Newbie seeking advice

[Emm3]

Hello all,

I'm looking to buy and e30 and have kinda decided what i want trouble is after searching for a few weeks i've realised that these cars are rarer than i thought.

At first i wanted a convertible but have decided to go for the hardtop instead.

Choice is either a 318is or just a 318

I want either in black but i'm not too fond of metalic black so do either of these models come in solid (i think its diamond black?)

I the idea is to keep the mechanics of the car simple and i've had a few cars where the ABS starts to play up etc with age so do either of the models come without the ABS?

Is the engine in the i.s the same as the normal 1.8 but just more tuned? if not what are the differences.

Are parts for an i.s and 318 roughly the same price?

Does anyone know if the convertible rear bench will fit a hardtop e30?

and last what sort of price should i pay.

Thanks for all your help

[E30Mark]

To start with the 318iS came in metallic black (diamond black). Was not available in solid black.

The 318iS has the M42 engine which is a twin cam 16 valver, the 318i uses a M40 engine with 8 valves. The different engines! although they share the same service parts / cost. The 318iS also uses the 325i brake setup all round, and has Mtech suspension as standard...

The 318iS is 136BHP the 318i is 112BHP. ABS was an option on these models... not seen many 318iS with ABS though!

The convertible rear seat is narrower, so will look kind of out of place in a saloon.

Price to pay? umm 318i £200 upwards! 318iS £600 - 800 upwards, i just sold mine for a hell of a lot more than that though! budget on £1500ish for a reasonable one, £2k+ for a decent one!

Like everything in life, you get what you pay for... but if your lucky bargains can be found if you look long enough and hard enough

[less2303]

If you are looking for an 318is, I have a couple here, on black on white, both around the £1k mark if you are interested, both have nearly full BMW service history. Send me a PM if you want to know more.

[Emm3]

any pics?

[zaust]

Welcome to the zone fella, Looks like you hit jackpot already..

[less2303]

any pics?

Pm me an e mail address and I'll send you some pictures.

[mikey-t]

black cars definatelly look hot! best colour you can get!

until you realise its costing more in car polish than fuel!!!

[Emm3]

Ive just sold my Corrado VR6 which was metalic black, nice when its a touch dark but looked grey in direct sunlight. can you tell me the what the cosmetic differences are between the i.s and the normal 318, bumpers mouldings etc.

[stonesie]

Perhaps the main advantage of the is is that it is much faster than the 318 and most say its better on fuel too.

[Emm3]

whats the last reg you get 318's in is it J

[less2303]

A good site for info is here:

http://www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell/index.html

Hope this helps.

[Emm3]

Good site, is that really a metallic black?

[E30Mark]

Picture of my 318iS i just sold



Cosmetically the lower front lip spoiler is the most obvious feature on the 318iS, the car was only made for approx a year, late '80 to early '91 most are on the G or H plate, never seen any later than a H.

My 318iS used to return 37mpg on average on a mixed run, and 40+ on a long run