What the "S" in 4.8is really means....

[crete]

There is a thread over at Bimmerforums about the name ID on a 4.6is or 4.8is and what the "S" stands for....

I figure there must be someone here that really knows the answer.

[LeMansX5]

Sport

[carlos3679]

So then why not 4.4is?

[The Big Easy]

"S" = sqeeze my throttle

[Steved]

I'd worry about the guy that asked the question in the first place. If he bought a 4.8is and couldn't work out why it wasn't just a 4.8i, then perhaps he should have bought a 4.4i Sport. It's a bit like asking why an M5 isn't just called a 550i...

Although the 4.8is isn't an M car it's the closest BMW is prepared to take the X5 to the M Division philosophy, it even has the same design M dials as the M3/M5, then it has a unique engine, bigger brakes, unique suspension, unique wheels etc. Seems obvious that BMW use the 'is' designation for any sub-M brand model that goes beyond the usual 'Sport' remit (which is typically a mainly cosmetic designation).

[UCrewX5]

Originally Posted by Steved

Seems obvious that BMW use the 'is' designation for any sub-M brand model that goes beyond the usual 'Sport' remit (which is typically a mainly cosmetic designation).

I would agree with you, with the notable exception of the 318is. Not sure I'd put that model into that same classification.

[X5Jay]

So what does the i stand for? I used to think (years ago...) that it meant "fuel injected". But given that just about every vehicle is fuel injected these days, what's the big deal with the i?

[UCrewX5]

Originally Posted by X5Jay

So what does the i stand for? I used to think (years ago...) that it meant "fuel injected". But given that just about every vehicle is fuel injected these days, what's the big deal with the i?

BMW was just ahead of the curve - it stands for "internet"

[X5Jay]

Touche, Jeff!

[breytonX5]

Originally Posted by UCrewX5

I would agree with you, with the notable exception of the 318is. Not sure I'd put that model into that same classification.

There goes Steve's explanation. Really I don't think BMW's model nomenclature has any specific meaning. For example I've always thought the "c" stands for coupe like 325ci, 330ci. Then where's the c in 645i? It's a coupe, isn't it?