1991 318is... opinions

Optimus Prime · 11-02-2011, 03:24 PM

160,000 miles or so. Lets say middle of the road cosmetics and running state. What are the opinions? I'm looking for a beater car that is still fun to drive, but is a small upfront investment. Has the LSD. Should be a decent snow car.

TD · 11-02-2011, 03:25 PM

I'd buy it, assuming it's not stupidly priced.

bren · 11-02-2011, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TD

I'd buy it, assuming it's not stupidly priced.

With 160k miles? By "stupidly priced" I assume you mean no more than $500.

TD · 11-02-2011, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bren

With 160k miles? By "stupidly priced" I assume you mean no more than $500.

160k isn't near death if it's not been abused. OP described it as middle of the road on condition.

I might even go up to $1000.

But then again, I have a soft spot for '91 318is's.

John V · 11-02-2011, 03:51 PM

Given what I know about E30s and roughly where you live in the country, how is it not a complete ball of rust by now?

$500 is the absolute tops I would spend unless it's in excellent shape mechanically.

Optimus Prime · 11-02-2011, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John V

Given what I know about E30s and roughly where you live in the country, how is it not a complete ball of rust by now?

$500 is the absolute tops I would spend unless it's in excellent shape mechanically.

I haven't seen it yet, but he says there's just a smidge of rust around the rear tow hook area. I'm going to have my BIL check it out since he lives in the area (it's about 3 hours from me) and he owned an E30 M3 for a while so he's somewhat familiar with them.

Asking price is $1800, which I thought was good until you all started around $500. Which is why I ask these questions.

BahnBaum · 11-02-2011, 04:28 PM

Depends on the color.

Alex

Nick M3 · 11-02-2011, 05:57 PM

A nice E30 sells in the $2-3k range under most circumstances. Basically, if it runs, the big question is "how bad is the rust?" And really, that's the first question. If the shell is good, it can be fairly easily made to run.

Notwithstanding the car Alex basically gave to me (thanks again!), drivable E30s do *not* transact in the $500 range.

To be clear, a $500 E30 is usually a parts car.

Jeff_DML · 11-02-2011, 06:05 PM

Here is a recent example from my local craiglist

Quote:

1991 BMW 318is (E30) Super Nice!! Runs Great!! - $3500

For sale a 1991 BMW 318is Black Schwartz with gray cloth interior. Runs great. I use it as a daily driver. A/C blows cold. All power windows work. Recent items I just did to it are tune up, brand new fuel pump, two new tires, just did smog check in September. Clean title. Shows 188,000 on odometer but its no longer working. I just paid registration until October 2012. Please call 619-987-4576.

John V · 11-03-2011, 09:53 AM

I would seriously consider an E30 with a six cylinder for $2-3k, but a 318? I realize it's an iS, but sheesh... they're fun but not $2-3k fun.

11-02-2011, 03:24 PM	#1
Optimus Prime Carmudgeon Join Date: Apr 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: Golf TDi Location: Peoria, IL Posts: 3,283	1991 318is... opinions 160,000 miles or so. Lets say middle of the road cosmetics and running state. What are the opinions? I'm looking for a beater car that is still fun to drive, but is a small upfront investment. Has the LSD. Should be a decent snow car. __________________ Jason

11-02-2011, 04:28 PM	#7
BahnBaum Tilting Rocinante Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Havre de Grace, MD Posts: 6,244	Depends on the color. Alex __________________

11-02-2011, 05:57 PM	#8
Nick M3 Relic Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Bethesda, MD Posts: 12,458	A nice E30 sells in the $2-3k range under most circumstances. Basically, if it runs, the big question is "how bad is the rust?" And really, that's the first question. If the shell is good, it can be fairly easily made to run. Notwithstanding the car Alex basically gave to me (thanks again!), drivable E30s do not transact in the $500 range. To be clear, a $500 E30 is usually a parts car. __________________ 2011 M3 2006 Sierra 2500HD 4WD LBZ/Allison 2004 X5 3.0i 6MT 1995 M3 S50B32 1990 325is 1989 M3 S54B32 Hers: 1989 325iX 1996 911 Turbo

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Anyone in the market for a cheap E30 318is	TD	Car Talk	19	01-19-2008 12:33 PM
MANY red/tan 1991 318is-s	TD	Car Talk	14	02-19-2005 12:13 PM

11-02-2011, 03:25 PM	#2
TD Founder emeritus Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Maryland Posts: 21,007	I'd buy it, assuming it's not stupidly priced.

11-02-2011, 03:51 PM	#5
John V No more BMWs Join Date: Apr 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: Ram, MS3, CX-5, RX-8 Location: Glenwood, MD Posts: 14,753	Given what I know about E30s and roughly where you live in the country, how is it not a complete ball of rust by now? $500 is the absolute tops I would spend unless it's in excellent shape mechanically.

11-03-2011, 09:53 AM	#10
John V No more BMWs Join Date: Apr 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: Ram, MS3, CX-5, RX-8 Location: Glenwood, MD Posts: 14,753	I would seriously consider an E30 with a six cylinder for $2-3k, but a 318? I realize it's an iS, but sheesh... they're fun but not $2-3k fun.