BMW E30 318is

1991 BMW 3-Series Description

For sale is an extremely well preserved and 100% original BMW E30 318is. This is a genuine factory 318is—also known as the “baby M”-- (as verified by the BMW archive through the VIN) not a retrofit. Those cars were only available for a single model year (1991) and are rapidly becoming collectors’ items. Original, unmolested, and completely sorted out in the condition of the one being offered here very rarely appear for sale. Everything on this one is as per factory specs with zero aftermarket parts. The car even includes all the original owners’ manuals along with all the stamps showing service history dating back from 1990!

I am a BMW and Porsche collector who routinely cycle through cars. I purchased this one from what I believe is the second owner in early 2015 and proceeded to thoroughly and extensively sort out the car mechanically. Over $10,000 were spent in replacing and rebuilding the head (a common issue with those cars), complete replacement of the cooling system, hoses, upgrading of AC, replacement of bushings, links, new exhaust, and more. All receipts documenting the repairs under my ownership will come with the car. The car is currently fully sorted out with no mechanical issues whatsoever. The odometer stopped working at 127,000 miles (a very common issues with E30s) about a year ago but given very few miles were put on the car over the last year, it is still very close to actual. This is further supported by the title work showing mileage at time of purchase/registration.

Although cosmetically the car was in excellent condition to begin, I replaced the front M-Technic spoiler and rear deck lick with genuine BMW original parts along with other trim pieces inside and out. Those parts were also painted in the original color so that the car would be 100% as it came from the factory. Cosmetically, the car is very good with only one crack in the dash preventing it from being called “outstanding” (see pictures). Everything on the inside is extremely clean with no tears or cracks (aside from the dash one aforementioned). All the lights work as they should, along with AC/heat/radio/chimes, etc. The interior is 100% original with the exception of an aftermarket radio.

The exterior paint is mostly original to the car, and as such shows some imperfections consistent with its age along with some minor fading/oxidation in places. Please note that there is a small 8” section on the passenger side C pillar where the clear coat is coming off (documented in the pictures). Overall the car shows very well but since it is a true “survivor”, do not expect the paint to be in showroom condition.

Also of note, THIS CAR HAS ZERO RUST WHATSOEVER AND WAS CLEARLY GARAGED AND NOT DRIVEN IN SNOW DURING PAST OWNERHIPS. THIS IS EXTERMELY RARE FOR AN E30!

The car’s history does not show any accidents, however the driver front side fender is labeled “DOT-R” showing that it was replaced as some point with a genuine BMW fender. The driver’s side door also does not have a VIN sticker and appears to have been replaced as well. All other panels have their VIN stickers intact and all matching. The only other items worth mentioning in the spirit of full disclosure are that the passenger cylinder lock no longer works (driver and trunk work fine) and the external temperature indicator on the multi-function clock is no longer functioning.

Overall this is an extremely attractive and desirable E30 that can be picked up from my house and driven across country with no worries. I believe it is priced very fairly given mileage, condition, and how much I invested in it.

Please ask any question PRIOR to sale. Car is sold as is with no warranty stated or implied.

$500 deposit due within 24 hour of purchase via Paypal. Balance due within 7 days. Car must be picked up within one month of purchase.