318IS sedan...why did they name it 'is' ?

Big Daddy

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#3
"s" does not mean coupe, it means Sport. Most "sport" models were coupes, however they made a 535is in 1988. Although bahnstormer is right, "no one will ever figure out bmw's naming scheme....."
 
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#5
BMWdude said:
In 1996 they released the 318is sedan. I thought 'is' was used only for coupes? Why did they name this sedan an 'is'? anyone know?
Really? Where did you see this? E30 models the "S" meant sport where you can have a 325i 2 door or 325is 2 door. Not positive 4 door models came with sport option...

To my knowledge E36 models are "IS" 2 door, "I" 4 door. There was an option for a Sports Package not discerned by the badge. You may be right, but I haven't heard of this until now..
 
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#7
I did my own research and no where does it list a 1996 318is sedan. Just use a parts locator or KBB.COM to find the different trim models for 1996 3 series:

1996 3 Series
318ti Hatchback Coupe 2D
318i Sedan 4D
318is Coupe 2D
318i Convertible 2D
328i Sedan 4D
328is Coupe 2D
328i Convertible 2D

BMWWORLD.COM is listing EURO models. So perhaps it's a euro variation or a typo. I guarentee there are no U.S. 96 318is sedans..
 
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#10
How do I know if I have the sport or not for sure. I have a 1993 325is coupe? It came with 17" design 44's that one of the previous owners put on. It doesn't have the leg extensions on the seats. They are leather but I assumed all bmw seats were leather. Is there any part of the VIN that denotes sport package or standard package? Did the sport package come in differant configurations also?
 


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