Of the E30 range, the models that seem to get the most attention are the original M3 and 325is. I’ve never driven an E30 M3, but I owned an E30 325is and must admit that car left a lasting impression. To this day, I keep going back and forth, wondering whether to sell the Cooper S for a clean, original E30. This time would be different, though. I’ve been on the hunt for mint condition examples of the 318is coupe. This is a model frequently overlooked but in need of respect. While it foregoes the smooth 2.5 liter six cylinder mill, the 1.8 liter twin cam four cylinder engine is more economical and still pumps out 142 horsepower, which is 26 less than the six cylinder unit. Today this might seem short on power, but with a curb weight of just over 2,600 lbs., you don’t have that much to haul around. While not a fixed roof, this convertible for sale in California is making the right noises. If only it was closer and I had a buyer lined up for the Cooper S…
1991 BMW 318iC on eBay
I’m selling my 1991 BMW 318 ic convertible with 58,286 original miles. Runs and drives Excellent. This car is always garaged and driven only on weekends. It is always adult driven and never abused. The engine is the 1.8 liter 4 cylinder. Engine runs excellent with no issues. It has the original 5 speed manual transmission. It goes into all the gears with no grinding or slipping issues. No sloppiness in the shifter, it has good bushings. It has a Navy Blue leatherette interior with no cuts or tears in the sports seats or rear seats. They are in excellent condition. The carpets are clean and not soiled and the convertible non-motorized top is an original BMW with a new back window in great condition. The dashboard is in perfect condition with no cracks. The body is in exceptional shape with the Alpine White paint in better than excellent condition. It may have been repainted at some point, but if so it is an exceptional job. Care was taken to remove all trim, emblems, and lights. It has no dents, dings or scrapes. Absolutely no rust on the body. It has the original factory 14″ BBS wheels with near new matching set of tires (tires not shown in the photos).
The A/C system works great and blows ice cold. All the windows and mirrors function correctly. The convertible top is an excellent condition. It has no rips or tears and functions correctly. The radio tuner and all dash components function correctly. It has the original factory exhaust system that is in great shape. It rides on the stock suspension and works excellent. The brake system is in excellent condition. Feel free to contact me with anything that I haven’t covered here.
Part of the history report:
AUTO CHECK REPORT
1991 BMW 3-Series 318iC
Report Run Date: 2011-07-04 18:00:04.369 EDT
Report SummaryClass: Upscale – Near Luxury
Engine: 1.8L I4 EFI
Country of Assembly: Germany
Vehicle Age: 20 year(s)
Calculated Owners: 3VIN: WBABA7314MEJ11160
Year: 1991
Make: BMW
Model: 3-Series 318iC
Style/Body: Convertible 2DThis vehicle’s AutoCheck Score: 36
Personally, I’d rather have a 318is coupe of the same vintage, but this convertible would be fun. The best 318iC might bring $8,000 to $10,000 and I’d suspect the buyer is looking for something close to that range. I’ve always been a fan of the white on blue canvas top combination, as it gives off a decidedly nautical feel. The 5-speed gearbox is also a must to involve the driver and make the most of the twin cam’s powerband. It won’t be a barn stormer, but that’s not what a car like this is about. A car like this is about cheap, simple thrills from an era where you didn’t program the navigation system before setting off. You just went. Like Marlon Brandon said in The Wild One, “going somewhere is for squares. We just go.”
-Paul