Understanding Platform Codes - Why is a BMW 3 Series sometimes called an E46?

The listing below describes some of the platforms and models mentioned in Memoirs of a Hack Mechanic and is by no means exhaustive.

BMW

BMW Vintage (precedes current series designations)

Year Range

Platform
Code

Model Designation(s)

Photo

1968 - 1975

2002

1968 - 1975

E9

3.0CS
3.0CSi
3.0CSL

2800CS

Rob Siegel's 1973 BMW 3.0CSi

BMW 3 Series

Year Range	Platform Code	Model Designation(s)
1984 - 1991	E30	318i 318iS 325e 325es 325i 325is 325ix M3
1992 - 1999	E36	318i 318is 318ic 318ti 320i 323i 323is 323ic 325i 325is 325ic 328i 328is 328ic M3
1999 - 2006	E46	323ci 323i 325ci 325i 325ti 325xi 328ci 328i 330ci 330i 330xi M3

BMW Z1

Year Range

Platform
Code

Model Designation(s)

Photo

1989 - 1991

Z1

Steve Diamond's 1989 BMW Z1 - Rob did a pre-purchase inspection on this car for Steve
in order to facilitate Steve's long-distance purchase.

BMW Z3

Year Range

Platform
Code

Model Designation(s)

Photo

1995 - 2002

Z3

Rob's middle son Kyle and his prom date posing in front of Rob's 1999 BMW Z3M Coupe.

BMW 5 Series

Year Range

Platform
Code

Model Designation(s)

Photo

1997 - 2003

E39

525i

528i

530i

540i

M5

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