What Car? Q&A - What do BMW car codes mean?

Q: I have just opted out of my company car scheme and bought a 2004 BMW 320d SE Touring.

I am trying to locate a CD multichanger to fit to the car, but the websites I have consulted say 'to fit model number E36, E39, E46.'

Could you tell me what 'E' model a 3 Series 320d SE Touring 2004 is, please?
Jon, by e-mail

A: For years, BMW has allocated every new bodystyle of its cars a code beginning with 'E', which helps its servicing technicians identify spare parts or procedures more exactly.

The car you have is an E46, so look out for that on the sites you're browsing. That means that the CD multichanger you have been looking at is suitable for your car.

In case you're interested, E36 is the previous-generation 3 Series and E39 is the previous-generation 5 Series.