1991 BMW 318iS

This is a two-owner car from new. The previous owner took custody of it as a company car and then purchased it once it was 3 years old in 1994 (hence the paperwork shows a total of 3 owners). They then ran the car up to 2014 and 89,000 miles, while the second and current owner has only added another 2,000.

The owner says that it needs no work and is ready to be enjoyed by the purchaser.

A recent full respray in the original colour, reconditioned original equipment wheels and new Continental tyres mean that there are few, if any, BMW 318iS on sale today that look this good. 

It has covered only a thousand miles or so since it was painted and so is still in mint condition.

Time-warp cars are rare but this is one such example and the proof of the pudding is in the condition and presence of the factory fitted extras: the glovebox torch is there, it charges, and it works, as does the 13-button on-board trip computer; it has the correct, optional, rear headrests; the boot-mounted tool kit is complete and looks to be unused; and the original equipment fire extinguisher is still fitted. The original BMW build sheet is present and correct and shows what extras were specified with the car when it was new. 

The driver’s seat shows some wrinkling to the black leather but no tears, rips, cracks or deep creases and the rear seat is in as-new condition and looks to have been barely used. The black headlining is unmarked and features an electric sunroof that opens, closes and seals as it should.

The owner has replaced the entire suspension system with Eibach Pro Sports springs, Bilstein B4 dampers, and new top mounts and bumpstops. The true pedant might want to track down a set of original equipment springs and dampers but everyone else will be very happy with a car that handles and looks exactly as it should.

He also had a full service carried out when he first bought it, replacing all the fluids, oils and filters as well as the spark plugs and entire engine breather system.

There is a full service history with the car and it comes with a new MOT having had all advisory items dealt with (new brake pipes, front bushes and front wheel bearings).

There is an extensive service history file for the car that backs up the seller’s claim that the first owner cherished this car for the more than 20 years that they owned it. But then you knew that, didn’t you; after all, no one is going to hang on to an unloved dog for more than two decades, are they?

With prices of E30 M3s having gone through the roof (three times as much as you can buy this for), the hunt is on for The Next Big Thing – and we think this is it. But only the very best cars drive rising prices and there are a lot of E30s being sold that require significant work (typically rust and suspension). This is a very rare example of a car where all those issues have already been addressed.

Thanks to constant, unstinting care we can’t imagine finding a better car for the enthusiast who wants to use his investment. With basic maintenance and stewardship, this car will continue to appreciate and should prove to be a sound purchase.

Our estimate £11-13,000

Please ask questions and feel free to discuss the car in the comments where ourselves and the owner will do all we can to help. 

The car can be viewed near Edinburgh, to arrange to view use the 'Contact Seller' button above, or to find out more about The Market take a look here.