I owned a 318is which I bought new in 1991 and kept until it was rear-ended and totaled in 1999. The car was brillant. We used it for touring and it handled like nothing else I have ever driven. Its composure on twisty country roads was remarkable, it felt so nimble and balanced. I have since owned cars with three times the power, but nothing has handled better than that little car. My wife and I still miss it to this day.
I agree 💯 about this E30. To me it was one of the best. Had a friend back in the day that bought one new and I always admired it. Wish BMW still made something like this today.
I have had a '91 318is for 15 years. While it has been the most reliable car that I have owned rubber boots & hoses are old, at the end of their service life. Your sentiment has been echoed by others who owned the M3 at the same time as a 318is & found it easier to drive daily. What a shame that the M3 is so valuable now, they are one of the coolest ever.
Bought mine for 8k 3 years ago. Completely restored it to stock, m-tech suspension and all. Such a joy to take on high speed corners and keeps up with way more powerful cars. I cook the brakes quickly but I need to brake less as the back kicks out and you have even more fun.
These are the reasons why I (as a member of the younger generation of car enthusiasts) love the 135i. Sure it's not E30 light, but in a sea of heavy, heavy cars, the platform offers the short wheel base, everything-you-need-and-nothing-you-don't interior, modern safety, incredible handling and wonderful hydraulic power steering (trust me, I have an Elise), and a host of factory configurations (NA, turbo, DCT, 6spd manual, iDrive/no iDrive, sunroof/slicktop) for whatever your use/modification case may be. It's the first generation of BMWs to have double wishbone rear suspension instead of semi-trailing arms (which as the E30 proves is not a dealbreaker, but it's nice to have) and the last to have hydraulic power steering. It keeps the signature BMW interior glow and speedo/tach layout, physical HVAC controls all while retaining its modern luxuries like bluetooth music, usable navigation, etc. It's a do-it-all chassis that takes little modification to be breathing down the necks of it's bigger M brothers like the E92 M3 and the 1M (while being smaller and lighter than the E46 M3 -- about the length and WB of an E30). And you can still work on it yourself, unlike the G chassis monstrosities! (I have Ground Control camber plates on my 135i)
I had an E30 325i 1989 with full package from the factory. I mean all of the options available at the time. I just loved the car, very well built, very good on the road, confortable and beautiful. But the electronics aways had complications and the mecanics were I live (Brazil) don't have pacience to work on this cars. That car leaked all the time and no mather how much OEM/genuine parts I bought, the car was never free of problems. So I sold the car in 2018. If this car was a simpler car, maybe it would still in my garage to this day.
Contrary to what some think, I found this a great feature and shout-out. Thanks for the video. Having owned the m3 version, 325, 318 etc. I personally think the 318 is decent. You can go on and on AND ON about the m3 but in the end, you can't ignore the value and realistic take on what you're getting for the money. m3 I bought more than 6 years ago and I still thought it was expensive for what it is, not to mention how stupid the price is today. There are plenty of great classics out there which also have homologation/provenance/historical context.. but most of the time people choose hype because they simply can't acknowledge their subconscious insecurities. Once you have handled, owned, maintained enough classics, both performance or otherwise.. you'd realise the e30 m3 is no big deal and definitely not worth its price tag. Especially when compared to other similarly driving-related, life-changing experiences you could have at the price bracket. I sincerely hope the 318 remains at a low price point so that people who are open-minded enough will always be rewarded.
Don't worry. The 318 will remain at a low price. Like $4k low. Especially ones from 1984-1987. Remember basic economic, supply and demand. Sure there are plenty of like you said homologation/provenance/historical context. But how about you mention one car that matches up with the M3's historical context and is cheaper?
The 318iS is awesome but the best E30 is clearly the 320iS, which was a downtuned version of the M3 engine for the Portuguese and Italian markets due to their tax system at the time being based on displacement. Lighter and more discrete than the M3 and considerably more powerful, with better brakes and suspension than the 318iS.
Had an E30 325i that I bought for 2 grand, sold it for 4x that amount with 300k miles on it and still solid as ever. As the video states these cars are so USABLE, the value just isn't there at $25k for a M42 car. If you can find an honest car for under $10k it's a sweetheart of a car you can build many memories with. At the ridiculous prices "clean" E30s go for these days there are just way too many other cars you could buy for the money that are objectively better vehicles that you could actually use and not feel bad about doing so. Apples and elephants, but once you're in E46 or E9X M3 territory it makes no sense. Best car I ever had, but at today's prices - no thanks!
I agree with the notion that the M3 is very possibly not the best E30 but not another 4 cylinder variant probably ain't either a 320 or 325 however? now we're cooking with gas
When you compare it to the M3, the 318is might make some sense (price-wise), but stack it against a standard 318i or 320i, which are still priced well under $10k for good examples, and it starts to fall short. Spending $20-30k on a car with 140hp and virtually no torque under 4000rpm? No, thanks. I own one (though I swapped the engine in my 316 to an M42), and while it's fun, it's still undeniably underpowered. The only stock E30 that truly makes sense to buy is the 325i. Alternatively, a clean 316, 318, or 320 is a solid base if you're planning to swap in something more powerful, like an M50, M52, or M54. Unfortunately, these cars never came with the "perfect" engine that you can just enjoy as-is. Well, except for the M3 2.5, but who's paying $200k for an E30? And don’t get me wrong - I’m not hating on anything here. My love for E30s is through the roof, trust me! But that’s just the reality.
Of the five e30's I have owned one 323 one 325 also a 318is and two v8 powered e30 coupes. all of which I have worked out of in the last decade as a travelling consultant all well mantained, travelling decent klm's. Of the standard cars the 318is is by far the best drive on the limit on a winding country road, no question about it.
@@grahammcguinness9416 Well yeah, it’s the most rev happy and responsive engine in an E30. But only on the limit. Some people like this, some don’t. I liked it for the first year, then I just got tired of having to drive the car on the absolute limit if I wanted to have fun. Was also kind of dangerous as well.
this is a losing argument. very little of what is presented here follows linear logic, and opinions (odd ones, as well) are presented as facts and then built on with other opinions. this would be correct only if you find the M3 to be too cool, too awesome, way too much fun, and just too much of an amazing driving experience overall. if your day is ruined because the M3 is too perfect, then this argument would make sense. otherwise, it just sounds like you have a 318 you're trying to upsell.
My first BMW was 318iS, I bought it for aprox. 700€, and after a season, I bought 16 inch BBS (originals), for around 100€, but in that time, I didn't cnow, that 318iS special model, and BBS mesh wheels was totally not in "wibe", that time. After my bosses "propaganda", that I need something newer, I sold it and bought Calibra 🫣. I miss that car, really.
I owned a 318is which I bought new in 1991 and kept until it was rear-ended and totaled in 1999. The car was brillant. We used it for touring and it handled like nothing else I have ever driven. Its composure on twisty country roads was remarkable, it felt so nimble and balanced. I have since owned cars with three times the power, but nothing has handled better than that little car. My wife and I still miss it to this day.
I love mine! I've had it since 2006 and it's at 409,000 miles now. Still a joy to drive and probably the cheapest to run of all the cars I've owned.
m42 love
More E30 Content please!
I agree 💯 about this E30. To me it was one of the best. Had a friend back in the day that bought one new and I always admired it. Wish BMW still made something like this today.
I have had a '91 318is for 15 years. While it has been the most reliable car that I have owned rubber boots & hoses are old, at the end of their service life. Your sentiment has been echoed by others who owned the M3 at the same time as a 318is & found it easier to drive daily. What a shame that the M3 is so valuable now, they are one of the coolest ever.
Bought mine for 8k 3 years ago. Completely restored it to stock, m-tech suspension and all. Such a joy to take on high speed corners and keeps up with way more powerful cars. I cook the brakes quickly but I need to brake less as the back kicks out and you have even more fun.
These are the reasons why I (as a member of the younger generation of car enthusiasts) love the 135i. Sure it's not E30 light, but in a sea of heavy, heavy cars, the platform offers the short wheel base, everything-you-need-and-nothing-you-don't interior, modern safety, incredible handling and wonderful hydraulic power steering (trust me, I have an Elise), and a host of factory configurations (NA, turbo, DCT, 6spd manual, iDrive/no iDrive, sunroof/slicktop) for whatever your use/modification case may be. It's the first generation of BMWs to have double wishbone rear suspension instead of semi-trailing arms (which as the E30 proves is not a dealbreaker, but it's nice to have) and the last to have hydraulic power steering. It keeps the signature BMW interior glow and speedo/tach layout, physical HVAC controls all while retaining its modern luxuries like bluetooth music, usable navigation, etc. It's a do-it-all chassis that takes little modification to be breathing down the necks of it's bigger M brothers like the E92 M3 and the 1M (while being smaller and lighter than the E46 M3 -- about the length and WB of an E30). And you can still work on it yourself, unlike the G chassis monstrosities!
(I have Ground Control camber plates on my 135i)
I had an E30 325i 1989 with full package from the factory. I mean all of the options available at the time. I just loved the car, very well built, very good on the road, confortable and beautiful. But the electronics aways had complications and the mecanics were I live (Brazil) don't have pacience to work on this cars. That car leaked all the time and no mather how much OEM/genuine parts I bought, the car was never free of problems. So I sold the car in 2018. If this car was a simpler car, maybe it would still in my garage to this day.
I have a white 1991 E30 31oi. I agree with everything presented here. :)
Contrary to what some think, I found this a great feature and shout-out. Thanks for the video.
Having owned the m3 version, 325, 318 etc. I personally think the 318 is decent. You can go on and on AND ON about the m3 but in the end, you can't ignore the value and realistic take on what you're getting for the money. m3 I bought more than 6 years ago and I still thought it was expensive for what it is, not to mention how stupid the price is today. There are plenty of great classics out there which also have homologation/provenance/historical context.. but most of the time people choose hype because they simply can't acknowledge their subconscious insecurities. Once you have handled, owned, maintained enough classics, both performance or otherwise.. you'd realise the e30 m3 is no big deal and definitely not worth its price tag. Especially when compared to other similarly driving-related, life-changing experiences you could have at the price bracket.
I sincerely hope the 318 remains at a low price point so that people who are open-minded enough will always be rewarded.
Don't worry. The 318 will remain at a low price. Like $4k low. Especially ones from 1984-1987. Remember basic economic, supply and demand. Sure there are plenty of like you said homologation/provenance/historical context. But how about you mention one car that matches up with the M3's historical context and is cheaper?
The 318iS is awesome but the best E30 is clearly the 320iS, which was a downtuned version of the M3 engine for the Portuguese and Italian markets due to their tax system at the time being based on displacement. Lighter and more discrete than the M3 and considerably more powerful, with better brakes and suspension than the 318iS.
3:38 No Sir. E30 has a timeless style that will never get old. New models of bmw have no style.
I agree with you 💯
Had an E30 325i that I bought for 2 grand, sold it for 4x that amount with 300k miles on it and still solid as ever. As the video states these cars are so USABLE, the value just isn't there at $25k for a M42 car. If you can find an honest car for under $10k it's a sweetheart of a car you can build many memories with. At the ridiculous prices "clean" E30s go for these days there are just way too many other cars you could buy for the money that are objectively better vehicles that you could actually use and not feel bad about doing so. Apples and elephants, but once you're in E46 or E9X M3 territory it makes no sense. Best car I ever had, but at today's prices - no thanks!
True, todays prices are out of control. I'll admit that I paid a lot even for my E30 318i, it cost me 13k, a 318is is twice the price of that.
dang, that's a shame the m42 only came on late model 318's. i prefer the early model so i'll have to make due with the m10 until swap time
Did you get the M40's where you live? I settled for one with that engine, it's reliable but hesitant to rev past 5,500rpm.
Having owned both, I much prefered mly M3...The chassis is years ahead for me.
Just bought one 1991 318is slicktop 100k miles doesn’t run nice little project
Nice!
E30i BMW, when they still made great cars, before the bean counters took over and the engineers were relegated to the back seat.
Because you can affoard this one not the m3. It's all down to money
I agree with the notion that the M3 is very possibly not the best E30 but not another 4 cylinder variant probably ain't either
a 320 or 325 however?
now we're cooking with gas
I had one and no, just no. Really slow and poor rear suspension set up. The only thing going for it was nice balance.
Every e30 has bad suspension setup
Well, they made the E30 318is since 1989, not just 1991. Maybe in the US it was only 1991, but my 318is was a 1990 model here in the UK!
In the US it’s only available in 1991
When you compare it to the M3, the 318is might make some sense (price-wise), but stack it against a standard 318i or 320i, which are still priced well under $10k for good examples, and it starts to fall short. Spending $20-30k on a car with 140hp and virtually no torque under 4000rpm? No, thanks. I own one (though I swapped the engine in my 316 to an M42), and while it's fun, it's still undeniably underpowered.
The only stock E30 that truly makes sense to buy is the 325i. Alternatively, a clean 316, 318, or 320 is a solid base if you're planning to swap in something more powerful, like an M50, M52, or M54. Unfortunately, these cars never came with the "perfect" engine that you can just enjoy as-is. Well, except for the M3 2.5, but who's paying $200k for an E30?
And don’t get me wrong - I’m not hating on anything here. My love for E30s is through the roof, trust me! But that’s just the reality.
Of the five e30's I have owned one 323 one 325 also a 318is and two v8 powered e30 coupes. all of which I have worked out of in the last decade as a travelling consultant all well mantained, travelling decent klm's. Of the standard cars the 318is is by far the best drive on the limit on a winding country road, no question about it.
@@grahammcguinness9416 Well yeah, it’s the most rev happy and responsive engine in an E30. But only on the limit. Some people like this, some don’t. I liked it for the first year, then I just got tired of having to drive the car on the absolute limit if I wanted to have fun. Was also kind of dangerous as well.
Fancy seeing you here. And I agree, the prices for anything sporty these days are insane.
this is a losing argument. very little of what is presented here follows linear logic, and opinions (odd ones, as well) are presented as facts and then built on with other opinions. this would be correct only if you find the M3 to be too cool, too awesome, way too much fun, and just too much of an amazing driving experience overall. if your day is ruined because the M3 is too perfect, then this argument would make sense. otherwise, it just sounds like you have a 318 you're trying to upsell.
As a e30 318is owner I agree
He said the value for money you get from a 318is makes it better. But I agree that it's still a rip-off for 25k.
I know a guy own both m3 and 318is , but he prefer 318is to m3
Oops you said 325is wrong.
My first BMW was 318iS, I bought it for aprox. 700€, and after a season, I bought 16 inch BBS (originals), for around 100€, but in that time, I didn't cnow, that 318iS special model, and BBS mesh wheels was totally not in "wibe", that time. After my bosses "propaganda", that I need something newer, I sold it and bought Calibra 🫣. I miss that car, really.