1990 BMW 3 Series 318is E30 Manual
NSW • Dealer used
70
Odometer180,000km
Body typeSedan
FuelPetrol
TransmissionManual
Comments from the dealer
1990 BMW E30 318is Coupe | S54 3.2L | E46 M3 6-Speed | Brintech Documented | Genuine 325is Components | 208rwkW
Located in , Sydney.
This is a seriously built BMW E30 coupe, originally delivered as a 318is and now transformed into a highly documented S54-powered performance build with genuine 325is body and interior components, an E46 M3 6-speed manual gearbox, upgraded brakes, suspension, cooling, A/C, driveline, wiring, custom cluster and a substantial receipt file.
The appeal of this car is not simply its original badge. It is the quality of the build, the genuine components used, the documentation behind it, the naturally aspirated S54 drivetrain and the cost of recreating something similar today.
At the heart of the car is BMWs iconic S54 3.2-litre naturally aspirated inline-six, best known from the E46 M3. In the lighter E30 chassis, it delivers a raw, high-revving and analogue driving experience that modern performance cars rarely replicate.
The car is paired with an E46 M3 6-speed manual gearbox and supported by extensive documented work from Brintech Customs. One Brintech invoice notes the vehicle being tuned from approximately 182rwkW to 208rwkW.
Brintechs own E30 engine-swap packages start from around $50,000, with inclusions such as custom exhaust headers, complete exhaust system, steering rack upgrade, custom tail shaft, cooling system upgrade, A/C overhaul, wiring solution, electronic throttle conversion, fuel pump upgrade, brake booster/sump conversion, shifter and clutch upgrades. Optional upgrades can include suspension, big brakes, LSD/rear-end work, 5-stud conversion, engineering services and dyno tuning.
This car appears to go well beyond a basic conversion. The documentation and owner-supplied information indicate S54 engine work, E46 M3 6-speed gearbox, CP forged pistons, high-performance bearing sets, ARP head studs, Schrick S54 camshafts, Schrick DLC-coated followers, VANOS/cam timing work, Wilwood brake components, 5-stud conversion, BC coilovers, LSD/rear-end work, cooling and A/C work, custom wiring, short-shifter work and dyno tuning.
The current owner advises that the car is fitted with genuine 325is body and interior components, including front and rear bars, boot, side panels, side sills, front seats and rear seats.
This is a key part of the cars appeal, as genuine 325is components are becoming increasingly difficult to source, with many E30s now relying on replica 325is-style kits and trim.
The Brintech documentation and supporting receipts indicate substantial engine-related work, including CP forged pistons and rings, high-performance main bearing set, high-performance rod bearing set, OEM head gasket, ARP head stud kit, Schrick S54 camshaft set, Schrick DLC-coated followers, engine machining, assembly, run-in, VANOS/cam timing work and dyno tuning.
Further documented work includes modified S54 wiring/harness work to suit the E30, cooling and A/C system work, brake work, rear trailing arm and suspension bush work, wheel bearing work, shifter work and supporting driveline components.
The car is also fitted with a custom instrument cluster suited to the conversion, featuring a 9,000 rpm tachometer and 300 km/h speedometer. The display currently shows approximately 3,593 km, understood to relate to the custom/post-conversion cluster reading rather than original chassis mileage.
For transparency, the kilometres have been listed at approximately 180,000 km based on the understood chassis history and available supporting documentation. The custom dash display should not be relied upon as original chassis mileage.
The vehicle is supported by extensive historical service records showing long-term maintenance prior to the conversion, along with later documentation relating to the S54 conversion, engine work, gearbox, brakes, suspension, cooling, A/C and supporting mechanical work.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a highly documented S54-powered E30 coupe with genuine 325is components, serious mechanical investment, strong presentation and a replacement cost that would likely exceed the asking price by a considerable margin.
Key Highlights
1990 BMW E30 coupe
Originally delivered as a 318is
Genuine 325is body and interior components advised
Genuine 325is front and rear bars advised
Genuine 325is boot advised
Genuine 325is side panels advised
Genuine 325is side sills advised
Genuine 325is front and rear seats advised
S54 3.2L E46 M3 engine conversion
E46 M3 6-speed manual gearbox
Brintech Customs documented work
Brintech E30 conversion packages start from approx. $50,000 before many optional upgrades
Documented dyno tune: approx. 208rwkW
CP forged pistons and rings
High-performance main and rod bearing sets
OEM head gasket
ARP head studs
Schrick S54 camshafts
Schrick DLC-coated followers
VANOS/cam timing work documented
Modified S54 wiring/harness work to suit E30
CAE-style short-shifter work documented
Wilwood brake components
5-stud conversion advised
BC coilovers advised
LSD setup advised as 3.73 by owner
Rear-end/driveline work documented in part
Cooling and A/C system work documented
Custom cluster with 9,000 rpm tacho / 300 km/h speedometer
Current cluster display approx. 3,593 km, understood as post-conversion/custom cluster reading
Approx. 180,000 km listed based on understood chassis history
Alpina wheels
Extensive historic service file
Large receipt/documentation file
Presented at our boutique automotive showroom located in , Sydney, specialising in unique, classic, sports, performance and enthusiast vehicles.
Inspection by appointment. Serious enquiries only.
Car details
øVehicle description
E30 318is Sedan 2dr Man 5sp 1.8i
Powerplant type
Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)
Cost to insureSponsored
Exterior colour
grey
Interior colour
Grey
Body type
Sedan, 2 doors, 5 seats
Transmission
5 speed Manual
Engine
4 cylinders, Petrol Aspirated, 1.8L
Registration plate
Check with seller
VIN
WBAAF92050EE46930
Build date
January 1990
Compliance date
April 1990
Dealer stock ID
148
Comfort & Convenience
Air conditioning
Air conditioning
Steering
Power steering
Power steering
Fuel
E10
Fuel Type
Petrol - Unleaded ULP
Fuel Capacity
55L
RON Rating
91
Fuel Delivery
Multi-Point Injection
Method of Delivery
Electronic
Engine
Engine type
Piston
Engine Location
Front
Engine Size (cc)
1796cc
Engine Size (L)
1.8L
Induction
Aspirated
Engine Configuration
In-line
Cylinders
4
Camshaft
Double Overhead Cam
Valves/Ports per Cylinder
4
Compression ratio
10
Generic Engine Type
Piston
Power
100.0kW @ 6000rpm
Torque
172Nm @ 4600rpm
Power to Weight Ratio
88.9kW/t
Transmission & Drivetrain
Gears
5
Gear Type
Manual
Gear Location
Floor
Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Wheels & Tyres
Rim Material
Steel
Front Rim Description
14x5.5
Rear Rim Description
14x5.5
Front Tyre Description
195/65 R14
Rear Tyre Description
195/65 R14
Dimensions & Weights
Length
4325mm
Width
1645mm
Height
1360mm
Wheelbase
2570mm
Track Front
1407mm
Track Rear
1415mm
Tare Mass
1125kg
Kerb Weight
1125kg
Other
Country of Origin
GERMANY
Launch Year
1990
Launch Month
5
Generation Name
E30
Series
E30
Badge
318is
Doors
2
Seat Capacity
5
Body Style
Sedan
Probationary plate status +
New South Wales
Allowed
Victoria
Approved
Queensland
Approved
South Australia
Approved
Australian Capital Territory
Approved
Western Australia
Approved
Northern Territory
Approved
Tasmania
Approved
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About this dealer
Location
New South Wales
Member since
2024
License number
MD078757
Current ad listings
19
Get in touch with the dealer
Call the dealer
(02) 8317 7980
Car code: 1009Expert car reviews on BMW 3 Series
ø Specifications have been sourced from Automotive Data Services Pty Ltd (Redbook) and are based on manufacturer standard features and specifications, some of which may require subscription. Actual features and specifications for this vehicle may differ. Please confirm these details with the seller.
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Lic. No.: MD078757, AxxlePhone: 02 8317 7980, Car Code: 1009
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