What does the 'i' in BMW's rear badge mean?
2 Answers
The 'i' in BMW's rear badge represents gasoline-powered models. BMW uses the letters 'i', 'd', and 'e' to distinguish between gasoline-powered, diesel-powered, and plug-in hybrid models, respectively, and displays them on the rear of the vehicle. Taking the BMW 325Li as an example, '3' stands for the 3 Series, '25' represents the 2.0T engine, 'L' indicates the long-wheelbase version, and 'i' denotes the gasoline model. The BMW 325 is a sports sedan under the BMW brand, known for its powerful performance, solid chassis, and excellent handling, featuring a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. The dimensions of this car are 4829mm in length, 1827mm in width, 1463mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2961mm.
I clearly remember that the 'i' on BMW's rear emblem originally stood for fuel injection technology, tracing back to the 1950s when BMW introduced electronic fuel injection systems to replace outdated carburetors, making engines more fuel-efficient and powerful. Early classic models like the 2002ti used this badge, which later became standardized in mainstream series such as the 325i or 528i. Over time, BMW has consistently retained the 'i' as a performance symbol, but after 2000, it created the i sub-brand with models like the i3 and i8, where 'i' was updated to represent Innovation, symbolizing electrified smart mobility. BMW seamlessly bridges tradition and the future—the same letter you see conceals the evolution of automotive technology, from mechanical precision to eco-friendly frontiers. This continuity demonstrates the brand's dedication to innovation.
