318is specifics

[gregm]

i recently purchased a nice 1995 318is. it is my first bmw, and i would like to know what makes it different from the other 1995 318 models, besides having only two doors. is the suspension the same as the others? are the only differences cosmetic (badges, etc.)? is the engine exactly the same as the other 318 models? thanks for any help.
gregm

[mikester328]

What I do know is that the coupe is ever-so-slightly wider than the sedan, and the coupe has a heavier frame for some reason, heavier around the top and sides... slightly, nothing big. I'm not toally sure about the added support for the coupe, I hope someone can help verify this fact. Backseat is of course super small for any passengers, obviously. Other than those two things, that's all I know that's a difference.

Mike

[BlantonG13]

if it is a sport model, the suspension will be a little stiffer and handle a little bit better. Otherwise the suspension won't be much different. It may appear to sit a little lower, but this may also be the appearance that the body has a lower profile for the couple. The "IS" is actually a little heavier than an "I" because some reinforcement work is needed for the frame (one less pillar than the sedan). Taillights are a little bit different. The couple's are a little more "flat" when compared to the sedan. The engines will be exactly the same.

[gregm]

thanks for the responses. does the "S" in "318is" mean sport? i kinda don't think it does because the car has none of the other items that came with the "sport" package- 16" wheels, etc.

[Happy]

you had the 318is and then you had the option for the M sports pack... came with the M Wheels.... styling ( minus the mirrors and spoiler) - gear box.... suspension....

ive got the M sports version.... its a poor mans M3... but i love it... top car... with a wonderfull engine.. yours is the M42.... may be the M44.... still built like a tank... my first car was a 318is... and its still in the family.. gave it to my little brother

[bigred318]

yeai h ave a 318is next year a bigger better bmw but i will keep the 318is for a driver its a great car and will run forever! gotta love them good buy!

Davd

[BlantonG13]

the S doesn't really mean "sport" but it more or less designates it as a coupe...I read somewhere that it does mean sport, but a sport can't be a sport if it doesn't have the sport package. A lot of people on this forum have said against the S meaning sport, and it makes sense...definitely a good pick up though and

[Autotechnica]

"is" does mean sport. It means it has 2 doors, stiffer sway bars, stiffer dampers and slightly lower springs. It should also come with some sort of alloy wheels. The regular 318i usually comes with hub caps.

mikester318 is also correct about the coupe being heavier. They use larger and thicker supports for the 2 doors since it's heavier. The 4 door uses smaller lighter supports as the doors don't weigh as much. Also note that the coupe doors don't have a metal frame around the windows. There may also be more supports/reinforcements on the roof or around the doors. Theoretically, the 4 door is the idle race car. It's slightly lighter and the chassis is stiffer. I don't know how much of a difference it actually makes. But you'll find that TMS's race cars are 4 doors for a reason.

Bry