E30 M3 -> E30 318is...

[alexw]

Several of you may remember I have owned a E30 M3 for about 5 years. A US Spec M3 that I picked up in Germany while stationed there on active duty. That car was sold 04-25-2012, the for sale ad is visible here... The car was sold to anthusist, and an active BMWCCA member. I expect he will keep it in as good, if not better shape than I did. As for why I made this transition, I needed (need) to provide for my family and rather OWN a home than own a M3. It was the right financial decision, and do not reget doing it. That said, I turned down several interested parties due to their lack of knowledge and respect for the vehicle. One potential buyer was interested in turning it into a daily driver for their teenager...

Photo of said M3 for good measure.


So the M3 was sold on 04-25-2012, on 04-26-2012 I picked up a 1991 318is Brilliantrot on Silver cloth slicktop. The car only had 102,500 miles, very well maintained and clean. The previous owner is very active in Badger Bimmers (BMWCCA). The car was a little more than I wanted to pay, but I felt it was worth it. I won't go into too many details, but the car was listed here, I didn't pay asking price... The previous owner keeps texting asking for the car back (jokingly of course).

Previous owner photos:








Crack free dash & original stereo








Vehicle had a parking lot accident, was repaired:



Some photos before the trip:




This is nice to have:


So is this:


Overall the car is in great shape. It's a little dirty inside, but I had it shampooed and plan on a detail soon. The day after I purchased the vehicle I took it on a trip to St Louis (300 miles from where I live). Only hiccup "mechanically" with the car was a loose IS lip. I removed it as I didn't want to lose it on the highway. I averaged 30MPG which was awesome! My M3 was a little bit of a gas hog!

Visited the Gateway Arch:


View form the top:




Randoms in St Louis:






So fun times, then last night there was an insane thunderstorm accompanied with baseball sized hail. I was at a wedding reception and no safe place to park.... The car got hit about 4 times. I think pointless dent removal will work. Its not terrible, but four to five dents that wern't there a few days ago.

This isn't even the largest ones I saw!




When the weather clears and I get a chance to look over the car I'll throw up some pictures of the damage, it's not nearly as bad as it could of been. I really lucked out.

Tomorrow I'll throw up a list of things to do and planned mods. This car is really in great shape. It'll look even better when I throw the weaves on, the current wheels are snow tires. The previous owner had them mounted but I don't think he ever drove it in the snow. The chassis is rust free, very clean!

Thanks for reading! I plan on updating this as she is modified and maintained!

[CrusherCurtis]

I feel for you. The hail storm we had in Chicago last year was the reason I got rid of my e36. Mad props on selling your m3 to buy a house. Your a bigger man than I. Nice car to start over again with.

[alexw]

I feel for you. The hail storm we had in Chicago last year was the reason I got rid of my e36. Mad props on selling your m3 to buy a house. Your a bigger man than I. Nice car to start over again with.

Thanks man.

I have quite a few ideas, I'm actually pretty excited about this car. It'll be a little easier working on this as well. My M3 was a 2 owner car (this is a 4 owner car), I was always afraid of breaking something with the M3... I think I'll get my hands more dirty with this.

[Paukert11]

Made respect for you man. You will get another one again.

[alexw]

Made respect for you man. You will get another one again.

You're right. I plan on it. Right now I'm pleased with the 318is. It should be a fun project.

[OniKyan]

In the US, an M3 is worth more than a house.

[alexw]

In the US, an M3 is worth more than a house.

No. Unless you live in a trailer I suppose.

I didn't sell FOR a house, I sold it to be better off financially to eventually (soon) buy a home.

[OniKyan]

A 5 minute search on trulia will find 100's of houses under 20k in the US.

Here's one in your city.

http://www.trulia.com/property/3051911847-6102-14th-Ave-Kenosha-WI-53143

[alexw]

Ok if we're being literal...

No one wants to live in a house which is that cheap. And I'd pay someone to take that house from me. It's located in one of the worst areas in the city which is why it's so cheap.

[OniKyan]

Ok if we're being literal...

No one wants to live in a house which is that cheap. And I'd pay someone to take that house from me. It's located in one of the worst areas in the city which is why it's so cheap.

No doubt. It looks like dirt.


How do you find the 318iS compares to the M3, in terms of handling?

[alexw]

No doubt. It looks like dirt.


How do you find the 318iS compares to the M3, in terms of handling?

Still a little early to tell. The M3 had slightly lowered springs, racing dynamics bars, solid control arm bushings, few other goodies. You can see this car is stock (very firm still) and on snow tires...

We'll see, I plan on doing some auto-x this year.

[alexw]

So coming from an M3, would you rather drive/own a 325is or a 318is?

I have a 325iX as well, I like the 318is. The M42 is a very peppy engine and great on gas.

That said, the S14 is pretty unique engine. I can't really say either engine (m20/m42) is similar to the S14.

The M3 is really a totally unique vehicle, IMO. Lots of haters try and talk themselves into thinking the non-m E30's are just as good or cool... I'm here to tell you, having owned both the M3 is more than just a high strung engine in a E30 with flares.

Maybe that's obvious, maybe it's cocky, idk. That said, I love my 318is...

[reelizmpro]

I drove the butchers 318is the other night and it is very similar to the m3. Obviously the m3 has more power but they feel the same in that they are both well balance and peppy with short gearing. Neither are straight line performers. These 16v e30's are meant to do more with less. I can see how some prefer the m42 318 over the 325. Just depends on what kind of driving experience u prefer. I think its hard to beat the 325is cuz it does everything well. The cars are just different flavors.

[alexw]

I drove the butchers 318is the other night and it is very similar to the m3. Obviously the m3 has more power but they feel the same in that they are both well balance and peppy with short gearing. Neither are straight line performers. These 16v e30's are meant to do more with less. I can see how some prefer the m42 318 over the 325. Just depends on what kind of driving experience u prefer. I think its hard to beat the 325is cuz it does everything well. The cars are just different flavors.

I really can't hate on any of the E30's. I've driven every variation minus the verts (including owning tourings)... I wanted a 318is this time due to gas prices continuing to rise, and I wanted a Slicktop. I wanted something a little unique and a good platform for auto-x or other tracking should I (hopefully) go that route.

[prada88m3]

20 years later

You're right. I plan on it. Right now I'm pleased with the 318is. It should be a fun project.

Made respect for you man. You will get another one again.

Alex i did almost the same thing, In 1991 I was the 2nd owner of a 89henna and sold it to buy a Porsche(944turbo) and co-op cause thats what the soon to be wife wanted(hated the porsche) Regretted the decision until 2006 I got my hands on a 88 diamantswarzt that i lost count of the $$$$$$$$ i put into it(LOVED IT) now I'm doing a s54 swap into a brilliantrot 88m3, So kudos on your choice,and wish you the best of luck