328i vs 328is

[FrenchWrath]

thanks for answering my previous post about 325i vs 325is. I have now shifted my focus on the 328. I have been looking at 328is from 96 to 98 with 5 speed but I was wondering if a 328i has pretty much the same performance and handling?
thanks.

[kuchifungus]

328 is faster and is closer to the m3 than the 325. thats what i read about, but not quite sure.

[FrenchWrath]

I just realized I didn't ask my question properly
I wanted to know the difference between the 328i and the 328is, not between 328 and 325.
thanks!!

[mikester328]

Taken from the BMW E36 Bentley Manual....
"The 2-door variant differs from the 4-door sedan by a 3.12 inch (8cm) longer front end, a flatter hod line and air slits, and a roof almost 1.2 inches (3cm) shorter. Additional differences include wider doors with frameless windows, glass-covered door-posts (B-pillars) and a shorter and lower luggage compartment lid."

Also, the 328's have more torque so they can get off the line easier, which is the best improvement to the car from the 325 (2.5L engine). Maybe the 328is will handle slightly better than the 328i, but probably nothing that's noticable in my opinion. I owned a '96 328i 5 spd and it could get off the line as much as many people would hope a BMW could.

[DeefNDorf]

Hmm...Yes.....Mine can get off the line pretty quick...and those who jump ahead off the line only stay there till I hit second....but prob aint that much diff...

[CiscoKid]

i thought the 4 door had a better weight balance

[FrenchWrath]

Well, I went for the 328i in the end. $12,500 with 79000 miles... Check out the pic:

[BlantonG13]

the 4 door is actually heavier as well isn't it (being that it is bigger)...

[BlantonG13]

Damn that is a sweet ride...those are the same rims I am looking to get...M3 Contours...already has the Red/white tails...Very Impressive and congrats on your purchase!

[avocodo]

Nice car dude, good job

[dutchbmw]

Nice choice! Is it a 1997?

[///M Power]

:O ownage rims. I love em

[thinair]

Actually, the 4 door is stiffer and lighter (when gutted) somehow, but the 2 door looks nicer IMO (sleeker).

Most racing teams race the sedans for the above reason.

[Osinyou]

the above person is correct the 4 door car is very close to the same or less.

[Kevin325i]

4 door is slightly lighter because the frame isn't as heavy. In the 2 door the frame weighs a lot more because there isn't a true b pillar to support the weight of the roof so the frame is reinforced to support it.

Kevin