Thinking about getting a 318is

[kam09]

As above, gonna go see it tomorrow

The cars got a problem with the flywheel sticking, or a burnt clutch but the guys mechanic reckons it'll get going with a push start?

I'm not too clued up on the e30 318is, I'm used to m20's

Just need as much info as possible in terms of what to look at for, like are they chain driven?

The cars said to have 110kmiles..

Any help mucho appreciated

[e21-Mark]

Go on e30zone and you should find all the info you need.

Or better still...

http://www.unixnerd.demon.co.uk/e30.html

[rob0r]

E30 318is - what a machine. I bought one about 3-4 years ago and recently just sold it, it's probably the best car I'll ever have. The amount of abuse the car took was unreal (TomC and Misky can verify!). I track dayed it about 12-15 times, took it to drift days (I welded the diff) and travelled all around the country in it, often to Drjim to deliver him parts! Mine was rough as hell bodywork wise, but the mechanicals of these cars are unstoppable. In 50,000 miles I did it never once broke down and hardly needed anything doing to it work wise.

The drifting took it's toll and I had to replace the clutch, it's a pain but I did it by myself.

The engine is chain driven, so no snappy belts. The only problem is because they are chain driven a lot of people neglect to look after the engine and forget to change the timing chain tensioner, it's a very easy job and costs all of £20 IIRC. If the timing chain tensioner isn't replaced then the chain will stretch and wear down all the timing sprockets and guides, you'll then be in for a balls-deep £300-400 parts alone timing rebuild. I know the hard way (not on my flawless E30 318is, but a 2nd engine I was putting in an E21). Whilst all the front cases are off you might as well replace the front profile gasket which is a known problem with these engines.

These engines are known to be noisy at the best of times but if there's an excessive top end rattle then you're looking at the worst case scenario I've just described.

Other than that it's typical BMW/E30 issues. Front footwells rot out exactly like E21s do, I had to weld my passenger side up. Also the spare bins behind the rear wheel arches can rot out. Being late E30 cars there really shouldn't be that much rust on the car. I had to get the rear wheel bearings done and this isn't DIY'able, cost me £180 from my local BMW garage.

Seriously, these are awesome cars and I can't speak highly enough of them. Out of all standard E30s, I would take the 318is every single time. TomC got one recently and it's a MINTER. I went to a drift day last weekend in my replacement manual 735i. By lunchtime my 735i had broken down and that was the end of it's day, my old 318is was also at the same drift day with it's new owner and ran all day with no issues. I really miss mine.

[kam09]

Went to see it, was pretty certain in getting it but phone my insurers (lancaster) and they say it can't be insured??!!!

Preety sweet engine and interior bodywork quite tired but it drove fine even with a dodgy/knackered fly wheel!

Any suggestions who will insure me? Tried a whole bunch of places so far cheapest being £2400!







Kam

[e21-Mark]

Have you asked about limited mileage?

Obviously you must never have a spare speedo so that you can keep the mileage under the limit.

[kam09]

Didn't get it after all, no would insure me