When searching for help, finding parts, or browsing the forums, it is very important to know the chassis codes for your BMW. There are very long lists of all the codes out there, but the ones of the most importance right now are:
E30 1984-1981 3-Series
E36 1992-1999 3-Series
E46 1999-2005 3-Series
E90 2006-2012 3-Series
(E90 Sedan, E91 Touring / Wagon, E92 Coupe, E93 Cabriolet / Convertible)
F30 2013-2017 3-Series
F32 2014+ 4-Series Coupe
E39 1997-2003 5-Series
E60 2004-2010 5-Series
F10 2011-2017 5-Series
E82 2008+ 1-Series Coupe
E88 2008+ 1-Series Cabriolet / Convertible
F15 2005-2013 X5
Whether you are searching for information or browsing for review videos, knowing the BMW Chassis Code can be very helpful. Example, instead of saying 2008 BMW 328i you could search for BMW E90 and find results of the 2006-2012 family.
You will find that there is a lot of parts commonality between models of a similar chassis code, but of a different year. This is especially true for mechanical parts, while attention must be given to the interchangeability of exterior parts between early and late models of a given chassis. This is because normally halfway through the life of a given chassis, BMW has what is called an LCI – Life Cycle Impulse. For example, this is why the grille on a 2007 E90 is completely different from a 2009.