318i ---318is ---Differences

[Benny]

Besides 2 doors, decklid lip spoiler, and front sports seats. What are the differences (edit: specific to 1991)? Assume that one finds a 318i with 14" baskets as opposed to Steelies.

Any suspension differences?
Brakes?
Interior trim differences?
Electronics?

[ekoUK]

To name a few;

Black headling(as in Sports)
Mtec(Sport spec)suspension
Rear discs
Mtec stering wheel/gearknob
Obviously engine/box

and still more i cant think of just now!

The above is on UK spec cars,not sure on US spec?

[Febi Guibo]

for the 1991 US 318i, 318is, mechanically they are pretty much the same, with the exception of the stuff you noted (doors, seats, etc.)

Denis (dude8383) has thoroughly disassembled a 318i and can verify.

[Benny]

I was about to wonder if the "i" came with rear discs in the US. I thought it would.

So the suspension IS different. But is it only springs and shocks different or control arms, linkages, etc. different.

[ekoUK]

springs,shocks and anti roll bars are different!

[JungleGus]

it runs the same as a 325i sport (M325i, whatever)

51mm front struts and 14.5mm rear sway (not sure about front) as opposed to the stock 12mm

would be intersted to know any odd/out the way differences as im doing a conversion soon

[Zoso]

Let one of the few guys here with a 318i set the score straight :) ekoUK, things are a bit different here in the US with the 318.

The 318i does have rear disc brakes. The 84-85 M10 based 318 has the rear drum brakes.

The differences were mostly minor like said about - trim, seats, wheels, etc.

You can go on realoem.com and compare the part numbers:
Same front sway bar
Same front springs
Same front struts (51mm)
Same control arm and control arm bushings
Same steering rack
Same options for rear sway bar - 12mm stock, 14.5mm "ONLY APPLIES TO M TECHNIC"
Same options for LSD
Same brakes
Same lack of full OBC and cruise control options

Seems to me that the 318i and 318is should be pretty evenly matched performance wise. 318i is about 50lbs heavier but we all know sedans are stiffer :)

[StreetSpec_iS]

Oz Spec differences:

Interior
All Suspension
318i = M40 318iS = M42

Brakes are the same

Options are options.

[akorcovelos]

Hey n00b and 318i owner here, I'm no expert, but my 318i has a M42 in it. This was verified by checking the VIN, and contacting the dealer. Is my M42 the same set-up as the M42 in the iS I don't know. I only bought this car a few weeks ago, so I'm still on a hard learning curve. Thanks in advance for all the good info I'll be getting from this board!:D

[Benny]

AFAIK, if its an e30 and a 91, its the same M42 motor in the I and IS models. The differences in the trims are cosmetic and suspension.

[silverblades181]

the only difference in M42s for the E30 are Europe/US. The Europe spec was a bit more performant then our US spec....by how much I'm not sure.

[ohnoes]

The 1991 U.S. model 318's, i or is, are all powered by the exact same M42 engine.

HTH.