Is my barn find a 325is or 325i with options?

[cory58]

I apologize of this has been covered elsewhere. I can't find it, so please feel free to tell be where to search.

I picked up a barn find 89 325 coupe last weekend. The seller said it's a 325is and the trunk badge is 325is. Is there an option code for "is" or is it a set collection of options. I decoded the vin and here are the relevant codes.

209 LSD
226 sport suspension
281 wheels
324 ellipsoid lights
481 sport seats
708 steering wheel (there is an MTech 1 in the car)
841 ???

Thanks, Cory

[mike.bmw]

When I run mine through various VIN decoders, it comes up with "318is - USA" as the "model". I don't see any specific option codes for "is". Here's what I mean:

Type	AF93
Model	318is - USA
Development Code	E30
Chassis	LIM
Steering	LL
Doors	2
Engine	M42
Displacement	1.8
Power	103
Drivetrain	HECK
Transmission	MECH
Color	Alpinweiss 2 - 218
Upholstery	Schwarz Kunstleder - 0166
Production Plant	REGENSBURG
Options
242	Driver Air Bag+series Strg Whl Rim(pur)	Fahrerairbag Mit Serienkranz(pur)
281	Lm-rad 6 1/2 X 14	Lm-rad 6 1/2 X 14
300	Zentralverriegelung Elektrisch	Zentralverriegelung Elektrisch
410	Window Lifts, Electric At Front	Fensterheber, Elektrisch Vorn
481	Sport Seats F Driver/front Passenger	Sportsitze Fuer Fahrer/beifahrer
530	Air Conditioning	Klimaanlage
556	Exterior Temperature Display	Aussentemperaturanzeige
925	Shipping Protection Package	Versandschutzpaket

[cory58]

Interesting. Thank you. I decoded at bimmer.work and mine was listed as 325i.

[CompleteCustoms]

I'm hardly an expert so take this with a grain of salt but- to answer your question- no, there isn't an 'is' code it is a collection of options. I haven't found a definitive answer on what those are but I believe it's the options you mentioned, a 13-button OBC (vs 9-button on i) and some aero parts (front lip and spoiler).

[kronus]

there is no s code. it's a dealer option pack.

[uturn]

Just look at your door jamb VIN sticker. On my car, it clearly is marked "318is".

[roguetoaster]

Don't those door stickers also say 325i/is, or am I thinking of something else?

[cory58]

Thanks for all the replies. I will check the door jamb. Some body panels have been repainted, so hopefully not the driver door. Wondering if it's different for a 318is vs. 325is.

[E30 Wagen]

All signs pointing toward it being a 325is. A power sunroof is another option it should have. When the 318is e30 came out I think that's when BMW decided to start badging two door models with 'is,' but didn't bother to change the 325i badging until the e36 came out. idk, bmw's badging hasn't always made much sense.

[dnguyen1963]

The real problem is that you found a "Barn find" and none of us did! Go buy yourself a lottery ticket.

[Codym42]

All signs pointing toward it being a 325is. A power sunroof is another option it should have. When the 318is e30 came out I think that's when BMW decided to start badging two door models with 'is,' but didn't bother to change the 325i badging until the e36 came out. idk, bmw's badging hasn't always made much sense.

The e30 1991 318is is a true "is". It had sport seats, front lip, rear spoiler, basketweaves, sport suspension, and optional 4.10 LSD. BMW started labeling all of the 2 door models as an "is" with the e36 chassis.

If the OP's car is a true 325is, it should have these same options. Plus 3.73 LSD, M-Tech 1 steering wheel, 13 button OBC, and power sunroof. Basically will have all the sport upgrades plus all the extra options that were not available for 318's or those that were optional in the 325i

[cory58]

Thanks for all the replies! My car does have all the options, so I'll conclude it's an "is." Will post some picks. Haven't decided yet whether to address a few things and flip it or part it out.

Codym42 - Love the style 10s in your sig photo. Ditched the bottle caps for style 10s on my Touring and it completely changed the exterior look.

[uturn]

Thanks for all the replies. I will check the door jamb. Some body panels have been repainted, so hopefully not the driver door. Wondering if it's different for a 318is vs. 325is.

My 325is VIN sticker

[Codym42]

Thanks for all the replies! My car does have all the options, so I'll conclude it's an "is." Will post some picks. Haven't decided yet whether to address a few things and flip it or part it out.

Codym42 - Love the style 10s in your sig photo. Ditched the bottle caps for style 10s on my Touring and it completely changed the exterior look.

Thanks! Style 10s are awesome.

[Staszek]

Mine is a 325is and it had sport seats, 4.10 LSD (it was an auto). power sunroof, 13 button OBC, since mine was a 1990 I had the airbag wheel. But I dont htink the vin pulls 325is. If you look at real OEM they dont even have a listing for the 325is but they do for a 318is. I have to look at my plate its at the shop right now getting painted. I need to stop by there next week I can take a pic of mine.