1990 BMW E30 318is – Today’s Tempter

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 30.09.2020

Overseas values are on the move, while local prices are beginning to follow suit

For a long time, BMW’s E30 made for one of the most attractive bargain classic buys; they were found aplenty in base-model trim for under $10,000, and offered one of the most lauded driver’s platforms of the era.

Come 2020 though, and E30 demand is surging all around the globe. Felt both at the top end, where E30 M3 values are well and truly in uncharted territory - one selling in the US in July for AU$350,000 – and at the entry-level where bottom-end values are being dragged up under their newfound popularity.

Even in last year’s Euro Value Guide, we had values pegged for lower-spec four and six-cylinder E30 3 series just under $10,000 – and that’s still certainly possible in many cases.

Although examples desirably fitted with manual gearboxes, and/or coupe bodies are beginning to demand significant money both overseas and locally.

This one comes in 318is spec which denotes the factory fitment of the 1.8lt DOHC M42 four-cylinder, and backed by a five-speed manual gearbox.

While many BMWs from the late-80s are beginning to show signs of age and deterioration, this one is described to be in excellent condition throughout.

Having covered 234,760kms, the car’s body and interior present well and unmarked while the seller claims the car is a ‘pleasure to drive’.

Optioned with a sunroof, and sitting on its original BMW ‘Style 5’ mesh wheels. An aftermarket stereo appears to be the only visually discernible modifications to the car.

Located in New South Wales, the E30 318is is listed for $26,500 - which may be a little ahead of the market. But good condition examples are getting harder and harder to find, and this one may be worth investigating for the discerning ‘youngtimer’ enthusiast.

Check out the full listing here!

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