Help? I have a 1998 740IL - What is the E about??

[CityMan]

Hi,

I know this is a dum question for most, but I am little lost.
I am new to the forums and wanted to know what the "E32 - E38"
What does this stand for?? the year? - the model?
I have a 1998 740IL, So my car would a-( E -What )

Help me understand??

[shogun]

E stands for the model. E=Entwicklungsnummer = development no.
Your car is an E38, and the engine has a M number.
E32 is the 7 series model before the E38. The others in between 32 and 38 and different classes like 3 and 5 series.

http://www.unixnerd.demon.co.uk/bmw.html

[shogun]

more details on your car you can get from the VIN decoder. So you will know the engine type, month/year of production of the car, trans type etc.
L stands for long version of the body.
http://www.bmw-z1.com/VIN/VINdecode-e.cgi