SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
A collectable and immaculate BMW E30 318is with incredible provenance.
EQUIPMENT
Monocoque construction, torsionally rigid safety cell, front and rear crumple zones, M Technic sports suspension, twin halogen circular headlights, integral front air dam, green tinted glass, Black satin chrome ‘Shadow Line’, central locking with deadlock, M Technic sports steering wheel, BMW sport front seats, electric windows, electrically adjustable door mirrors, rechargeable glove box torch, toolkit, warning triangle, first aid kit. Factory options; Anti-lock braking system (ABS), electric sliding roof, on-board computer, cross spoke alloys 7Jx15. Dealer options; BMW 3T-E30 Siren alarm system, BMW floor mats.
EXTERIOR
This outstanding BMW E30 318is is finished in stunning and desirable Brilliantrot, (Brilliant Red – Code 308/3) and the paintwork boasts a spectacular deep gloss shine and highly polished finish. Miniscule touched in markings and light blemishes to the boot spoiler are utterly insignificant and do not detract from the impressive appearance. The standard 318is Black satin chrome ‘Shadow Line’ and other trim sections remain exactly as BMW intended, as do the original badges and BMW green tinted glass with number plate etching to all panes. The twin halogen circular headlights are original Bosch fitment and all other lenses are genuine factory items with BMW logos. A participant of BMW Car Club GB concours events, this iconic and beautifully preserved example is truly special.
INTERIOR
The BMW sports front seats and matching rear bench are trimmed in sporting chequered design with door and side linings in correct single-coloured fabric, all in superb spotless condition with virtually no visible wear. The supportive seats, a standard feature on this sporting 318is model, are firm and with seat structure retaining all shape. The grey carpeting has been fully protected from new with genuine BMW floor mats and the black headlining is perfect. The original 318is leather covered steering wheel, gear knob and gaiter are excellent and the former two have the coloured M Tech stripes proudly hinting towards the sporting credentials. The boot area is very clean and houses a complete toolkit, BMW first aid kit, warning triangle and jack. All functions and controls operate including the optional on-board computer and even the rechargeable glove-box torch is still present!
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The E30 318is coupe was released in 1989 using the new M42 engine, the most modern engine in the E30 range at the time. Displacing 1796cc, the four cylinder 16-valve unit produces 136bhp at 6000rpm and 172Nm of torque at 4600rpm, and performance figures of 0-62mph and top speed figures of 9.9 seconds and 126mph respectively are quoted. A spotless, unmolested engine bay displays factory plates and stickers and the bulkhead chassis stamping is clearly defined. The standard five-speed manual gearbox is so precise and an absolute drivers dream.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Factory optional upgraded 7Jx15″ BBS wheels with cross spokes and a polished rim are in pristine order with matching BMW lockable hex centre caps. Matching branded 205/55 R15 tyres are fitted all round with masses of tread remaining. The optional anti-lock braking system (ABS) incorporating all round discs offers ample stopping power and the M Technic sports suspension used as standard for 318is/325i Sport features a correct slightly lower ride height than standard models.
HISTORY FILE
A truly incredible history file sets this example apart from the usual offerings and firmly cements the fastidious ownership this car has enjoyed. Supplied new by BMW Main Dealer Ivor Holmes Ltd of Luton on 2nd January 1991, this example has covered just 74,234 miles with four former keepers. The car was sold by the same BMW main dealer to the second owner, Mr Palmer, in 1996 as an Approved Used BMW and there is a used car sales invoice for £9,463.83. The history file is simply enormous whereby perusal would take many hours. There are countless BMW Main Dealer invoices from new and throughout, as well as independent specialists and virtually every MOT certificate carried out since the first in 1994! Furthermore, the full book pack includes all handbooks, guides and dealership literature as well as the service book containing the stamped entries, the most recent being December 2018 at Sycamore BMW of Peterborough. Known to the BMW Car Club Great Britain, the car has previously entered concours judging events with them as well as being displayed on the club stand at the highly regarded Silverstone Classic event for 2014, 2015 and 2016. Completing the amazing history file are two sets of original keys and BMW alarm fobs, one has button missing, as well as an original sales brochure. Sold by KGF Classic Cars in 2018 to a discerning collector we are now thrilled to be able to offer this rare beautifully preserved example to the next custodian.
HPI Clear.