Platform Numbering
 

How does BMW determine the number they give the car? For instance, E53?
The 3-series went E36-E46-E90? Why not E36, E37, E38? One would think they would run out of platform numbers quickly.

I'm not trying to be sarcastic, but I guess they could start using 3 digit or even 4 digit numbers, the possbilities are endless.

Good question, CJ. Check the March issue of Roundel magazine for the article Gimme An E Let me know if you do not find it.

An E code is assigned to each project at BMW, even if they don't go to production. They are not random, they are assigned as the projects come up. BMW has been working on a lot of projects recently so more E codes have been used.

Same thing with military aircraft. That's why it went from F/A-18 straight to F-22. The projects that were the F-19, 20 & 21 were built and some flew but only the F-22 made it into military service.

took this from another forum:

break down from last months Roundel

E47 ?
E48 Prototype 3er w/front wheel drive for Range Rover
E49 Prototype 3er w/front wheel drive for Range Rover
E50 Mini
E50C Mini cab
E51 Prototype V12 Coupe - 8 series replacement
E52 Z8
E53 X5
E54 ?
E55 Prototype X5 Long wheel base
E56 Prototype front-drive platform for BMW
E57 ?
E58 ?
E59 Prototype 6er
E60 New 5er
E61 New 5er wagon
E62 ?
E63 6er
E64 6er cab
E65 new 7
E66 new 7 long wheel base
E67 new 7 protection model
E68 new 7 hydrogen powered
E69 ?
E70 X family?
E71 - E79 ?
E80 1 and 2er platform
E81 1er hatch
E82 2er coupe
E83 M1 coupe
E82/3 Z2 roadster
E83 X3
E84 1er cab
E85 Z4
E86 Z1/Z2 roadster
E87 1er
E88 ?
E89 ?
E90