What is the code name for the BMW 7 Series?
2 Answers
The code name for the BMW 7 Series is G11, which refers to the standard wheelbase version of the model. The extended wheelbase version is designated as G12. Meaning of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): The Vehicle Identification Number is essentially the car's ID number, determined according to national vehicle management standards. It includes information such as the manufacturer, year, model, body type and code, engine code, and assembly location. New vehicle registration certificates typically print the VIN in the "Chassis Number" field. How to find the Vehicle Identification Number: The VIN is recorded on the vehicle's motor vehicle registration certificate, in a designated field labeled as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The most common location is on the left side of the dashboard. For sedans, the VIN is usually located on the lower outer side of the driver's windshield (the lower right corner when viewed from outside the vehicle). For trucks, it is generally found on the I-beam of the central frame.
As an automotive history enthusiast, I know that the BMW 7 Series' code names refer to the internal project designations for each generation, starting with the first-generation E23 in 1977. The E23 laid the foundation for BMW's flagship luxury sedan and was produced until 1987. The second generation, the E32 (1987–1994), placed greater emphasis on comfort and safety technology. The third-generation E38 (1994–2001) became a classic, appearing in many films, and introduced electronic stability control. The fourth generation, the E65 and E66 (2001–2008), debuted the iDrive infotainment system. The fifth generation, the F01 and F02 (2008–2015), improved suspension systems and fuel efficiency. The sixth generation, the G11 and G12 (2015–2023), enhanced the digital cockpit. The current seventh-generation G70, launched in 2023, supports pure electric propulsion. These code names not only identify model years and technological upgrades but also help owners accurately maintain their vehicles through VIN decoding. BMW's naming system originates from Germany's internal development process—simple and memorable. I see it like chapter titles in a long story, documenting the evolution of technology and design.
