Re: Wanted E30 Purchasing Advice

[Steve Won <swon@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Randy,  

A stock 325is should have BBS basket weave wheels, 3 spoke leather wrapped
steering wheel (versus 4 of a 325i), sport seats (better thigh bolsters),
rear deck spoiler & front chin spoiler.  Most also have leather seats.  I
think that's about it for the visual differences between an "i" & "is".  I
notice you're from Victoria (or the island at least).  I talked to a lady
in Victoria that was selling a 1990 325is which was silver, cloth, 165K KM,
power sunroof, OBC, etc.  I didn't take a look as the mileage was too high
for me and she was asking too much ($14K CND).  I ended up buying a 4dr
1990 325i with 75K KM.  I have seen several ads for 325is's in Vancouver.

If you have any further questions, let me know.  I've done my share of
research and probably have asked similar questions as you have. 

Steve.

>Date: Wed, 14 Jul 1999 21:33:06 -0700
>From: rema@domain.elided
>Subject: Wanted E30 Purchasing Advice
>
>Hi
>
>I am now actively looking for my first BMW. I am looking for a 89 or 90 325iS.
>I would like to know if there is a conclusive method to determine if a 325
>is in fact an iS. I looked at one "325iS", but it had no power options,
>cloth seats, no rear spoiler and a very shallow front spoiler and no OBC.
>The wheels were not the  star or crossed wheels. Are there any codes in the
>VIN relating to a 325iS? Or should I just be looking for the things that
>were missing on the car I looked at?
>
>If I do find a true 325iS what things should I look out for specifically? I
>have been reading this list for a few weeks and realize the timing chain is
>something that should have been replaced at regular intervals. Are there
>any other things to look out for?
>
>Thanks in advance for your help.
>
>Randy,

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