FS - 1990 E30 318i Cabriolet

So, it's been a tough old year as a mid ranging executive at a mid ranging merchant bank, but you've done pretty well, all things considered.  Your prudence and Calvinist tendencies were just what was required over the past 12 months and you, your department and indeed the bank as a whole have flown under the radar, avoided the flak and, against all the odds,  been successful - and it's bonus time.  Woohoo.

But, despite your success that eejit Goodwin and all his cronies have spoiled it for everyone. Bank bonuses are the hot political potato - about as popular as Michael Barrymore at a swimming gala and the cheque has floated softly rather than thudded loudly on to your doormat this morning.

Bugger!

"Is that Jack Barclay?"
"Yeeeesss"
"Mid ranging bank executive here, I'm afraid I need to cancel the GT Convertible I ordered.  .......Hello?.....hello...?"

But you still need a four seater convertible to ponce about Notting Hill in in the summer.  It needs to be from a premium manufacturer - obviously -   and as the fuel card went in the last round of pay talks, the 6.7 V8 option is now looking decidely unwise.

The biggest problem is your budget.  No longer �150,000 but �1500.

Fortunately austerity is the new conspicuous consumption.  Miserly is the new spendthrift.  Bottom of the range is the new top of the range and what we have here is exactly what you need:-

1991 318i Convertible manual in Mauritius Blue Metallic with silver leather interior.  105000 miles showing, 15"BBS alloys recent new hood and 12 months MoT.



Mechanical

Seems pretty good. It runs and drives very well indeed with a recent service and all green lights showing.  The only thing I can fault is that I think the clutch drags a little when it's cold as you can beat the synchro on first or reverse when cold and stationary. Once selected once, and when on the move, its fine. Just keep the pedal depressed a second or so before engaging gear for the first time. It's something I'd learn to drive around without any bother at all if I was keeping it. It really is no big deal, just worth mentioning.

It's very quiet. Many 318s have noisy cams - this is smooth and quiet.

Interior

Grey leather sports interior (with rear headrests) in good condition, but would benefit from a good liquid leather application. No rips or tears and the bolsters are undamaged, but there is a bit of not too serious cracking - commensurate with age and mileage really, but overall very good. Sports steering wheel, stereo.

The dash is very slightly cracked.






Roof

Perfect. Really. Absolutely perfect - renewed about a year ago, there is not a mark on it and the rear screen is crystal clear

Bodywork.

Rust free. There are two small bits - one at each arch, but that's all I can find in terms of rust along with a wee bit at the base of one B post.

It really is a very straight and rust free shell.

The external panels are all straight and rust free too, but I think it would be fair to say that the most economic way to deal with the car is to repaint it. It has a few very small dents or areas of paint damage or lacquer peeling, but they are spread across almost every panel. As it's not a flat colour, while  it would be possible to do them one by one, overall it would be better to do it all at once. It looks great from 10 feet, but if you get up close you can see it's not perfect.

I'm being overly critical of it to be honest - a good mop and paint restore will have it looking much better, but a respray would allow you to deal with the arches at the same time.

It's on 15" BBSs and has MoT for 12 months. It has a working stereo and alarm/immobiliser, torch, toolkit, first aid kit and triangle

It's the sort of thing you could get great fun out of all summer with probably no expenditure at all.

I prefer the 325i myself, but I have to say that this is an enjoyable wee thing to drive. You do feel that it's a wee bit lighter and while you don't get the noise of the inline 6, you do get quite a nice raspy exhaust note.

This car has the most common option specified on E30 316 and 318s - badge deletion.  Only you will know that it's an effete, wheezing four pot under that bonnet and not a manly, virile inline six.



All in all it's a good cheap reliable wee cab that will give you good service and great fun for the summer.

With a good wash, mop and polish, and prep for sale (I won't use that "d3t@il" word!), I'll be advertising it for �1500 ono on eBay and the classic car sites.   

I'll take �1250 for it as it is - really it only needs half a day in a valet bay to be presentable.

What is your �1250 going to earn you in the bank this summer?  Bugger all. Get some enjoyment out of it.  An E30 convertible is a great starter classic.  Cheap to buy, run and maintain and virtually zero depreciation.  You know it makes sense.

PM me if interested.  As a result of a recent project purchase, I may be prepared to sell the white cab in my sig too if anyone's looking for a really lovely 325 chromie in Alpine with black leather.

Edited by m3Cecotto

Rhys wrote: ..can you flog my Vitara for me? You want to go into business writing adverts for folks. Nice looking car, good luck with the sale.

Thanks.  I've had a couple of nibbles and a bite already so hopefully it won't be around for long.

Re the Vitara, I can give you Paul Daniels's phone number?