BMW 318i (E30)

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

The superb E30 series of BMW compact saloons and coupes ran from 1982 until 1994 and, to many enthusiasts, were the last of the real driver-focused models from BMW.

Later 3-Series became increasingly heavy, and although regular injections of extra power made them faster, they lost much of the pep and brio of the simpler and lighter models. It is worth remembering that the first M3, widely regarded as the finest handling BMW ever made, was based on the E30 chassis and is now seriously expensive and collectable today.

One of the most popular models in the E30 line up was the 318i which initially had a 105bhp M10 four-cylinder engine but from 1987 had an improved 113bhp M40 engine which gave it a top speed of 115mph and a 0-60 time of 12 seconds for the automatic and 10.8 seconds for the manual version.

Arguably better balanced than the larger six-cylinder models, the 318i was the car to have in the late Eighties when it became known as the ‘poor man's M3’ although even then they were never exactly cheap. Superb driving machines, they are still sought after today.

Dating from 1990, this 318i four-door automatic has covered only 38,350 miles and was owned by one family from new until 2016 with just one other owner since. Finished in classic Dolphin Grey Metallic with silver grey trim, it has power steering and central locking as standard while extras include electric front windows, front fog lights, Blaupunkt Cambridge radio/cassette, colour-coded boot lip spoiler and a limited slip differential.

It comes with complete boot lid tool kit, BMW torch in the glove box, four spare keys, handbooks and a service book with nine stamps from the supplying dealership, plus many BMW dealership receipts and MOT certificates. The supplying dealer number plates are still on the car and invoices show that it has always been treated to original BMW parts, even down to replacement wiper blades. Recent work includes a rear brake overhaul at 34,700 miles and since then it has also had fresh oil and filter, air filter, spark plugs, front brake pads and front tyres.

Kept in a heated garage by our vendor for the last three years and more polished than driven, it has an MOT until February 2020. Low miles, low ownership, lots of history and superb condition, it all adds up to a rare find indeed.