Is a 325iS-2 different?

[RagtopE30]

I just bought a 1989 325iS but the vin shows it being a regular 325i. Yet the data sticker on the drivers side door jam (which has a matching vin) says that the car is a 325iS-2. The trunk has the badge and spoiler. It has billy sports, LSD diff, 5spd, and sport wheel. So is a 325iS-2 any thing different from a 325iS?

[Rigmaster]

no, the "-2" just indicates it's a 2 door (which all E30 325is' are anyway, but.........)

[RagtopE30]

OK thanks.

[fuzzpuddle]

bringing

So, like a good little forum lurker, I utilized the search function, so I'm bringing this one back.

My 89 e30 is badged as a 325i, and this is confirmed by the VIN (AA13). It has the sport steering wheel and trunk spoiler, and the door jamb sticker says 325iS-2.

Any ideas? Did BMW simply stamp the VIN on the wrong sticker?

[Polaris15]

Do you have an LSD?

[cmcgrogan]

do you have an lsd? do you have the premium speakers? if yes to either of those, then you have an 325is. as it being badged differently, maybe it was resprayed and the s didnt make it back on.

[JinormusJ]

Mine is an iS; door reads 325iS-A (the "A" replaces the 2 because mine was originally automatic), yet the Carfax reports it as merely a 325i.

It's not a big deal; if you had the badge, spoiler, Maplight mirrors, 13-button OBC, and LSD stock, it's an iS

I trust the stickers BMW put on the car stock over what Carfax reports

[quikveedb2]

Mine is an iS; door reads 325iS-A (the "A" replaces the 2 because mine was originally automatic), yet the Carfax reports it as merely a 325i.

It's not a big deal; if you had the badge, spoiler, Maplight mirrors, 13-button OBC, and LSD stock, it's an iS

I trust the stickers BMW put on the car stock over what Carfax reports

Interesting, my car also has the 325is-A sticker but it's got a manual transmission.

[IRON-E]

Trippy.... My IS says 325is-A but, checking the vin # it comes back as a true 5speed IS.

[JinormusJ]

Hmm.. Maybe it's down to a matter of which "Carfax" organization you are reporting through. Some report differently than others, but still uncover the same generic information


I just remember looking up my VIN, and noticing it was only reported as a 325i, then running to my door sticker for reassurance

[bowtie2bimmer]

Trippy.... My IS says 325is-A but, checking the vin # it comes back as a true 5speed IS.

I was under the impression the A mean Automatic, is this not the case?

[Kevinl]

mine says 325is-A as well but a vin check shows it was born a 5 speed

[JinormusJ]

My Carfax reports "325i/325iS"
Door jam says 325iSA-2
11/88 build date, so true 89

I heard there was some drama with the 89 model years.. BMW shipping them all from the factory reported as 325iSes, but only some were true. (89 was the first year BMW came out with the two door base 325i, so some got confused as iSes)


Does anyone have the BMW Vin decoder?

[jlevie]

The VIN will always return the car as being a 325i as BMW did not list an IS as a separate car. Which makes sense give that the IS variant is essentially different trim with the optional LSD being a part of the package.

[nando]

For the LAST time.. "A" doesn't mean it is or was an automatic!!