325is vs. 325i

[granoladude]

Alrighty, here we go with another round of questions :D

When comparing an E30 325is to an E30 325i, where would one find the biggest differences? Do parts run differently for the 325is (mechanical parts)? Are 325is cars any more difficult to mantain than a straight 325i? I'm trying to compare these two cars for daily use and for possible modding and autocrossing (possible track?).

thanks a lot for your help guys!

[shiftbmw]

They are essentially the same car, especially when you start modifying both of them.

The 325is has the following not found in the 325i.

3.73 LSD(in my opinion the biggest difference)
sport seats
slightly more aggressive suspension
basket weave wheels
front air dam
rear lip spoiler
premium sound(old school by today's standards)
13 button OBC

there are some other differences but those are some of the highlights.



The 325is won't cost a cent more than the 325i to maintain assuming theyare driven similarly. You can make a 325i into a 325is for less than a grand in parts most likely.

Personally I prefer the 325is because I think it provides a bit more of a total package. It just feels better to drive with the grippier seats, seeing the wing in your rear view mirror, etc. To each their own though...

[erik325i]

The only other difference I can think of not listed in the power sunroof found on the "is".

They should cost the same to maintain. They are the same car, except one has extra goodies.

-Erik

[h0lmes]

The differences between I's and IS's are mainly aesthetic. The limited slip differential and sport suspension were the only performace differences between the two. The other options are sport seats, power sunroof, 13 button OBC, premium sound, 14 in basketweave wheels, rear spoiler, front air dam OR lip depending on year and maplight rearview mirror on the later models.

Like ShiftBMW said, the differential is what makes the biggest difference. If you get an I then a limited slip would be the single best upgrade you could do. I have also noticed that most people end up ditching the suspension, wheels and sound system wether they have an I or IS so it really doesnt make a difference. At this point you are looking at a couple hundred bucks for the other parts if you really wanted to turn an I into an IS.

In short, I don't look at an I any less than I do an IS. The differences really are minimal.

[WlknGenius]

The biggest difference is in the price as well. An iS can go for 1-2k more than an I in comparable condition.

[ddavidv]

Some i models will have the LSD, as it was an option. My 4 door i has it. You can pick these up for $200 or less. We buy them at the local Pick-N-Pull for $30. :D
If you're going to make a race car/track car, then it doesn't really matter which you get because you're likely to change the suspension completely. The sport seats are nice, but they are heavy, and most are pretty sad looking by now.
Exact same car under the hood, so no difference there.

[Van Westervelt]

I have noticed that it is easier in my experience to find a well cared for and unabused "i" over an "is." Most of them have just been driven harder. Its what they were built for but, I picked up a super eta becaue I wanted one with little abuse since I was going to be pulling the motor, seats, susp, and sound system. Go for the "i" unless you are gonna do an engine swap too, then find an eta or an early 318 IMHO