My first BMW was (and still is) a 1995 530i. While I was doing some repairs on it I bought an 89 325i as a temporary car while the E34 was down. While I enjoyed the 325i alot, it was automatic and had a lot of rust and other issues. I sold it and resumed driving the five series. I work as a technician at the local dealership and early 2008 they offered employees a killer lease deal on the last
E85 Z4s. So for the last two years I've been driving an 08 Z4. (For a cool $250 / mo) My folks have been driving the 530i (up to 270K now) My lease ends in a month and my parents are willing but not excited about giving back the five series. And, a co-worker was in need of cash so decided to sell his car. The end result.... I'm the new owner of a 1991 BMW 318is. I've never thought much of the 4 cylinder 3 series, but after only having this car a few days, I've fallen back in love the E30s! I was reluctant at first about getting a 4 cylinder, but now I see why so many people love them. I am totally amazed at how much fun that little 4 cylinder is especially with a stick shift (although I keep reaching for the sixth gear that isn't there)
I paid $2200 for the car, the odometer reads 64000, but it was replaced (and is working!) I'd guess the car has closer to 200,000. The last owner did all sorts of repairs to it including installing a LSD, new dashboard, a new heater core, power antenna, timing chain tensioner, and a mish mash of other mechanical repairs. I cant find a spot of rust on the car and the only damage I see is the r/f fender is a pushed back a bit from some sort of impact. Only things the car needs that I can tell are... a steering rack with tie rods, shocks, and some exhaust work. A previous owner cut the cat off and put a fart can in the back. So the first order of business is to reinstall a cat and replace the fart can with something a little more subtle (and not as deafening inside) Even though there are no emission laws (yet) in Tennessee, I just don't like the idea of polluting that much. Oh and the wheels have gotta go. The guy gave me the original basket weaves so I may use them, not sure yet.
Bottom line, I'm absolutely thrilled to be back driving an E30 again!


