The current BMW model lineup is split into what is referred to as "Series", traditionally identified by a single digit - e.g. the 3 Series.
In 2004 BMW announced plans to make odd-numbered series saloon/sedan and estate/wagon models (BMW calls its estates/wagons Touring models), while even-numbered series will be two-door coupés and cabriolets. This convention started informally in 1976 with the introduction of the 6 Series and later continued in 1989 with the 8 Series, but died off when the latter was discontinued in 1999. This practice was revived as the Z4 replaced the aging Z3 roadster in 2003 and continues as the new 6 Series augments the existing BMW 5 Series.
BMW Series Generations
Internally, BMW associates an "e-code" for each generation of a series ("E" stands for Entwicklung, German for development or evolution). These "chassis codes" only change to signify a major redesign of a series, or the introduction of a new series. BMW AG reported in September 2006 that BMW would switch to the letter "F" for their future models, beginning with the F01 7 Series replacement.
* BMW E3 — (1968–1977)
2.5, 2.8, 3.0, 3.3 "New Six" sedans
* BMW E9 — (1969–1975) 2800CS, 3.0CS, 3.0CSL "New Six" coupés
* BMW E12 — (1974–1981) 5 Series
* BMW E21 — (1976–1983) 3 Series
* BMW E23 — (1977–1986) 7 Series
* BMW E24 — (1976–1989) 6 Series
* BMW E26 — (1978–1981) M1
* BMW E28 — (1981–1987) 5 Series
* BMW E30 — (1984–1991) 3 Series (1982-1983 E30 sold in Europe)
* BMW E31 — (1989–1997) 8 Series
* BMW E32 — (1986–1994) 7 Series
* BMW E34 — (1988–1995) 5 Series
* BMW E36 — (1992–1999) 3 Series
* BMW E36/5 — (1995–1998) 3 Series Compact (US market known as "318ti")
* BMW E36/7 — (1996-2002) Z3 Series Roadster
* BMW E36/8 — (1998-2002) Z3 Series Coupé
* BMW E38 — (1994–2001) 7 Series
* BMW E39 — (1995–2003) 5 Series
* BMW E46/5 — (2000–2004) 3 Series Compact
* BMW E46/4 — (1998–2005) 3 Series Sedan
* BMW E46/3 — (1999–2005) 3 Series Touring/Sports Wagon
* BMW E46/2 — (1999–2006) 3 Series Coupé
* BMW E46/C — (1999–2006) 3 Series Convertible
* BMW E52 — (2000–2003) Z8
* BMW E53 — (2000–2006) X5
* BMW E60 — (2004–present) 5 Series
* BMW E61 — (2004–2007) 5 Series Touring/Sports Wagon
* BMW E63 — (2004–present) 6 Series coupé
* BMW E64 — (2004–present) 6 Series convertible
* BMW E65 — (2002–2007) 7 Series short wheelbase
* BMW E66 — (2002–2007) 7 Series long wheelbase
* BMW E67 — (2002–2007) 7 Series Protection
* BMW E70 — (2007-present) X5
* BMW E71 — (2008) X6
* BMW E72 — (2008) X6 Hybrid
* BMW E81 — (2007-present) 1 Series (3-door)
* BMW E82 — (2007-present) 1 Series Coupé
* BMW E82/2 — (2010) Z2
* BMW E83 — (2004–present) X3
* BMW E85 — (2003–present) Z4
* BMW E86 — (2006–present) Z4 Coupé
* BMW E87 — (2004–present) 1 Series (5-door)
* BMW E88 — (2008) 1 Series Convertible
* BMW E89 — (2009) Z4 roadster
* BMW E90 — (2005–present) 3 Series
* BMW E91 — (2005–present) 3 Series Touring/Sports Wagon
* BMW E92 — (2006–present) 3 Series Coupé
* BMW E93 — (2007–present) 3 Series Convertible
* BMW E99 — (2009) V5 Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS)
* BMW F01 — (2008) 7 Series
* BMW F02 — (2009) 7 Series long wheelbase
* BMW F03 — (2008) 7 Series Protection
* BMW F04 — (2009) 8 Series Light Base
* BMW F10 — (2010) 5 Series
* BMW F11 — (2012) 5 Series Touring/Sports Wagon
* BMW F12 — (2011) 6 Series Coupé
* BMW F13 — (2011) 6 Series Convertible
* BMW F25 — (2011) X3...
