318i, 318is, 318ic specs

[cenotaph]

So, I am looking at buying a e30 m42 bmw. As far as I know they were only imported to the US in 1991. Im trying to figure out what the difference between the 318i, 318is, and 318ic is. I can't find much info about the 318ic. I know the difference between the 318i and 318is is minimal (trim, 2 doors, spoiler). Can anyone enlighten me about the e30 m42 variants?

Oh, any why you might prefer one over another.

*Edit* I'm trying to create a quick spec page to the U.S. M42 E30 models.

1991-92 BMW 318ic
M42B18 Engine
2867 lbs
4 seats
2 doors
Heavier springs (to 318i/iS)
Sronger rear strut mounts (to 318i/iS)
21/27 mpg

1991 BMW 318i
M42B18 Engine
2657 lbs
5 seats
4 doors
22/27 mpg

1991 BMW 318is
M42B18 Engine
2602 lbs
5 seats
2 doors
Rear spoiler
M-tuned suspension
Sport interior
22/27 mpg

[bar73k]

I know the difference between the 318i and 318is is minimal (trim, 2 doors, spoiler)

a different motor is a big difference...

the 318is having the M42 (twincam)

the 318i having only the single cam motor

[cenotaph]

Ah, is the 1991 318is the only one that had the M42B18?
M42 1.8 16v DOHC?
This is getting inconsistent, I thought the 1991 318i also had the same engine.
Maybe this should be in the FAQ.

[Gunni]

there are no 88- 318i E30 in the US.
They are however available everywhere else,

[cenotaph]

*edit* I moved the information up.

[Gunni]

http://www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell/index.html
check out the 318is section,

[RED IS 91]

Ah, is the 1991 318is the only one that had the M42B18?
M42 1.8 16v DOHC?
This is getting inconsistent, I thought the 1991 318i also had the same engine.
Maybe this should be in the FAQ.

The only E30 318's made for the us were in 1991 and 1992 .In 1992 the only one was the convertible as the coupe went to the E36 body style. All had the M42 motor .The main difference being the suspension and LSD with the other differences being non performance items. i.e. body parts
The 1991 and 1992 E30  318i ,318ic,and the318is all have the same motor.

[silverblades181]

a different motor is a big difference...

the 318is having the M42 (twincam)

the 318i having only the single cam motor

That's not true for North America. The M40 never made it here, all 318i/318is/318ic had the M42B18 and they all came as 1991 models except the 318ic which lasted an extra year (1992)