How does the "E" designation work with BMW's

[Creditcrunch]

Sorry for the basic question but could someone explain to me how the "E" designation to BMW models work?

What "E" is the latest 3 series assigned? Was the previous 3 series the E46? If so does that mean the next 3 series will be the E56 or the E47? Is there any logic the the numbers?

How do the numbers differ for the 5 series model?

Thanks

[bmw2002]

http://www.total-bmw-mag.co.uk/bmw_e_numbers_expla...

HTH

[evenflow]

Very comprihensive wiki here:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Could we make it sticky?