E30 Zone

Hi Guys - new to the BMW scene. I like a project. Ive just picked up a black 318 5 door. In great shape. It runs & drives great. Its been standing for three years.............Can anyone point me in the direction of weak points??? Points that need attention.

Also the interior is absolutely mint. I think someone has been wearing slippers in there!!


Also bonnet paint has seen better days. Is it best to paint or find a replacement. The bonnet itself is undamaged!!

sounds like a nice find fella. Welcome to the zone too fella.

Hi and welcome. When you say 5 door i take it you mean a touring?

What colour is it? The for sale and wanted sections on here are closed at the mo, awaiting the new Zone opening soon. Wait for that and stick a wanted ad up for a bonnet in the same colour but better nick.

You need to be checking for rust. Rear arches. front corners of the floor pans, Rear inner arches (you'll need to remove the inner trim panels in the boot and look down the back panels of the inner arches.) Bulkhead below the corners of the windscreen is another area. Under the washer bottle, they go there as well. If it's clean in all those areas you have a strong one.

318? Has it still got a cam or does it sound like a bag of spanners. Regular oil changes are the key.

Others will be along soon. This is the most active forum I've ever used and will be your main source of info / parts should you so choose it to be.

Good luck

Hi all sorry Im being a dick - its a 4 door. The arches are all good, been underneath - the brake lines all good. There is a small inch by inch hole at the bottom the screen.

Full BMW history.
114K - cambelt @ 96K
Chrome & no sunroof.
Engine sounds good.


Id rather not spoil it with a respray. Will post for a wanted if I can

Chris36 wrote:Hi all sorry Im being a dick - its a 4 door. The arches are all good, been underneath - the brake lines all good. There is a small inch by inch hole at the bottom the screen.

Full BMW history.
114K - cambelt @ 96K
Chrome & no sunroof.
Engine sounds good.


Id rather not spoil it with a respray. Will post for a wanted if I can

One thing you can do it to add a message to your signiature in your account.

e.g. Wanted: Bonnet for e30 in xxxxxxx colour.

People do respond

any pics mate?

whipsey wrote:any pics mate?

Not yet. Trying to get most of the green off it. Once done I will.
Bloody leaves all over the engine (sycamore) need removing to!!

Will be spending the day on monday getting it prepared for the mot.

Just love that interior - I don't think anyone has sat in the back - Not been smoked in either. A lot of the switches need moving about as sticking.

Still lets see what the MOT shows eh???

Im assuming there aren't that many Non-sunroof chromes about??

Not anymore no.. There was always more 2 door non sunroof's too, with the 4 door being rearer.

So this is a chrome bumper 318? Does it have fuel injection? Welcome to the zone BTW

welcome to the zone

Welcome, you've come to the right place, you'll get plenty of advice and help on here

Chris36 wrote:Hi all sorry Im being a dick - its a 4 door. The arches are all good, been underneath - the brake lines all good. There is a small inch by inch hole at the bottom the screen.

Full BMW history.
114K - cambelt @ 96K
Chrome & no sunroof.
Engine sounds good.


Id rather not spoil it with a respray. Will post for a wanted if I can

tiger seal is what to use here,it comes in white black or red.
a second hand mint bonnet on here =free or £20 collected

Sounds good, i don't mind paying for a bonnet if its good. Free is always wanted.

Ive also just checked the car as I may be buying Robs as its the same colour ie schwartz.

Also while I was there I noticed a couple of things - A its got a sunroof!! B the bumpers are not chrome, but has chrome around the windows - is this right???

Welcome Chris, think a few pics are needed as your car seems to be changing by the minute.

gooner1 wrote:Welcome Chris, think a few pics are needed as your car seems to be changing by the minute.

Well it was THAT green that im finding new bits & bobs all the time.......Like a sunroof. Im thinking I best change my user name to Stevie Wonder.

chrome around the windows is factory spec as is black,[shadow line].
you can get shadow line tape cheap from ebay under e30 parts,style and tunning
or spray it satin black.and the grill as well.

oh and welcome