Re: 'i' Vs 'iS' Randy-FAQ
Posted By: Randy Walters
Date: Friday, 4/8/2000, 8:56 a.m.

In Response To: 'i' Vs 'iS' (Schem325i)



Standard equipment on the 87-90 E30 325is
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Limited Slip Differential (but same 3.73 ratio as 325i)
Slightly Stiffer Front Springs (but the rears are the same as 325i)
Slightly Stiffer Shocks (Bilsteins in early 87, Boges after that)
14x6�" BBS Cross-Spoke Wheels
Deeper one-piece front airdam (1987)
Deeper Front chin spoiler extension (88-90)
Factory Oil Cooler
Foglights in the airdam (the 88-91 325i also had these)
Rear Decklid Spoiler
Bolstered Leather Sport Seats
3-Spoke Sport Steering Wheel up till and including the '89
Leather Airbag wheel on all '90 and up E30s
Trip Computer (OBC)
Upgraded Stereo System (Alpine "Pyramid" radio/cassette)
Power Windows
Power Sunroof
Power Mirrors

In 1991 they dropped the "is" model. However a Sport Package option was available on the 2-dr 325i for 1991, with all the same stuff as on the earlier "is". So technically there was no 91 325is, just a 325i that's made into a virtual clone of the 325is when equipped with the Sport Package. The Sport Package was also available on the 91 325i 4-door, with all the above items except it did not get the deeper chin spoiler extension. It had a rocker-panel molding similar to the 325iX only without the upturned fenderwell transitions.

Items shared by both the 325i and 325is:
---------------------------------------------------------

Same 6-cyl 2.5L Engine with 168hp @ 5800 RPM
and 164 lbs-ft torque @ 4300 RPM
Same Transmissions
Same final drive ratio (3.73)
Same Dual Exhaust system
Same Fuel Injection system
Same Ignition system
Same Brakes and ABS system
Same front and rear swaybars
Same rear springs

Differences between the various years (both i and is):
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The 88 and 89 came with the ellipsoidal headlights, the rest did not.
The 90 and 91 came with an airbag steering wheel as standard.
The 87 and 88 came with the big aluminum bumpers.
The 89 thru 91 had the integrated body-colored wraparound bumpers.
The 87 had a deep one-piece front spoiler with square foglights.
The 88 had the big bumpers but got the 89 style front apron/spoiler
The 89 thru 90/91 had the two-piece front apron/spoiler with integral foglights and integral brake ducts. Some early 88's may have the deep 87 style spoiler however (needs to be verified).
The 87-88's 153 Motronics were sometimes troublesome (idle probs?)
The 89 thru 91 came with the new and improved 173 Motronics.
The 87 had no apron below the rear bumper, the 88-91 does.
The 87 has smaller taillights, the 88-91 has larger ones.
The 87 has larger rear fender openings and exposes more tire.
The 88-91 rear fender openings are smaller/lower.



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