Reference · STIHL model naming
STIHL model codes, decoded
A STIHL model name is built from three parts: MS (Motorsäge — “motor saw”, on modern petrol models), the engine-family number, and trailing letters that flag features. Those letters are below. One caveat worth repeating: the same number across two eras is a different saw with different parts — use the engine-family chart to place yours.
Anti-vibration & ignition
The early suffix stack — AV plus electronic ignition, QuickStop and Super.
| AV | Anti-vibration |
| AVE | AV + electronic ignition |
| AVEQ | AV + electronic + QuickStop |
| AVS | AV + Super |
| AVM | AV + Magnum (big-bore) |
Output & market branding
Higher-output and region-specific marketing names.
| S | Super |
| P | Professional spec |
| FB | Farm Boss (US) |
| WB | Wood Boss (US) |
Comfort & engine management (C-)
The modern “C-” block: a Comfort feature follows the dash.
| C-M | M-Tronic engine management |
| C-B | Quick chain tensioner |
| C-E | Easy2Start/ErgoStart |
Chain brake
QuickStop is the inertia chain brake; QuickStop Super adds a second activation.
| Q | QuickStop chain brake |
| QS | QuickStop Super (dual brake) |
| C-Q | QuickStop Super (dual brake) + Comfort |
Handle & ergonomics
| R | Wrap handle |
| T | Top-handle |
Fuel, cold-weather & emissions
| i | Fuel injection |
| W | Heated handles (winter) |
| Arctic | Heated/cold-start (Nordic/CA) |
| D | Catalytic converter |
Bar, muffler & drive
| L | Low-noise muffler (Leise) |
| Z | Spark-arrest muffler |
| G | Gear drive (Getriebe reduction) |
Reading a full name
- MS 261 C-M — 50 cc pro saw (261), Comfort with M-Tronic engine management.
- MS 170 — homeowner saw, no suffix (basic spec).
- 038 AVM — 038 with Anti-Vibration and Magnum (high-output) build.
- 090 G — the gear-drive (G = Getriebe) reduction model, not “glacier”.
Looking for the right replacement chain or bar? Start from your saw on the engine-family chart, or read the chain & cutter guide.