e30 318is convertible - do they exist??

[MPETT]

I saw a 318is convertible for sale on ebay the other day. Went back to have a look but the sale had finished. If they exist I want one!! My old girl, 318is, has done 228K and is coming to the end of her life.

Can anyone confirm they were actually made or was this a conversion of a 318i convertible by sticking in a new engine?

Cheers

Martin

[alfaspiderman2]

I'm fairly sure that they don't (officially) exist

[Road_Terrorist]

Not officially AFAIK

It wouldn't be particularly difficult to make one one yourself though.

[hellrot_e34]

i m pretty sure the last of the line e30 convertibles (j and k reg) were "design" spec with the i s engine.

[Mustard]

hellrot_e34 said:

i m pretty sure the last of the line e30 convertibles (j and k reg) were "design" spec with the i s engine.

No theses cars were M40 engined 8v 1.8ltr cars

the only 318iS are Baur convertibles (ie the converted pram type jobs) of which there are a few (but only a handful I believe)

[MPETT]

I wish I could get a copy of the ebay page and pictures! It had the m42 engine and was the normal convertible (not the baur)

[hellrot_e34]

i recall seeing the same one on ebay. it would add up that the last of the line 318 had the i s engine as the "design" spec (which were primarily bright metallic blue and bright metallic green iirc) had the same cosmetic spec as the i s inc bbs wheels and recaro interior.

[Mustard]

hellrot_e34 said:

i recall seeing the same one on ebay. it would add up that the last of the line 318 had the i s engine as the "design" spec (which were primarily bright metallic blue and bright metallic green iirc) had the same cosmetic spec as the i s inc bbs wheels and recaro interior.

The 'Design' cateogorically(sp) DO NOT HAVE the M42 16v Engine, any car with one has been modified

[MPETT]

I suppose the next logical question is....is it difficult to do? I presume the engine, engine wiring loom and chip are different, but a simple transplant i would guess? Anyone done this before?