What's th difference in an 325is version?

[ScottNC]

New to e30s and have been looking at a couple for sale. What is the difference between a 325i and a 325is? I know the "s" usually stands for "sport package" but is that just spoilers, or any suspension differences, or what?

Me so confused.

thanks for the help

[reelizmpro]

For the 325iS: 14x6.5" BBS cross spoke wheels, M technic sport steering wheel, front and rear spoilers, leather sport seats, fully loaded-premium stereo/OBC, body color side mirrors, Limited slip differential and 'sport' suspension.

[Quadrajet]

Yep there are suspensions upgrades as well. IIRC the springs have a different rate and the struts and shocks are valved stiffer too. I think the sways are larger in diameter. Not sure if the stance is altered.

[reelizmpro]

Yep there are suspensions upgrades as well. IIRC the springs have a different rate and the struts and shocks are valved stiffer too. I think the sways are larger in diameter. Not sure if the stance is altered.

The springs/shocks may be stiffer but ride height (Bentley lists the same ride height for all 325i except convertible and M Technic) and sways are the same. "Sport" is not to be confused with "M Technic" suspension which does include shorter/stiffer springs/shocks and sways.

[Quadrajet]

The springs/shocks may be stiffer but ride height (Bentley lists the same ride height for all 325i except convertible and M Technic) and sways are the same. "Sport" is not to be confused with "M Technic" suspension which does include shorter/stiffer springs/shocks and sways.

I wasn't sure about that. I had read that the 318is's were lower in stance and didn't know if the 325is's were the same.

[reelizmpro]

Well that could still be true. Perhaps Bentley left out the 'S' models. These days any differences if any, between i and iS springs/shocks are so minor, they mind as well be the same anyway.

[travis816]

map light mirrior, some had IS side skirts?

[Wh33lhop]

Luckily someone decided to post this thread, as this question has never been answered before.

[reelizmpro]

map light mirrior, some had IS side skirts?

I think the Map light mirror is a year thing. I don't recall the 87 iS having a map light mirror. The term "iS" skirt is misleading because none of the iS actually came with these skirts. They were fitted to the 91 325i w/sport package as there was no official 325iS in 91. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

[travis816]

I think the Map light mirror is a year thing. I don't recall the 87 iS having a map light mirror. The term "iS" skirt is misleading because none of the iS actually came with these skirts. They were fitted to the 91 325i w/sport package as there was no official 325iS in 91. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

thanks for clarifyin. informational