New member: 1981 318is question

[a12pilot]

Good Morning Folks!

I've had several E30s, E36s, and other BMWs but a buddy of mine had an E21 in college and for some reason, that car really spoke to me. I found a pretty good example and will be looking at it this weekend, but I don't know much about the models. I know where to look for rust, etc. I'm referring to the 318is designation and single headlight style. This car is advertised as a 1981 318is, Euro version, single headlight version, Recaro buckets, and not sure of the other details just yet. I'll look at it this weekend. Is there something about the VIN that would identify the model designation? And are the Recaro seats a good give-a-way that it is an IS (provided they weren't swapped). Being new to the E21, where is the data plate/VIN plates on these? My old E9 was pretty easy to decode based on the VIN as to what model it was. Is it the same thing on these cars? Thanks for the help on this!

Cheers
-Dave

[Jeroen]

I've never come across an E21 318iS, I only know about the US 320iS which basically is a US 320i equipped with some sporty options like a front spoiler, alloys and sports seats. The engine remained stock (for more details see https://www.bmwe21.net/?page_id=140 ). The US 320iS models are all listed as stock 320i if you check the VIN in systems like BMW's ETK.

I may have missed some action model, but it could of course also be a Euro 318i or US 320i (facelift US 320i had the same engine as the 318i) with sports seats added at some stage. Perhaps you can supply the last 7 digits of the VIN so we can see what we can find?

[nic65]

In Europe I only remember the 318IS from the E30 onwards

[a12pilot]

I kind of thought that too, Jerone. I asked for the VIN, so we'll see if he provides it. I'm looking at it Saturday regardless. No AC, Recaro seats, and the front spoiler (I believe). I didn't think the "is" designation came out until later. I'll post up after I look at it. Thanks for the comments!

Cheers,
Dave

[Jeroen]

keep us posted!

[a12pilot]

Well, nothing. No reply to questions about VIN and such. So I guess he was mistaken about the car and didn't want to admit it, or there might have been something going on with the VIN that he didn't want me to know about. Oh well, thanks for the help!

Cheers,
Dave

[Jeroen]

More fish in the sea!