BMW 318 Forum : “What is the difference between the 318i and the 318is”

Hi Mithrandir! Elsewhere on our site the lovely and talented CarGrrl had this to say on the subject...:

"Hello,
BMW used to be one of those delightful brands that uses a good naming convention for their cars. The "3" represented the series, while the next two numbers signified engine size: 1.8L, 2.0L, and 2.5L. The 318 was an I4, while the 320 and 325 were I6's.
However, today the 318 is a 2.0L (as is the 320) and both are I4's. The 325 remains a 2.5-liter I6.
Best of luck!
CarGrrl"

The 318i has 4 doors and the 318is has 2

Most 318iS are coupes, but there are a few sedans around, not very many though.

Mechanically, 318iS has a twin cam 1.8 engine (M42) with 103kw where as E36 318i has a single cam 1.8 with less power, some where around 75kw? (can't remember exactly) The 318iS brake set up is slightly larger, borrowed from a 320i. It also has ventilated front rotors where as the 318i has solid rotors. Suspension is the BMW sport suspension, which is 15mm lower than 318i