After reading a Car Magazine long-term test review of the new Caterham 160, my interest in base model vehicles was rekindled. Much like the rather basic BMW 518 that Nate featured back in 2013, this 318ti has caught my attention for similar reasons. When the E36 hatchback made its debut, I wasn’t particular fond of it. But time has changed my view of it, not in the least because it wasn’t the most common E36 3 series on US shores. It’s rare you come across a good example, as these were the most affordable car in the BMW range at the time, but sometimes you’ll find a hidden gem. Such is the case with this example equipped with a 5-speed manual for sale in Oregon.
Click for details: 1995 BMW 318ti on eBay
Year: 1995
Model: 318ti
Engine: 1.9 liter inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 64,500 mi
Price: Reserve auction
1995 BMW 318ti
One owner with only 64,500 miles.
Power steering, power brakes
Air conditioning, power windows
Power door locks, keyless entry with alarm
Tilt steering wheel, dual power exterior mirrors
Factory moonroof, tires are like new, factory alloy wheels with no nicks or scratches.Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette deck
Rear window defroster, rear window wiper
Cruise control, leather interior
Manual six-way adjustable front seats
Front bucket seats, rear split folding seat
Package tray is still in mint condition with the strings holding it in place.
Door trim panels are perfect, no cuts, scratches, color is like showroom new.
Dash is mint condition with no scratches, nicksPaint and body are all original with all matching VIN numbers in place.
Speaker covers are perfect, center console is mint
5-speed shift handle boot is intact. Not full of dirt and food, soda and coffee stains
Sun visors and mirrors are intact, moonroof cloth cover intact like new.
Turn signal handle and cruise control handles still able to read the writing. Digital dash and stereo pixels are perfect.This car shows pride of ownership
One owner, non-smoker and garaged car. The rating given on this car, ten being the best, would be the following. Interior a ten, exterior a nine. Clean Oregon title and Carfax report. I have not seen one of these in such mint condition. This has to be a one of a kind vehicle!
This 318ti won’t excite the power hungry amongst us, but this is a pleasant sight because you rarely see them in such great shape. If you do, more often than not the car is saddled with an automatic gearbox. Green is a very nineties color and might not be to everyone’s taste, but with the alloys, it’s a smart look for what could prove to be a unique commuter car. Just as they were new, the 318ti occupies the lower end of the E36 spectrum in terms of value. For a clean, low mileage 5-speed such as this, I’d expect it to hit somewhere in the $4,000 to $6,000 range, given what we saw a 1997 328ti 5-speed with higher mileage sell for at the end of 2013.
-Paul
