 9

the series number , ie 3 series 2.8 litre

Answer 10

model number