1990 BMW 318is
1.8-litre M42/M44 inline-4, rear-wheel drive, manual, German-market model
1990 BMW 318is
1.8-litre M42/M44 inline-4, rear-wheel drive, manual, German-market model
km
This 1990 BMW 318is is a 2-door saloon, powered by the 1.8-litre inline-four, paired with a manual transmission.
According to the seller, the car is German-market example manufactured in December 1989, finished in Brillantrot. It was retained by the current owner from 2014, when it underwent a restoration including a full respray and comprehensive underbody rust protection. The sills, jacking points and structural elements are reported to remain original and solid. The wheel arches have been subtly widened.
The displayed mileage is not representative of the car's total use. The odometer was reset after purchase in 2014, when it showed approximately 220,000 km, and the current total mileage is estimated at 250,000 km. A report reportedly confirms the 2014 reading. The odometer gears were replaced in 2025 after they stopped counting.
The cylinder head was fully rebuilt at Piętka's workshop in Wrocław in 2025, with new gaskets and thermostat. The owner reports that the engine is dry and the cylinder bores are in good condition. Other recent work includes reinforced engine-mount brackets, a new oil pan, fuel lines, tank ventilation system and filler neck. The engine has reportedly received annual Motul oil changes. A 4 mm steel engine undertray and front and rear strut braces are fitted.
The air conditioning was retrofitted in 2023 and uses R134a refrigerant. The installation includes custom-made lines, a rebuilt compressor, new condenser and rebuilt heater core with renewed flap foam.
The interior retains its IS-pattern plaid Sportsitze seats and includes a sunroof, rear-window roller blind, central locking, alarm and immobiliser. The OBC 1 onboard computer works, although its LCD has some display bleed. The steering wheel is believed to be from an E28. Audio equipment consists of a Pioneer MOSFET head unit and replacement speakers in the factory locations.
The exhaust system is custom-made, with a new catalytic converter fitted in 2025. The car sits on 15-inch BBS wheels with centre caps. A second 14-inch BBS winter wheel set is included. Both sets have tyres dating from 2014; despite remaining tread, they should be replaced due to age.
• E36 M42 long block with M44 ancillaries, retaining the original M42 wiring harness and ECU
• Bilstein B6 heavy-duty dampers, revalved by Zerkopol
• H&R springs
• Rebuilt, power-assisted E36 steering rack
• E36 gearbox with fresh oil
• 25% limited-slip differential with large casing, 3.96 final drive, rebuilt approximately 2,000 km ago
• Z3M short shifter
• 15 mm front and 20 mm rear wheel spacers
• EBC TurboGroove brake discs
• Hawk HPS brake pads
• Stainless-steel braided brake lines
• New handbrake cable and shoes
• 4 mm steel engine undertray
• Front and rear strut braces
• Custom exhaust system
• Retrofitted air conditioning
• Pioneer MOSFET head unit and replacement speakers
• Paintwork is not perfect; the full respray was carried out in 2014, with visible imperfections documented in the photos
• Slight gearbox bearing noise at idle, which disappears when the clutch is depressed
• Both sets of tyres date from 2014
• Odometer was reset after purchase; actual mileage is estimated at approximately 250,000 km
You might also like:

1985 BMW 318i

1988 BMW 316i

1986 BMW 318i


