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

[Cletonius]

I bought the iS because I wanted all the goodies the sport package gives. I got lucky in finding a relatively good condition unmolested car.

After having all the goodies I would be sad going to a crank roof and comfort seats. I like my leather sport interior and LSD.

[reelizmpro]

Is model does not assure LSD. Often has open diff originally equipped

Personally had 3 open diff is models and LSD in only 1

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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.

[bmwstephen]

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.

I think it was only optional for the 318is no?

[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."

[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

[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]

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

[LJ851]

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

[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.

[ForcedFirebird]

318iS didn't have standard LSD.

[capn]

318iS didn't have standard LSD.

mine didn't come with one.

[reelizmpro]

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

[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.

[Stanley Rockafella]

If this were true, everyone would want comfort seats…

I concur ;D

[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.