Which BMW models do not have model numbers at the rear?
3 Answers
BMWs without model numbers at the rear are either imported vehicles or modified BMWs. After modification, the abbreviation of the tuning company's name may be written at the rear, or the owner may have altered the model number. The main series of BMW models include the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 series, as well as the X3 and X5 series. The X3 is a B-segment vehicle, while the X5 is a C-segment vehicle, both being road-oriented SUVs that maintain off-road capabilities while offering excellent on-road performance. Imported BMWs have English labels at the rear, indicating their imported status, whereas BMW Brilliance (the Chinese joint venture) vehicles have Chinese labels, signifying domestic production. All domestically produced and joint-venture vehicles have Chinese labels at the rear, while imported vehicles do not have such Chinese labels and instead feature English ones.
I've noticed that some BMW models indeed don't have specific model number badges on the rear. For instance, high-performance M series cars like the M5 and M8 – many owners remove the badges themselves, leaving just the 'M' emblem for a more understated look. Similarly, with BMW's premium models like the 740Li high-spec or 760Li executive edition, some owners prefer removing the numeric badges. Last year when I visited BMW's factory in Germany, engineers mentioned this is part of their culture – true connoisseurs can identify models just by the exhaust pipes and wheels. Even the new X7 now offers some custom versions without rear badges, creating an exceptionally clean look with the full-width taillight design. Of course, if you see a badge-less BMW, chances are the owner removed it themselves – this practice is quite common among premium car owner circles.
Some BMW models indeed do not display specific model designations at the rear, particularly high-performance versions and top-tier variants. For the M Power series like the M3/M4, the factory-installed rear badge only features the 'M' emblem on the left side. Flagship models such as the 8 Series and top-spec 7 Series often see owners voluntarily removing the numeric identifiers. This phenomenon relates to brand positioning, aiming for understated luxury. Based on my maintenance experience, roughly 3 out of every 10 premium BMWs adopt this approach. The clean rear styling paired with the roundel emblem speaks volumes to automotive enthusiasts. Even the new 4 Series has embraced this trend, especially among younger buyers of convertible versions who favor minimalist aesthetics.
