Faults:

Rear subframe ripped from floor.

General Comments:

Bought this car as a mint 1991 example with nearly full BMW service history. It is in excellent condition throughout, and there is no rust whatsoever on the car.

Ideal cheap replacement for my e38 7 Series, as I am spending a year in Eastern Europe and couldn't face driving a Lada!

The car drives perfectly and sat at a constant 140mph throughout Germany, returning 27mpg on the OBC with no problems whatsoever.

The engine and drivetrain are indestructible, and I am very pleased with the car. It handles like a boat, but is amazingly fast in a straight line and impressive on fuel.

It's difficult to drive quickly in the wet on the standard biscuit wheels.

If you are after a fairly cheap and quick runabout, this is an ideal car. Just wish BMW had addressed the problems with the rear subframe mountings sooner, as it is still apparent on the E46's.

Faults:

Water pump went at 100,000.

Clutch master cylinder at 130,000.

Exhaust at 110,000.

Usual wear and tear on parts such as tyres and brake pads etc.

General Comments:

Best car I have ever owned. Make sure it has been well looked after; these cars will go on forever. My car is 16 years old and has no rust whatsoever. It is still even on its original clutch.

Cheap spares and parts from specialists i.e. German car parts specialists. Cheap and easy to work on. Plenty of quality 2nd hand spares from breakers.

Parts from better spec models can be brought and easily fitted.

Only being a 1.6, it is no rocket ship, and the acceleration is slow. But once going over 60, it pulls pretty well. Economy is this small BMW's strong point. 30-35 mpg around town when driven well, and I have had it do 45 mpg on a 270 mile motorway journey.

Regular servicing and oil changes is the key to keeping these cars reliable.

Faults:

Camshaft had to be changed, as because the car was used in a secondary residence, the oil clogged up the oil spray tube above the camshaft.

Exhaust down pipe had to be changed for the MOT.

General Comments:

Nice car to drive on a daily basis, handles really well, you know what's happening.

The 318i is not a rocket, but it goes all right for a 1.8L.

You know that you're in a BMW when you start to hit 60-70mph. 3rd, 4th and 5th gears are the most impressive, like any BMW.

Stable at speed; it feels and is rock solid. The good old German build quality, not like the disposable cars of nowadays...

It will last for ages as long as you maintain it properly.

Parts are quite cheap if you know where to look for them (i.e. BMW specialists, not dealers), and it is easy to work on, as everything is accessible.

Fuel economy isn't the best in its class, but it is well worth that little extra for the pleasure of driving it. On motorways and A-roads, you can expect 40mpg, and in town, depending how you drive, 20-30mpg.

I would recommend a BMW e30 to anyone, providing it has good service history (like any car).

Just a nice honest car with the right amount of electronics, which is becoming a classic.

Faults:

The car has had a major overhaul and due to the fact that the supercharger is huge, fuel consumption has increased... a lot!!!

The brake pad warning light comes on all the time, even though the pads have no wear indicators.

The sunroof squeaks.

General Comments:

This car was bought to compete in the local circuit racing, but after it was finished it was still very comfortable and despite losing the sound proofing from the floor and doors, it is still really nice and quiet to drive.

As standard this car really isn't that good, but fit some sachs springs and struts, a pipercross induction system and exhaust and it starts to come to life, then if you want that extra smile on your face as your rocketing past cars that should tear you apart, fit a supercharger, and NOT one of these electronic "superchargers", they don't work!!

I love this car, and the price for purchasing, and converting this car into what it is today...£1100!!! FANTASTIC!!!