This 1991 BMW 318is is a nicely kept driver-quality example that thankfully hasn’t been significantly altered from stock like so many of these E30-chassis cars. The “IS” designation on the end of the model nomenclature indicates this is a sport package car, which came from the factory with a limited-slip differential, firmer suspension, sport seats, and more. The listing notes the mileage as being 179,000, certainly not low but also making it all the more impressive the BMW remains in the condition that it does. Find it here on eBay with bidding just over $5K and no reserve.
As the owner of a 325is, the six-cylinder sibling to this car, I can say confidently that the sport package models are always in high demand. The 318 is powered by a 1.8L M42 four-cylinder engine, and has been celebrated for years as a cheaper alternative to an E30 M3. Now, this strikes me as slightly over-the-top when I hear fellow enthusiasts make this claim, because even if they are both powered by high-strung four-cylinders, the M3 is in a league all of its own, if for no other reason that those box flare fenders and limited production numbers.
Regardless of what your thoughts are on the four-cylinder E30’s capabilities, this example remains in impressively sound condition, with minty black vinyl sport seats, matching factory floormats, and a backseat that looks like it has seen very little use. The dash is sporting several cracks, a common flaw of this platform, and good replacement dashboards are getting harder to find – and prices for un-cracked ones have been steadily climbing. The air conditioning works, and was previously converted to R134a.
Maintenance-wise, the seller notes that the 318is benefits from new belts, gaskets, and fluids, the latter of which was flushed and changed. The rear wheel bearings, brakes, and timing chain service was done under previous ownership. Overall, this 318is presents as a decent driver with potentially no major surprises lurking for the next owner. It may not offer the same visceral qualities as the six-cylinder cars, but its high-strung nature should still be plenty entertaining. Where you think the bidding will end up?
Been following this one on Ebay – the seller is going to be very disappointed if the bids don’t go any higher – pretty risky going No Reserve on it. This one is cleaner than the last one I owned – I’ve had 3 of them. My last one was this color but had lower mileage and the gray cloth interior. They’re getting harder and harder to find in nice condition. Super fun cars – mine were always daily drivers. I’m now driving a P-car as a daily but I’m guessing I’ll end up back in one of these some day. They’re just so darn practical.
Nice car. Had a 318i 5 speed back in the day. Solid but way under powered
Oh man, the Baby M3..
Seriously though, the mileage seems correct for the wear on the passenger seat (I don’t think I’d call them mint.) The drivers seat bottom is strangely in better condition which usually the opposite seen everywhere – unless it wore a seat cover for most of it’s life.
Looks like a decent driver (I’d still want some pics off the underside in case this lived up near Frisco).
It’ll probably top out between 8-9K, but people get crazy about these in bone stock format.
As for the baby M3 moniker – makes me laugh, because it’s not in the same realm. But I do like polluting the waters on that other bidding website with false information about these (like have you heard how they used less sound deading to make them lighter? Or they had lighter doors?)
NOTE:
The unpainted lower front valance spoiler and the unpainted rear trunk link spoiler are NOT correct. These components were urethane and painted to match the Car paint color.
I know this by walking out to my garage, I’ve had my 1991 BMW 318is since 1991.