1991 BMW 318i Manual

Highlights

• Superb original condition

• South African import

• Full leather interior

• Air conditioning

• Super low 40,442 kilometres or 25,129 miles

Overview

The 1991 BMW 318i concluded the celebrated E30 era, presenting a compelling blend of timeless aesthetics, engaging rear-wheel handling, and practical everyday functionality. Motivated by a 1.8-litre inline-four engine producing approximately 111bhp, the 318i provides sensible yet efficient performance, particularly when coupled with the five-speed manual transmission. Its responsive chassis, precise handling, and robust construction cemented its status as a beloved choice for driving aficionados.

Available in a selection of body styles, including four-door, two-door, and convertible models with various trim options, this stunning 1991 four-door comes to the market with just 40,442 kilometres. The car features a full leather interior and air conditioning, and it is believed to never have been restored or welded, which you will see from the stunning original condition.

Certainly one for the enthusiasts who seek low-mileage, original classics. With an MOT valid until March 2026, the BMW has a clean bill of health and is ready to enter into a collection or show field, either of which it will be really appreciated by onlookers and certainly the next lucky custodian.

History and Documentation

• First registered in South Africa 3rd May 1991

• UK registered on 1st March 2017

• V5C is present and in the owner’s name

• One former UK keeper

• Haynes workshop manual

• Original owner’s manual

• Service booklet, which does have a couple of stamps

• Invoices are present for various service parts

• Servicing carried out by the vendor at the following intervals: Oct 2021 @ 39,904 km, Nov 2021 (Timing belt) @ 39,904 km, Dec 2021 @ 39,904 km, Mar 2022 @ 39,965 km, Apr 2023 @ 40,229 km, Jul 2023 @ 40,321 km, Nov 2023 @ 40,358 km, Jul 2024 @ 40,362 km

• The MOT is valid until 31st March 2026

• There was a small chip noted as an advisory, but not affecting the driver's view

• HPI clear

Interior

• Finished in black leather

• The front and rear seats are in excellent condition with no significant signs of age or wear

• All four door cards are free from any damage

• The original steering wheel is in excellent condition with no noticeable wear

• No scuffs or damage were noted on the dashboard

• The instruments work correctly, and the odometer shows a reading of 40,442 kilometres or 25,129 miles when photographed

• No warning lights were displayed while the car was running

• The original factory radio cassette is in place and works correctly, so dig out those Duran Duran tapes

• All of the switchgear is in excellent condition, with no wear to the lettering and is reported to work correctly

• The 318i does benefit from air conditioning, which was blowing cold when we viewed the car

• Grey carpets in the cabin are clean and tidy, with no excessive wear

• Original warning triangle

• One for the purists – the original tool kit has tools inside (apart from the locking wheel nut, because it never came with locking wheel nuts in South Africa)

• Inside the boot is clean and tidy

• The spare wheel, jack and wheel brace are present

Exterior

• Very well-presented E30

• Finished in the stunning Brilliant Red

• The paintwork is excellent; there has been some paintwork to the nearside rear wheel arch, which was a small scratch

• No dings or dents were spotted looking around the E30

• The headlights, fog lights, and indicators are in excellent condition with no damage to the lenses

• All of the windows are original with BMW markings; there is a small chip in the windscreen, which was noted on the MOT, but this could possibly be repaired

• The window seals are in good condition with no perishing

• Both rear light lenses are free from any splits or cracks

• The 318i and BMW badges both have a bright finish 

• 14-inch factory ‘Bottle Top’ alloy wheels 

• The wheels are in excellent condition with no noticeable marks or damage

• A new set of Firestone tyres were fitted in 2016, but since then the car hasn’t covered many miles.

Mechanical

• 1.8-litre four-cylinder fuel-injected M42 engine

• Produces approximately 111 bhp

• Five-speed manual gearbox

• The 318i fires up without hesitation and runs with no issues reported by the vendor

• The five-speed gearchange is smooth and precise, and no untoward noises are coming from the transmission

• Regular oil changes have been carried out by the vendor

• No knocks or bangs are coming from the suspension, and the car feels very tight on the road

• The BMW stops with ease and with no pulling to either side or juddering through the pedal

• The underside really is excellent; there is factory paint visible on some of the nuts and bolts, and there are no obvious signs of surface corrosion on suspension components or the chassis

Summary

This really is a time-warp BMW. Everything in it screams 1991, from the original leather seats and head unit to the stunning engine bay, where you will find the original bolts still have the gold zinc plating on with just the slightest amount of patina – something that can’t be replicated. From there to the exterior, which is simply stunning, and it has only been driven 40,442 kilometres! Or, if you prefer, 25,129 miles.

To arrange a viewing, click the ‘Book Viewing’ button located under the ‘Place Bid’ button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to ‘Contact Seller’ for further enquiries. This seller is located in Uttoxeter Staffordshire.