Honestly, because it it better. These days I'd rather have ~130 'reliable for 40 years' horses than 270 'what is going to break next' horses. I'd drive my old e30 18 hours straight and not fear getting stranded... man I wish I still had mine.
I own a silver 91 318is as well. I thought I would urge for more Hp, but as he stated, it is so fun revving the engine, downshifting when burning around a corner, feeling like you actually driving your car, and only going 45mph. Absolutely love mine... m42 all day
I own a completely restored 1991 318iS - did it all myself. Everything is new. Half way through the restoration I bought a 1990 M3. It is mint and I’ve pulled the engine to have it rebuilt. Two of the sweetest e30s there are - in my garage! Love e30s!
Love the E30 In South Africa we did not get the M3 so BMW South Africa created the 333i. They took the 3.3 from the big 7 series and stuffed it into the E30 body. So much space was taken by the engine that you had to choose between air-conditioning and power steering.
Yep. I bought a 10yo 2002 in 1983 for $4500, drove the shit out of it for ten years, then sold it for ... $4500. Fantastic car. If only it had aircon I might have it still.
I owned one of these that I bought used in 1997 and drove for 22 years. I LOVED that car. It broke my heart to get rid of it, but everything on it had gone bad. The engine leaked exhaust fumes so strong I'd almost faint when I drove it, the shift and gear box were wearing out, and the rear differential was on its last legs. So I had to let it go. I miss that car so much! I replaced it with my first Porsche, a beautiful 991.2 , 2017. And as wonderful as the Porsche is, it's no competition to that little Beemer. You're right Nick, driving a slow car fast is much more exciting! Every time I stepped on the gas it was exciting, thrilling. Pushing it to its max, hearing the engine whine to those high RPMs, feeling the car vibrate (being that it's so much narrower than the 911). That new Porsche is so wide and long and the huge wheels it feels like a truck or a sedan, and just doesn't have the excitement of the Beemer. Every day I think of getting rid of it. Oh, my heart aches when I watch this video. Thanks for sharing, Nick.
You've got one life man, remember that!Have fun!If you're thinking of selling the Porsche just do it and get a e30+ another Porsche or whatever you want from the money that remains.
I love hearing this! I’d only want a manual, and I actually considered a 991 911 after not finding the right air-cooled 911. But these 911s are big money and big $$$ to maintain. They’ve also “improved” so much from Porsche’s original recipe that they’re just not fun for daily use. I’m shifting gears and returning to my roots and searching for a great 318is!
Wow does this bring back memories in 1990 was my start in the luxury car market, I test drove this car 3 times as a comparison I test the E30 M3. That was my mistake , I bought the M3 , now 2-M3’s and 3-M5’s And now a Porsche. Thank you my friend for the memory of the 318i you made me smile.
This was my first car and started my love affair with BMW. I remember going through the gears and how satisfying that was. I remember sitting at traffic lights and taking off quickly surprising people at how quick these cars actually were back when I owned mine in the early 90s.
I imagine was really fast. M3 does qt mile in 17 sec . Your 316 or 318 or whatever was doing 20+. For reference some 1.6 Honda does 15. So your car was fast for sure.... compared with a bus
Love my e30 and take it on a road trip each summer. This year is pacific coast highway to the redwoods 👍 These are wonderful cars and drive like a dream. Thanks for the video!
I had a 325i E30 in green with a KONI Suspension Kit, Sport exhaust and BBS Wheels. This Video gives me good memories. The 318is was a good handling and sporty car. One of my friends had this Version.
i got a e30 318i touring as a daily driver. Still drives fantastic and with the tablet i put in the center console it has no downsides to a modern car, still got navigation and proper music quality without using a smartphone. Such an adorable car :)
Turning 16 here and I just got my hands on a 1985 E30 318is. There is nothing like these vehicles. They’re are just so unique and cool in their own way. A E30 was also a dream car of mine. One of my personal favorite bmws.
I owned a 318is in red. I have never had a car that has attracted more attention from both enthusiasts and casual observers alike. It just seemed to be the perfect design for that time.
I was a fan of those back in the day. Still look fantastic for a sedan! I remember my first experience with BMW when my best friend bought a 2002 in the mid 70's. As you know, those were quite a car as well.
I bought one a few Months ago with only 23k miles from an old chap,and 1 owner from new as new condition it’s a 316 Carbureted M10 engine 1755cc from 1987 and its so sweet to drive,I absolutely love it,I use to see them go by when I was waiting to get the bus to school they always amazed me...great vid 👍🏻
Great to see this car being tested. My first brand new car was a 318 delivered 1/8/87. Mind you, those were the days when you had to pay extra for a radio & alloy wheels in the UK.
I do like the E30 , I owned a couple in the eighties, but my favorite is the E21. I had a 1978 323i with the straight six with the Bosch mechanical injection . A lovely car to drive. I also prefer the cloth interior to the leather of the modern BMW's.
Wow. Thanks, Nick. Great car. Been seeing these pop up all over LA. Luv how solid, modern and "analog" they are. Having serious Andrew McCarthy "Pretty in Pink" flashbacks. And the tape deck! Making me want to go find my General Public cassettes.
Germany and Japan were making the best cars in the world in the 80s and 90s. Simply incredible machines that were SO far ahead of their American/British counterparts.
i bought my very first car this year, all on my own, and it is a 1991 318is. it was a present to myself after graduating college and getting my first big boy job, and i love it more than anything. i've gone and restored most of it, just need to refresh the front end and replace the clutch packs in the LSD. but man, do i love driving this car. i plan on keeping it forever :)
Thats the sickest of the E30s on the interwebs that ive seen. Just bought a very nice e34 with 91k miles. 9 grand. I adore it. I also have a 96 f150 5 speed and 2000 jeep xj. I just love the 80s and 90s vehicles. Theyre just a treat. Every drive
10:30 the "other" spare button holes are used in Tourings (wagon body) to control the rear wiper and washer. I own a '91 Manual 325i Touring in Laguna Green Metallic and I love it!
Very few cars manage to keep their lines attractive and current, 40 years after their launch. The BMW E30 is undoubtedly one of those cars. It's proof that simplicity and elegance never go out of style.
My friend Rocky G. was the original owner of that car, was bought new in Oyster Bay NY, and sold to an older gentleman from Connecticut in the mid 90s. Great video and great car!
Special car back in the day, I drove a couple in the '80's they had a nervous rear end when really pressing on through corners, otherwise totally awesome car. Thank you Nick for showing this, great camera work, infectious enthusiasm, an excellent car review - here's hoping you keep them coming
I have this very car, handed down from my father who has that gene that drives him to take obsessively great care of things. Completely agree that these are a blast to drive. I had an e92 M3 with the V8 that would outperform the 318is, but the character of the '91 e30 always brings a smile to my face when I drive it.
I just got this same exact silver 91 318is. It wasn't running due to electrical issues, but within a few days I had it up and going. The amount of invaluable info on the internet for these cars is astounding, and so far seem very easy to work on.. I got to drive it briefly today and it was everything I thought it would be - I've wanted one of these E30s for years. The best part about this E30 was it was free :)
I miss the one I had. It was Alpine white, with color matched basket weaves. Learned about 80% of stick driving on one of those. Such a fun little go kart.
Those cars are just amazing. Remember the early 90's DTM everytime I saw one I thought they looked sooooo cool. The feeling stayed with me - I'm about to get one myself in Touring chassis. Can't wait to drive it and use it as my daily. Great content!
I agree with you 100% on everything in this video such a beautiful car.ive got the BMW 3 1.8ti COMPACT 2003. Absolutely love it. BMWs are solid built cars.thanks for the Lovely Video
I always loved these cars too, especially the simplicity of the headlights and the front grill. Never driven one though. I don’t think the seat goes back far enough.
My step -father in Bavaria had an E-30 325i in the 80s. It literally flew down the Autobahns. I think Motor magazine in the UK called the 6 cylinder 2.5 “ The silken wallop “ . A very accurate description. A fantastic car.
You had a 325i in London back in the day you where the absolute man 👍, such a beautiful design the E30 really was a wonderful package, don't think they'll ever get the mix this right again it's like magic 🙂
Classy yet sporty. Distinguished yet determined. Raffined but also rugged. Elegant but solid. I could go on... My automotive first and always true love
Completely agree about the E30 being a true drivers car. You are not wrong about having to rev the M42 out. I used to love giving mine a good thrashing. PS when exiting the car use your right hand to open the handle that’s how the engineers intended it to be used. Feels more natural! Great video thank you. (Ex 318is owner who regrets letting it go)
Ive owned one, and can say it is a stand out moment in my auto-motive life, such a visceral machine. No computer driving for you and a chassis that required some skill to drive fast, with a back end that would move around with the 136 bhp it had!
Great video. I had one E30 in 1985 in metallic green and the build quality is such that the car will last forever. This car propells BMW into the big league leaving Alfa Romeo way behind for the last 40 years?!
Loved those model years, my in-laws had a 1987 convertible 325i and 1986 m6 both were shipped from UK. Those were my favorite cars to drive especially that m6... they eventually rusted away. Regret not snatching them up.
I had a 1990 325 Touring with the sport package( LSD, cloth sport seats, 3 spoke wheel). You could put two dogs in the back and they had a view all around. We drove it 10 hours from Ontario via Cleveland to the 2009 Vintage at the Vineyard meet. People ignored the row of M3's to take a look since they would have to wait 5 more years to import. Great car for the back roads, until I got a ticket but only the minimum as a warning. Then I had to slow down. Keep up the good work.
I had a 318is in Brilliantrot a little while back. I enjoyed the look and soul of the car but the overall driving experience I just couldn’t get excited about. So, I sold it. Since then, I have moved away from BMW’s on to air cooled Porsche’s and honestly haven’t looked back. Good to see your enthusiasm for it though. It’s definitely a historically important car and one to have if you’re a classic BMW guy.
What a great video! I had the 4 door 318i, which had hubcaps. I always loved the cross spoke alloys on the 2 door. Impressed that this one you reviewed still had the original stereo.
The clamshell bonnet alone makes me want an E30. Reminds me of my Dad's E36 318ti Compact M sport as it has a similar engine to this, albeit being a slightly heavier car (and yes I'm aware many people hated the looks of the hatchback 3 series, but I don't care as it brings a very sentimental value to me and my family). I believe the 318is E30s were powered by an M42 1.8 engine, but my dad's was a slightly revised M44 1.9 litre engine. Great video Nick 👍
That is a CLEAN car. It's very apparent how much enthusiasm you have for this model. 👌 I miss my old E30 dearly. I have an F30 BMW now, but would *love* to find a nice E30 just to be able to drive every now and then (preferably priced under 10k...crazy how much they're worth now!).
I remember the 318IS being called the actual driver's choice. It has almost as much power as a 320 (139HP vs 150HP where i'm from), close to the same HP to weight ratio and a better balance due to the lighter engine. I'd go for a six cylinder E30 any day of the week, unless presented with a great example of an IS like this one. Loved this video. That is a car i can get excited about :)
@Ivan J Think I read something along those lines in a "Why you should consider a 318IS over a 320" article back in the day. Biggest difference, if I remember correctly, is that the heads of the six cylinder are problematic, while the four cylinder heads are good.
The first BMW I ever drove was a 325 2 door from maybe 1987. I never understood why everyone loved these cars UNTIL I drove my first one...gray with red leather interior. The straight six was intoxicating.
Nick, you're spot on, they're an absolute blast! Perhaps your next trip down to Niu Zild should coincide with e30 Mega Meet! Currently planning, north island location, likely late November. 40 e30's last year, continues to grow.
Nice but the inline six on the 325 is was a sweetheart. Was fortunate to have a 325 is, a 325 ix, and the venerable E30 M3 1988. Of course that was a four cylinder mill but it was awesome. Always regret selling my M3. Good memories.
You can't hear the real tone as well through the microphone. My neighbour actually owns an 91 E30 325ix. It sounds really nice when ever it drives by my home.
You need to drive one of the original BMW 2002's as well. They were an absolute game changer back in the late 60's to 1976 when the 3 series replaced it.
Nick IMHO the E30 is the most beautiful & closest to perfect of all BMW 3 series cars. As for the gear ratio, I think it's more to do with the rear end than the transmission. If I remember correctly, the regular E30 had a 3.91 while the M3 had a 4.10 rear end. And if you want to drool over some great Bimmer's you need to visit Enthusiast Auto Group in Cincinnati. They have a seriously drool-worthy YT channel. Thumbs up & much love from Ohio !!!!
The 318iS is a future classic. Beside the M3 the most interesting E30. Unfortunately it is meanwhile difficult to find really good cars with that engine...
Love the E30. Had a 320i in Burgundy red. Calypso red i believe was the official name. It was 2 door with bbs wheels, side skirt plus headlight wipers. Unfortunately sold it because i was getting oil leaks which were expensive to fix plus it was quite juicy being an auto. Wish i kept it though.
looks a lot better than most of the new cars on the road.
Honestly, because it it better. These days I'd rather have ~130 'reliable for 40 years' horses than 270 'what is going to break next' horses. I'd drive my old e30 18 hours straight and not fear getting stranded... man I wish I still had mine.
I own a silver 91 318is as well. I thought I would urge for more Hp, but as he stated, it is so fun revving the engine, downshifting when burning around a corner, feeling like you actually driving your car, and only going 45mph. Absolutely love mine... m42 all day
Still have it?
I own a completely restored 1991 318iS - did it all myself. Everything is new. Half way through the restoration I bought a 1990 M3. It is mint and I’ve pulled the engine to have it rebuilt. Two of the sweetest e30s there are - in my garage! Love e30s!
I'm about to go buy a 91 e30 4 door and I'm looking forward to restoring it my self plus its gonna be my first car
@@muscularbeaver-1 in the same boat bud.
E30s make excellent modern classic daily drivers. Practical, economical, reliable, handsome, easy to work on, fun to drive. What's not to like?
I have a few videos on the E30 if you want to see them?
th-cam.com/video/IkBl7gG3psA/w-d-xo.html
What‘s not to like? Not much really. Well, maybe that it became such a legend that even really shitty ones are dealt crazy expensive
Toby Corbin I really enjoy my 1988 E34
10:35 that blank on the left was for the rear wiper controls on the Touring models
Love the E30
In South Africa we did not get the M3 so BMW South Africa created the 333i.
They took the 3.3 from the big 7 series and stuffed it into the E30 body.
So much space was taken by the engine that you had to choose between air-conditioning and power steering.
Wow. Didn't know that. Would be a dream to own. Haven't seen a 333i on South African roads in years.
That's hilarious.
I have the same nostalgic affinity for the BMW 2002 Tii from the 70's (I'm older than you!).
Absolutely. They were amazing cars compared to what Detroit was offering at the time. I had a 69, 75 and a new 76 2002. Wish II had that 76 back!
Yep. I bought a 10yo 2002 in 1983 for $4500, drove the shit out of it for ten years, then sold it for ... $4500. Fantastic car. If only it had aircon I might have it still.
I owned one of these that I bought used in 1997 and drove for 22 years. I LOVED that car. It broke my heart to get rid of it, but everything on it had gone bad. The engine leaked exhaust fumes so strong I'd almost faint when I drove it, the shift and gear box were wearing out, and the rear differential was on its last legs. So I had to let it go. I miss that car so much! I replaced it with my first Porsche, a beautiful 991.2 , 2017. And as wonderful as the Porsche is, it's no competition to that little Beemer. You're right Nick, driving a slow car fast is much more exciting! Every time I stepped on the gas it was exciting, thrilling. Pushing it to its max, hearing the engine whine to those high RPMs, feeling the car vibrate (being that it's so much narrower than the 911). That new Porsche is so wide and long and the huge wheels it feels like a truck or a sedan, and just doesn't have the excitement of the Beemer. Every day I think of getting rid of it. Oh, my heart aches when I watch this video. Thanks for sharing, Nick.
You've got one life man, remember that!Have fun!If you're thinking of selling the Porsche just do it and get a e30+ another Porsche or whatever you want from the money that remains.
I love hearing this! I’d only want a manual, and I actually considered a 991 911 after not finding the right air-cooled 911. But these 911s are big money and big $$$ to maintain. They’ve also “improved” so much from Porsche’s original recipe that they’re just not fun for daily use. I’m shifting gears and returning to my roots and searching for a great 318is!
Wow does this bring back memories in 1990 was my start in the luxury car market, I test drove this car 3 times as a comparison I test the E30 M3.
That was my mistake , I bought the M3 , now 2-M3’s and 3-M5’s
And now a Porsche.
Thank you my friend for the memory of the 318i you made me smile.
This was my first car and started my love affair with BMW. I remember going through the gears and how satisfying that was. I remember sitting at traffic lights and taking off quickly surprising people at how quick these cars actually were back when I owned mine in the early 90s.
I imagine was really fast. M3 does qt mile in 17 sec . Your 316 or 318 or whatever was doing 20+. For reference some 1.6 Honda does 15. So your car was fast for sure.... compared with a bus
@@justanothertroll9205 Keep on dreaming...
@@ytuberization you must be imbecile .
Love those old E30's. They were so much more fun to drive than the big and heavy current 3 series.
Love my e30 and take it on a road trip each summer. This year is pacific coast highway to the redwoods 👍
These are wonderful cars and drive like a dream. Thanks for the video!
I had a 325i E30 in green with a KONI Suspension Kit, Sport exhaust and BBS Wheels. This Video gives me good memories. The 318is was a good handling and sporty car. One of my friends had this Version.
i got a e30 318i touring as a daily driver. Still drives fantastic and with the tablet i put in the center console it has no downsides to a modern car, still got navigation and proper music quality without using a smartphone. Such an adorable car :)
Nostalgic!! My dad used to own one! Fond memories of him and his E30. Thank you for featuring.
Turning 16 here and I just got my hands on a 1985 E30 318is. There is nothing like these vehicles. They’re are just so unique and cool in their own way. A E30 was also a dream car of mine. One of my personal favorite bmws.
I owned a 318is in red. I have never had a car that has attracted more attention from both enthusiasts and casual observers alike. It just seemed to be the perfect design for that time.
Same
I was a fan of those back in the day. Still look fantastic for a sedan! I remember my first experience with BMW when my best friend bought a 2002 in the mid 70's. As you know, those were quite a car as well.
I bought one a few Months ago with only 23k miles from an old chap,and 1 owner from new as new condition it’s a 316 Carbureted M10 engine 1755cc from 1987 and its so sweet to drive,I absolutely love it,I use to see them go by when I was waiting to get the bus to school they always amazed me...great vid 👍🏻
Great to see this car being tested. My first brand new car was a 318 delivered 1/8/87. Mind you, those were the days when you had to pay extra for a radio & alloy wheels in the UK.
Just as you do for new cars ripping you off
I do like the E30 , I owned a couple in the eighties, but my favorite is the E21.
I had a 1978 323i with the straight six with the Bosch mechanical injection .
A lovely car to drive. I also prefer the cloth interior to the leather of the modern BMW's.
That is cool, I used to have a 1986 e30.
What do you think of the cloth interiors of the modern BMWs? :)
Wow. Thanks, Nick. Great car. Been seeing these pop up all over LA. Luv how solid, modern and "analog" they are.
Having serious Andrew McCarthy "Pretty in Pink" flashbacks. And the tape deck! Making me want to go find my General Public cassettes.
Germany and Japan were making the best cars in the world in the 80s and 90s. Simply incredible machines that were SO far ahead of their American/British counterparts.
A blast from the past,...definitely one of the best 3'ers to drive!
i bought my very first car this year, all on my own, and it is a 1991 318is. it was a present to myself after graduating college and getting my first big boy job, and i love it more than anything. i've gone and restored most of it, just need to refresh the front end and replace the clutch packs in the LSD. but man, do i love driving this car. i plan on keeping it forever :)
Had a manual 318 2door as well.....loved it.....you’re right they were a special car back then, now everyone has one
Thats the sickest of the E30s on the interwebs that ive seen. Just bought a very nice e34 with 91k miles. 9 grand. I adore it. I also have a 96 f150 5 speed and 2000 jeep xj. I just love the 80s and 90s vehicles. Theyre just a treat. Every drive
10:30 the "other" spare button holes are used in Tourings (wagon body) to control the rear wiper and washer. I own a '91 Manual 325i Touring in Laguna Green Metallic and I love it!
Yes that’s right!!
I’ll never forget when my Dad had this car when I was a kid in the late 80s. Such a beautiful car then, and beautiful today
My childhood dream car too! That design Never gets old! Thanks for the review Nick
“Punch It!”
(Gets passed by a Jeep)
Still my favorite car.
I had a dark blue 1983 320i with four doors. Excellent 6 cylinder engine with very nice sound.
Very few cars manage to keep their lines attractive and current, 40 years after their launch. The BMW E30 is undoubtedly one of those cars. It's proof that simplicity and elegance never go out of style.
those outside stationary shots look like a still image but you’re moving inside lol
Totally agree about the e30. Wishing I had never sold my e30 vert. Hard to find them now.
oh really? There's a few around for sale in the UK :)
The same in here 😔😔😔
My friend Rocky G. was the original owner of that car, was bought new in Oyster Bay NY, and sold to an older gentleman from Connecticut in the mid 90s. Great video and great car!
The look of the instrument panel is lovely, analog is king. Classic BMW looks that don't age.
Loved my 91 E30 325i, what a car. Nostalgia setting in watching this video!
Special car back in the day, I drove a couple in the '80's they had a nervous rear end when really pressing on through corners, otherwise totally awesome car. Thank you Nick for showing this, great camera work, infectious enthusiasm, an excellent car review - here's hoping you keep them coming
Thanks Roger
I have this very car, handed down from my father who has that gene that drives him to take obsessively great care of things. Completely agree that these are a blast to drive. I had an e92 M3 with the V8 that would outperform the 318is, but the character of the '91 e30 always brings a smile to my face when I drive it.
I just got this same exact silver 91 318is. It wasn't running due to electrical issues, but within a few days I had it up and going. The amount of invaluable info on the internet for these cars is astounding, and so far seem very easy to work on.. I got to drive it briefly today and it was everything I thought it would be - I've wanted one of these E30s for years. The best part about this E30 was it was free :)
I miss the one I had. It was Alpine white, with color matched basket weaves. Learned about 80% of stick driving on one of those. Such a fun little go kart.
Love this car!! I learned to drive a stick on a Deutschland spec E30 that I my uncle bought while stationed in Germany!
Those cars are just amazing. Remember the early 90's DTM everytime I saw one I thought they looked sooooo cool. The feeling stayed with me - I'm about to get one myself in Touring chassis. Can't wait to drive it and use it as my daily. Great content!
I agree with you 100% on everything in this video such a beautiful car.ive got the BMW 3 1.8ti COMPACT 2003. Absolutely love it. BMWs are solid built cars.thanks for the Lovely Video
I appreciate your passion for this classic.
I always loved these cars too, especially the simplicity of the headlights and the front grill. Never driven one though. I don’t think the seat goes back far enough.
You would be surpised, I am over 6ft, and I can sit quite comfortably in it.
What a beautiful car,so easy on the eye,total classic.
My step -father in Bavaria had an E-30 325i in the 80s. It literally flew down the Autobahns. I think Motor magazine in the UK called the 6 cylinder 2.5 “ The silken wallop “ . A very accurate description. A fantastic car.
That is one clean car
You had a 325i in London back in the day you where the absolute man 👍, such a beautiful design the E30 really was a wonderful package, don't think they'll ever get the mix this right again it's like magic 🙂
Classy yet sporty. Distinguished yet determined. Raffined but also rugged. Elegant but solid. I could go on... My automotive first and always true love
Nice job Nick,great car.My kids laughed at the manual sunroof.
Completely agree about the E30 being a true drivers car. You are not wrong about having to rev the M42 out. I used to love giving mine a good thrashing. PS when exiting the car use your right hand to open the handle that’s how the engineers intended it to be used. Feels more natural! Great video thank you. (Ex 318is owner who regrets letting it go)
Ive owned one, and can say it is a stand out moment in my auto-motive life, such a visceral machine. No computer driving for you and a chassis that required some skill to drive fast, with a back end that would move around with the 136 bhp it had!
Awesome enthusiasm, analog perfection!
I had a manual 1987 325es. Drove it for 160k miles, and it was great fun.
Great video. I had one E30 in 1985 in metallic green and the build quality is such that the car will last forever. This car propells BMW into the big league leaving Alfa Romeo way behind for the last 40 years?!
Loved those model years, my in-laws had a 1987 convertible 325i and 1986 m6 both were shipped from UK. Those were my favorite cars to drive especially that m6... they eventually rusted away. Regret not snatching them up.
I had a 1990 325 Touring with the sport package( LSD, cloth sport seats, 3 spoke wheel). You could put two dogs in the back and they had a view all around. We drove it 10 hours from Ontario via Cleveland to the 2009 Vintage at the Vineyard meet. People ignored the row of M3's to take a look since they would have to wait 5 more years to import. Great car for the back roads, until I got a ticket but only the minimum as a warning. Then I had to slow down. Keep up the good work.
I had a 318is in Brilliantrot a little while back. I enjoyed the look and soul of the car but the overall driving experience I just couldn’t get excited about. So, I sold it.
Since then, I have moved away from BMW’s on to air cooled Porsche’s and honestly haven’t looked back.
Good to see your enthusiasm for it though. It’s definitely a historically important car and one to have if you’re a classic BMW guy.
That’s a sweet car. Timeless look
well done Nick! Manual transmissions make any car more fun to drive.
What a great video! I had the 4 door 318i, which had hubcaps. I always loved the cross spoke alloys on the 2 door. Impressed that this one you reviewed still had the original stereo.
The clamshell bonnet alone makes me want an E30. Reminds me of my Dad's E36 318ti Compact M sport as it has a similar engine to this, albeit being a slightly heavier car (and yes I'm aware many people hated the looks of the hatchback 3 series, but I don't care as it brings a very sentimental value to me and my family). I believe the 318is E30s were powered by an M42 1.8 engine, but my dad's was a slightly revised M44 1.9 litre engine. Great video Nick 👍
14:38 Rear fender looks like chrome silver, but door and front fender look like brushed aluminum.
bad paintjob :(
The first BMW I ever drove was an '89 325is. I love those things. Even after owning an '04 330i ZHP I still want an e30.
I worked at a BMW dealer in the early 90s. I loved driving the E30. I would gladly trade my new G20 for a mint very low milage E30.
Then do it. Plenty of those on Bringatrailer
Had no bonnet badge ? Dreamed of the 325i sport, then the M3...... but now I’m in my 40’s I’ll settle for the 318is
correct me if i'm wrong but the 318is was only available in manual transmission
That is a CLEAN car. It's very apparent how much enthusiasm you have for this model. 👌 I miss my old E30 dearly. I have an F30 BMW now, but would *love* to find a nice E30 just to be able to drive every now and then (preferably priced under 10k...crazy how much they're worth now!).
Oh crap! I have that same exact sweater he's wearing. Now it must be burned!
Wonderful family of cars. As always, your video is excellent. Please make more to help us through this working from home hell.
Yay!
I remember the 318IS being called the actual driver's choice. It has almost as much power as a 320 (139HP vs 150HP where i'm from), close to the same HP to weight ratio and a better balance due to the lighter engine. I'd go for a six cylinder E30 any day of the week, unless presented with a great example of an IS like this one.
Loved this video. That is a car i can get excited about :)
@Ivan J Think I read something along those lines in a "Why you should consider a 318IS over a 320" article back in the day. Biggest difference, if I remember correctly, is that the heads of the six cylinder are problematic, while the four cylinder heads are good.
They use to call the 318is a poor mans M3!
@@chrispetri1456 That's what I have on my License Plate Frame. I have a 1991 BMW 318IS as my daily driver/roundabout car.
Along with the E38, my favorite looking BMW of all time.
God, my first car. Same exact spec, sterlingsilber, 5 speed, 4.10 LSD. What an incredible car. So many memories.
Glorious! I really miss lightweight BMW sedans. Definitely can't have this much involvement in modern BMWs. Such a proper size too. Just love this
Aqui no Brasil não tinha esse carro..
É muito bonito, era um sonho ter um carro desses....
The first BMW I ever drove was a 325 2 door from maybe 1987. I never understood why everyone loved these cars UNTIL I drove my first one...gray with red leather interior. The straight six was intoxicating.
Have been looking sooo long for one of these in good condition for a reasonable price. Pretty much gave up a couple of years ago.
I drove a 325e of the same body. I would get one now for the reasons you listed.
I love your passion about these cars! I'm always scoping them on BAT.
Nick, you're spot on, they're an absolute blast! Perhaps your next trip down to Niu Zild should coincide with e30 Mega Meet! Currently planning, north island location, likely late November. 40 e30's last year, continues to grow.
This has given me an idea Nick.. looking for something to replace my M135i!
Love it Nick!!! I'd love to see you drive an older 325i!
You could start by searching the videos he has on his channel. ..an example could be the series of videos he's made on his own E30 325i.
i have a 333i and a 325is in manchester i love them both .
What a beautiful car. OEM no mods FTW!!!
Nice but the inline six on the 325 is was a sweetheart. Was fortunate to have a 325 is, a 325 ix, and the venerable E30 M3 1988. Of course that was a four cylinder mill but it was awesome. Always regret selling my M3. Good memories.
Had an ‘84 318i coupe. Manual of course. 101hp...but SO much fun.
You can't hear the real tone as well through the microphone. My neighbour actually owns an 91 E30 325ix. It sounds really nice when ever it drives by my home.
I love how it's making all that noise in that intro, and you're being passed by an SUV just cruising by
Incredible, beautiful car. I wish to own 2.5 inline 6 version.
I LOVE your attitude.
You need to drive one of the original BMW 2002's as well. They were an absolute game changer back in the late 60's to 1976 when the 3 series replaced it.
Love it! My first car was a 1985 325e. I believe it weighed about 2600 lbs. What I wouldn't give today to have that one back.
Nick IMHO the E30 is the most beautiful & closest to perfect of all BMW 3 series cars. As for the gear ratio, I think it's more to do with the rear end than the transmission. If I remember correctly, the regular E30 had a 3.91 while the M3 had a 4.10 rear end. And if you want to drool over some great Bimmer's you need to visit Enthusiast Auto Group in Cincinnati. They have a seriously drool-worthy YT channel. Thumbs up & much love from Ohio !!!!
The 318iS is a future classic. Beside the M3 the most interesting E30. Unfortunately it is meanwhile difficult to find really good cars with that engine...
Love the E30. Had a 320i in Burgundy red. Calypso red i believe was the official name. It was 2 door with bbs wheels, side skirt plus headlight wipers. Unfortunately sold it because i was getting oil leaks which were expensive to fix plus it was quite juicy being an auto. Wish i kept it though.
Lovely car Nick - the old Beemers are great - was out in my old 840ci the other day and it’s just a joy to drive.
Great video, more retro vids please. These E30s will make great daily commuters.