1996 ti, factory sport option vs. "M3 package"
 

I am new to the ti world, and I am often confused by the "sport" vs. the "M3" package. Am I correct that the sport option was mostly a different suspension and fewer luxury options, whereas the M3 was just a dealer-installed appearance package? Can I tell by the VIN which of these options is installed?

Thanks,
Mark

yea, the sport and club sport models were factory fitted specs

everything else was a customer fitted option or a "special offer" , but not a factory specific spec.

Remember, Sport and club sport models were not sold with the M-mirors.. they were aftersale only :(

I can help you on the Vin Id if you go to

http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthrea...ght=Vin+decode

;)

incorrect, the sport didn't have the mirrors, but the clubsport did, and was the only ti fitted with them from the factory

pyrite: in 95 the sport package consisted of just suspension and interior upgrades, except the club sport which was equipped with the M3 body parts and only availabe in 95, all years after that the sport came with the M3 body parts, but not the mirrors

.. aw i dunno there matey..

where do you have that info from?

from what you´re saying all pre 95 (albeit only 1 year) sports were sold without the styling pack, and only the suspension and seats?

Then in 95, the original clubsports were issued, and they were M mirror equipped? after 95 the "regular" sports came out with the M styling but no mirrors?

just say yes..

wikipika

The Clubsport edition was only offered in the model year 1995. It received the treatment of BMW Individual, much like the 1995 M3 lightweight and 1995 BMW E34 540i M-sport. The car had upgraded suspension, limited slip differential, sport seats, and full M-aerodynamic package including front and rear bumpers as well as side mirrors. It should be noted the Sport package for 1995 318ti had all the performance upgrade with no exterior distinction from the base model. Starting 1996, the sport package included the M-aerodynamic package like the Clubsport model, with the exception using the standard side mirror

did u write that pauly.. ;)

just stuff I've learned reading the forum, maybe the US-spec cars are different from the ones your used to, it would explain the confusion, sort of like that whole issue around engine-mounted fans

Club Sport is a US model and it did come with the M3 mirrors as well as the M Technic trim.