active vs sport

[jay7602]

The site is quite helpful, and you guys know your stuff. As an ignorant "yet to purchaser" who wants to know what he's really looking at, can someone explain what differentiates some of the keys that identify the model? From multiple posts here, I know the sport has M-technic trim and fog lights (at least from 96 on) but how do I recognize M-trim (fog lights I can do). Same for M-style mirrors, although some sites do not call these out for Sport. Photos of the "cosmetic" difference would be great for someone like me. When I buy, I want to put the car on the road pretty quickly, and I want "the most" for my dollar. The only must haves are 5 speed and M-technic suspension (are there some specific components I should look for?). It would be nice to get (but I'm not waiting for) LSD (I expect there are no visual clues, how do I tell mechanically) and sport seats (it seems that most would come with these, but what would "non-sport" seats look like? BTW, I like the cloth/leather combo - are these always sport).

[1996 328ti]

Only the 1995 Club Sport had M3 mirrors.
LSD would be an option somewhere through 96 when ASC was introduced.

Non-sport seats I don't think have side bolsters and the fronts of the seat do not extend.

[jay7602]

Thanks. So they went from mechanical to computers for 97's? Other posts have hinted to me that I want 95 (OBD I nannies), and this makes them more preferable, IMO.

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by jay7602

Thanks. So they went from mechanical to computers for 97's? Other posts have hinted to me that I want 95 (OBD I nannies), and this makes them more preferable, IMO.

Don't understand mechanical to computers.

I really don't know how different OBD-I is compared to OBD-II.
It really shouldn't be a deal breaker.

Find a clean ti that has been maintained.

Nannies usually refer to ABS, ASC, ASC-T in our cars.
They all have ABS. There really is nothing wrong with ASC or ASC-T. You can always turn it off.

[zoner]

All models had computer engine management- 1995 had OBD-I; 1996+ had OBD-II.

Some people prefer the 1995 models because they had OBD-I and the M42 engine (forged internals). The 1996+ models had the M44 engine, which had cast internals and a little more plastic in the cooling system piping (more prone to failures), but also had larger displacement.

OBD-I - Can allow for wider range of tuning, mods, DIY stuff; can be easier to pass emission inspections if you have certain mods.

OBD-II - Easier to diagnose/troubleshoot when something is wrong; allows engine to 'self-tune' better; if you have a diagnostic scanner, it provides live data.

Originally Posted by 1996 328ti

It really shouldn't be a deal breaker.

Find a clean ti that has been maintained.

This.

[teen ti]

Visual clues to distinguish a sport would be an M-tech front bumper



a sport rear valence



and ///M trim pieces



As for the cloth/leather interior, all sports came with them but I think were an option on actives and bases. A sure way to get a sport would be be to get a 99 because they only came as sports (but they only imported 656) and came with the 3 spoke steering wheel from the M3.



For a side by side heres a my sport



and my old active

[jay7602]

The computer reference was to the replacement of LSD with ASC. I recall reading about BMW moving to computer control to simulate LSD, and I thought ASC might be that.

[jay7602]

teen ti
Thanks for the photos . Now I know what visual clues to look for. As others have noted, some of these may have been replaced by a PO, so there's a bit more homework. My previous reference to "computers" was in response to the changeout of LSD for ASC.

jay

[Breticus]

LSD and ASC are 2 different things I believe. ASC is the traction control system. It can be turned on or turned off, and has nothing to do with the differential. I believe this is true. I'm no expert, so I'm not sure if I'm completely right or not.

[dug]

You are correct Breticus. LSD is a mechanical system in the differential (aka rear end) that prevents one rear wheel from turning at a significantly different rate from the other. This applies to both acceleration and braking, which is why an LSD is a significant performance upgrade.

ASC is a computer controlled system that relies on sensors to determine when the car is skidding to change the throttle response. It is more safety than performance oriented. Which is why you can turn it off

[broncos2729]

Great info in this thread!

[broncos2729]

Great info in this thread!