View Single Post
      04-17-2021, 07:49 PM   #155
BMWCCA1
BMW Owner Since 1971
2236
Rep
1,393
Posts

Drives: 1964 700 Sport Cabriolet
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Central Virginia

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2013 BMW 128i  [10.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vivek. View Post
Fully agreed--so many posters are making claims that don't align with M GMBH history.

What're your thoughts on the "IS" trim level that was offered on the 3-series from e30 thru e92 (except e46?)? To me it seems like the precursor to the current M-performance models like an M340i; back in the E30 days you'd even get a real mechanical LSD on an IS model, something that's today reserved for the "proper" M cars. Basically, a 325is in 1990 would be the equivalent of an M340i today, IMO.
You're forgetting that the "s" designation in the E30 didn't get you any more power from the engine, just sport seats, air dam, trunk-lip spoiler, and a couple of other touches. In the E36 "is" simply meant it was a 2-door car instead of the 4-door. Don't remember any "is" designation in the E46 and even the ZHP option didn't offer a separate model designation though it purportedly offered more power than the standard car. It wasn't until the E92/93 that 335is actually meant more power.

My recollection is that when BMW offered LSD, you didn't need to order a different package to get it in most cases. It was just an option. I know in my E28 535is most of those came with it but it was still the same option as it was in the regular 535i.
Appreciate 1
Vivek.1363.50