BMW - badging and different engine models

Hi Everyone,

I'm a new user to this bbs so please excuse me if this question has already been asked. Can anyone explain the badge system and why it is so different throughout the world. Here in the UK a 316i will be a 1600cc engine, a 318i is an 1800cc engine ..325, 2.5L etc.etc. In South Africa however a 316i is actually a 1.8L engine, a 1.8i is a 1.9L engine etc. This gets really confusing. What does one insure the car for in this country? And does anyone know what the difference between a 316i South African Beemer vs. a 316i/318i UK car. (apart from being rust-free in SA).

Your help would be much appreciated as I am considering buying a 316i South African BMW (costs around £8000 for a 70,000 mile S-Reg 1998 model) and I'm really stuck at the moment as to whether this is a bargain or not.

Thanks,

BraN 8)

its just for marketing, BMW dont want change the name every time the new engine come out. so they just keep the name same. its not just the 316.

Yeah, BMW rounds alot sometimes. Like the newest 318i is actually closer to around 2000 cc. As Roundel mentioned, they can't just change the names all the time.