What does "ECE" mean?

[Spiraldep]

Hi, I'm new to this board but have a quick question and thought I would tap your collective knowledge.

I'm in the market for an E39 M5 and one of the examples I am looking at is an listed as an "ECE" model on the dealer stock list. There is nothing on the car or badging to distinguish this one from similar cars, apart from the price! The dealer hasn't provided any reasonable explanation for this designation. Any ideas?

Thanks,
SD

[rassi]

Does he mean EEC, European Economic Community, or in other words that it is an "import"?

[Spiraldep]

Thanks but it's not that and it's definitely a UK car.

[bigandclever]

Two possibilities, difficult to be sure without more context...

It could either stand for "Economic Commission of Europe", and indicates the build is not for the US/Japanese/etc etc market.

Or, it could be related specifically to the legislation around headlamps. In this case, it stands for the "European E Code" for Europe and Japan standards(the other standard is FMVSS for the US).

>> Edited by bigandclever on Friday 20th May 12:43

[Spiraldep]

Pestered the dealer again who after first feigning ingorance finally admitted the car was a personal import! Thanks for your suggestions, which were spot on!

SD