91 318is vs 325is confussion...whats the diff? (besides eng)

[ELVA164]

I guess i am referring to the BIG vs SMALL i"s" lip, the rear spoiler and i guess the elliposoids which were only available on 89 325is?

ELVA164 - "he large front "lip" only came on the '87 325iS, and was then replaced with the smaller front lip due to the introduction of a new front valance."

wasnt the front valance changed to the facelift "plastic bumper valance" in 88. 88 should be the only year with the plastic bumper valance and the diving boards.

was 88 the only year for the big lip? or was the big lip only offered on 325is and not 318is?

The ellipsoids were standard on all e30s in the 89 model year, but were also an option in 88, 90, and I think 91. You're right about the 88 having early bumpers and a late valence, but it would have had the same lip as the late model iS. If I understand the question.

[six2midnight]

I guess i am referring to the BIG vs SMALL i"s" lip, the rear spoiler and i guess the elliposoids which were only available on 89 325is?

ELVA164 - "he large front "lip" only came on the '87 325iS, and was then replaced with the smaller front lip due to the introduction of a new front valance."

wasnt the front valance changed to the facelift "plastic bumper valance" in 88. 88 should be the only year with the plastic bumper valance and the diving boards.

was 88 the only year for the big lip? or was the big lip only offered on 325is and not 318is?

[ELVA164]

Very possible.

[318isbmw]

I'm pretty sure a good search will turn up a number of threads on this topic.

Also, there's no such thing as a "325iS body" unless you're referring to the iS front and rear spoilers. The large front "lip" only came on the '87 325iS, and was then replaced with the smaller front lip due to the introduction of a new front valance.

I think he's referring to the IS lip versus the I lip on the late model since there was no early model 318is

[ELVA164]

I'm pretty sure a good search will turn up a number of threads on this topic.

Also, there's no such thing as a "325iS body" unless you're referring to the iS front and rear spoilers. The large front "lip" only came on the '87 325iS, and was then replaced with the smaller front lip due to the introduction of a new front valance.

[Chessmaster]

interior if im correct in the usa, we never got an option for leather. also no check panel, unique carpet, less sound deadening, option for no sunroof. those are the ones I can think of for now on my 318is slicktop.

[Bglad]

Rear dif cases are different, 318 is slower.

[six2midnight]

Alright guys... Ive been googling and trying to figure this out for a while but cant find any really solid answers.

ive owned a couple 91 318is's now, and i know its the only year for this car. What ive read so far is its a the only year for a 325is body with the m42 engine.


My question is, the 91 318is came with the small little front lip while the 325is came with the big IS front lip that we all know and love.

my question to all of you is BESIDES THE ENGINE, what is the diff between the 318is and the 325is?? :hitler:

exterior, interior, suspension. I want the real specs :) thanks!