Author Topic: 1991 318i - What's it worth? (Read 4341 times)

318idol · « **on:** August 16, 2011, 06:08:42 PM »

Quick question: Considering selling my '91 318i. The scoop:

Clean, dead straight, no rust.
Diamondswartz, new paint on hood and front fenders. Paint is 95 percent perfect.
Koni adjustables
HR sports springs
Xi/Convert front swaybar
M3 rear swaybar
e36 steering rack
Mark D chip
Basketweaves (okay shape)
iS trunk lip, body paint color
New radiator, water pump
M3 control arm bushings
Replaced entire front suspension bits
New stock muffler
Replaced shifter bushings
Replaced driveshaft center bearing
Mobil 1 in motor; Red Line everywhere else
BMW factory coolant only
145,000 miles
Runs like a train, uber reliable
Usual dashboard cracks
Front seat cushion upholstery worn, but nice grey seat covers
Sony CD player with front MP3 input jack. Orange lights!

It looks like a slightly lowered factory 4-door 318is.

No photos at the moment. Will add some soon.

Thanks, Gary

DesktopDave · « **Reply #1 on:** August 16, 2011, 07:26:33 PM »

The coupe is worth a lot more...it looks a bit sprightlier, has the comfy BMW sport seats and an updated suspension. You've substituted higher quality hardware for the iS upgrades though. Hard to say. You'll have to find the right buyer - mostly everyone else wants the M20 or an M52 swap instead.

Here's a car just like ours on EBay, no sale for $500. Maybe it sold locally? A recent iS had no bids at $2650. If only it was a 'vert...in Florida...here's one that went for almost $4k.

Personally, I wouldn't go higher than about $1500. But I'm a cheapskate and Pittsburgh is a bad place to sell a manual transmission of any type.

Were I you...given the upgrades and how well it runs, I'd ask for $2k to see if I got any serious bites. You can always raise the price.

318idol · « **Reply #2 on:** August 16, 2011, 10:05:08 PM »

Well, if that's the case -- and I think you are underestimating the value of nice, straight, complete, well-maintained car -- I'd be better off selling it off piecemeal. Which would be a shame. Or I could drive for another 5-7 years.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #3 on:** August 17, 2011, 08:33:39 AM »

No doubt about it, I am likely underestimating the price. It's because I know what the running costs of an old BMW are...

Parting it out locally might get you more. You'll need a lot of storage space and shipping costs are high. Parting is a slow and troublesome process though.

While they're great for us, an old BMW (or any older European car FWIW) isn't a very good proposition for most people. I'd recommend holding on to the car and just drive it until people start spending again.

rob_e30 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 17, 2011, 10:17:14 AM »

In SoCal those cars are going for $2-4K depending on the condition, etc.

75BMW2002 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 17, 2011, 02:53:15 PM »

I gave $3200 for this one with 125K miles and flawless paint and interior, everything working including AC - it is a slicktop though - so that might give you an idea

bmwm42 · « **Reply #6 on:** August 20, 2011, 01:29:59 PM »

pnw price 2 to 3k check out r3v more more info