Valuation input on a 318

[Mark Harris]

This is not a veiled FS ad. I am assisting a close friend with determining fair market value for a car that will change hands between family members.

1984 318i coupe with automatic transmission. One owner. 72K original miles. Speedo has never stopped.

Military family member purchased it in Berlin in 1984 and brought it stateside in 1985. Every receipt since new. Car was taken on a 2200 mile road trip last summer. Won first place in a German Concourse last October.

Any thoughts or recent comps on a similar sale is greatly appreciated.

Best regards....Mark

[Schnitzer318is]

Going to need pics/media to make an accurate estimate or comparison. Sounds like a really clean example... but need more infos.

[Dj Buttchug]

pics

[Mark Harris]

Going to need pics/media to make an accurate estimate or comparison. Sounds like a really clean example... but need more infos.

Not sure the family is comfortable with me posting pics but I will ask. It's pristine. No rust, no mods, 100% original. No tears or rips in the upholstery. No dash cracks. Paint is perfect. No repaint, dings, etc.

Thanks..Mark

[rommaster2]

What do you plan on using it for? The reason i ask is because its an automatic and one of the least desirable models (I own an 85 318i that i love but i understand too why they aren't desirable).

I would seriously knock off value for the tranny type alone but thats just me, value on these cars is so damn subjective.

[Mark Harris]

Pictures added per requests. Any insight on market value is greatly appreciated.

[blarescare25]

My first e30 was a auto 84 318i that I got dirt cheap.

It was ok but my god that combo makes it brutally slow, it was wrecked when someone texting used it as a speed bump, and it was blessing in disguise.

I was planning to five speed swap it, but honestly it really wasn't worth it on the account 2002's and e21's snag them making it rather rare and expensive to find.

The rears are drums and make diy brake job much harder.

That said I do miss the gas mileage it was good and on curvy roads it could be fun with its much lower weight. On the busy higher speed roads it was almost criminally slow on the account of its crappy 3 speed auto.

Highway cruising was high 3k's low 4k's and with out the extra sound insulation made it pretty loud and annoying.

My advice is to have a plan, the m10 e30 will never be worth anything other then a shell, if you ever want to engine swap this is imo the best e30 to do it on.

Its a much lighter platform, but if that's not something you want then honestly I'd pass and hold out for a m42/m20 model.

All the best and good luck

[tak7]

Shouldn't a car bought oversees be euro?
I say $8k.

[Javier h]

Nice

I am sure the car was federalized when it came to the states.

Not sure if M10s would never be worth anything either. Sure, they are dangerously slow but clean examples of any E30 are getting less and less.

Drive the car for what it is: A light german cruiser with a timing chain.

Not sure what its worth but I'd guess $6500 to $8500 for the right buyer. Maybe more.

[rcsoundn1]

I dont think thats a euro model. Not hating but thats a lot to change over to get it to america to look like that. Those who know best chime in please. Looks very clean though.

[kway]

Pretty sure military members were/are able to purchase US spec BMWs while stationed in Germany.

Awesome car OP. I'm a rare fan of early 318s. We're few and far between, but we're out there. Being that the car is so clean and original, I think it still has a fair amount of value despite the less than desirable drivetrain. If I was the one selling, I wouldn't list for less than $9k and hope for $8kish, but be happy with $7k+ depending on how much interest it got.

Incidentally, the first BMW I ever really got my hands dirty on was a Delphin/Tan '84 318i automatic. Did a five speed swap, rear disc conversion, 4:10LSD, Eibachs/Bilsteins, etc. That was nearly 20 years ago, wish I still had that car just for the sentimental value. I also respect the importance the m10 played in BMW's history, and that scores big points with me.

My only (likely last) e30 at the moment is a Lapisblau/Schwarz '84 318i. Low miles and 99% rust free, but needs a full resto (and a turbo, which it will also get). Tucked away in my climate controlled basement till I get around to it, might have to wait until I retire haha. But I digress...

[Stanley Rockafella]

I dont think thats a euro model. Not hating but thats a lot to change over to get it to america to look like that. Those who know best chime in please. Looks very clean though.

agreed

the bumpers were swapped, as well as the IS rear spoiler was added and no side markers on the fenders as is usually the norm.

[mcgillaguddy]

Pretty sure military members were/are able to purchase US spec BMWs while stationed in Germany.

Correct! I have a 1985 318i that is US spec, purchased in Germany by someone in the military. Still have all the repair history from his time over there, wish I could read german..


As for the car, if it were my own, I'd be looking toward $10k as long as the maintenance has been done. If not, then it starts to drop pretty quickly. Anyone really interested in having a super clean, low mileage e30 should gladly pay more for one that has also been maintained.

That's my .02, anyway.

[stonea]

If you're selling it yourself then you could probably get 8k maybe. If you bring in some professionals theres no doubt in my mind you could easily get over $10k. Beautiful example of a car either way.

[GillesBigCowboy]

Beautiful autotragedy... please add stick for happy ending. As for price, if the recipient realizes the need to add a pedal or more, family price should be $5K. If recipient wants to continue the tragedy, $6.5K.