318i / 328is Differeance? - BMW Forum

rmcmighty · 03-12-2009, 08:54 PM

What are the Factory differences of a 1984 BMW 318i and a 318is?
how can a person tell the difference?

witeshark · 03-12-2009, 09:10 PM

On the E30, the 3xxis is really about trim level. Lower air dam, rear deck spoiler and better seats and stereo round out the main bits.

Nick_318is · 03-13-2009, 08:42 AM

OH OH OH OH, i know. The 1984 318i has the m10 engine it is lower powered then the 318is with the m42 engine which was only produced in 1990-91 model year. The 1991 will have the later style bumpers which are plastic (and much better looking) as opposed to the big metal ones that the 1984 model will have. The 318is will also probably come with a more aggressive suspension set up as the S denotes that it is a sport version. The 318is will probably be the more fun version IMO, some called it the poor mans m3 due to its light weight and high revving 4 banger.

The m10 will take to boost like its titty milk whereas the m42 will take some more work and money.