M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS

FAQ / REFERENCE => M42 Buyer's Guide => Topic started by: 2002jm on July 24, 2011, 12:35:14 PM

Title: What do you guys think of this 318is
Post by: 2002jm on July 24, 2011, 12:35:14 PM

Hi:  Trying to buy a 318is and wanted your expert opinion on this car....

http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/ctd/2506677008.html

What would the major differences be with this car and the USA car?

I know the paint needs to be done, but I think I could take care of it.

What questions should I ask?
thanks,
jm

Title: What do you guys think of this 318is
Post by: DesktopDave on July 24, 2011, 02:41:46 PM

I think all the NA cars were catalyzed, they're more like US cars than Euro ones.

So basically, the heated seats and the cluster are the differences.  Neither are a problem if the car has been properly federalized.  Should have a sticker somewhere certifying that, and a clean title as well.  You can swap a US e30 speedo or whole cluster to convert it, as long as you keep the 4-cyl coding chip.

I'd run a carfax, though it might not pull up much info.  Price seems OK if the body is straight.  Other than the Canadian paperwork, make sure of all the usual stuff...check all panels for matching VIN stickers to be sure of no major cosmetic work.  Check for the usual e30 rust spots...bottom of the a-pillars, in front of the rear wheel arch, etc.

Title: thanks for the reply
Post by: 2002jm on July 24, 2011, 06:41:09 PM

Ok, got some good pictures:

Paint is shot and needs body work.....lots of dents on the passenger side.
Is registered in Oregon, clear title, matching panels. Some cig. burns in the driver seat, but rest of interior is nice. Speedometer does not work, nor does the odometer, so the mileage is way over 100k...just by the looks of the car.

Priced at 3500.00???
Is this too high and what is a decent offer?

thanks,
jm