Looking at 318IS tonight

[Polaris15]

Heyo. First want to thank everyone for the help when I bought my 325i. i ended up selling the car thinking I was going to accept a promotion and move my ass out to Denver. Well the car sold quicker than I was able to make a final decision on the job and I am now E30 less and going to look at one tonight. Below is the ad....

For sale is a 1991 e30 BMW 318iS
Alpine White II
Blue Sport cloth
211xxx miles
5 speed manual.

$1900 OBO

Car has been garage kept in my possession and it was originally a west coast car, meaning very little rust on the frame. There is some rust on the body however. A bit under the battery and then some surface bubbles around the fenders and license plate. The engine runs very well with no issues and a recent oil change. Interior doesn't have any issues besides the torn driver's seat (I have a set of black sport leather I can throw in for additional $)

Recent work done:

Brakes bled
Oil Change
Coolant Change
BMW Z3 shifter (short shifter) with all new bushings -- great feel
Driveshaft replaced with a used shaft and new center bearing
New control arm bushings
Diff (open) refurbished with seals and fluid change
Transmission gear oil change
Tires have about 1000 miles on them -- basically brand new
New guibo
Volvo front spoiler
Full spare

The hood and trunk were replaced with parts from another Alpine car but the color is slightly off, barely noticeable.

Needs work:

Going to need new front brake pads
Needs rear shocks
Possibly re-align driveshaft as there is a bit of vibration under load

This is a great car for someone who loves old BMW's and wants to bring this one back to life. I have some parts to throw in as well with the car (fog lights, spare clusters).


I'm a little freaked out by this drive shaft issue especially since he said that the drive shaft was replaced along with the bearings. Also what else should I look for when it comes to the M42 motor?

[10Toes]

Looks like a clean car and the price is right.

[naplesE30]

the m42 is a pretty stout engine. Listen for timming chain noise, can be an indication of worn guides/or worn teeth. That is about the only weak point I am aware of other than your normal e30 issues.

[Polaris15]

What do you think about the drive shaft vibration issues?

[Vtec?lol]

dude, change the center support bearing and drive. it's only like 19 bucks from blunt.

I would buy that in a heart beat.,
M42's are stout but you'll get pissed with it real quick if it ever needs any maintenance wich it needs a bunch.

[Nick_S]

Mine was in worse shape and I (over)paid a tad more. That looks like a great car that would need minimal work to be a really dependable and fun car.

[Polaris15]

Plan is to sell my Honda and dump the money into maintenance, suspension, ect.

He says he changed that bearing already....

[jrobie79]

I have a spare m42 driveshaft I believe. Where in MA are you located? I was going to check that one out, but I hate white cars so no dice

[JinormusJ]

You could probably get it for $1500

Theres a lot done with , but u can definitely use the sate of the interior as a bargaining chip. Overall, looksretty clean; if it's a genuine 318is, pick it up in a heartbeat

Toss that stupid wind deflector stat :-P

[Polaris15]

I have a spare m42 driveshaft I believe. Where in MA are you located? I was going to check that one out, but I hate white cars so no dice

I'm in Cambridge and I love the white!

I just find it weird that he says he replaced the drive shaft and bearing and says it just needs an alignment to be fixed. Why wouldn't he align it himself?

[M42Technik]

This is a steal for what he's asking, and after you bargain with him.

Show up with $1,500 cash, and show it to him. Done deal. GO GET THAT CAR. You won't regret getting a 318iS.

[Polaris15]

You could probably get it for $1500

Theres a lot done with , but u can definitely use the sate of the interior as a bargaining chip. Overall, looksretty clean; if it's a genuine 318is, pick it up in a heartbeat

Toss that stupid wind deflector stat :-P

Haha, wind deflector is the first to go!

[JinormusJ]

Aw man... Now you've gone a quoted me with crappy grammar... Now I can't ninja edit out my stupidity... Freakin iPads and crappy autocorrect..

Seriously though.. I'm Jelly. It looks very well taken care of minus the driver's seat

[GunMetalGrey]

Make sure there is no coolant around around the water pump, between the head and the block.
That would be the timing profile gasket, which sucks a big one.

[tirefryer]

looks like nice shape and condition. I do like the cloth seats :) Grab it and drive it!!!

NOt to hijack, but this is along the lines of a 1991 318i convertible 5 speed I am picking up this weekend...
unknown mileage since odo was broken abut says about 175K on it, been parked for 3 yrs in barn since the engine makes "noise" when it warms up, but is driveable, top is in good condition, no rips on the seats, just wear. All new OEM suspension before car was parked due to engine noise. Top is in good conditon with no rips/tears... rear window pane is cloudy and will need to be replaced. He was asking $2K for it, but I have him down to $1200 -should I take my chances with this car? I know the M20 motors, but no clue about the M42s.

Thanks.