Opinions on this 1991 BMW 318is-thinking of buying

[Rot 911]

He is asking $6000. 166,000 miles. Always liked these cars and a recent magazine article got me looking them again. They have become somewhat collectible in recent years and prices have been rising on them.

I know several people on here have one so would really appreciate your opinion on this one. It's located about 150 miles from me. I'm digging the cloth interior! Here's the ad: super nice classic BMW 1991 e30 318is

This is from an email exchange: "Hi – yes it is still for sale.

This one is an “is” and is a 5 speed. the things it needs are minor and can be counted on one hand. (i.e. antenna motor)

I should be able to get the records from the one and only shop that has worked on it. Import Specialist. They are a great bunch and have collective knowledge that could blow away the best BMW dealers.

Over the years there have been new motor mounts (I did not like the vibration in the steering wheel), fuel pump, profile gasket, and lots of fluid changes like differential and brake that I just felt were good things to do. More that I can not remember but the records should be there.

Minor rust in three spots that could be fixed easily enough. I may still do that or I may fudge on the price as needed. That could be your choice.

I am pretty sure I was the third owner when I bought it in 98."

A few pictures from the ad:





I'm not a fan of the cold air box. Hoping he still has the original air box!

[Jim Richards]

Kurt, that looks like a nice car at a reasonable price. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

[1990C4S]

Go drive it. It looks like a well cared for car that needs some 'owner mods' removed.

[cockerpunk]

6 grand for an e30?

[Rot 911]

Jesus CP could you please remove your stupid post or at least the picture?

[mgatepi]

E30's have become very collectable......mostly the 325's.....the 318's???? Not so sure. 6K for a 318, does seem on the high side unless it is in perfect condition and you REALLY want it!. You can find super nice 325's in the same ball park.
I am a little biased, I have 2 E30, 325 convertibles.
mg

[VincentVega]

Jesus CP could you please remove your stupid post or at least the picture?

Because you dont like his opinion? You asked for opinions.

6k is not cheap for a 318, you have really love the car.

[krichard]

The trailer hitch seems a bit odd... The interior looks great, but between the hitch, sub-woofer and cold air intake I'm guessing it has been driven hard and put away wet. Could be totally wrong just my $0.25 detective training at work...

[Rot 911]

Originally Posted by VincentVega

Because you dont like his opinion? You asked for opinions.

6k is not cheap for a 318, you have really love the car.

I don't mind the remark on the price, just the stupidly big, useless picture. And yes 6K is the high side for a 318is, but there are few unmolested ones left out there and I would be negotiating on the price.

[LakeCleElum]

If the recent article was in "Sport & Exotic Car", I read it last night. Looks like it would be a fun car to own.....In college, my buddy had a 2002 and I loved that car.

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by mgatepi

E30's have become very collectable......mostly the 325's.....the 318's???? Not so sure. 6K for a 318, does seem on the high side unless it is in perfect condition and you REALLY want it!. You can find super nice 325's in the same ball park.
I am a little biased, I have 2 E30, 325 convertibles.
mg

In my opinion, the 318is was the pinnacle of the e30 (save the ur-M3), and much more desirable than the 325, and it was only made the last two years of e30 production.

This example, however, is not "unmolested" with incorrect wheels and lots of mods

A little rust? Then it shouldn't fetch a premium

[SoCal911T]

I love the 318is and the M42 engine is one of the best BMW made. If they ever take away my company car a ’91 318is is what I would buy for my commute. They’re not that rare here in SoCal but it IS hard to find one that wasn't child-owned. I don’t know the market in your area but that car would be +/-$3,500 here.


My ’84 323i

[kaisen]

Such a lovely car ^^^

[nota]

too many miles for the hi price

it is a 3k car
for 6k I would want a sub 100k mile car

[VincentVega]

Such a lovely car ^^^

No kidding, very nice.

I don’t know the market in your area but that car would be +/-$3,500 here

Rub it in! I'd be on that.

[kaisen]

In my opinion, miles mean nothing in an e30.... condition is everything

[Sarc]

Here's mine. Closing in on 215K miles. Albeit a little on the slow side, but a joy to drive.
Though E30s are on the rise I think 6K is a little optimistic for that car. But if it checks all the boxes for you, what's the difference if its 4.5K vs 6K?
Or hold out a bit and jump on a good one before EAG poaches the market.

[Sarc]

Originally Posted by kaisen

In my opinion, miles mean nothing in an e30.... condition is everything

I agree.

[slow&rusty]

That cold air box is botchery at its finest...horrid horrid work, looks like foil left over from Thanksgiving and some flat stock looks like it was leftover from a fence patch.

For $6K I would buy a 944 Turbo or the last generation 300ZX (Z32) Twin turbo, the 138hp in this 318is is not all that appealing

[1990C4S]

Originally Posted by Rot 911

Jesus CP could you please remove your stupid post or at least the picture?

Is this a no picture thread now?