rWith some regret, the time has come to put my 1991 BMW 318is up for sale. I purchased this car in the winter of 2019 and have only put ~3,000 miles on it since. It has been garage kept and covered, never seen the rain, only run premium fuel and Castrol 10w40 (per the M42 service manual).
Prior to my ownership, the car was in the hands of a BMW Service/Parts Manager who first had it inspected by his master mechanic. Said mechanic carried out a $4,000 rebuild of the stock M42 engine. I have a twelve page invoice with all part numbers, labor details, etc to show what was done. After the rebuild, a restoration began which included a new paint job (from Alpin Weiss to Jet Black), worn/wearing OEM parts replacements, driveline overhaul, and a list of other service items.
I continued the restoration with a full overhaul of the braking system and suspension components, E46 Z3 steering rack swap + steering system overhaul, interior restoration, and brought the exterior up to factory OEM+ standards, with fresh paint on many “factory-optional” aero parts. Including the engine rebuild, I have over $10,000 in invoices/receipts, most of which do not include labor costs.
I've taken my time to make this car look and feel the way I wanted, done everything by the book (quite literally…the book can be found here: http://kennisbank.e30fansite.nl/Bentley-e30.pdf), turned every bolt to correct torque specifications and replaced worn/wearing parts with OEM, whenever/wherever possible. The only shops to touch the car are hose with high reputations including BMW of San Rafael, Diamond Tire Co., Dublin Collision Repair for paint, and the experts at Phaedrus BMW in San Francisco have carried out all service I haven’t done myself.
This is a weekend/nice-day car for me. It is not an high-performance track rat, nor an “all-original” award-winning show car that you would be afraid to drive. All parts and modifications were very carefully considered; chosen with safety and reliability at the absolute forefront, followed by performance, comfort, and style. It was built to be driven and enjoyed, with no concerns of getting from A to B. For me, that meant driving through the Marin headlands, with an OEM ride and the creature comforts that made the return trip just as enjoyable. The car starts up every time, runs like a top, handles like it's on rails, effortlessly cruises at highway speeds, sounds beautiful, turns heads, and brings me joy every time I drive it.
YEAR, MAKE, MODEL: 1991 BMW 318is
VIN: WBAAF931XMEE70914
COLOR: Repainted PPG BMW Jet Black — BMW Paint code: 668
MILEAGE:
TITLE: CLEAN
INSPECTION/SMOG: Passed CA Smog in November 2023
EXTERIOR CONDITION: 8/10
INTERIOR CONDITION: 8/10
ASKING PRICE: $22,222 OBO
Below is a very-comprehensive list of updates, restorations, installations and modifications performed within the past six years. Again, I have receipts/invoices for every item listed, which are all available upon request. All parts purchased are either OEM or equivalent quality, if OEM was not available. This is a zero-accident, no-rust, non-smoker, no pets vehicle with clean title and no issues to report; a reliable turnkey classic car.
WHEELS & TIRES
ENGINE
TRANSMISSION & DIFFERENTIAL
BRAKES
SUSPENSION
STEERING
INTERIOR
EXTERIOR
OTHER MAINTENANCE ITESM & PARTS REPLACEMENTS
ISSUES WORTH NOTING
PHOTOS CAN BE SEEN ON IMGUR HERE — I will update with interior, engine bay, etc photos soon. Also happy to document whatever you would like to see.
There are certainly some things I'm missing, but this is the majority of all work performed and I’ve done my best to provide 100% transparency above.
I understand that I will never recoup the hours, time, research, networking, and literal blood, sweat and tears that got this car to where it sits today, but I’m hoping it can go to a local enthusiast who can appreciate what it is. I was hoping to keep this car for a long time, but priorities have changed and I no longer have the garage space to store it properly. With that said, parting with it is bittersweet, but for the best decision at this stage in my life.
A proper bill of sale will be produced for the buyer/myself, followed by a by-the-book transfer of title.
Lastly, there will be no part-outs, trades, etc. Everything you see listed/shown, you will get with the car, and then some (I have many spare parts laying around).
Thanks so much for looking and feel free to DM me with any questions you might have.
-Adam
Prior to my ownership, the car was in the hands of a BMW Service/Parts Manager who first had it inspected by his master mechanic. Said mechanic carried out a $4,000 rebuild of the stock M42 engine. I have a twelve page invoice with all part numbers, labor details, etc to show what was done. After the rebuild, a restoration began which included a new paint job (from Alpin Weiss to Jet Black), worn/wearing OEM parts replacements, driveline overhaul, and a list of other service items.
I continued the restoration with a full overhaul of the braking system and suspension components, E46 Z3 steering rack swap + steering system overhaul, interior restoration, and brought the exterior up to factory OEM+ standards, with fresh paint on many “factory-optional” aero parts. Including the engine rebuild, I have over $10,000 in invoices/receipts, most of which do not include labor costs.
I've taken my time to make this car look and feel the way I wanted, done everything by the book (quite literally…the book can be found here: http://kennisbank.e30fansite.nl/Bentley-e30.pdf), turned every bolt to correct torque specifications and replaced worn/wearing parts with OEM, whenever/wherever possible. The only shops to touch the car are hose with high reputations including BMW of San Rafael, Diamond Tire Co., Dublin Collision Repair for paint, and the experts at Phaedrus BMW in San Francisco have carried out all service I haven’t done myself.
This is a weekend/nice-day car for me. It is not an high-performance track rat, nor an “all-original” award-winning show car that you would be afraid to drive. All parts and modifications were very carefully considered; chosen with safety and reliability at the absolute forefront, followed by performance, comfort, and style. It was built to be driven and enjoyed, with no concerns of getting from A to B. For me, that meant driving through the Marin headlands, with an OEM ride and the creature comforts that made the return trip just as enjoyable. The car starts up every time, runs like a top, handles like it's on rails, effortlessly cruises at highway speeds, sounds beautiful, turns heads, and brings me joy every time I drive it.
YEAR, MAKE, MODEL: 1991 BMW 318is
VIN: WBAAF931XMEE70914
COLOR: Repainted PPG BMW Jet Black — BMW Paint code: 668
MILEAGE:
- ODOMETER: 121,5XX
- REBUILT ENGINE: <7,000 miles
- ALL OTHER REPAIRS/MODIFICATIONS LISTED: <2,000 Miles
TITLE: CLEAN
INSPECTION/SMOG: Passed CA Smog in November 2023
EXTERIOR CONDITION: 8/10
INTERIOR CONDITION: 8/10
ASKING PRICE: $22,222 OBO
Below is a very-comprehensive list of updates, restorations, installations and modifications performed within the past six years. Again, I have receipts/invoices for every item listed, which are all available upon request. All parts purchased are either OEM or equivalent quality, if OEM was not available. This is a zero-accident, no-rust, non-smoker, no pets vehicle with clean title and no issues to report; a reliable turnkey classic car.
WHEELS & TIRES
- Wheels: 15x7.5et25 Ronal LS Basketweaves + E30 hub-centric rings
- Tires: 205/50r15 Continental ExtremeContact Sport “max performance” summers
- Spacers: Motorsport Hardware 15mm/20mm (F/R) 57.1cb hubcentric spacers
- Wheel bolts: MSH Silver zinc conical-seat 12x1.5 extended bolts
- Replaced Ronal center cap emblems with size-matched OEM BMW Roundels
- Fender lips rolled, prior to paint, to accommodate wheel/tire setup
- OEM BMW Roundel valve caps
ENGINE
- Fully-rebuilt M42 Engine (all invoices and documentation included with sale)
- Custom exhaust with Magnaflow Performance muffler
- Brand New CA CARB-compliant catalytic converter installed at Johnny Franklin's Muffler of San Rafael in November 2023
- Replaced starter with Bosch unit
- Replaced alternator with new Bosch unit
- All new Ignition wires, caps, and carrier
- Replaced ignition wire cover
- New NGK Spark Plugs (pre-gapped)
- Replaced engine crossmember
- New motor mounts
- New radiator, hoses and pressure cap
- New thermostat
- Flushed and filled cooling system with OEM antifreeze/coolant
- Replaced all accessory belts along with tension bar and hardware
- Replaced throttle cable
- Replaced all engine vacuum lines
- Replaced fuel lines
- Replaced fuel filter
- Mishimoto oil pan drain plug
TRANSMISSION & DIFFERENTIAL
- New Sachs Clutch kit with engine rebuild
- Garagistic Polyurethane Centered Differential Bushing
- Differential resealed with gaskets
- Royal Purple 75W90 differential fluid
- Redline MTL 75W90 - GL-5 transmission fluid
- Garagistic BMW Clutch Stop (not installed)
- Garagistic Copper Clutch and Brake Bushings
- Replaced rear CV axle shafts and boots
- Replaced rear wheel bearings
BRAKES
- Zimmermann pads, rotors, and retaining hardware, front & rear
- Condor Speed Shop stainless steel brake lines
- Replaced all brake pad sensors
- Replaced e-brake cable and adjusted shoes
- Brand new brake master cylinder
- Replaced brake booster with a refurbished OEM booster + seal
- Replaced ABS pressure regulator
- Flushed and bled braking system with OEM DOT-4 fluid
- Replaced missing OEM brake ducts (bumper to wells)
SUSPENSION
- New H&R Race Lowering Spring Set
- New Koni “Yellow” Adjustable Sport Shocks, front & rear
- New front bump-stops, trimmed to Koni specs
- New front strut mounts
- New front coil spring shims, upper & lower
- New front E90 “drophats” coil spring seats
- New rear shock mounts & gaskets
- Garagistic rear shock reinforcement kit
- New rear coil spring shims (10mm)
- New upper rear spring pads
- New strut dust sleeves, front & rear
- New steering shaft coupling
- New control arms & hardware
- New control arm “Lollipop” brackets & hardware
- Garagistic offset front control arm bushings (OFCAB), professionally pressed
- Garagistic E30-SPEC 22mm front sway bar
- Garagistic M42-specific front strut tower brace
- New swaybar endlinks, front & rear
- Tire mounting, alignment, and corner balancing by Diamond Tire Center of San Rafael
STEERING
- E46 Z3 Steering Rack ordered from AZ AutoHaus
- Garagistic steering rack swap kit (airbag version)
- New outer and inner tierod ends
- All new mounting hardware throughout the install
- Installed OEM power steering pump seal kit
- Replaced PS reservoir, cap and gasket, hoses, banjo bolts and crush washers
- Flushed and burped PS system with TOPTEC 1100 ATF fluid
INTERIOR
- Fully-restored Interior, besides headliner (was next on my to-do list)
- Replaced dashboard with “miracle” crack-free new old stock unit
- New OEM VIN plate dealer-ordered and installed prior to swap
- Full cleaning behind dash and sterilized HVAC during swap
- One small crack has recently developed, just above right side of gauge cluster
- Regularly cleaned/treated with 303 “Aerospace” Protectant
- OEM BMW sunshade used whenever parked
- Fully-rebuilt gauge cluster with upgraded Garagistic gears
- Floormats replaced with new OEM “Motorsport” mats
- Carpet removed from car, steam cleaned, and dyed black
- Vinyl seats replaced with 8/10 OEM black leather sport seats
- Steering wheel replaced with OEM M-Tech1 385mm
- Installed new OEM ZHP 5-speed shifter
- Front and rear door cards replaced with OEM black leather
- All door trim replaced
- Replaced all five fraying/worn seatbelts with like-new OEM
- Dome lights replaced with new OEM/Hella modules
- Replaced sunroof crank handle
- All door weatherstripping replaced
- Digital clock replaced with EDM “euro” clock (analog)
- Replaced glovebox latch
- Installed factory-option “Premium” speakers with sail panel tweeters
- 5% ceramic tint on all five windows (mainly to protect interior from UV damage)
EXTERIOR
- Overhauled entire front end within the past year, while having new items painted
- Valance, bumper, brake ducts, all taken to base and repainted
- Installed polyurethane Garagistic IS front lip spoiler
- Re-loomed and secured all wiring behind front end
- Replaced all bumper impact strips (F&R), tow hook cover, and side mouldings
- Installed Depo Euro “crosshair” headlights with black housings
- (OEM BMW Euro Ellipsoid headlights will be included with sale)
- Installed full OEM euro grille set (kidney + headlight surrounds)
- Disassembled fog lights, cleaned and resealed with new glass + gaskets
- Applied “smoke” Lamin-X protective film to fog light glass
- Installed Nokya Hyper-yellow fog light bulbs
- Installed Depo “smoked” turn signal lenses and reflectors all around
- (OEM amber/red signal lenses and reflectors included with sale)
- Installed new OEM factory-option IS side skirts (not cheap)
- Installed Rear USDM license plate filler - painted to match body
- Paint-matched door handles
- Replaced faded tail lights and dry-rotted gaskets
- Replaced side view mirror glass
- Replaced front and rear roundels
- New trunk weatherstripping
- Installed OEM M-Tech euro side markers
- Garagistic radio antenna plug delete
- “Shadowline” window trim
OTHER MAINTENANCE ITESM & PARTS REPLACEMENTS
- Replaced starter with remanufactured BOSCH unit
- Replaced ignition switch (on steering column)
- New battery in September 2022 (still under warranty)
- Replaced hood lift support
- Replace hood release cable
- Replaced hood “Earth Strap”
- Replaced wipers and arm covers
- Replaced oil pan and gasket (extra included with sale)
- Replaced brake light switch
- Replaced ALL fuses with brand new OEM fuses
ISSUES WORTH NOTING
- AC system is intact and functioning (clutch engages), but does not blow cold
- Driver’s front speaker has recently stopped working. Audio was on my to-do list
- The clear coat could use a cut & polish. A bit of TLC will go a long way.
- A small crack has developed on the dash, just above the 2 o’clock steering position
- Rear plate filler has recently cracked at the top crossbar (weakest point)
- Factory IS spoiler material/paint has failed (common problem) new Garagistic included
- Sideview mirror adjustment not working; fuses replaced, may need new stepper motors
PHOTOS CAN BE SEEN ON IMGUR HERE — I will update with interior, engine bay, etc photos soon. Also happy to document whatever you would like to see.
There are certainly some things I'm missing, but this is the majority of all work performed and I’ve done my best to provide 100% transparency above.
I understand that I will never recoup the hours, time, research, networking, and literal blood, sweat and tears that got this car to where it sits today, but I’m hoping it can go to a local enthusiast who can appreciate what it is. I was hoping to keep this car for a long time, but priorities have changed and I no longer have the garage space to store it properly. With that said, parting with it is bittersweet, but for the best decision at this stage in my life.
A proper bill of sale will be produced for the buyer/myself, followed by a by-the-book transfer of title.
Lastly, there will be no part-outs, trades, etc. Everything you see listed/shown, you will get with the car, and then some (I have many spare parts laying around).
Thanks so much for looking and feel free to DM me with any questions you might have.
-Adam
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