1994 BMW 318is

Simplicity seems a long-lost ethic within car design and engineering, but BMW used to be fabulous at it. Just look at those clean and concise lines, beautifully understated. The E36 has not only aged well, but has become a cult classic. They weren’t just good to look at either, it was all about the drive. With so many race and championship wins under its belt, there’s no questioning the driving dynamics of the E36, the 318is was their ode to the E30 M3, light, inline 4 cylinder and just a pure pleasure to drive.

 

On the road, it is noticeable just how much more feedback the car offers you through the steering rack than the modern and frankly disconnected cars. The ride quality is top notch and is like butter, as the tyres have a refreshing quantity of sidewall on them, allowing you to find traction on the worst roads, making this feel a lot faster than it should have the right to, as it is able to instil a confidence long-lost with the standard electric power steering, we all know today. A smooth gearbox, great suspension and revvy little engine just makes you feel so involved in the experience.

 

With only 4 previous owners (one of which was our director Chris), it is a car we know well. It has been kept so well and treated like a queen, hence the utterly spectacular condition you see in the photos – yes, it really is that good. It also has a very rare spec and is exactly as it left the factory too, with the wing, red cloth seats as per the original BMW brochure and of course, the all-important manual ‘box!

As the overall condition will tell you, this is a car that has simply been adored all of its life, anything it has ever wanted for, or needed has been done. Consistent servicing, a fresh headlining, exhaust, door handles, window trims, outer trims, clutch slave, underbody brake lines, you name it, if it could be refreshed, it has been. The way the car drives is testament to the loving care it has had lavished on it, everything works just as it should and it is a complete joy to drive and behold. It’ll stop a show that’s for sure!

 

With an incredible MOT history and a history file to back it up, the car wants for nothing. It has had a modern Blaupunkt audio system fitted, so that you can still Bluetooth your phone to it, but without detracting from the overall aesthetic of the 90’s interior, a very nice touch. The current owner also elected to have the car undersealed, in order to help preserve it for many more years ahead – the history file does have photos of the before and after, so that you can see there’s absolutely nothing hiding underneath, as is often the case.

 

If you’re looking for a classic BMW, a smart modern classic daily driver, or an enjoyable investment, look no further, a car that doesn’t cost the earth to look after and is just as much fun as the £100k cars to pilot. It presents perfectly, drives perfectly and is only appreciating. Tell us what’s not to like! Last time we sold this car, it sold before we even managed to write the advert, so if you’re interested, please pick up the phone to avoid disappointment. The car will be serviced by us in preparation for the new owner too, so you won’t have a single worry, just fill it up with fuel and enjoy the drive.

 

 

TOTAL NUMBER OF PREVIOUS OWNERS: 4

TRANSMISSION: 5 speed manual

Engine: 1,895cc DOHC 4 cylinder

Power: 140 bhp @ 6,000 rpm

Torque: 180 Nm @ 4,300 rpm

0-60 mph: 10 seconds

Top Speed: 132 mph

PRICE: £9,995.00 – ONO