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BMW 318i Cabriolet (E30)

BMW 318i Cabriolet (E30)

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BMW 318i Cabriolet (E30)BMW 318i Cabriolet (E30)BMW 318i Cabriolet (E30)BMW 318i Cabriolet (E30)BMW 318i Cabriolet (E30)
BMW 318i Cabriolet (E30)BMW 318i Cabriolet (E30)BMW 318i Cabriolet (E30)BMW 318i Cabriolet (E30)
Lot number 11
Hammer value £2,200
Description BMW 318i Cabriolet (E30)
Registration H327 NRX
Year 1991
Colour Red
Engine size 1,796 cc
Chassis No. WBABA510X0EJ20227
Engine No. 02897165

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 nicer models in the E30 line up was the 318i Convertible, launched in 1985. By 1991 when this car left the factory, the 1,796cc 138bhp four-cylinder 16-valve engine was in its final state of development, delivering nearly 80bhp/litre thanks to its chain-driven double overhead camshafts, hydraulic tappets and individual coil packs.

Driving through a 5-speed Getrag manual gearbox, the four-cylinder was the most balanced of the bunch and 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.

This 1991 LHD 318i Convertible was first registered in the UK in November 2001. It has had just one owner since its arrival on these shores and has covered 200,000km (125,000 miles) from new.

Sadly the history file has gone AWOL, although even a quick glance reveals that it looks to have been well cared for, including what appears to be a recent new hood. Its MOT is current until November 2015 and it looks just the ticket for the blazing hot summer that’s on its way.

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