Just bought this BMW 318is Sedan

[The Lukas]

1998 BMW 318is Sedan
61000 miles
It's had a couple modifications, but I will be getting much of it back to original. What do you think? I want to take the spoiler off, sort some rust bubbles of the drivers side door, change all the chrome 'upgrades' to the originals, not too sure about the wheels. I'll keep you posted.











Anybody want to make a punt as to what I payed for it?

[Libertine]

All it needs is a few ///M badges

Um, £1600?

[The Lukas]

Yes they're going. I can't believe they go on every non Motorsport BMW going.

I actually payed 1750 you saying that is making me think maybe that was a little high...

Still, 61k...

[SXi Lad]

Looks in mint condition...nice one.

[The Lukas]

Thanks, it just needs a little TLC, outside boot trim (the chrome bit, replace with original black), a damn good polish, and the first job is sorting a few rust bubbles.

Oh and the mirrors, not sure whether to replace with the original ones as they came with the car. But they actually work electrically which is a bonus from most modified ones...

Edited by The Lukas on Thursday 1st July 18:44

[Libertine]

The Lukas said:

Yes they're going. I can't believe they go on every non Motorsport BMW going.

I actually payed 1750 you saying that is making me think maybe that was a little high...

Still, 61k...

Ooops, I have no idea on the price of these things! It's been a while since I last looked at them in the classifieds! I was going to say £1800 or even a bit more. As you said, that's looow mileage!

Looks good!

[agent006]

You're British, it's a saloon not a sedan.

[vrtrooper]

I remember these being brought out before the model change. They were built in South Africa? Sorry to say they were not as well nailed together when new. Looks as if its lasted quite well though.

[jostgo]

Looks in lovely condition minus the M badges and chrome detailing.

[jamiebae]

vrtrooper said:

I remember these being brought out before the model change. They were built in South Africa? Sorry to say they were not as well nailed together when new. Looks as if its lasted quite well though.

Bonus anorak points there!

They were indeed made in SA and were a limited run-out model before the E46 launched. They're the only 318iS saloons you can buy, they were never offered as a mainstream model.

Looks nice, except the horrible chrome boot handle!

[pmanson]

Seats look great

[RB26DETT]

Best colour for an e36.

[Inny]

I've only ever seen one of these before, and I was sceptical enough to ask the guy about it, to confirm it wasn't a bit of badgery. It was a taxi of all things.

[dbdb]

It looks a good one, with a low mileage and one of the best colours too.
I like the wheels, so personally would keep them.
Though I wouldn't have fitted them in the first place, I would probably leave the mirrors as they are. They're not offensive and you will have to spray new ones to match the car's paint which makes it a much bigger job than just swapping them. The chrome boot finisher looks a bit strange though. That would have to go!!

All in, its a nice car: I like it!!

[Evangelion]

Well I like it, I'd even keep the spoiler and mirrors. Wheels ... I think they're nice enough but what would you fit in their place.

I personally would leave it as it is, then use the money saved to drop it 30mm.

[G20]

Exhaust is looking a bit droopy.

[rb5230]

G20 said:

Exhaust is looking a bit droopy.

indeed it is, get rid of all that chrome tat inside and out and those "M" badges and it looks a good daily driver with excellent low mileage (service history to back it up?)

shame about the mirrors, they look a bit wrong on anything but an m3 but then they are the right colour and if they all work i suppose why pay money for standard ones and have all the hassle of matching the colour and fitting them. some bbs 328i sport alloys would look lovely on it though.

[sniff diesel]

The M44 is a cracking lump, powerful, revvy and economical, even if they are a little lumpy at tickover.

[matc]

[geek] That car was registered on the Isle of Wight when new! So probably had a very easy few years and may attribute towards the lower mileage![/geek]

ETA Just read your profile and see you live there!....I'll get my coat!

Edited by matc on Friday 2nd July 16:00

[TonyRPH]

The (genuine) Sport models came with the 'M' badges - not sure if it was standard fitment, or special order though.

They only had an 'M' badge though - not 'M3' or 'M5' - those were reserved for the genuine M models.

And usually the badge was stuck in a different position.

So this car could be correct...?

Nice car BTW.

Edited by TonyRPH on Friday 2nd July 22:34