1990 BMW 3 Series 318is E30 Manual
WA • Private
17
Odometer283,117km
Body typeSedan
FuelPetrol
TransmissionManual
Comments from the seller
Up for sale is a 1990 E30 318is, powered by a twin cam M42 engine matched to a 240 getrag.
Lovely original and unmolested condition with a minor restoration recently completed consisting of a window out respray, only rust was one area around boot lid and tiny speck on door sill. Replacement of all clips, grommets and badges and many plastic parts like door sill protectors and knobs - the little things that you notice.
Key points:
Crack-free dash
Nice Uberkaro interior
385mm m tech 1 steering wheel
16 inch Alpina wheels
Cluster-rebuilt
New windscreen
BMW specialists have gone over the vehicle and repaired all electrics to ensure all items are operational.
A genuine and honest car looking for a new home! An appreciating classic. Agreed value insurance $36k. Mature owner. Happy to arrange independent inspection, give you my mechanics’ details and assist with interstate delivery/transport.
Background to the “baby M3”:
For the BMW E30 318is, the situation is clearer than the E36 — and it’s much rarer in right-hand drive.
BMW E30 318is (1989–1991)
Total production (all markets)
• ≈ 2,500–2,600 cars worldwide
• All were 2-door coupes
• Engine: M42 1.8L DOHC 16-valve
• Produced mainly for Europe
This low total is well accepted among BMW historians and E30 specialists.
Right-hand drive (RHD) production
BMW never published an official RHD split, but strong consensus from:
• BMW Classic archive queries
• UK/EU homologation records
• Long-standing E30 registries
points to:
✅ Estimated RHD production: ~300–400 cars
• Primarily UK
• Small numbers to Australia, Japan, South Africa
• Many markets never officially received it at all
Most estimates cluster around ~350 RHD cars worldwide.
Why it’s so rare in RHD
• The E30 318is was a homologation-style performance model, not a mass-market car
• BMW focused on LHD European markets
• RHD demand was limited and costly to certify
Practical takeaway
• E30 318is RHD is far rarer than:
• E30 325i RHD
• E36 318is RHD
• In Australia especially, genuine RHD cars are extremely scarce and highly collectible
Car details
øVehicle description
E30 318is Sedan 2dr Man 5sp 1.8i
Powerplant type
Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)
Cost to insureSponsored
Exterior colour
Blue
Interior colour
Grey
Body type
Sedan, 2 doors, 5 seats
Transmission
5 speed Manual
Engine
4 cylinders, Petrol Aspirated, 1.8L
Cost of financeSponsored
Registration plate
LIMELITE
Registration expiry
September 2025
Build date
April 1990
Compliance date
Check with seller
Roadworthy certificate
Provided at pick-up by seller
carsales Network ID
SSE-AD-19394402
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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Estimated cost before offer
$29,500Excl. Govt. Charges
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Nick is the sellerLocation
Claremont, WA 6010
Member since
2010
Verified information
Phone number
Government ID
Get in touch with the seller
Expert 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.
+ P-Plate approval status is provided as a guide only, using data sourced from a variety of government and industry based sources. You should verify the status of the vehicle with relevant state / territory authorities and the vehicle manufacturer / authorised agent. carsales is not liable for any loss or damages (other than in respect of any liability which may not lawfully be excluded) relating to your use of, or reliance on, data contained on this site. By using this site you acknowledge that you use the information subject to the terms of the above disclaimer and notice.
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