Well... was not expecting this to happen. Saw this car a few months ago only a few blocks from my house. Took a pic of it, but never though much more about it. Eventually saw it go up for sale on Craigslist. The guy wanted like $4,000. It's a 91 318is with a slicktop. Ad claimed it ran and drove, but does not like staying in 2nd. Also, will not go into 4th no matter how hard you try. It sat for like a month until he finally lowered the price to $2500. I was curious, so I went to check it out. The thing has a bit of rust. Visible in the rockers and back like usual, and he mentioned a hole in the drivers foot well. Also, when I went to go check it out, it had not been started or driven for a while based on how it sat covered in dirt. I hooked up a jump box, but couldn't get it to start. Just cranked.
A couple good things, were I saw that someone put some maintenance into this thing awhile ago. Has bilsteins and H&R springs. Also, confirmed LSD tag on the diff. I don't know if all 318is came with a 4.10 LSD, or if it was an option. And the subframe bushings were poly. Old and crusty, but better than OEM rubber I guess. The interior is gray. All pretty okay inside, minus the crappiest sport seats I've seen, and a cracked dash. But I think it will clean up nice. No obvious sitting water or musky smell of mold, so that was a win. The car was just street parked in Philly. So the outside is horrible. Not a clean panel on the car besides the hood and driver door. But I could see there was some money in parts here and there.
So with all that info. Offered him $500 for it. He declined and took my number. 3 days later, he hits me up and asks if I would come up at all. Since I'm a sucker I came up a little. He agreed, and I am now the owner of a rusty 91 318is that I never saw run or drive. After transfer fees, sales tax, and PA registration... I'm all in a little under $1,000. I think I overpaid a little... but everyone here understands being soft when it comes to buying E30s.
Now for the fun part... right after I transferred the title. Took the battery an ground cable from my other car, and slapped it into this bad boy. Also hooked up a jump box for good measure. It cranked better. I cranked for a solid 30 seconds, and then all the sudden. It roared to life! Had to give it some gas for a minute or so before it held idle. But then it sounded great, minus a slight exhaust leak. It had oil and coolant... so I sent it the few blocks home. Made it back. Confirmed it needs a transmission, as 2nd and 4th are awful. Got home, and the temp gauge was a little high... but I suspect I just need to flush the system, and maybe replace a few hoses. New water pump and thermostat too maybe.
Will get more photos soon as I dive into it. Just wanted to share here, as I am running on a dopamine high from my new purchase. I want this to be my winter beater. Keep it on a budget, and just do the essentials. I found a trans and clutch for $500 already... But i think with that swapped, and some fluid changes... it will be good for the winter.
A couple good things, were I saw that someone put some maintenance into this thing awhile ago. Has bilsteins and H&R springs. Also, confirmed LSD tag on the diff. I don't know if all 318is came with a 4.10 LSD, or if it was an option. And the subframe bushings were poly. Old and crusty, but better than OEM rubber I guess. The interior is gray. All pretty okay inside, minus the crappiest sport seats I've seen, and a cracked dash. But I think it will clean up nice. No obvious sitting water or musky smell of mold, so that was a win. The car was just street parked in Philly. So the outside is horrible. Not a clean panel on the car besides the hood and driver door. But I could see there was some money in parts here and there.
So with all that info. Offered him $500 for it. He declined and took my number. 3 days later, he hits me up and asks if I would come up at all. Since I'm a sucker I came up a little. He agreed, and I am now the owner of a rusty 91 318is that I never saw run or drive. After transfer fees, sales tax, and PA registration... I'm all in a little under $1,000. I think I overpaid a little... but everyone here understands being soft when it comes to buying E30s.
Now for the fun part... right after I transferred the title. Took the battery an ground cable from my other car, and slapped it into this bad boy. Also hooked up a jump box for good measure. It cranked better. I cranked for a solid 30 seconds, and then all the sudden. It roared to life! Had to give it some gas for a minute or so before it held idle. But then it sounded great, minus a slight exhaust leak. It had oil and coolant... so I sent it the few blocks home. Made it back. Confirmed it needs a transmission, as 2nd and 4th are awful. Got home, and the temp gauge was a little high... but I suspect I just need to flush the system, and maybe replace a few hoses. New water pump and thermostat too maybe.
Will get more photos soon as I dive into it. Just wanted to share here, as I am running on a dopamine high from my new purchase. I want this to be my winter beater. Keep it on a budget, and just do the essentials. I found a trans and clutch for $500 already... But i think with that swapped, and some fluid changes... it will be good for the winter.
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