Highlights

Low mileage under 50,000 miles
Just seven registered keepers
Factory standard and original car
Rare ‘S’ with 136bhp M42 16V engine
Huge history of ongoing maintenance
MOT to May 2025 with no advisories

The Appeal

A simple letter transformed BMW’s E30, star of suburban driveways, into a Golf GTI rival. BMW even jokingly called it a ‘GTI for grown-ups.’ The 318iS got the firm’s new M42 engine, which was equipped with new-fangled multi-valve technology previously reserved for the M3 models.

Firmer M-Technic suspension and sports fittings inside and out set this 136bhp saloon apart from the rest of the range and its competitors. As enthusiasts know, the 318iS is the hidden gem of the E30 range.

Here is a very good one. It is a very low mileage car - under 50,000 miles from new - and in pleasingly factory-standard condition, right down to the original ‘Brilliant Red’ paintwork. It looks very much as it must have done on the day in 1990 when it was first road registered by SMB BMW. The dealership specified it as a demonstrator so there are appealing factory options fitted like the BBS alloys, a steel sunroof and Recaro sports seats (the same as those fitted to M3s).

In the intervening 34 years there have been just five keepers, all of whom have clearly respected its condition and used it sparingly. The MOT history supports this view, showing very few advisories since 2006. It carries a current test to May 2025 with no advisories.

Today it arrives on the market in great order with a huge history file of regular servicing and maintenance. Recent work includes servicing, brake discs and pads and replacing brake and gearbox fluids. Factory correct and beautifully presented, this is a great example of one of the 80s finest drivers’ cars.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 3rd September 1990
Factory built on 27th July 1990
Online VIN check confirms current specification and colour scheme
Only seven registered keepers with details provided below
Well maintained car with documented service history in service book and history file
Recent maintenance summarised below
Service book and full set of factory handbooks with wallet
Original iS advertisement
Vendor advises the car has just been serviced and fitted with Brembo pads
2 keys, an alarm fob and master key
Old paper handwritten MOTs as well as online MOTs to verify mileage
Current MOT to 19th May 2025 with no advisories
Very few advisories on MOT tests shown online back to 2006
Sparing use since 2006 with under 5,000 miles covered
Last MOT test shows 49,541 miles and photographs show current mileage of 49,738 miles

Recent maintenance:

14/09/21: serviced
24/05/22: service, brake fluid, gearbox fluid, new tyres at 48,794 miles
20/06/22: brake discs and pads
11/05/23: service items invoices

Ownership history advised by seller:

First registered by SMB BMW, likely as a demonstrator
2nd keeper Professor Ronald Waters acquired the car on 18th February 1991 at 6,000 miles
Car subsequently passed to his wife and then son with one additional keeper registered
4th keeper acquired car in 1999
5th keeper purchased car in 2009
6th keeper purchased car in 2022
Vendor acquired car from Colonel Cars

The Condition

Very well-presented and remarkably preserved factory-standard car
‘Brilliant Red’ paintwork in very good, apparently original condition
Few obvious signs of age to paintwork but some to be anticipated due to age and originality
Bodywork presents very well with no accident damage reported
Arches, sills and underside in good order with no structural advisories on MOT
Factory standard car with useful options including sunroof and BBS 14in alloys
Alloys in very good order with quality Michelin tyres fitted showing good tread
Neat details to exterior including factory mud flaps
iS factory standard interior with Recaro anthracite cloth seats looking barely used
Fitted with extended anthracite cloth package to door cards, also well-kept
Carpets through cabin and boot in very good condition
Later Kenwood stereo fitted with original factory radio also included
We are told that all electrics work, including the slide/tilt steel sunroof

The Mechanics

Twin cam 16V 1,796cc M42 136bhp engine
5spd close-ratio manual gearbox
0-60mph in 8.7secs
Factory tool kit which appears complete and in good condition
Large history file showing regular maintenance through its life
This file and online DVLA resources verify the low mileage
No reported running or driving issues
Recent maintenance summarised above
Recently serviced and brake pads replaced
No mechanical or running gear advisories on last MOT

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. If requested we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]