Just bought a 318is Coupe - Paint Question
Discussion
Well. I never thought I'd join the BMW only lane on the PH motorway, but I've gone and done it and bought myself a bavarian sausage-fest of a car! 
I was just on the lookout for a new runabout and found this car via a PH'er. 1996, on a P plate, 115k miles with FSH and a years MOT in Techno Violet with Silver Cloth.
It needs a couple of bits, namely a cracked headlight replacing and a scuff on the rear arch tidying up, but it drives superbly for a small engined car, and it hasn't got a squeak or rattle anywhere
It may not be the quickest thing around but it's nice to drive and it's pretty smart for a banger
I want to bring the paint up to standard though... does anyone know if the paint on this car is lacquered? Reason being that I would like to try and take some of the swirls out of the paint and make it look like it's actually one of my cars (ie: immaculate).
Oh, and can you still buy new BMW overmats in silver?
Cheers
Dave

I was just on the lookout for a new runabout and found this car via a PH'er. 1996, on a P plate, 115k miles with FSH and a years MOT in Techno Violet with Silver Cloth.
It needs a couple of bits, namely a cracked headlight replacing and a scuff on the rear arch tidying up, but it drives superbly for a small engined car, and it hasn't got a squeak or rattle anywhere

It may not be the quickest thing around but it's nice to drive and it's pretty smart for a banger

I want to bring the paint up to standard though... does anyone know if the paint on this car is lacquered? Reason being that I would like to try and take some of the swirls out of the paint and make it look like it's actually one of my cars (ie: immaculate).
Oh, and can you still buy new BMW overmats in silver?
Cheers
Dave
dxb335d said:
Rich, how much did you pay out of interest? and how many owners?
i recently sold a 318is coupe so just intrigued.
I'm intrigued as well - I've kept an eye on the price of late E36 318iS models, and from what I've seen I must have got mine for a good price - paid 2.5k for it early last year, and haven't seen many of the same age (T plate) cheaper with similar mileage.i recently sold a 318is coupe so just intrigued.
dxb335d said:
Rich, how much did you pay out of interest? and how many owners?
i recently sold a 318is coupe so just intrigued.
Can't remember how many previous owners (didn't pay that much attention - it's just some cheap wheels).i recently sold a 318is coupe so just intrigued.
I paid £1300 for it - to be fair it does need a few bits (tracking was out, needed a new tyre to fix a high speed vibration, and it's booked in to have the clutch on the starter motor repaired) Oh and it needs a headlight lens.
But as I say, it was an excellent price for what it is. I thought the ride and handling were good when I test drove it but now the tracking is in line it's truly excellent.
Oh, and it doesn't have the right 16" Alloys, it's on 15's that are the same style... but that's good news because the tyres are cheaper
KingRichard said:
dxb335d said:
Rich, how much did you pay out of interest? and how many owners?
i recently sold a 318is coupe so just intrigued.
Can't remember how many previous owners (didn't pay that much attention - it's just some cheap wheels).i recently sold a 318is coupe so just intrigued.
I paid £1300 for it - to be fair it does need a few bits (tracking was out, needed a new tyre to fix a high speed vibration, and it's booked in to have the clutch on the starter motor repaired) Oh and it needs a headlight lens.
But as I say, it was an excellent price for what it is. I thought the ride and handling were good when I test drove it but now the tracking is in line it's truly excellent.
Oh, and it doesn't have the right 16" Alloys, it's on 15's that are the same style... but that's good news because the tyres are cheaper
For the MOT it didn't need much doing - tyres and the front lower near side suspension arm was on its way out.
I'm finally doing a reasonable commute in the car, and its absolutely perfect - ride and handling are good. Sure, its not got a huge amount of poke, but its got a sharp enough throttle and response to put a smile on my face on occasion.
clonmult said:
KingRichard said:
dxb335d said:
Rich, how much did you pay out of interest? and how many owners?
i recently sold a 318is coupe so just intrigued.
Can't remember how many previous owners (didn't pay that much attention - it's just some cheap wheels).i recently sold a 318is coupe so just intrigued.
I paid £1300 for it - to be fair it does need a few bits (tracking was out, needed a new tyre to fix a high speed vibration, and it's booked in to have the clutch on the starter motor repaired) Oh and it needs a headlight lens.
But as I say, it was an excellent price for what it is. I thought the ride and handling were good when I test drove it but now the tracking is in line it's truly excellent.
Oh, and it doesn't have the right 16" Alloys, it's on 15's that are the same style... but that's good news because the tyres are cheaper
For the MOT it didn't need much doing - tyres and the front lower near side suspension arm was on its way out.
I'm finally doing a reasonable commute in the car, and its absolutely perfect - ride and handling are good. Sure, its not got a huge amount of poke, but its got a sharp enough throttle and response to put a smile on my face on occasion.

I wish I'd bought a 328i or an M3 now though
I bet they're a right giggle!Setting to work with the polish on Sunday, can't wait!
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