Is the "sport" suspension (or club sport) a true "M" suspension?
 

I see description after description indicating exactly what is different between the sport and the active or base suspension is. Here is my question; Is the "sport version" a true "M" level of suspension consistent with the e36 M3 or is it actually just a "S" version, improved over the base, but more consistent with how the e30 had 325i and 325is where the "s" indicated a sportier suspension, but not something anywhere near a true "M".
or in other words, side by side, does a club sport (with the similar M aerodynamics) handle equal to a e36 true M3.
Unless i am grossly naive i assume that the (for example) e36 M3 and e36 328is have significantly different handling characteristics, despite the 328is being a "sport" package. (although i don't know if bmw nomenclature is always consistent from the earliest of models)

Sorry for the verbose question, but i am considering picking up an e21, e30 or 318ti and want to have all the available info.

To answer your question, no. The front struts aren't linked to the swaybar on the 318ti like they are on the e36 M3. Also, the 318ti doesn't have offset strut hats and/or control arm bushings like the e36 M3. On the 318ti sport and clubsports, the springs are slightly shorter and stiffer and the shocks/struts are valved accordingly. They also have much thicker swaybars than the base and active models. The swaybars are actually beefier than the ones on the e36 M3, but like I said, they're not linked to the struts so the e36 M3's function better. The rear suspension is completely different on the ti vs regular e36's. The 318ti has a semi-trailing arm rear suspension like the e30 and Z3's while standard e36's have a multi-link rear suspension.

thanks
 

good enough.

No worries, but don't let the suspension be the deciding factor. I've owned and driven all of the cars you've mentioned with exception to the e21(e30 M3, several e30 non-M's, e36 318i, e36 328is, e36 M3, 318ti base, 318ti sport, 318ti clubsport(same as the sport suspension-wise). Obviously my favorite was the e30 M3, but the 318ti sport was a very close second place. The ti offers the same rawness and feedback as the e30 M3 minus the hp. I highly suggest finding a well maintained 318ti and test driving it before you make your decision. They're quirky little cars, fun to wrench on and fun to drive. You can always upgrade the front suspension to M3 suspension if you feel the need, especially since you'd likely be installing aftermarket struts and springs anyway. Best wishes!

Jess, I recently bought front and rear ti sport sway bars for my 98 base model. I haven't installed them yet. Rest of the suspension will stay the same. Will I be able to tell any difference after the sport sways are installed?

I couldn't really give you an honest opinion to that one John. I only owned my base for a week before I sold it and picked up a sport. And even then, the base still had original shocks struts and springs, so it wouldn't even be a fair comparison. I seem to recall someone else reporting that they noticed a difference after installing sport swaybars on their base. I do know that you're going to need sport swaybar bushings to accomodate the larger diameter swaybar and you might want to consider replacing the swaybar links as they tend to wear out over the years.

Thanks for the input, Jess. I bought the bars from t!guy on this forum and they came with links and good bushings. My only suspension upgrade so far has been to replace the stock shocks with Bilstein HD's. The new shocks made a noticeable difference in handling. I'm keeping stock base springs because I don't want to lower the car any. I'll report to the forum after I have installed the sport sways. John

Glad to hear the sway bars arived OK...

Yes- do give us an update on how they handle/ride once you have them installed. I'm looking to upgrade my sway bars with a sport front and 19mm H&R rear.

That's a good way to go... you may also want to consider the 22mm rear sway H&R offers for the Z3.