Lot Ended
Description
Highly original 318is
specification; FIA Group N Homologated; very rare baby M3 model
The
318is quickly earned its reputation as the “baby M3”, combining the classic E30
chassis with BMW’s advanced M42 1.8-litre
DOHC 16-valve
engine. Producing 134bhp and paired with a slick 5-speed
manual gearbox, it delivered lively performance with everyday
usability.
Sporting de-chromed
trim, spoilers, sports suspension and distinctive M-Tech
interior, the 318is offered genuine driver appeal at a fraction of M3 cost.
Rarely seen today, especially in original condition, this 1990 example
represents a sought-after
modern classic –
practical, engaging and increasingly collectible among enthusiasts of BMW’s
golden era.
This highly original example is finished in Sterlingsilber
Metallic (244) was first registered at Carl Norris BMW in Mustow Green,
Kidderminster in August 1990 and was purchased by the current keeper’s
family in 1999, the paperwork contains the receipt for this.
The car was
then used as family transport until around 2006 and the last MOT expired in
September 2009 with 152663 miles showing at this test. The current recorded
mileage is 153,118.
Following this the vehicle was parked up in the
family’s well-ventilated garage being protected by dust sheets, in
the coming years some maintenance was carried out including a new battery,
fuel pump, spark plugs and a clutch slave cylinder with the last invoiced dated
2017.
Fast forward to summer of 2025 when the decision was made to bring
the car out in the sunshine for the first time in many years, this was
administered by the well know TV presenter, British motoring journalist and car
guru Jonny Smith the creator and host from the Late Brake Show where the car is
featured being uncovered and started.
The video can be seen here: you may
have to cut and past the link.
https://youtu.be/_oxUojc310Y?si=jDuJSCdcnCIU2Y5P
The
condition of the BMW remains very much the same as can be seen in the video, as
after the days filming it was immediately tucked away back in the garage and
recovered with soft blankets. We have made no attempt to start the vehicle, but
as you can see from the video it runs sweetly with a remote fuel
supply.
The interior and trim are in excellent condition, fabric and foam
of the seats are unworn and the seat bolters unworn, a sure sign of the care
this vehicle has seen during its use early in its life.
The paperwork
includes a comprehensive folder of invoices covering the time from 1999 to 2017,
the current V5C shows only four former keepers and two of those were from the
same family. There is an Autodata repair and maintenance manual and the original
book pack including the stamped service book as pictured.
A very rare
chance to own a very special BMW that awaits recommissioning.
Additional
information from the first owner who has been in touch.
The car was as
stated was purchase through Carl Norris. Two cars were factory ordered and both
delivered on August 1st, 1990. The other car registered H445 OWP was black with
a black and grey interior and supplied to my business partner. Both cars were
specified with a sunroof but not alloy wheels as they were not standard fitment
at the time. Unfortunately, funds would not run to both.
The silver car
(my car) led a very pampered life for its first three and a bit years. Always
serviced on time with extra oil and filter changes every 3,000 miles. Always
using top quality oil. From memory I think BMW were using Mobil 1 at the time.
So even though I carried out the extra maintenance Mobil 1 would have been used.
Unfortunately, a family led to a bigger car being needed. Sadly, and reluctantly
the car was traded into Lex Land Rover in Stourbridge against a new Discovery.
The car was then on the forecourt of a used car dealer on the corner of
Worcester Lane and Hagley Road in Oldswinford Stourbridge. It was then sold onto
its second owner. From memory the milage at the time was around the
22,000.
Contact:
david.tassell@brightwells.com