Except for M-models (M for Motorsport, then a number for the series), most BMW models carry number names such as 325i.
- The first number is the series name: In the case of a 325i, it means 3-series.
- The remaining two numbers are the engine displacement: 2.5L***
- The letter "i" following the number means: injection
----- Other possible letters that you could see here are:
----------- iS - sport
----------- iC - convertible
----------- Ci - coupe
----------- CSL - Clubsport Lightweight
----------- iL - Long wheel base
----------- A - automatic
----------- t - touring
----------- td - turbo-diesel
----------- tds - turbo diesel-intercooled
----------- ti - compact version of the 3 series (318ti)
----------- i - international...rarely used except on the 2002tii
----------- M - motorsport
*** - Exceptions to this rule are:
----------- older models such as 2002, 2002turbo etc.
----------- E39 540i - 4.4L
----------- E38 740i - 4.4L
----------- E36 323i/is - detuned 2.5L from E36 325i/is
----------- E36 318i/ti - 1.9L
- I will cover the E-numbers in a different thread.