E30 Zone

I have had the car since 1994, and its been a real pleasure, had a few issues along the way which were associated with the M42 engine. The car is completely original spec, the only thing I have changed is the original Blaupunkt radio cassette player for a Sony radio cassette.

Currently off the road as failed its MOT on emissions issues, just trying to source some replacement exhaust parts , which thanks to the advice from the good people on this forum should be sorted in the next couple of weeks, just want to get the car through the MOT and back on the road before summer is out. I really miss driving this car.

Really nice original E30 but did it start out as a 318is?

I don't remember 318is being in that colour. I remember a mate agonising over the three available 318is colours, black, white, red

Hi, yes always been a 318is, it’s in a Lazurblau finish.

It was originally sold and registered with Snows BMW in Southampton.

Thanks for the compliment

The IS was fitted with 14” BBS.

Wiki mentions this colour?

Hi, I wonder if the original owner (there’s only been two and I’m one of them) opted for cheaper wheels ?

A few people have commented on the wheels over the years and suggested I change them to the 14” BBS but I always resisted as I wanted to keep the car as original to how it was when I purchased it from Chandlers BMW back in 1994.

Dlb26 wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 01, 2020 12:01 pm

Wiki mentions this colour?

Yes I think the wiki is right as I have seen lachs silver ones too thinking of it

ah wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 01, 2020 11:56 am

The IS was fitted with 14” BBS.

The steels were standard and the alloys were an option (that just about everybody took) I do remember that

Welcome to the zone mate, nice looking car you have and top marks for keeping it original

Mart.

Spenciet wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 01, 2020 12:16 pm

Hi, I wonder if the original owner (there’s only been two and I’m one of them) opted for cheaper wheels ?

A few people have commented on the wheels over the years and suggested I change them to the 14” BBS but I always resisted as I wanted to keep the car as original to how it was when I purchased it from Chandlers BMW back in 1994.

Yes good point I’m exactly the same,I like my car exactly the way it came off the production line.The first owner of my car wanted a tec 2 steering wheel and a M leather gear knob, so that’s how it stayed.As for your steel wheels I can see you point in originality but a set of 14”BBS would look good and still very much IS speck.If you change BE SURE TO KEEP THE ORIGINAL ONES,good luck.

I mean... I have wet dreams about owning a blue 318iS Very nice sir!!

Not sure how an MOT can be failed on emissions? These cars were built before emissions laws were brought in? If I were you I would look into the FirtzBitz stainless steel system. VERY reasonably priced. I will be purchasing one for one of my cars soon.

ah wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 01, 2020 11:56 am

The IS was fitted with 14” BBS.

iS was fitted with steel wheels!

flybynite wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 01, 2020 12:31 pm

Yes I think the wiki is right as I have seen lachs silver ones too thinking of it

Sterling silver

Wow, looks great.

If you're ever selling, let me know!

"Currently off the road as failed its MOT on emissions issues, just trying to source some replacement exhaust parts , which thanks to the advice from the good people on this forum should be sorted in the next couple of weeks, just want to get the car through the MOT and back on the road before summer is out. I really miss driving this car."

I yours a CAT or non-CAT car? They were specc'd as such from factory (my IS is non-cat) they were then tested under a different version of the MOT emission iirc.
Or is your exhaust just leaking?

What parts are you looking for i any case? I had a 'mare tracking down an IS exhaust! No chance in getting one from BMW for some time either.
There was a FB post selling a standard IS centre section and IMASAF rear box a while ago, not sure if it's still available or helpful to you?

Hi, thanks for all of your replies. I have managed to get a replacement exhaust from Fritz,

Yes it’s been an absolute mare getting hold of the replacement exhaust for the iS, if it hadn’t been for advice given on this forum the situation would have been approaching critical.

My car was originally registered in November 1990, so it was a non CAT as far as I am aware.

Cannot wait to get the car back on the road.

Thanks again

Emissions limits are based on the date of first use, and have nothing to do with whether the car is fitted with a cat. or not. For a car of this age, the limits are 3.5% CO and 1200ppm HC, which any Motronic E30 should meet easily if in good condition.

loverly car- but personally the wheels would have to be changed.

Nice to see such an original car, I believe those wheels trims are unique to the 318iS.

Even 16yrs ago, when I had my first 318iS, you had to go aftermarket for exhaust parts.

Dlb26 wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 01, 2020 12:01 pm

Wiki mentions this colour?

From the Wiki;

Available Body Colours (Paint Colour Codes)
Sterlingsilber Metallic
Diamantschwarz Metallic
Lazurblau Metallic
Brillantrot
Alpinweiss II

Yes I think you are right regarding the wheel trims and their uniqueness to the 318is, as they were on the car when I bought it I have always been loathe to change them.

If all goes to plan the replacement exhaust should arrive tomorrow,, then an MOT retest, if all goes well I should be back on the road before next weekend, keeping fingers crossed.