1990 BMW E30 318i Lux

ScottIGLaw

RMS Regular
Messages
76
Drives
Porsche 911
Good Evening Folks

I have been a long term browser of the forums, although attended the odd event here and there. Until recently I haven’t had a car that I thought warranted a thread.

I have always been a big fan of the E30 series and with recent values beginning to get silly, I thought its best to jump in now. I have never been a fan of the 325 due to the kit but loved the classy look of the 318is.

This 318i Lux was on Car&Classic being sold by a private owner.

Since the LUX was essentially a trim level designed to get rid of all the stuff in the BMW warehouse, equipment could vary from month to month depending on the available supply. However, the LUX package on my car included:

Rear headrests
Different material on the seats
3 spoke leather wheel and gearknob plus leatherette handbrake gaiter
Front fog lights
Dechrome
Colour coded bumpers
62 litre fuel tank
Body colour boot spoiler
Cloth roof lining
Front electric windows
Manual sunroof
14” bottle top alloys

This 318i is a 1.8l 4 cylinder single overhead cam, 5 speed with a huge 113hp (calm down folks). I bought this car to cruise to work and back alongside Sunday drives.

I feel its especially important to document the stories behind cars as this is what gives them character. The gentlemen I purchased it from was 75 years old and only had it 3 years(2nd owner). He decided to sell since he wasn’t using it as much as he would like, he intends to use the proceeds to restore a Saab 900 turbo he has had since new.

The gentlemen had always owned e30s since 1985. His previous E30 was destroyed in a flood (along with his house), his two sons ran a BMW specialist garage south of Sheffield. After the flood his sons went on a hunt for another e30, once found they surprised their dad with this car. The flooded car was a 318is with the choice front lip and 15” BBS alloys, they transferred these to the 318i Lux. They also replaced all the fuel lines, brake lines, front and rear brakes. They took the front and rear suspension off, repainted and polybushed.

I initially contacted the owner and asked the usual questions and if he could send additional pictures, particularly of the underside. His son emailed me 20+ pictures of the underside and also detail of the notorious problem areas. After seeing these I agreed to fly over and see the car. It was pretty much as described, however the Brilliant Red paint needed a little work. Overall, for a 33 year old car, I was content it was solid. Bought, drove to Liverpool, boat to Belfast.

I contacted Pete at PMG and asked for his advice as to what is needed to bring this car back to its best. He suggested and organised for a bonnet, wing mirrors & both rear quarters to be repainted. Once complete, a full detail including restoring all the plastics and powdering coating of alloys.

Following this, ceramic coating of some kind, I’ve left Pete to decide whatever is best.

Then it’s going for a full mechanic health check, I have bought and will be replacing the following:

All fluids
Water pump
Timing belt
All other belts
All filters
Heater motor (a common faulty part)
Spark plugs
Gear linkage bushings

My intention is to keep the car mostly original with a slight OEM+ look. From factory the car sits a little high, therefore I have bought some eibach 35mm lowering springs.

I am installing a new steering wheel, gear gaiter, gear knob and gaitor, sunroof seal, new matts, pressed plates. The front seats are also getting reupholstered.

The process of researching the car and it’s parts has been so enjoyable. It’s something I didn’t think I would enjoy, but I’ve learned an enormous amount about general mechanics just by researching parts and the car in general.

The majority of the work will be completed in the next 2 weeks, I will update the thread with pictures of the completed project. I understand Pete is documenting the paint and detail process, look forward to that.

It’s great what this forum and cars in general can do with people. It’s brings individuals together that wouldn’t usually interact, it’s a total leveler. It doesn’t matter how you are brought up, what you do for a living, what your beliefs are, cars eliminate that through common interest.

Anyhow, I would appreciate your feedback/advice.

I hope to see you in some of the cars & coffees etc during the summer.

Best

Scott
 

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southsky sunrise

RMS Regular
Messages
10,966
Drives
Old skool
I’d be the opposite and be a fan of the 325 over the standard spec albeit lux but hey ho rocking horse poo now… looks in fair order. Welcome along and health to steer.
 

Woodcutter

RMS Regular
Messages
31,235
That is awesome. I much prefer this spec to the M Tech kits, absolutely lovely looking.

This has fond memories for me, my Dad had a few of these, one in particular was virtually identical only a 4 door.

Hopefully see it out and about at some stage. 👍🏻
 

da.murf

RMS Regular
Messages
10,312
Drives
Nissan 350z
Welcome along and what a beautiful example of an e30 you seem to have. Congrats
 

Marynarz

RMS Regular
Messages
105
Drives
Alpina B3 Bi
Remember ripping around the streets of Warsaw in a similar one in the early 90s. 5 onboard in 2 door 🤣 Mates dad was pretty well off, everybody else was in Fiats 126p and other eastern block scrap at the time, so that was a flying machine. He was doing some crazy sh..t in that thing 😅
 

Gaz

This space available for rent
Messages
32,522
Location
Belfast
Drives
M4 Comp Pack
That’s lovely, looks very tidy. I had 3 x E30s and they have aged brilliantly imo, when you see one beside the bloated modern 3 series it reminds you how lithe they were .
 

ScottIGLaw

RMS Regular
OP
S
Messages
76
Drives
Porsche 911
Thanks for the lovely comments! Excited to update with progress
 

e320mark

RMS Regular
Messages
1,264
Location
Ballyclare
I bought an 89 e30 325i sport in Manchester in 2004, paid £3950 for it, that’s the one car I wish I had of kept!
Lovey looking car!
 

TheDaniel

RMS Regular
Messages
10,244
Drives
Silvia PS13
Lovely looking thing that! Good to see it in such good nick. All the best with her & may she serve you well! (y)
 

ScottIGLaw

RMS Regular
OP
S
Messages
76
Drives
Porsche 911
Now the painting and detailing stage is complete the car is off to the mechanic for a service and some lowering, it’s only 40m front and 30mm rear but I feel it will set it off.

Pete has uploaded a video of the process, link below. fantastic job. The wheels were not refurbed at the time but are in the process of being done now. Screenshots of the work below. Hapay with the result. Would like to hear your feedback on what you would do to the car next!







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Ian A

RMS Regular
Messages
5,748
Location
Ballyclare
Drives
VW Golf GTI
Watched the Youtube video, fantastic result. Car looks to be a great example.

Lowering will make the looks. Coilovers or springs?

Wheels didn't look to be crying out for a refurb.
 

ScottIGLaw

RMS Regular
OP
S
Messages
76
Drives
Porsche 911
Going to put some springs on, coilovers are pretty expensive but importantly require some cutting and welding. I want to keep it factory as possible and reversible if required.

The alloys are ok, up close you can see someone took a paint brush to them and was careless in the process. Getting the car back on Friday!
 

cauld1

RMS Regular
Messages
5,325
Drives
BMW E34
Spare pair of front spindles and coilovers are entirely reversible!

Looks a lovely example, a set of original style dealer number plates and rear window sticker would be a great touch imo!
 
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