328i or is

[Mathew Neal]

Have a 97 328 that is labeled as just a 328i on the trunk- should it have an "is"? paperwork says 328is but not the car? Yes painted rocker pannels- what else should it have?

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Limited slip,
Sport steering wheel,
Suspension

If you give me the last 7 numbers of the VIN, I can confirm what it is for you.

[SteveSteinhauer]

hmmm... I thought the definition of "is" was 2 door... not that it had any special equipment (ie., sport package).

Is this not correct?
Steve

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

I think by the late 90s, that was indeed the case. My mom's 98 two-door does not have the sport package. I recall that the recent issue of "european car" said the same thing. (Might have been earlier than that, even.)

--DD

[pianodan]

The "s" means 2 door, and nothing else. If it's a 4 door it's an "i" only.

As an option, you can have the Sports Option, which had 16" wheels, sport seats, better suspension, but, that was independant of the "s" badge.

Dan

[Javier at Pelican Parts]

That is correct the 'is' is for 2door signification only.

[Wayne 962]

Right - Jared is confusing the E36 with the E30s. The 'is' in the E30 line meant the addition of all of those sport goodies. The 'is' in the E36 model line simply means the coupe (2 door) body style. If you have 2 doors, it should say 'is' on the back.

Many people make the mistake and call it a 325is when it's really a 325i.

-Wayne

[Mathew Neal]

AV20397 LAST 7 of the vin #
Again - the paperwork for the car from the origional dealer says 328is.
Limited slip, 16 in rims, painted rocker panels, HK sound, trip computer
Sport steering wheel? (don't know what one is or isn't)

So what is it?

thanks for all the input.

[Javier at Pelican Parts]

Mathew, I ran the Vin it came back has 328i sedan (4dr) prodate. 03/97
5spd. this car is not a "is".

[BIG SHATTUCK]

The "IS" is a package bmw adds when the cars reach port in the U.S. containing the add ons in above replies

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

No, that may have been the case for the E30 cars--but with the E36 cars it only means two doors. My mom's car doesn't have any of that extra stuff, but it is an "is". Two doors.

--DD

[SteveSteinhauer]

To beat a dead horse a little more....

"is" on the tail of an E36 refers ONLY to the fact that the car is a two door. It has nothing to do with the fact that the car does/does not have the sport package installed.

Sport package is separately purchased, and may be on the invoice, but is NOT denoted on the trunk lid, as it used to be on the E30 models.

This is an example of BMW's inconsistent and stupid naming conventions. (ie., the introduction of the "Z3" and all its ugly stepchildren and confusing names - 'ya can't have an "M3" so it becomes "M Roadster") ugh. Let's not discuss the progression of 318/325 to 323/328 to 325/330!

Steve

[Black328iS]

good call steve. so what are they going to call the M version of the Z4 (if they make it)? they cant call it the M4 or the M roadster....MZ4 maybe?

[supertack]

Just to add a small 'wrinkle' to this discussion, is the prevalence of painted rocker panels (as opposed to gray plastic) specific to the 'IS' or is it something that could have been included on an 'I'?

[Javier at Pelican Parts]

The "IS" only means 2 door, nothing else, on the e36 has nothing to do with what options it came or didi'nt come with ONLY 2DOOR.

[supertack]

So by that rational JAVIER, your saying that a 325i could indeed have the painted rocker panels. If that is the case, could a 325i have had a sport package also?

I do get your point that 'is' only means 2 door, but are there any
specifics (ie. sport package, painted rocker panels) that are only found on the 2 door models?

[Javier at Pelican Parts]

Yes it could have had a package that included painted rockers and or m3 type front bmp and rear bmp. but mostly it was the 318 non painted 325 painted rocker.

[Mathew Neal]

How can I tell if it has other "sport" amenities? What does the sport steering wheel look like? sport suspension looks like? (#'s, height, anything)

No m3 bumpers, but would be nice. Amazing car- like no other brand i've owned.

Thanks for all the input.

[stupenal]

Ok, painted rocker panels were STANDARD and ONLY AVAILABLE for the 328. They was no gray option, the car just came with colored panels for all 328 models, 4 or 2 door. Sport package is easily identifiable with 5 double spoke rims, or the presence of sport seats. How to tell sport seats? If it has an extendable cushion on the bottom, where the bend of your knee is, thats sports package. 16" rims were the sport rims available, so just check the tires to see what size they are.

Whatever was available for the 2 door, was most likely available for the 4 door. I dont believe that there was ever an option for painted rocker panels on the 325s, it just became standard on the e36s after 1996 or 1997, i forgot.

Looks like you DO have the sport package because of 16" wheels. Your ride height is around maybe .5" lower than non sport cars because of a stiffer suspension.

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

How much more does the sports suspension lower these cars?