Dumb question from newbie
 

I bet this is answered a hundred places but I can't find it.

What is the signifigance of the E83 vs the X3 or for that matter any of the E## numbers?

Don't flame too hard:rofl:

BMWs have always had platform designations to refer to a specific platform. Obviously, numbers only increase and BMW is on the verge of moving to another letter, the Fxx platforms

For example:

E36: 3-series, 1993 (?)-1999
E38: 7-series 1994-2001
E39: 5-series 1996-2003
E53: X5 1999-2006
E60: 5-series 2004-present
E65: 7-series 2002-2009
E83: X3 2004-present
E85: Z4
E87: 1-series 2004-present

:iagree: i think it also has to do with when they relative time line of when they start the project