Re: Looking for a good Csi web site (archive)

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: : Trying to see the "factory" diferences between an i and a Csi. See references to Csi "clone" in Autoweek

: > I also read the article; not a very good example was driven/tested, I believe...
: To my knowledge (a lot of it acquired through this forum) the differences are:

: Visible differences:
: - different kind of outside-mirrors (suprisingly called: M-mirrors)
: - standard 17" wheels (M-style, which act as fans sucking up extra air to cool the brakes also seen on 5-series)
: - different front spoiler (has extra air whole instead of the black plastic air scoop on the i and Ci versions)
: - extra rear diffuser (between the tailpipes)
: - different exhaust system (or at least the outlets; they are round instead of rectangular and they are chromed instead of black finish)
: - M-engine cover
: - M door sill plates (instead of the ones just showing 'BMW')

: (I don't know about other interieur differences but the rear seats are present in all 8-series. Maybe the M-symbol shows up some more)

: Performance oriented differences:
: - different (better) brake-system (rotors and claws; maybe even larger)
: - tuned up engine: bigger bore: 5.6 Liters(instead of 5 L and later: 5.4 L), different CAM-shaft, bigger inlet manifolds (also different color: black instead of alu), higher compression (9.8:1 instead of 8.8:1) which all lead to 280 kW and a higher torque of 550 Nm (instead of 220 kW and 450 Nm)
: - a little less weight (30 kg; not much of a difference unfortunately)
: - always a 6-speed
: - different suspension (at least lower than standard: 10 mm lower)

: PS Over here in the Netherlands they are very rare...but I'll keep looking...

The CSi also has "variable throttle linkage", variable rev limiter (limit varies depending on what gear you are in � 1st and 2nd = 6400, 3rd = 6200, 4th = 6100, 5th and 6th = 6000 RPM), Yew hardwood trim (and more wood in general than a non-CSi), special lighter pistons, longer stroke (from 75 to 80mm), wider stock tires, vehicle speed sensitive steering as opposed to engine speed sensitive steering, different steering ratio, double-wall larger diameter forward exhaust pipes, "BMW Motorsport" door handles, stainless steel (not chrome) exhaust pipes, BMW "M" steering wheel, and the tachometer has a slanted redline indicating the variable rpm limiting. There were also specific color combinations available. The only real bummer is the 155MPH governor is still there making the top speed still 155MPH. I have been told that chipping the CSi is not sufficient to remove the governor, but I have not had the opportunity to test since I have installed the Dinan chips in mine.

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