Naming conventions

Question 1

What does the first number in a BMW model name indicate?

Answer 1

The series/class (e.g., 3 = 3 Series sedan/coupe).

Question 2

What do the next two numbers (e.g., 30 in 330i) traditionally represent?

Answer 2

Originally engine displacement (e.g., 3.0L), but now loosely based on performance level.

Question 3

Why doesn’t 330i mean a 3.0L engine today?

Answer 3

Modern BMWs use turbocharging and naming reflects power tier, not displacement.

Question 4

What is the 1 Series?

Answer 4

Entry-level compact (not sold in U.S. currently).

Question 5

What is the 2 Series?

Answer 5

Subcompact coupe or sporty small sedan (Gran Coupe = FWD/AWD, Coupe = RWD).

Question 6

What is the 3 Series?

Answer 6

Compact luxury sport sedan — BMW’s most iconic model.

Question 7

What is the 4 Series?

Answer 7

Coupe/Gran Coupe/Convertible version of the 3 Series.

Question 8

What is the 5 Series?

Answer 8

Midsize luxury executive sedan.

Question 9

What is the 6 Series?

Answer 9

Discontinued; formerly large luxury coupe/GT.

Question 10

What is the 7 Series?

Answer 10

Full-size luxury sedan; flagship model.

Question 11

What is the 8 Series?

Answer 11

Premium GT coupe/sedan/convertible — luxury + sport.

Question 12

What are BMW X models?

Answer 12

SUVs and crossovers. X1–X7 = smallest to largest.

Question 13

What is the X1?

Answer 13

Subcompact crossover.

Question 14

What is the X3?

Answer 14

Compact luxury SUV.

Question 15

What is the X5?

Answer 15

Midsize luxury SUV.

Question 16

What is the X7?

Answer 16

Full-size 3-row luxury SUV.

Question 17

What are odd vs even X models?

Answer 17

Odd (X1, X3…) = practical SUV; Even (X4, X6) = sportier coupe-style SUV.

Question 18

What does the lowercase “i” in i4 or iX mean?

Answer 18

Fully electric vehicle (EV).

Question 19

What does the “e” mean in models like 530e?

Answer 19

Plug-in hybrid (gas + electric).

Question 20

What is the i3?

Answer 20

Compact EV city car (discontinued in U.S.).

Question 21

What is the i4?

Answer 21

Electric 4 Series Gran Coupe.

Question 22

What is the i7?

Answer 22

Electric version of the 7 Series.

Question 23

What is the iX?

Answer 23

Electric midsize luxury SUV.

Question 24

What does the number in M50 or eDrive40 mean?

Answer 24

Power level/performance tier in EV lineup.

Question 25

What does “M” mean in M340i?

Answer 25

M Performance trim (not a full M car).

Question 26

What is the difference between M340i and M3?

Answer 26

M340i = upgraded regular model; M3 = full M with motorsport-level parts.

Question 27

What does an M badge with just a number (M3, M5) mean?

Answer 27

Full M car with unique engine, suspension, styling, and brakes.

Question 28

What is the M Sport Package?

Answer 28

Cosmetic and handling upgrades—more aggressive look and stiffer suspension.

Question 29

What does “30i” usually mean?

Answer 29

2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (mid-tier trim).

Question 30

What does “40i” mean?

Answer 30

3.0L inline-6 turbo.

Question 31

What does “45e” mean?

Answer 31

Plug-in hybrid 3.0L + electric.

Question 32

What does “50i” or “60i” mean?

Answer 32

V8 engines or high-output versions.

Question 33

What does “xDrive” mean?

Answer 33

BMW’s all-wheel-drive system.

Question 34

What does “sDrive” mean?

Answer 34

Two-wheel drive (usually rear-wheel).

Question 35

What does “L” mean in 740Li?

Answer 35

Long wheelbase version.

Question 36

What does the “d” in 335d mean?

Answer 36

A: Diesel engine.

Question 37

What’s a “Gran Coupe”?

Answer 37

Four-door coupe design (sleek roofline).

Question 38

What’s the difference between Coupe vs. Gran Coupe?

Answer 38

Coupe = 2 doors, Gran Coupe = 4 doors, sportier roofline.

Question 39

What’s an “xLine” package?

Answer 39

SUV-style appearance package (rugged styling)

Question 40

What is BMW Individual?

Answer 40

Custom paint, trim, and interior options.

Question 41

BMW 330i

Answer 41

3 Series (compact luxury sedan) 30 = mid-tier performance (2.0L turbo 4-cylinder) "i" = gasoline engine

Question 42

BMW M340i xDrive

Answer 42

3 Series M340i = M Performance trim (inline-6 turbo ~382 hp) xDrive = AWD

Question 43

BMW 540i

Answer 43

5 Series (midsize luxury sedan) 40i = inline-6 turbo (B58 engine) "i" = gasoline

Question 44

BMW 530e xDrive

Answer 44

5 Series 30e = plug-in hybrid (2.0L turbo + electric) xDrive = AWD

Question 45

BMW X3 M40i

Answer 45

X3 = compact luxury SUV M40i = M Performance trim with inline-6 turbo "i" = gasoline

Question 46

BMW X5 xDrive45e

Answer 46

X5 = midsize SUV 45e = plug-in hybrid (inline-6 + electric) xDrive = AWD

Question 47

BMW 750i xDrive

Answer 47

7 Series (full-size luxury sedan) 50i = V8 engine xDrive = AWD

Question 48

BMW i4 M50

Answer 48

i4 = electric 4 Series Gran Coupe M50 = high-performance electric trim (~536 hp)

Question 49

BMW iX xDrive50

Answer 49

iX = electric midsize SUV xDrive = AWD 50 = performance tier

Question 50

BMW X6 M

Answer 50

X6 = coupe-style midsize SUV M = full Motorsport model (V8, high performance)

Question 51

BMW 840i Gran Coupe

Answer 51

8 Series (luxury GT/sport sedan) 40i = inline-6 turbo Gran Coupe = 4-door coupe design

Question 52

BMW M8 Competition

Answer 52

M8 = full M model of 8 Series Competition = top-performance package (617 hp)

Question 53

BMW X1 sDrive28i

Answer 53

X1 = subcompact crossover sDrive = FWD 28i = 2.0L turbo (entry/mid-level performance)

Question 54

BMW 228i Gran Coupe

Answer 54

2 Series (small sedan coupe-style) 28i = 2.0L turbo Gran Coupe = 4-door coupe