Why 325 not 327

[slammed_e30]

I know the first letter is the series, and im pretty sure the second two are the engine size, so what are 325e's not called 327's? Anyone know if there is a specific reason?

[MR 325]

Good question, ttey should be.

[Sean]

So that people don't think that since it is a higher number than 325 that it is more powerful, because it is definately not.

Now, I like teh idea of 327e. BUT, people would still think that it's more powerful than a 325i - at least those that have no idea about BMW's.

[808BMW]

The same reason a 528e isn't called a 527e even though it shares the same motor as a 325e.

[DaN]

Well actually, the eta has a touch more torque than the i, doesn't it?

[M3 Ryan]

yea, but with serious lacking in the HP department, it will never be as fast as an I.

Just the same reason its not a 544, its a 540, even though some have a 4.4L V8...

[Stu]

yea, but with serious lacking in the HP department, it will never be as fast as an I.

Just the same reason its not a 544, its a 540, even though some have a 4.4L V8...

Word.

Eta's hit 60 in the 9's. I's do it in the 7's.

[bimmerphile]

to fit in a specific bracket of the market, and for BMW's own reasons (for example, if a 327e was sold the same time as a 325i, people would be more inclined to purchase the 327, as a higher number tends to mean a better trim line).

[Fred]

The same reason a 528e isn't called a 527e even though it shares the same motor as a 325e.

The 528e was called that because the previous generation 5er (E12) sold in the US was a 528i. If they called the second generation version a 525e or 527e, then customers would have assumed that it was a downgrade and it would look bad on BMW's part. Sometimes BMW just badges its cars for marketing reasons; the 318ti is another good example.

[Mystikal]

In summary: High-end customers are stupid and ignorant.