Difference between 325i and 325is?

[jw 325ic]

Obviously the S trim models are the way to go, but like others have said, if you find a clean standard model in 5 spd get that one. Itll be less maintenance and repair work and you can just add on S model features that you wish to have.

For example, with a 90 325i coupe you could put a iS lip, rear spoiler, side skirts, and lsd diff in. Youll most likely lower it and replace bushings so suspension isnt a big deal.

Look for OBC, good paint, good interior, everything functioning, ellipsoids if you want HIDs, and a clean exhaust system/good engine.

But the most saught after 'regular' e30 would be an 89 325iS for late model and a 87 325iS for early.

[absolutdog]

But the most sought after 'regular' e30 would be an 89 325iS for late model and a 87 325iS for early.

Why do you say this??? what makes an 89 more desirable than a '90
or a '86 less than an '87??

IMHO --- maintenance and rust are they only things that matter (after 5 speed of course)

[reelizmpro]

Because 89 was first year of plastic bumpers and last year before airbags and fixed windows. 87 was first year of 325i, and the iS had the front and rear spoilers which made the car look a lot better despite having diving boards.

[bmwstephen]

i thought suspension part numbers on the IS were relatively the same between the I model. when you order replacement shocks for the Is you get I ones now anyway

[reelizmpro]

As mentioned, it's not a huge deal these days but there was a time when the iS was considered the top dog because it was sporty out of the box. You got the sport leather seats, m tech steering wheels, front and rear spoilers, bbs weaves, OBC, premium sound, LSD...the best of everything. These parts were expensive back in the day. Now you can find them used at junkyards and on the forums/craigslist pretty cheap.

[roguetoaster]

As mentioned, it's not a huge deal these days but there was a time when the iS was considered the top dog because it was sporty out of the box. You got the sport leather seats, m tech steering wheels, front and rear spoilers, bbs weaves, OBC, premium sound, LSD...the best of everything. These parts were expensive back in the day. Now you can find them used at junkyards and on the forums/craigslist pretty cheap.

This is on the money, but now half of the "i" cars have been made more or less "is" cars.

The beauty of the E30 is that you can make one into just about any other trim level you want. So, just decide between coupe, sedan and 'vert.

[agent]

the most sought after 'regular' e30 would be an 89 325iS for late model and a 87 325iS for early.

This makes me happy.

[hendrixvodu]

to tell you the truth dont worry about if its an i or is just make sure its not a POS id rather have a well kept 325i over a rusted beat as 325is

[bmwstephen]

some interesting info. according to realoem. the only thing unique about the IS suspension are the:

-front shocks
-front springs
-rear shocks

-Sway bar, rear springs, CA and bushings are all the same

[SubDad]

hendrixvodu said "to tell you the truth dont worry about if its an i or is just make sure its not a POS"

Exactly. Yep. For Sure. Indeedy.

I had a cool Zinnabar '88 iS with lots of rust. It had all the cool toys mentioned earlier in the thread.

Now I have a bone stock E30, 1986, 4 green doors but the body is Solid.
I'm buying the cool toys, they all fit and I have real metal to bolt them down to.
These cars are 30 years old, don't sweat the options that somebody did or didn't buy 30 years ago just buy a solid example and make it what you want.

[agent]

id rather have a well kept 325i over a rusted beat as 325is

[QUKBMER]

Most all IS models did have lsd diff's,sport leather seats,13 button OBC,basket weave wheels 14 or 15 inch,rear view mirror map lights,side skirts,IS rear wing,front 3 inch chin air dam below the valance, billy sport shocks/struts,premium 8 speaker sound system.

[JinormusJ]

I came here to show support for the 89 325ISes

[enigmaticdream]

Here to support to early tail IS cars :) I got mine for $1050 two years ago. I'm sure they're out there, but prices seem to keep going up for a decent example.

If I was looking again I would hold out for an 325is again. You're paying for the seats and the LSD for the most part. Obviously swappable, but I tried to swap my LSD years ago and that mofo wouldn't budge. I finally got it swapped AFTER dropping the subframe. I also think it is awesome to show off the OBC when people are in your car for the first time. "What's that?" "Oh, this? It is the on board computer. Check this out...How AWESOME is that for a car from 1987?"

[bmwstephen]

What was the issue with the lsd that required you to drop the subframe?

Sent from the heavens