Is a BMW 325i a 3 Series?
The world of vehicle nomenclature is often a confusing one. Throw in a few chassis codes and trim differentiators and you're left wondering what on Earth you're looking at and talking about. Let us help clear some of the confusion around the BMW 325i.
The BMW range of vehicles can be a little difficult to follow, especially when you start reading reviews and shopping for a new car. BMW has changed the way that it names its cars several times over the past few decades and what was once a relatively straightforward naming convention has morphed into one that can be a little confusing. You’re here because you’re wondering if the BMW 325i is a 3 Series. We’re here to answer it.
Simply put, the BMW 325i is a 3 Series but allow us to help you understand how the BMW model range is laid out and how they related to what you’re seeing on the road. This may also help you make sense of the chassis codes that you hear in discussions and read in reviews.
BMW Series ranges
Here’s a closer look at the current BMW model lineup and how they are configured.
The BMW model range starts with the 1 Series, this is their smallest range of vehicles and while there were coupe/sedan versions of the 1 Series in the past, their current lineup only consists of hatchbacks.
The BMW 2 Series is slightly larger than the 1 Series and comprises mostly of 2-door coupes. The 2 Series Gran Coupe is a 5-door vehicle with coupe-like styling.
The BMW 3 Series is a compact sedan range that has, in the past, comprised of 2-door, 4-door, convertible and hatchback variants. Currently, the 3 Series is only available in a 4-door format.
The BMW 4 Series is a range of 2-door compact coupes and convertibles that share similar dimensions and trims with the 3 Series. The 4 Series Gran Coupe is a 5-door, coupe-like sedan based on the same platform.
The BMW 5 Series is a mid-size executive sedan and currently has no Gran Coupe, GT, or convertible offerings.
The BMW 7 Series is their largest sedan. Certain markets get an extended wheelbase version that is designed primarily for limousine use.
The BMW 8 Series has replaced the previous 6 Series and is a range of high-performance 2-door coupes and convertibles. The 8 Series Gran Coupe mimics the styling of the 2-door 8 Series but features a 5-door, liftback configuration.
BMW’s X Series comprises of several crossovers and SUVs, starting with the X1 and including the X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, and X7 as their sizes increase. X4 and X6 models incorporate coupe-like styling cues.
The BMW Z4 is a 2-seater roadster that shares a platform with the Toyota Supra.
BMW’s i Range denotes that the model is a full-electric vehicle. This range consists of the iX3, i4, i7, and iX currently.
BMW models that feature an M followed by a single digit denote that the vehicle is a high-performance model from the BMW M division ie: M2, M3, M4, or M5. An M followed by three digits and a letter (usually an i) indicates that it is a motorsport version, but not a full-blown M Division car. These vehicles will usually have higher power, improved suspension, brakes and a sportier appearance.
Making sense of the numbers
It used to be that the three-digit model name would indicate the series of the vehicle and then the displacement of the engine eg: 325i would be a 3 Series with a 2.5-litre engine. This convention was largely abandoned when turbocharging saw the engine displacements decrease but more power being produced. Now, the series name indicates where in the range the vehicle falls with a 320i slotting in below the 325i in terms of engine power. The ‘i’ after the numbers is a carryover from the past when it was important to specify if a car was fuel injected or not. Virtually all cars are fuel injected these days but the lowercase ‘i’ remains.
The E, F, and G chassis codes
BMWs were, for the longest while, coded internally with a chassis code that started with an E. This has since progressed and now the current range sports a chassis code that starts with a G. These codes make it easier to identify the generation of BMW one is talking about. Take a look at the table below to see how they progressed over the years.
| Chassis code | Introduction year | Additional |
| E21 | 1975 | |
| E30 | 1982 | |
| E36 | 1990 | |
| E46 | 1997 | |
| E90 | 2004 | E91, E92, E93 |
| F30 | 2011 | F31, F34, F35 |
| G20 | 2018 | G21, G28 |
Chad LückhoffWith over 18 years of motorsport commentary and a passion for 90s Japanese Sports Cars, Chad Lückhoff is happiest when surrounded by drift cars and smoking tyres. His experience as the Technical Editor of the country’s top tuning magazine means that it’s the nuts and bolts of motoring that tickles his fancy. As comfortable in front of the camera as he is behind it, he’ll take you behind the wheel with his video reviews, written recounts, and invoking photography. One of the first to join the AutoTrader fray, Chad has been living his passion at AutoTrader for over 7-years.View News & Reviews
