1993 BMW 318i E30

‘K127 PMW’, one of the very last of the BMW E30s, is a 318i convertible finished in Mauritius Blue Metallic with a grey leather interior and a matching dark blue automatic power folding roof. It also sits on a set of BBS-style crossspoke alloy wheels for period authenticity and a perfect stance.

It’s been in the care of the seller since 2011, has always been kept in a dry garage and was owned by the same person for the previous nine years. In total it’s had just three former registered keepers.

Most recently fettled in March 2024 at 101,824 miles by TCS Auto Engineers, an independent BMW specialist, ‘Connie’ is now MoT’d until March 2025. The seller assures us the power hood is not only in “full working order”. 

The integrated BMW original tool kit is integrated into the underside of the boot remains in pristine condition as is the unused original medical kit which is stored in the boot. 

The E30’s somewhat staid lines are underpinned by some of the best panel alignment in the business and this one shows that that Germanic diligence can be enjoyed for the next thirty years if you look after it.

Because the shutlines on this example are still excellent, as are the flanks which are free of ripples and dinks. The Mauritius Blue Metallic paintwork has a healthy shine to it too, and the overall impression is of a car that’s still every inch the desirable executive express it always has been.

That includes the dark blue folding power roof, which is in fine fettle. Free of rips, tears, and other damage, it rises and falls at the touch of a button as it should. It’s a great piece of engineering that offers saloon-like civility when it’s raised and a clean and elegant profile when it’s tucked away under the hard tonneau cover. There are a few loose stitches here and there though, the rear screen has gone milky, and it is grubby. Trivial stuff then, in the great scheme of things.

The alloy wheels are the 15-inch ones BMW fitted when the world was going mad for BBS crossspokes. Tyres are 205/55R15, with Tornado being fitted to the rear axle and a mixture of Dunlop and Nankang on the front.

As for flaws, there are a few small dents in the boot lid, some rust around the aerial on the nearside rear wing, and some scuffs to the offside front corner. 

There is a dent in the nearside rear alloy wheel you might like to get it refurbished. 

The E30’s cabin is typical of the model, which means those used to today’s bloated Bavarian offerings will find it minimalist in the extreme.

And yet, those of us who’ve used them quickly come to appreciate the ergonomics as well as the fact you have everything you need and nothing you don’t. It’s a masterclass in efficiency and so well screwed together that most still look like this, even after all these years.

Which is very good indeed. Design aside – and it is a classic – you could be forgiven for thinking you were in a much younger car than one that’s just edged into its fourth decade. 

The seats are still firm and unsullied and give strong lateral support thanks to those deep bolsters. There’s also good under-thigh support available because of the extendible base cushions. That’s not something you find very often, even today.

As for the condition of the rest, the dashboard is clear and free of sun damage. The door cards, carpets, and centre console are excellent, and the seatbelt buckles are the originals with the BMW emblem moulded into the each of the buckles. 

All-in-all, it’s a fetching combination of high-quality black plastic and grey leather wrapped in a dark blue coachwork that makes for a car that’s as timeless as it is classless.

The boot is in good shape with the BMW tool kit still in its case on the underside of the boot lid. The main boot plays host to a first aid kit, the jack, spare alloy wheel, and a warning triangle, which means all your bases are covered. 

There is some minor patination, of course. The two door pockets have faded over the years and are now a darker colour. There are also some scuffs to the nearside rear trim panel.

The BMW’s routine maintenance, which is recorded in the service history booklet, is a little hard to read in places but we think it reads as follows:

• 19.07.1993 and 1,689 miles – running-in service by Hungerford Garages
• 15.02.1994 and 10,541 miles – service by Hungerford Garages
• 12.09.1994 and 18,202 miles – service by Hungerford Garages
• 04.04.1995 and 25,668 miles – service by Hungerford Garages
• 02.11.1995 and 32,680 miles – service and fresh brake fluid by Hungerford Garages
• 19.06.1996 and 40,796 miles – service by Hungerford Garages
• 21.06.1996 and 40,823 miles – new cambelt by Hungerford Garages
• 05.03.1997 and 47,000 miles – service by Hungerford Garages
• Unknown and 60,622 miles – service by M.G. Freeland
• 29.01.2000 and 70,922 miles – service by M.G. Freeland
• 30.11.2000 and 76,352 miles – service by M.G. Freeland
• 01.11.2001 and 83,020 miles – service by M.G. Freeland
• June 2007 and 98,262 miles – service by Oakleigh Garage Services
• March 2024 and 101,824 miles – miscellaneous fettling by TCS Auto Engineers

As you can see, Connie starts well, idles as she should, and revs nicely. The 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine is an underrated unit that provides as much power as most folk need and does so both smoothly and economically, partly thanks to being mated to a five-speed manual Getrag gearbox. 

Drive is, of course, to the rear axle and the whole car feels poised and perfectly balanced. 

The engine bay is a little grubby and faded but putting that right would be a joy given the metalwork is solid, meaning you’ve only the cosmetics to worry about.

The underside appears to be solid, too. Certainly no MoT tester has mentioned rust under there since 2011 that led to an advisory-free certificate.

Did I mention there is a working detachable front fitted stereo radio? 

The BMW’s current MoT certificate is valid until March 2025 and was issued with no advisories.

The recent Vehicle History Check is also clear and confirms the seller’s 12 years with the car. The history file also contains the full BMW book pack and wallet plus the stamped service history booklet and a few old invoices and MoT certificates.

While the value of some cars seems to be driven by image, reputation, or, heaven help us, ‘character’ the E30’s seemingly relentless march upwards is because it is very, very good at everything it does.

It drives brilliantly, goes well, is economical, and is sufficiently analogue that anyone can repair them, which keeps the running costs low. 

And, of course, those running costs haven’t, for the past few years at least, included much in the way of depreciation, which makes our guide price of between £11,000 and £15,000 seem very reasonable.

It is also brilliantly 1980s, and for those of us of a certain age, that’s priceless. Now, where did I put that Sade CD?

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.