E-gad! BMW E-codes

Starting after the iconic 2002, BMW began using "e-codes" for each generation of a series ("E" stands for Entwicklung, which is crazy German for evolution). These only change to signify a major redesign of a series, or the introduction of a new series. A lot of enthusiasts use these codes to differentiate years, because saying you have a "325", or even a 2005 "325", can be meaningless. People also use it to be pompous.

BMW AG reported in September 2006 that BMW will switch to the letter "F" for their future models, beginning with the F01 numbering for the 7 series replacement. I personally think it is idiotic for BMW to abandon what has been a tradition for some time. Future vs. Evolution? Hmmmm. The thing I have always liked about BMWs is that they were evolutionary and stuck close to their "Ultimate Driving Machine" roots. I hope this does not indicate a paradigm shift at BMW. Yeah - I used "paradigm".

• E3 (1968–1977) 2.5, 2.8, 3.0, 3.3 "New Six" sedans
• E9 (1969–1975) 2800CS, 3.0CS, 3.0CSL "New Six" coupés
• E12 (1972–1981) 5 Series
• E21 (1975–1983) 3 Series
• E24 (1976–1989) 6 Series
• E23 (1977–1986) 7 Series
• E26 (1978–1981) M1
• E28 (1981–1988) 5 Series
• E30 (1982–1992) 3 Series
• E32 (1986–1994) 7 Series
• E34 (1988–1995) 5 Series
• E31 (1990–1999) 8 Series
• E36 (1991–1999) 3 Series
• E36/5 (1995–1998) 3 Series Compact (known as 318ti in US)
• E36/7 (1996-2002) Z3 Series Roadster
• E38 (1994–2001) 7 Series
• E39 (1996–2003) 5 Series
• E36/8 (1998-2002) Z3 Series Coupé
• E46/4 (1998–2005) 3 Series Sedan
• E46/3 (1999–2005) 3 Series Touring/Sports Wagon
• E46/2 (1999–2006) 3 Series Coupé
• E46/C (1999–2006) 3 Series Convertible
• E46/5 (2000–2004) 3 Series Compact
• E52(2000–2003) Z8
• E53 (2000–2006) X5
• E65 (2002–2007) 7 Series short wheelbase
• E66 (2002–2007) 7 Series long wheelbase
• E67(2002–2007) 7 Series Protection
• E60 (2004–present) 5 Series
• E 61(2004–2007) 5 Series Touring/Sports Wagon
• E63 (2004–present) 6 Series coupé
• E64 (2004–present) 6 Series convertible
• E83 (2004–present) X3
• E87 (2004–present) 1 Series
• E85 (2003–present) Z4
• E90 -(2005–) 3 Series
• E91 (2005–present) 3 Series Touring/Sports Wagon
• E92 (2006–present) 3 Series Coupé
• E70 (2007-present) X5
• E93 (2007–present) 3 Series Convertible
• E86 (2006–present) Z4 Coupe
• E88 (2008) 1 Series Convertible
• E89 (2009) Z4 roadster