
BMW, like all different carmakers, makes use of varied phrases, acronyms and abbreviations to distinguish its model and spotlight its technological options. Nonetheless, understanding these can usually be complicated resulting from their sheer quantity. Subsequently, on this article, we are going to checklist a few of the most typical BMW phrases that try to be conscious of. This checklist isn’t exhaustive; for those who imagine we missed any essential time period, please tell us within the feedback under.
Advertising and marketing Phrases


- Sheer Driving Pleasure/Final Driving Machine: BMW’s advertising slogans that underscore the Bavarian model’s long-standing give attention to efficiency driving.
- Bimmer: Nickname for BMW vehicles.
- Beemer/Beamer: Nickname for BMW bikes.
Platform Phrases


- CLAR (Cluster Structure): BMW’s rear-wheel drive/all-wheel drive platform used for fashions equivalent to the three Collection/X3, the 5 Collection/X5 and the 7 Collection/X7. Notably, electrical automobiles just like the i4, i5 and i7 are additionally CLAR-based.
- UKL (Untere Klasse/Decrease Class): BMW’s front-wheel drive/all-wheel drive platform used for its compact vehicles (X1/X2). It’s shared with MINI.
- Neue Klasse: BMW’s devoted all-electric platform. The primary NK car would be the iX3 SUV.
Car Nomenclature
- sDrive: rear-wheel drive/front-wheel drive
- xDrive: all-wheel drive
- i: electrical automobiles (earlier used for petrol vehicles)
- d: diesel automobiles
- e: plug-in hybrid automobiles
- l: long-wheelbase
- LCI (Lifecycle Impulse): Facelift mannequin
- SAV (Sports activities Exercise Automobiles): BMW’s SUVs are sometimes referred to as SAVs (for advertising).
- Gran Coupe: 4-door luxurious coupes
- Gran Turismo: 5-door hatchbacks
- Roadster: convertible, e.g., Z4 Roadster
- Touring: station wagon/property, e.g., M5 Touring
Non-compulsory Options
- Carbon Package deal: consists of carbon bucket seats, carbon-ceramic brakes and carbon fiber inside trim. Finest for homeowners who incessantly monitor their BMWs.
- Different Packages: Driver Help Package deal (driver aids), Premium Package deal (luxurious options like a heads-up show and inside digital camera), and M Sport Skilled Package deal (sportier design parts).
Powertrain/Drivetrain Phrases
- Engines: B58 (3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six – hottest BMW engine at the moment), S58 (high-performance model of the B58—discovered within the M2/M3/M4), S68 (twin-turbo V8 used within the XM) and B48 (versatile four-cylinder).
ZF gearbox: computerized transmission from ZF—usually 8-speed (8HP). - VANOS: BMW’s variable valve timing system.
- Gen6: Sixth-generation EV battery system for NK automobiles.
- Coronary heart of Pleasure: BMW’s superior dynamic management system for NK automobiles.
Design and Inside Phrases
- iDrive: BMW’s infotainment system, similar to Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX system. It integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Merino Leather-based: BMW’s highest-grade leather-based choice.
- Hofmeister Kink: A particular design aspect across the C-pillar.
- Kidney Grille: Each BMW encompasses a kidney grille on its entrance fascia. That is arguably the model’s most vital visible differentiator (aside from the emblem).
- Sharknose: Ahead-tilted entrance fascia of some traditional BMWs. Recreated with the Skytop.
- Clownshoe: Refers to the Z3 M owing to its unconventional design.
- Batmobile: Refers back to the E9 3.0 CSL due to its aggressive aero design.
BMW M Phrases
- M Efficiency: These fashions provide a sportier expertise with out being full-fledged M vehicles. As an illustration, the 340i xDrive, which slots between the 330i and the M3.
- M/M Competitors: These are BMW’s full-fledged high-performance automobiles (e.g., the M2/M3/M4 and the X5 M/X6 M Competitors). Whereas M Competitors was beforehand supplied as an non-compulsory bundle, it’s now changing into the entry level for full-fledged M fashions.
- CS (Competitors Sport)/CSL (Competitors Sport Light-weight): Present elevated energy, sharper dealing with and light-weight elements in comparison with the M/M Competitors variants (e.g., M2 CS, M4 CSL, 3.0 CSL).
By way of positioning, the hierarchy is: M Efficiency, M, M Competitors, M CS, and eventually M CSL.