SOTW: BMW 318is
Garlick's chosen a BMW (and not a Merc). How very odd...
As regular devotees of SOTW will probably know, I have three criteria when searching for a Shed of the Week - it must be limo-sized, it must be an auto and it has to be a Merc. But something changed this week, because I've cheated on Mercedes for a dabble with its deadliest rival. I feel dirty.
Back in 1996 we had a fairly new BMW 318is on the used forecourt at the dealer where I worked. It was black with grey cloth and, to be honest, we hadn't had much interest in it, but I rather liked it. At that time I'd never driven an 'is' before and seized the opportunity to take this one out once my boss had gone home for the evening. It wasn't taxed, so trade plates were attached and I was off (after jump-starting it if I recall correctly).
I remember how much I liked the way the car involved the driver, how the dash wrapped around you and how good the four-pot sounded. I was selling Mercs at the time and we didn't offer anything as focussed; we certainly didn't offer anything with a manual box as smooth either and (rather reluctantly) I was seeing the appeal of the blue-and-white roundel.
Today these cars are worth a grand - and that's not bad is it? For your money you'll be getting the rather beautiful E36 coupe body, containing a 140bhp, 1800cc engine (though this car could just possibly be a later car featuring the 1900cc M44 engine that also saw service in the Z3) that gives over 130mph and a 0-60mph time of 10.2secs.
For a fairly small four-banger you get a reasonable 132lb ft of torque, too, and when it's wrapped up in a chassis as tight as only BMW know how, you'll find that's more than enough to get into trouble (just don't drive one like I did).
Looking at the advert this car seems in very good health, is versions of the E36 regularly fall into shed budget but they don't always look like this, especially not with tax and test thrown in. Tempted? I think you should be, I know I am. This needs to be bought.
Advert is reproduced below:
1996 BMW 318is, 124,000 miles, £1000
BMW 318is for sale, this cars is in great condition, runs perfect without any problems. It is surprisinly good on fuel aswell. It has 17 inch bbs split-rims which are in ok condition but could do with a re-furb at some point to be perfect. The car has a factory fitted m-tec boby kit all round. Also has red carpets and red seats and red door card trim. It has electric windows and sun roof. It has tax for five months and mot till august. The tyres are all in legal condition with one tyre new. This car is great and i will be sorry to see it go, but due to me finishing uni for the summer very shortly i need the money to see me through.£1000.
He'd all-but signed for a Prelude (5th gen) when he was invited to a BMW company car driver test-drive event. When he arrived the only car left was a 318iS which was probably all his budget would stretch to anyway and so he headed-out in it.
He (as I would have) assumed that it would be a bit limp and lifeless - not a patch on the hot hatches/coupe's he'd been eyeing-up - but when he came back he'd decided it was the car for him! When I questioned this, he pressed the keys into my hands within a couple of days of getting it and told me to see for myself.
At the time I had a Civic 1.8 VTi which I hated for a raft of reasons, so I might have been slightly clouded in my judgement but 4 hours behind the wheel on motorways, country roads, town centres etc. left me nothing less than impressed. It did nothing amazing - it wasn't a "hot hatch" - it's performance was 'adequate" - but you got out feeling like you'd just gotten-in - it was a lovely car...
If I had a complaint, it's that for some reason no-one let you out of junctions/lanes on the motorway
It wasn't red inside tho!!!!
It was a nice little driver but I think the quoted/claimed top speed was optomistic at best and I would imagine a 200kph cruise on an autobhan would have it well out of its comfort zone. That said they are lovely cars and off the motorway I prefer them to the 6cyl e36's.
So the claimed top speed was pretty spot on, and at that speed the car felt solid as a rock both in a straight line and cornering hard (tyres howling).
My feeling is that the E36 was a bit of a milestone for ride and handling. What has improved radically since 1992?
but so much better than funeral black.- must not buy, already have 2 sets*
On closer inspection i'd be looking for rear crash damage. That rear bumper has had the black insert sprayed!!
The E36 despite being an 'old' car has ages very well imo and belies its age to the average joe on the street. 328s are rapidly becoming uber bargains going for little more than this SOTW. As nice as the 318iS is, the E36 chassis needs a six cyl.
It was a bomber. Loved the thing.
Handled well, reliable, well built. But it was that straight six that was the main attraction. Sounded well and was respectably quick.
Rusty rear arches, trailing arm bushes and front wishbone bushes. Apart from that it was faultless.
Interior a bit dull, but the seats were good.
I sold mine a couple of years ago for £1500 with 75,000 miles on the clock. It was a bargain for someone and I should have kept it.
I can't help feeling that a 318 would be a bit underpowered.
Here's my old 328.
handling is great as you get the M suspension pack and the little 4 pot really does do the job and although not very power full it really does feel nippy.
i have owned my 328i sport now for around 3 years and although having the bigger 328i obviously makes a difference with a few suspension upgrades the E36 holds its own easily today.
For a £1k that little 318is with those BBS is a lovely little bargain
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