General

ABS: antilock braking system
A/C: air conditioning
CEL: check engine light
DTC: diagnostic trouble code
ECU/ECM: electronic control unit/module – usually refers to engine computer, but each of a car’s systems often has its own ECU
GPS: global positioning system – generally refers to the car’s satellite navigation system
HVAC: heating, ventilation, and air conditioning – also referred to here as climate control
LSD: limited-slip differential
MY: model year – e.g. “MY05” means model year 2005
OBD/OBD2: onboard diagnostics
OEM: original equipment manufacturer
PCV System: positive crankcase ventilation system – part of modern cars’ emission control systems which recirculates engine gases back into the engine
PPI: pre-purchase inspection
SAI: secondary air intake
SRS: supplemental restraint system – think of it as the “airbag system”
TC: traction control
TPMS: tire pressure monitoring system
TSB: technical service bulletin – issued by manufacturer to mechanics for a widespread issue that isn’t serious enough to be a full recall
VIN: vehicle identification number
VVT: variable valve timing

BMW

DSC: Dynamic Stability Control
iDrive: BMW’s passenger computer interface
M: BMW’s performance division
Mechatronic: The “heart” of many automatic transmissions from ZF
PDC: Park Distance Control
SMG: sequential manual gearbox – a much-derided transmission option offered on some of BMW’s cars in the early 2000’s
Valvetronic: BMW’s variable valve lift system
VANOS: BMW’s variable valve timing system
xDrive: BMW’s all-wheel drive system

Alpine Windows: Small upper rear windows primarily featured on the Discovery 1 and Discovery 2
Bosch Engines: Refers to 4.0L and 4.6L Rover V8 engines produced from MY99-04
GEMS Engines: Refers to 4.0L and 4.6L Rover V8 engines produced from MY95-98
Lucas Engines: Refers to 3.5L, 3.9L, and 4.2L Rover V8 engines