Author Topic: This could be my first 318is....HELP! (Read 7496 times)

Bltprf502 · « **on:** September 29, 2008, 10:47:26 AM »

To start with I would like to say HELLO to all of you! I am new and this is my first post on this forum. I joined because I hope to soon be the owner of a 1991 318is. This is a local car and both the original and second owner live within a couple of mile from me. What I know about it are as follows...

1991 318is
Alpine White
128k miles
I don't know yet if it has LSD (I spoke to a mechainic that says all "is" models have it. How can I tell?)
5 spd
front air dam (no fog lights)
no cruise cont.
new Sumitomo tires
new brakes
new shocks (don't know what kind yet)
Bav. Motorsports combo sheepskin/leather seat covers in front (cloth seats underneath)
Bav. Motorsports replacement mats
all original electroncs (stereo etc)
All service records included since it was new
I also do not know if the timing belt has been replaced or not...
Never wrecked or any body work done
Garage kept
Runs GREAT!!!

What else do I need to know?

He was asking $4500 for it. However, I think I can get it for $3700. I initially was looking for a car to get good milage, but turned out this may be a toy as well! Please tell me what else I need to know before I go to the bank.

Its 3:00pm 9/29/08 and I just took it for an interstate drive and ran it up to about 90-100. That little motor like the revs! It idles and runs like a new car... I wish I could get some feedback from some of you.....

Thanks in advance for all the help!!!!

JP 91iS · « **Reply #1 on:** September 29, 2008, 03:24:28 PM »

http://www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell/318isfaultstable.html

hoevesruperd · « **Reply #2 on:** September 29, 2008, 09:56:54 PM »

buy it then see if you want to keep it. i'm sure you will

Bltprf502 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 30, 2008, 07:40:22 AM »

Is the price fair?

JP 91iS · « **Reply #4 on:** September 30, 2008, 01:04:23 PM »

Considering you have all the maintenance records from day 1 and you know the previous owners, it sounds like it has been well cared for. $4000 is usually a high price but if it is clean and in nice condition then it sounds fair.

Post some pictures if you are still worried about over paying.

Jimmy Lewis · « **Reply #5 on:** September 30, 2008, 07:12:29 PM »

The prices for M42 cars have gone up significantly since this site opened up a few years back. Where before you could get a relatively nice car for $2500, now it seems that you have to pay at least $4000 for a nice unmolested car. It sounds like the previous owners took good care of the car, and judging by the parts list, they probably had a bit of enthusiast in them. Sounds like a great little e30, probably well worth the $4500 he is asking, but if he will take less than $4000, then that is even better!

Bltprf502 · « **Reply #6 on:** September 30, 2008, 08:35:22 PM »

Thanks for the replys! I had another friend who has been in the import car business for 30 years tell me to get it because he thinks it is worth it for that price. I will have to pay close to the $4k to get it. I looked through some of the receipts in the folder today and there were several high dollar receipts in the for $750-$1100. New a/c compressor, mass air flow sensor, lots and lots of oil changes etc. If I can get my Wife to agree to it I will pull the trigger. Thanks again for all of your input.

Colo318IS · « **Reply #7 on:** September 30, 2008, 09:00:08 PM »

agreeing with above comments, I'd say the price range seems fair give what you've mentioned on the condition...it definitely sounds like it was well cared for. Depending how you feel about your interactions so far with the seller (good vibe/bad/etc) you can always start with a low offer and work your way up.

Welcome to the club! If this car doesn't work out, I do hope you find another...these are truly fun little cars to drive...I have been very happy with mine.

Birdman16 · « **Reply #8 on:** October 01, 2008, 04:02:52 PM »

And if you get it and find some gremlins like me (head gasket, and head on two seperate jobs $4000) then I +1 with what Colo318IS said and

WELCOME TO THE CLUB!

Bltprf502 · « **Reply #9 on:** October 05, 2008, 06:54:01 AM »

Thanks for the warm welcome! I am not sure it is going to work out for me to get the 318is. I will know more Monday. I have wavered on this thing many ways trying to justify it. I already own a 1999 Lexus ES 300 (144k mi) and a 1995 Range Rover 4.0 SE (147k mi). The Lexus is pretty much care free with the exception of ome prventitive maint. I guess I better be quiet or it may hear me. However, when the Rover starts to limp about something it is a bit more of a challange and at times pricy. I keep telling myself if I get the 318is then I would have a vehicle for every catagory. Sport, luxury and SUV. The other thing is.... They all have well over 100K miles. I think I am addicted to classic cars that need my help from time to time. Either that or I like cars with one foot in the grave. The 2 I have now I keep in very good running order. if something breaks.... I fix it. I HATE new cars (and the pmt that goes with them)! Thanks for all the help!

Bltprf502 · « **Reply #10 on:** October 09, 2008, 07:51:11 AM »

Well, the owner of the 318is I was looking at put the car on ebay. It sold to a guy in Canada for $4300.00 and he has to fly down to TN and drive it home. I was very disappointed and still am. The car was 4 blocks from my house and I waited too long and missed it. I will be hard pressed to find another like that one. Oh well... life continues.

ponchiz318 · « **Reply #11 on:** October 09, 2008, 08:55:32 AM »

I guess it wasn't meant to be. Check Bimmerforums, they have a bunch of cars for sale. Then head on back to M42club to get the answers you need on your car.