Selecting a compatible BB: spindle offset
With Shimano there are "E" and "K" variations of bottom brackets that refer to coaxial mounted front derailleurs and chain guards respectively. The BB variations provide for enough space on the drive side spindle to build in another "ring" of the derailleur or the chainguard carrier.

For exact paramenters Sheldon Brown could be helpful too.
http://sheldonbrown.com/bbdrop.html