One of the last but one of the greatest incarnations of the hugely popular E30 generation of the 3 series, BMW took a three door shell and sprinkled some M division magic with lowered sports suspension, a sports interior and importantly the DOHC 16 valve M42 4 cylinder engine making 136bhp it was one of the most powerful engines per litre, yet also one of the most fuel efficient. At the time rumours abound that BMW actually de-tunes the 318is as it could outrun the flagship 6 cylinder 325
The current owner has had this E30 since 2011, having sought out an example of the rare ‘is’ version and been looking for a good condition car to add to his collection. It had started out n Leigh on Sea, Essex, before moving around London and the home counties where it has remained. It was unlucky needing a new engine at just seven years old but looking through the thick wad of receipts has not required any other big works or restoration in its 30 years.
Its owner is also a bike collector and has decided to focus more on that area, hence parting with the BMW.
It has the correct ‘is’ handbook which covers this and the other les common models, such as the cabrio and touring, and the service book shows regular visits to the BMW main dealer through the ‘90s, before moving to independent BMW specialists in more recent years to continue servicing and taking care of any non maintenance tasks as required. Interestingly there are receipts to show the engine was replaced in 1998 at just 66,000 miles at a cost of £356, and the cylinder head replaced again in 2004, this time for £976 A Clifford alarm was fitted in 1996 - about the best on the market at the time - and the manual and receipt are here.
None of the common E30 maladies are present in this car. The grey tartan seats are in lovely condition with no hint of worn fabric, the headlining is good and the original cracked dash-top was replaced in 2013 and the car garaged away from UV sunlight since so it remains pristine.
the carpets are all in good shape and the door cards likewise, with just some discoloration to the drivers door fabric insert and the plastic of the door bins may have yellowed a little over time. The leather gear knob and steering wheel have minimal wear, and the optional electric sunroof was chosen and works as it should.
Diamond black metallic is an excellent colour choice for a three door E30, and the condition of this original factory paint is generally superb with the exception of a 1cm paint chip in the roof by the sunroof, which has been touched in and the rivers door mirror mount which has been hand painted. Overall the panels are also in fantastic condition. There doesn’t appear to be any corrosion above or below and the only ding is a very small dent on drivers door, which is almost invisible unless the light catches it, and some small marks in the centre of the rear bumper.
Lattic alloys are a the prefect accessory for these square edges BMWs, and the 318 appears to be wearing the correct wheels but in fact, due to their value and that of the centre caps in particular, those have been put in storage and aftermarket copies fitted which were refurbished by renown wheel specialist Lepsons, and have recent tyres with very good tread. The original alloys are available by negotiation and depending on the final sale price.
It has original green tinted glass all around, complete with number plate security etching, the windscreen has picked up a stone chip but the screen has been retained for originality. One fog light has also picked up a stone chip to the lens.
After leaving the dealer network around the turn of the century, the BMW has been looked after by independent specialists, something we are always pleased to see as they have the training and marque knowledge but the customer care of a small business. Through the 2010s, as well as regular servicing various maintenance items were attended to, including some suspension bushes, the exhaust back box, power steering rack and clutch slave were replaced.
Looking under the car all appears well, with no signs of accident damage or corrosion and the underbody fuel and brake lines look good. Under the bonnet the engine has no oil or coolant leaks and the car starts and runs well.
Slightly more understated than an M3, and certainly more affordable, but with some M appeal and decent performance the 318is is the smart choice of E30 and despite the miles this example is in outstanding condition with that disguises the number on the odometer very well, and Diamond Black is an elegant colour that suits the shape well
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1991 BMW 318is
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