E30 Zone

Can someone help me ?
I'm looking at a late 1988 early 1989 318i. It has the M40 engine, but it doesn't have power steering. Is this normal or is it fishy ?
He says it's an Italian model.
It's in very good condition, considering.
When was power steering standard, or wasn't it in all European countries?
Anyone ?

Nothing wrong with armstrong steering, i've got it in my '87 325i, and also had it in an '88 318i. Will cost you about £50 for the setup if you buy it secondhand.