Why are some people so particular about buying an "is" car?

[reelizmpro]

Not to argue with u but building diffs and pointing out e36's you've owned has no relevence. When did you pick up your 325iS?

EDIT:
Found some proof...

"The only options available on the 325iS were metallic paint and automatic transmission." Which means...LSD came as standard equipment.

Look under drivetrain...



For those curious...it's the same thing for the eS as well. LSD was standard.



Someone probably swapped your LSD out with an open diff prior to your ownership. It was very common since most BMW owners at the time were oblivious to what an LSD even is.

[Wanganstyle]

Why are some people so particular about buying an "is" car?

I have experienced the opposite. I have been in the game over 20 years, grew up in a BMW shop, used to sell differentials to Jim Blanton, etc. I only ever saw LSD's in 325iS models. Now over time...things get swapped around. I would venture to say that either the LSD was swapped or the car wasn't a true 325iS to begin with. Let's face it, it would be silly for BMW not to install an LSD in a "sports package" car. IIRC, it was standard as part of the Sport package.

I know a thing or two about LSD more than the average bear. I manufacture my own Cnc billet LSD.

E30's Owned:

91 318is- original diff open
87 325e-original diff open; with hardy and beck 327S engine+ZF 320d 6mt. fitted 3,07 Torsen, 2,93 3 clutch 40%, 3,15 4 clutch 60%, 3,15 kaaz 1.5 way LSD, 3,23 stock LSD

Friend has:

90 318i- original diff LSD

Race cars built the units for and race myself :

ALMS LeMans 24v 87 325is - original diff open ; now on built wanganstyle circuit racing 2 way LSD unit #2

SE30 90 325is - original unit open; now on built wanganstyle SE30 cheating 2 way LSD unit.


The only car that is 100% assured LSD IS A WBS M car

Owned:
97 m3 coupe- original LSD left alone
97 m3 sedan -original LSD; fitted wanganstyle built 3,38+s54b32
98 m3 sedan auto -original LSD; fitted wanganstyle built 4,10 Torsen
98 m3 sedan coupe -original LSD; fitted wanganstyle 3,46 2 way 5 disc 80% locking unit.





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bradnic]

Both my cars came with a 4.10 LSD, and one was a slicktop...so i guess the IS had nothing to do with whether you got an LSD or not.

check your options at bmwvin.com

[bradnic]

318iS didn't have standard LSD.

^ this

I have a 318is and can verify that. The LSD was optional. I'm about to put one in mine. Pretty sure it was also considered an entry level sport model. I've got perforated vinyl sport seats, simpler OBC, manual sunroof and no premium sound. Still one of our favorite E30s though.

Also confirming the "no trunk tar on 318is" comment. My IX definitely has the tar on it, the 318is no.

[Stanley Rockafella]

If this were true, everyone would want comfort seats…

I concur ;D

[eur04lif3]

318iS didn't have standard LSD.

mine didn't come with one.

Both my cars came with a 4.10 LSD, and one was a slicktop...so i guess the IS had nothing to do with whether you got an LSD or not.

[reelizmpro]

M3's and I believe the 318's and early cars didn't have trunk tar as far as I know.

[capn]

318iS didn't have standard LSD.

mine didn't come with one.

[ForcedFirebird]

318iS didn't have standard LSD.

[reelizmpro]

i know the 1991 325i "sport" has all the IS body accessories but does not have an LSD,13 button OBC. notably it does have the speaker pods and electric sunroof

Yeah, that one is the exception being it was 2 door and they called it a "sport" without the iS nonmenclature. I wonder what months each of those models were produced. It was certainly a transitional period.

[LJ851]

My 89 325is had trunk tar. I am under the impression only the 318is did not have the tar.

[bmwstephen]

Just curious but do the IS models not hard trunk tar? I'm pretty certain the previous owners didn't untar my trunk because there was no evidence of removal.

i know 318is do not have it

[capn]

Just curious but do the IS models not hard trunk tar? I'm pretty certain the previous owners didn't untar my trunk because there was no evidence of removal.

[bmwstephen]

I believe things changed with the 91 318iS. BMW started referring to all 2 door models as "iS" models. Without necessarily loading them up with options. That's why there are little options on 318iS. And u never see a 2dr 318i m42 unless its a vert.

i know the 1991 325i "sport" has all the IS body accessories but does not have an LSD,13 button OBC. notably it does have the speaker pods and electric sunroof

[reelizmpro]

I believe things changed with the 91 318iS. BMW started referring to all 2 door models as "iS" models. Without necessarily loading them up with options. That's why there are little options on 318iS. And u never see a 2dr 318i m42 unless its a vert. it carried over to e36 as well. The 325iS was just the 2dr version. As a matter of fact, that could be another reason to buy an e30 325iS since it actually meant "sport package."