"E" Question

[David2005]

I am picking up my new, for me anyway, 2003 325i today and was looking at this board for information.

What is the significance of the "E" designations? I see E21, E30, E46, etc, but don't know what they mean.

My new ride is a beautiful navy blue with the premium, sport, and cold weather packages and it has only 14,000 miles on it.

I am very excited, especially since I have been driving a Volvo Cross Country wagon.

Thanks, New Guy

 

[Average Jae]

hi David, welcome and congrats

i'm sure there's a technical reasoning behind the e, and i haven't a clue what e stands for. numbers behind it are internal codes for the model. e21, first gen 3, then e30, e36, e46 for your model, and finally the new 3 gets the e90 designation. (easier for bmw nuts to say than, 3rd gen 3, etc.

sounds like a really good low milage find! enjoy the ride

 

[Kirby]

My understanding is the E stands for Engineering Design, the number is just a sequence.

 

[deutsch100]

The E stands for die Entwicklung, which means development, production or discovery in German.

 

[Chesty Bonds]

Godamn the back of that M3 looks superb. You lucky bugger you!

 

[deutsch100]

Godamn the back of that M3 looks superb. You lucky bugger you!

Thanks Pete. I agree...she has one hot looking ass

 

[Wadula]

well, deutsch100 gets pretty close. but precisely the E stands for Evolutionsstufe. that would translate into step in the evolution

 

[///M SPEED]

Godamn the back of that M3 looks superb. You lucky bugger you!

So does mine...

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

So does mine...

Yes it does, sometimes I wish everyone drove BMWs it would make traffic so much more fun. [bmwdance]

 

[Steve176]

I have never driven an M series - but its on the list to do.

 

[Chesty Bonds]

So does mine...

Indeed, it does M Speed! The E46 M3 is just such a beast. I wish I had one so bad.

 

[aNoodle]

well, deutsch100 gets pretty close. but precisely the E stands for Evolutionsstufe. that would translate into step in the evolution

Evolution stuff? Are you serious!?!

 

[William330]

How does an M3 compare to a 330 for 'regular' driving?

I know it can outperform on the track, etc, but is there a big
difference while driving around town and on the highway?

 

[William330]

Deleted - posted in wrong thread!