Whoops, Now I Dun Got All Cun-Fused - BMW Forum

Oxbrain · 08-31-2004, 07:25 PM

OK, so I am in the market for an e30. I'm pretty sure I want a 325i, I was out looking at a 325is the other day and realised I have no idea what the "s" really will do for me. From what I've heard it has some suspension upgrades. I am planning on upgrading suspension anyway.

So I guess my question is this, What is the difference between a 325i 2 door with upgraded springs/struts and a 325is?

catalyst. · 08-31-2004, 07:46 PM

if you have found a good condition low mileage i or is.. take it, it doesnt matter what suspension it has considering how hard nice e30s are to find these days

Old_School_Bimmer · 08-31-2004, 07:52 PM

Ya lots of them are junky now adays so grab them while u still can

Oxbrain · 08-31-2004, 07:55 PM

Well, the one I was looking at had 215k miles on it and they wanted $3k. I'm going back to take a second look next week and see if I notice anything else.

catalyst. · 08-31-2004, 08:00 PM

i would talk him down, unless its in FANTASTIC condition. even then it would have to have some nice mods for me to pay 3 grand for a 215k one.

maybe around 2000-2500

Oxbrain · 08-31-2004, 08:09 PM

hereya, cheapest I'm seeing advertised in this area is $3k

There was a kid selling a 325es with only 70k miles on it for $3k
here
I would get it, but I'd kick myself for not just getting an i

I am going to try to talk the guy selling the is down to 2k with all the "repairs" I'd have to do to get the car in good shape again.

545ismg · 08-31-2004, 08:23 PM

i also am confused is there an engine diffrence in the i or iS because i find nice lookin 325i coupes all the time but it hard to find a nice 325iS i've been looking to buy a 325i or iS just to have and drive on the weekends

87 325iS · 08-31-2004, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 545ismg@Aug 31 2004, 09:03 PM
i also am confused is there an engine diffrence in the i or iS because i find nice lookin 325i coupes all the time but it hard to find a nice 325iS i've been looking to buy a 325i or iS just to have and drive on the weekends

The engine in the 325i and the engine in the 325iS are the same.

spiff325is · 08-31-2004, 10:33 PM

Ima break it down for you right here real quick-like.

iS means that you have better rims(usually), better differential, better suspension(m-tech susp components, so upgrading isnt neccesary unless you plan on doing INSANE stuff, i have 207k and my suspension is fucking great, dont upgrade it unless you know how to drive)

and you get an OBC(on board computer) which can help a lot,

you also get the iS and M seats which are made by Recaro and are also really rare and freaking awesome.

also, read the Considering Buying an E30 Thread.

gotKRAUT · 09-01-2004, 07:29 AM

ok hate to break it..the diff between i and iS are suspension ONLY...one of my buddies has a completely virgin 91"i" and the other has a virgin 91 "iS" (virgin=unmodified and purchased from an original owner) we put them side by side and went over them with a fine toothed comb...the differences were as follows...springs, shocks, front lip...seats....
THAT IS ALL

gotKRAUT · 09-01-2004, 07:32 AM

BTW.....my 84 325e(first year of the e30) came stock with the EXACT same seats as the e30 M3...so someone wanna explain why they went to the crappy seats in late model e30s? except the iS ?

MrM3 · 09-01-2004, 12:29 PM

the e30 sport seats and the M3 seats are not exactly the same. they are the same seat, but are upholstered and stitched together in completely different ways.

what the 325is has over the 325i is: LSD, sport seats, rear trunk spoiler, front lip, basketweave wheels, and obc. i dont think the suspension is that much better on the iS, the spring rates and ride height is close to the same if not identical and the dampers are the same. both use 51mm strut housings and same sized sway bars front and rear. the stock suspension on both cars is pretty soft and has alot of body roll, so you would deffinately benefit from a $1000 suspension upgrade down the road.