What does E60 stand for?

E60 is BMW's internal designation for the new 5 series, 2004 - Current. Every BMW model has its own internal designation. For example the touring model of the new 5 series is called the E61 and the old 5 series is called the E39. In more detailed terms, E60 stands for Entwicklung 60 (development 60) which can be translated into Evolution 60. The 60 means that this is BMW's 60th model design since the beginning of the company. Not all designs are put into production, such as concept cars, which also receive an E designation.


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Is there a list in existence showing each E model. Even those that were not produced?

Yes. Here

Wow ! What a list. It even has pictures of the new Z2, 4 series and V series.

E (Envy for Benz owners)

60 (60 grand or better) :P

I love the explanation for 60! :lol:

on my owners manual it says Everest 60 :unsure:

I think the "E" is a coincidence, because that list also shows the "Entwicklungscodes" title above many models which DON'T start with an E;

BMW Fahrzeug Codes (Entwicklungscodes)
2010 - F10 5er Limousine Serie
2012 - F11 5er touring Serie
2011 - F12 6er Cabrio Serie
2011 - F13 6er Coup? Serie
2011 - F14 LC5 (auf Basis des F12) Serie
2011 - F25 X3 Serie
2012 - F30 3er Limousine Serie
Mini Fahrzeug Codes (Entwicklungscodes)
2000 - R50 Mini One, Mini One D, Mini Cooper Serie
2004 - R52 Mini One Cabrio, Mini Cooper Cabrio, Mini Cooper S Cabrio Serie
2000 - R53 Mini Cooper S, Mini Cooper S JCW GP Serie
2007 - R55 Mini Cooper D Clubman, Mini Cooper S Clubman Serie
2006 - R56 Mini Cooper, Mini Cooper D, Mini Cooper S Serie
Rolls-Royce Fahrzeug Codes (Entwicklungscodes)
2003 - RR01 Rolls-Royce Phantom Serie
2007 - RR02 Rolls-Royce Drophead Coup? Serie

What does the "er" stand for after the series number? For example: 5er, 3er... Is it to be said literally as 4 and 9 are said in the military phonetic alphabet such as five-er and three-er? Or does it stand for something?

you are correct... its said in the military phonetic alphabet such as five-er and three-er

5-er ... like when you're talking about your ride and you want to distinguish between models without having to be specific as to which one ... 530i, 550i, 650i, 760Li... etc