BMW Platform Codes — E, F, G Explained

The Naming System

BMW uses internal chassis codes to identify each model generation. These codes follow a letter + number pattern:

• E (Entwicklung = Development): Used from 1960s to ~2013
• F (Fortschritt = Progress): Used from ~2010 to ~2018
• G (Generation): Used from ~2017 to present
• U (Übergang = Transition): Used for some recent models
• I (Innovation): Used for electric/hybrid models (i3, i8)

3 Series Codes

Code	Years	Body Style
E21	1975-1983	Sedan
E30	1982-1994	Sedan, Touring, Coupe, Convertible
E36	1990-2000	Sedan, Touring, Coupe, Convertible, Compact
E46	1997-2006	Sedan, Touring, Coupe, Convertible
E90	2004-2013	Sedan
E91	2004-2013	Touring
E92	2006-2013	Coupe
E93	2006-2013	Convertible
F30	2011-2019	Sedan
F31	2012-2019	Touring
F34	2013-2020	Gran Turismo
G20	2018-present	Sedan
G21	2019-present	Touring

5 Series Codes

Code	Years	Body Style
E12	1972-1981	Sedan
E28	1981-1988	Sedan
E34	1988-1996	Sedan, Touring
E39	1995-2003	Sedan, Touring
E60	2003-2010	Sedan
E61	2003-2010	Touring
F10	2010-2017	Sedan
F11	2010-2017	Touring
G30	2016-2023	Sedan
G31	2017-2023	Touring
G60	2023-present	Sedan
G61	2023-present	Touring

X Model Codes

Model	E-Series	F-Series	G-Series
X1	E84	F48	U11
X3	E83	F25 → G01	G45
X5	E53	E70 → F15	G05
X6	—	E71 → F16	G06
X7	—	—	G07

How to Find Your Chassis Code

1. VIN decoder — the VIN contains the model code
2. Door jamb sticker — production info including model designation
3. ISTA/diagnostic tool — reads chassis code from DME
4. BMW ETK — parts catalog identifies by chassis code