Highlights

Well maintained with lots of recent mechanical work
Cambelt, auxiliary belts and alternator recently replaced
Regularly serviced irrespective of mileage
Smart light metallic blue with full grey leather
High spec Lux model with M Sport factory fittings
Final facelift car with desirable 5spd manual
MOT to June 2025

The Appeal

The E30 popularised the idea of ‘the ultimate driving machine.’ Nothing else aimed at suburban families delivered sober practicality with dashing driver engagement quite like BMW’s compact saloon.

This 318 convertible is a particularly smart-looking example. Finished in light blue metallic it is a high specification ‘Lux’ model with full leather interior and M Sport features like suspension and seats. Under the bonnet is BMW’s fizzy 1.8L M40 engine mated to a 5spd manual gearbox.

The car has been very well maintained throughout its life. There is a detailed, typed summary of work from 1993 to 2019 and subsequently a series of invoices from specialists. Recent work since 2023 includes cambelts, alternator, auxiliary belts, hood motors and rear discs and pads. The car has been regularly serviced during this time irrespective of mileage.

For those seeking full drop top motoring with space for up to four plus luggage there are few better alternatives to a good E30. This one looks tempting and, as an added bonus, has MOT to June 2025.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 25th May 1993
Factory built April 1993
Current keeper since August 2021
Well maintained car with large history file
Typed list of maintenance work from 1993 to 2024/2025 as shown
Invoices since 2019 shown in photographs
Summary of recent work below
V5C in current keeper’s name
Factory handbook
MOT to 25th June 2025 with advisories to note
144,070 miles on MOt with 146,550 miles showing in photos
Handbrake, exhaust system and welding work since 2022

Recent maintenance:

January 2022: replacement engine, service and cambelt at 133,064 miles
June 2023: rear discs and pads replaced
July 2023: hood motor replaced
November 2023: auxiliary belts replaced
January 2024: servicing and other work
May 2024: service and other work
February 2025: alternator replaced

The Condition

Smart Gletscher Blau light blue metallic paintwork in good overall condition
Some light marks to note including flaking to base of front spoiler as shown
Bodywork is straight and well kept for a vehicle of this age with no accidents reported
Some bubbling to rear arches as shown
Minor corrosion to edge of sills, front arches and base of B posts but not significant
Underside in good order for year with no structural advisories on current MOT
Original dark blue fabric roof in fair condition with some light marks to note
Rear screen is clear but has an area of damage as shown
Lattice-style 15in alloy wheels in fair condition with one centre cap missing
Matching spare wheel included under boot floor
Mix of Goodyear and Kumho tyres fitted matched across axles and reported to be in good order
Exterior lights and glasswork generally well kept appearing to be original
Full grey leather interior with M Sport seats in fair condition with noticeable ageing
Seats are usable but would benefit from recolouring or refurbishment to suit rest of car
Interior fittings including dash top, door cards and switchgear all in good order
Grey carpets in fair condition through cabin and boot with some light staining to note
Car is supplied with factory tool kit which shows some deterioration as shown in photos
Fitted with a modern Pioneer DAB/Bluetooth stereo
No malfunctions reported for electrics, switchgear or lighting
No dashboard warning lights according to seller

The Mechanics

M40 1,796cc 115bhp 4cyl engine
5spd manual gearbox
Engine replaced with second hand unit in 2022 at 133,000 miles as shown
Extensive servicing and maintenance since 2022 as detailed above and in photos
Well maintained car with records back to 1993 as shown in photos
Recent work includes alternator, exhaust system, roof hood motor, handbrake system, rear brakes, and cam belt
Minor advisories to note on current MOT
No running or driving issues advised by seller
Recent service at 144,070 miles in May 2024

BEFORE YOU BUY

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