New Member - M40 318i

[asward]

Hello,

I recently bought an '88 318i with only 51k on the clock. Not a spec of rust in sight, and despite a few(3) advisories, a sparkly clean MOT.

There are obviously a few things that are going to need work, most importantly a windscreen chip on the passenger side, and some replacement front suspension bushings. There are a few small dents too, which can wait until the paycheck fairy makes her next visit. The whole experience of buying this car was made nice and easy because of the information on the Wiki!

I am also looking at getting a new radio for the car, something that helps maintain the look of the interior, whilst including some new features such as Bluetooth and DAB. If anyone has any advice regarding the radio (or anything else for that matter) please let me know! One I have been looking at is this Continental Radio

Heres a look at her, I named her Bonnie

[martauto]

Hi and welcome to the zone mate and fire up loads more pics please.
Really good to hear the Wiki was of use and there is lots more info on here.

Mart.

[rix313]

Congrats, she looks great! What’s the colour?

[asward]

Congrats, she looks great! What’s the colour?

Dolphin Grey. The front right wing has been replaced/repainted at some point, under certain light you can see the colour isn't perfectly matched with the other panels. There's a couple of scribbles with a paint pen around the bodywork which look like it was done as a colouring exercise in primary school, which is kind of sad, but I guess its part of the reason I got a decent price for it.

[Dlb26]

Radio wise have you looked at the Blaupunkt Bremen sqr 46 dab?
A few on here have fitted, me included, and been very pleased with it although not cheap.

[asward]

Radio wise have you looked at the Blaupunkt Bremen sqr 46 dab?
A few on here have fitted, me included, and been very pleased with it although not cheap.

I have seen this one around, there's just no way I can justify that kind of price on a radio unfortunately, especially when there's some other areas which need the money first . Its definitely one of the nicest looking radios around.

[ocde30]

Hi, great looking car and colour. Just goes to show that there are still good cars out there. Dents and scratches are all part of the car's history / life story so enjoy, no need to rush into cosmetic paintwork. It would be great to see a few more pictures when you can.

[Dlb26]

Radio wise have you looked at the Blaupunkt Bremen sqr 46 dab?
A few on here have fitted, me included, and been very pleased with it although not cheap.

I have seen this one around, there's just no way I can justify that kind of price on a radio unfortunately, especially when there's some other areas which need the money first . Its definitely one of the nicest looking radios around.

It's a lot, I got the family to give money for my birthday to go towards it to ease the blow rather than some loft filler I didn't really want. Maybe Santa could help

[Vez010]

Congrats mate, lovey looking car and only 51k miles!!! Where did you find it?!

[asward]

Congrats mate, lovey looking car and only 51k miles!!! Where did you find it?!

Just outside of Reading on Facebook Marketplace of all places. Wasn't listed anywhere else! The first owner was a Dr, apparently she used it as a daily then gave it to an older man who literally didn't touch it. He then sold it to the guy I bought it from, who had quite a nice car collection, but literally only drove it to keep the MOT. So its been well covered and looked after and barely driven since the mid 90s. I've already done more miles in it in the last 5 days than it had done since '07.

Thanks, Im so excited that I get to experience this car in this quality. I cant imagine driving anything else now.

[asward]

It's a lot, I got the family to give money for my birthday to go towards it to ease the blow rather than some loft filler I didn't really want. Maybe Santa could help

I think Santa has already put aside some new suspension arms Just need the opportunity to go and get them fitted.

[Vez010]

Congrats mate, lovey looking car and only 51k miles!!! Where did you find it?!

Just outside of Reading on Facebook Marketplace of all places. Wasn't listed anywhere else! The first owner was a Dr, apparently she used it as a daily then gave it to an older man who literally didn't touch it. He then sold it to the guy I bought it from, who had quite a nice car collection, but literally only drove it to keep the MOT. So its been well covered and looked after and barely driven since the mid 90s. I've already done more miles in it in the last 5 days than it had done since '07.

Thanks, Im so excited that I get to experience this car in this quality. I cant imagine driving anything else now.

Nice... it’s even better when you get some history with a car like you have! Congrats again!