BMW E30 318is classic 1980s compact car

[@DM-ye9mm]

looks a lot better than most of the new cars on the road.

[@InfiniteDice]

Honestly, because it it better. These days I'd rather have ~130 'reliable for 40 years' horses than 270 'what is going to break next' horses. I'd drive my old e30 18 hours straight and not fear getting stranded... man I wish I still had mine.

[@oliverwalton6559]

I own a silver 91 318is as well. I thought I would urge for more Hp, but as he stated, it is so fun revving the engine, downshifting when burning around a corner, feeling like you actually driving your car, and only going 45mph. Absolutely love mine... m42 all day

[@yamkaw346]

Still have it?

[@EM_life-gr8sn]

I own a completely restored 1991 318iS - did it all myself. Everything is new. Half way through the restoration I bought a 1990 M3. It is mint and I’ve pulled the engine to have it rebuilt. Two of the sweetest e30s there are - in my garage! Love e30s!

[@muscularbeaver-1]

I'm about to go buy a 91 e30 4 door and I'm looking forward to restoring it my self plus its gonna be my first car

[@3ebop]

@@muscularbeaver-1 in the same boat bud.

[@verdict1163]

E30s make excellent modern classic daily drivers. Practical, economical, reliable, handsome, easy to work on, fun to drive. What's not to like?

[@thomastalks3841]

I have a few videos on the E30 if you want to see them? kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5ylnWqdfJijqaM

[@boggsty]

What‘s not to like? Not much really. Well, maybe that it became such a legend that even really shitty ones are dealt crazy expensive

[@Anirossa]

Toby Corbin I really enjoy my 1988 E34

[@992turbos8]

Wow does this bring back memories in 1990 was my start in the luxury car market, I test drove this car 3 times as a comparison I test the E30 M3. That was my mistake , I bought the M3 , now 2-M3’s and 3-M5’s And now a Porsche. Thank you my friend for the memory of the 318i you made me smile.

[@allenhaines317]

I have the same nostalgic affinity for the BMW 2002 Tii from the 70's (I'm older than you!).

[@franknowakowski3103]

Absolutely. They were amazing cars compared to what Detroit was offering at the time. I had a 69, 75 and a new 76 2002. Wish II had that 76 back!

[@EJP286CRSKW]

Yep. I bought a 10yo 2002 in 1983 for $4500, drove the shit out of it for ten years, then sold it for ... $4500. Fantastic car. If only it had aircon I might have it still.

[@vroompaa3333]

Love the E30 In South Africa we did not get the M3 so BMW South Africa created the 333i. They took the 3.3 from the big 7 series and stuffed it into the E30 body. So much space was taken by the engine that you had to choose between air-conditioning and power steering.

[@johanbrand8601]

Wow. Didn't know that. Would be a dream to own. Haven't seen a 333i on South African roads in years.

[@getdealtwithquick]

That's hilarious.

[@henryatkinson1479]

10:35 that blank on the left was for the rear wiper controls on the Touring models

[@gilltim5711]

I owned one of these that I bought used in 1997 and drove for 22 years. I LOVED that car. It broke my heart to get rid of it, but everything on it had gone bad. The engine leaked exhaust fumes so strong I'd almost faint when I drove it, the shift and gear box were wearing out, and the rear differential was on its last legs. So I had to let it go. I miss that car so much! I replaced it with my first Porsche, a beautiful 991.2 , 2017. And as wonderful as the Porsche is, it's no competition to that little Beemer. You're right Nick, driving a slow car fast is much more exciting! Every time I stepped on the gas it was exciting, thrilling. Pushing it to its max, hearing the engine whine to those high RPMs, feeling the car vibrate (being that it's so much narrower than the 911). That new Porsche is so wide and long and the huge wheels it feels like a truck or a sedan, and just doesn't have the excitement of the Beemer. Every day I think of getting rid of it. Oh, my heart aches when I watch this video. Thanks for sharing, Nick.

[@ianccu77]

You've got one life man, remember that!Have fun!If you're thinking of selling the Porsche just do it and get a e30+ another Porsche or whatever you want from the money that remains.

[@Smon2k]

i got a e30 318i touring as a daily driver. Still drives fantastic and with the tablet i put in the center console it has no downsides to a modern car, still got navigation and proper music quality without using a smartphone. Such an adorable car :)

[@TheDasbull]

Love my e30 and take it on a road trip each summer. This year is pacific coast highway to the redwoods 👍 These are wonderful cars and drive like a dream. Thanks for the video!

[@royjones59344]

Love those old E30's. They were so much more fun to drive than the big and heavy current 3 series.

[@mattnycm3]

This was my first car and started my love affair with BMW. I remember going through the gears and how satisfying that was. I remember sitting at traffic lights and taking off quickly surprising people at how quick these cars actually were back when I owned mine in the early 90s.

[@justanothertroll9205]

I imagine was really fast. M3 does qt mile in 17 sec . Your 316 or 318 or whatever was doing 20+. For reference some 1.6 Honda does 15. So your car was fast for sure.... compared with a bus

[@ytuberization]

@@justanothertroll9205 Keep on dreaming...

[@justanothertroll9205]

@@ytuberization you must be imbecile .

[@marcnobel3938]

I had a 325i E30 in green with a KONI Suspension Kit, Sport exhaust and BBS Wheels. This Video gives me good memories. The 318is was a good handling and sporty car. One of my friends had this Version.

[@theretrogeek2281]

I bought one a few Months ago with only 23k miles from an old chap,and 1 owner from new as new condition it’s a 316 Carbureted M10 engine 1755cc from 1987 and its so sweet to drive,I absolutely love it,I use to see them go by when I was waiting to get the bus to school they always amazed me...great vid 👍🏻

[@N3KO13]

Turning 16 here and I just got my hands on a 1985 E30 318is. There is nothing like these vehicles. They’re are just so unique and cool in their own way. A E30 was also a dream car of mine. One of my personal favorite bmws.

[@vicentemolina8162]

Nostalgic!! My dad used to own one! Fond memories of him and his E30. Thank you for featuring.

[@negusplox]

i bought my very first car this year, all on my own, and it is a 1991 318is. it was a present to myself after graduating college and getting my first big boy job, and i love it more than anything. i've gone and restored most of it, just need to refresh the front end and replace the clutch packs in the LSD. but man, do i love driving this car. i plan on keeping it forever :)

[@robertlevasseur6843]

I owned a 318is in red. I have never had a car that has attracted more attention from both enthusiasts and casual observers alike. It just seemed to be the perfect design for that time.

[@macc1370]

Same

[@garysimpson3900]

Great to see this car being tested. My first brand new car was a 318 delivered 1/8/87. Mind you, those were the days when you had to pay extra for a radio & alloy wheels in the UK.

[@bekabeka71]

Just as you do for new cars ripping you off

[@mariodesmo]

I was a fan of those back in the day. Still look fantastic for a sedan! I remember my first experience with BMW when my best friend bought a 2002 in the mid 70's. As you know, those were quite a car as well.

[@Aarontlondon]

I’ll never forget when my Dad had this car when I was a kid in the late 80s. Such a beautiful car then, and beautiful today

[@jessekuchinski1172]

Thats the sickest of the E30s on the interwebs that ive seen. Just bought a very nice e34 with 91k miles. 9 grand. I adore it. I also have a 96 f150 5 speed and 2000 jeep xj. I just love the 80s and 90s vehicles. Theyre just a treat. Every drive

[@scrapdaddysgarage5027]

My friend Rocky G. was the original owner of that car, was bought new in Oyster Bay NY, and sold to an older gentleman from Connecticut in the mid 90s. Great video and great car!

[@Miguel-rf8nm]

Very few cars manage to keep their lines attractive and current, 40 years after their launch. The BMW E30 is undoubtedly one of those cars. It's proof that simplicity and elegance never go out of style.

[@VideoAmericanStyle]

Germany and Japan were making the best cars in the world in the 80s and 90s. Simply incredible machines that were SO far ahead of their American/British counterparts.

[@sportshatch]

I do like the E30 , I owned a couple in the eighties, but my favorite is the E21. I had a 1978 323i with the straight six with the Bosch mechanical injection . A lovely car to drive. I also prefer the cloth interior to the leather of the modern BMW's.

[@thomastalks3841]

That is cool, I used to have a 1986 e30. What do you think of the cloth interiors of the modern BMWs? :)

[@tommygsworkshop5038]

I have this very car, handed down from my father who has that gene that drives him to take obsessively great care of things. Completely agree that these are a blast to drive. I had an e92 M3 with the V8 that would outperform the 318is, but the character of the '91 e30 always brings a smile to my face when I drive it.

[@wysoft]

I just got this same exact silver 91 318is. It wasn't running due to electrical issues, but within a few days I had it up and going. The amount of invaluable info on the internet for these cars is astounding, and so far seem very easy to work on.. I got to drive it briefly today and it was everything I thought it would be - I've wanted one of these E30s for years. The best part about this E30 was it was free :)

[@fiftyonefilm]

“Punch It!” (Gets passed by a Jeep) Still my favorite car.

[@tjshill82]

Completely agree about the E30 being a true drivers car. You are not wrong about having to rev the M42 out. I used to love giving mine a good thrashing. PS when exiting the car use your right hand to open the handle that’s how the engineers intended it to be used. Feels more natural! Great video thank you. (Ex 318is owner who regrets letting it go)

[@leeandrews1072]

Had a manual 318 2door as well.....loved it.....you’re right they were a special car back then, now everyone has one

[@alexisinla124]

Wow. Thanks, Nick. Great car. Been seeing these pop up all over LA. Luv how solid, modern and "analog" they are. Having serious Andrew McCarthy "Pretty in Pink" flashbacks. And the tape deck! Making me want to go find my General Public cassettes.

[@JMD535]

A blast from the past,...definitely one of the best 3'ers to drive!

[@jost4786]

I had a dark blue 1983 320i with four doors. Excellent 6 cylinder engine with very nice sound.

[@CarMikeReviews]

Love this car!! I learned to drive a stick on a Deutschland spec E30 that I my uncle bought while stationed in Germany!

[@renerobes30]

The look of the instrument panel is lovely, analog is king. Classic BMW looks that don't age.

[@christopherwhitehead8946]

My step -father in Bavaria had an E-30 325i in the 80s. It literally flew down the Autobahns. I think Motor magazine in the UK called the 6 cylinder 2.5 “ The silken wallop “ . A very accurate description. A fantastic car.

[@vancityflyguy]

My childhood dream car too! That design Never gets old! Thanks for the review Nick

[@davidbee9563]

I had a 1990 325 Touring with the sport package( LSD, cloth sport seats, 3 spoke wheel). You could put two dogs in the back and they had a view all around. We drove it 10 hours from Ontario via Cleveland to the 2009 Vintage at the Vineyard meet. People ignored the row of M3's to take a look since they would have to wait 5 more years to import. Great car for the back roads, until I got a ticket but only the minimum as a warning. Then I had to slow down. Keep up the good work.

[@paulgregroy1986]

I agree with you 100% on everything in this video such a beautiful car.ive got the BMW 3 1.8ti COMPACT 2003. Absolutely love it. BMWs are solid built cars.thanks for the Lovely Video

[@stu4181]

Ive owned one, and can say it is a stand out moment in my auto-motive life, such a visceral machine. No computer driving for you and a chassis that required some skill to drive fast, with a back end that would move around with the 136 bhp it had!

[@ikraam19]

Loved my 91 E30 325i, what a car. Nostalgia setting in watching this video!

[@oscarlee1693]

those outside stationary shots look like a still image but you’re moving inside lol

[@sergetardif9596]

Classy yet sporty. Distinguished yet determined. Raffined but also rugged. Elegant but solid. I could go on... My automotive first and always true love

[@Revelocity]

I miss the one I had. It was Alpine white, with color matched basket weaves. Learned about 80% of stick driving on one of those. Such a fun little go kart.

[@-DC-]

You had a 325i in London back in the day you where the absolute man 👍, such a beautiful design the E30 really was a wonderful package, don't think they'll ever get the mix this right again it's like magic 🙂

[@birddawg1171]

Loved those model years, my in-laws had a 1987 convertible 325i and 1986 m6 both were shipped from UK. Those were my favorite cars to drive especially that m6... they eventually rusted away. Regret not snatching them up.

[@steveong4738]

Great video. I had one E30 in 1985 in metallic green and the build quality is such that the car will last forever. This car propells BMW into the big league leaving Alfa Romeo way behind for the last 40 years?!

[@slatanek]

Those cars are just amazing. Remember the early 90's DTM everytime I saw one I thought they looked sooooo cool. The feeling stayed with me - I'm about to get one myself in Touring chassis. Can't wait to drive it and use it as my daily. Great content!

[@carreralicious]

I had a manual 1987 325es. Drove it for 160k miles, and it was great fun.

[@JohnPaulYT]

well done Nick! Manual transmissions make any car more fun to drive.

[@RogerBaileyOnCars]

Special car back in the day, I drove a couple in the '80's they had a nervous rear end when really pressing on through corners, otherwise totally awesome car. Thank you Nick for showing this, great camera work, infectious enthusiasm, an excellent car review - here's hoping you keep them coming

[@NickMurray]

Thanks Roger

[@stevenhaas9622]

I worked at a BMW dealer in the early 90s. I loved driving the E30. I would gladly trade my new G20 for a mint very low milage E30.

[@nsbioy]

Then do it. Plenty of those on Bringatrailer

[@musicisfree91]

The first BMW I ever drove was an '89 325is. I love those things. Even after owning an '04 330i ZHP I still want an e30.

[@golfbuddy1969]

The first BMW I ever drove was a 325 2 door from maybe 1987. I never understood why everyone loved these cars UNTIL I drove my first one...gray with red leather interior. The straight six was intoxicating.

[@smilepermile888]

The clamshell bonnet alone makes me want an E30. Reminds me of my Dad's E36 318ti Compact M sport as it has a similar engine to this, albeit being a slightly heavier car (and yes I'm aware many people hated the looks of the hatchback 3 series, but I don't care as it brings a very sentimental value to me and my family). I believe the 318is E30s were powered by an M42 1.8 engine, but my dad's was a slightly revised M44 1.9 litre engine. Great video Nick 👍

[@p00pie]

God, my first car. Same exact spec, sterlingsilber, 5 speed, 4.10 LSD. What an incredible car. So many memories.

[@swanblake]

Glorious! I really miss lightweight BMW sedans. Definitely can't have this much involvement in modern BMWs. Such a proper size too. Just love this

[@ChoPi-Eww]

I love how it's making all that noise in that intro, and you're being passed by an SUV just cruising by

[@dsc-nr5zy]

That is a CLEAN car. It's very apparent how much enthusiasm you have for this model. 👌 I miss my old E30 dearly. I have an F30 BMW now, but would *love* to find a nice E30 just to be able to drive every now and then (preferably priced under 10k...crazy how much they're worth now!).

[@bkeen7013]

Oh crap! I have that same exact sweater he's wearing. Now it must be burned!

[@jo05dk]

I remember the 318IS being called the actual driver's choice. It has almost as much power as a 320 (139HP vs 150HP where i'm from), close to the same HP to weight ratio and a better balance due to the lighter engine. I'd go for a six cylinder E30 any day of the week, unless presented with a great example of an IS like this one. Loved this video. That is a car i can get excited about :)

[@jo05dk]

@Ivan J Think I read something along those lines in a "Why you should consider a 318IS over a 320" article back in the day. Biggest difference, if I remember correctly, is that the heads of the six cylinder are problematic, while the four cylinder heads are good.

[@chrispetri1456]

They use to call the 318is a poor mans M3!

[@rodperalta4000]

@@chrispetri1456 That's what I have on my License Plate Frame. I have a 1991 BMW 318IS as my daily driver/roundabout car.

[@getdealtwithquick]

Along with the E38, my favorite looking BMW of all time.

[@SeelanManickam]

Totally agree about the e30. Wishing I had never sold my e30 vert. Hard to find them now.

[@thomastalks3841]

oh really? There's a few around for sale in the UK :)

[@ahmadkhorshed]

The same in here 😔😔😔

[@davidhunternyc1]

Don't hate me for my focus on one odd thing about this car. I LOVE the fabric seats! Leather is so sticky and leather cracks. Fabric is like sitting in a living room. These seats here still look brand new. ❤

[@Rennthusiast]

I had a 318is in Brilliantrot a little while back. I enjoyed the look and soul of the car but the overall driving experience I just couldn’t get excited about. So, I sold it. Since then, I have moved away from BMW’s on to air cooled Porsche’s and honestly haven’t looked back. Good to see your enthusiasm for it though. It’s definitely a historically important car and one to have if you’re a classic BMW guy.

[@gaivoron]

That’s a sweet car. Timeless look

[@Vampirebear13]

Nick IMHO the E30 is the most beautiful & closest to perfect of all BMW 3 series cars. As for the gear ratio, I think it's more to do with the rear end than the transmission. If I remember correctly, the regular E30 had a 3.91 while the M3 had a 4.10 rear end. And if you want to drool over some great Bimmer's you need to visit Enthusiast Auto Group in Cincinnati. They have a seriously drool-worthy YT channel. Thumbs up & much love from Ohio !!!!

[@juannoval69]

Nice but the inline six on the 325 is was a sweetheart. Was fortunate to have a 325 is, a 325 ix, and the venerable E30 M3 1988. Of course that was a four cylinder mill but it was awesome. Always regret selling my M3. Good memories.

[@ianmitchell9102]

Had no bonnet badge ? Dreamed of the 325i sport, then the M3...... but now I’m in my 40’s I’ll settle for the 318is

[@leffler2]

I bought my 1991 325i coupe, 5sp, schwarz on schwarz, leather, sunroof...New! It is still my daily driver!

[@JeffCrowell11]

I appreciate your passion for this classic.

[@mucix]

10:30 the "other" spare button holes are used in Tourings (wagon body) to control the rear wiper and washer. I own a '91 Manual 325i Touring in Laguna Green Metallic and I love it!

[@NickMurray]

Yes that’s right!!

[@user-yr9hp5sv9t]

Nice job Nick,great car.My kids laughed at the manual sunroof.

[@tommytaylor4139]

What a beautiful car,so easy on the eye,total classic.

[@migy5031]

Love it! My first car was a 1985 325e. I believe it weighed about 2600 lbs. What I wouldn't give today to have that one back.

[@djrudz]

What a great video! I had the 4 door 318i, which had hubcaps. I always loved the cross spoke alloys on the 2 door. Impressed that this one you reviewed still had the original stereo.

[@franknowakowski3103]

You need to drive one of the original BMW 2002's as well. They were an absolute game changer back in the late 60's to 1976 when the 3 series replaced it.

[@PeteinMD]

I had a 1990 325i, bought second hand... I SO miss it now, a fun, reliable car, easy & cheap to maintain, too... I think they've doubled in price over the last 5 years... :(

[@koolkat969]

Love the E30. Had a 320i in Burgundy red. Calypso red i believe was the official name. It was 2 door with bbs wheels, side skirt plus headlight wipers. Unfortunately sold it because i was getting oil leaks which were expensive to fix plus it was quite juicy being an auto. Wish i kept it though.

[@Moezer]

Love it!! I have owned many BMWs a 98 328i a 2002 M3 e46, e53 x5 4.4 a 2014 X6M and a 2016 435xi all awesome cars/SUVs and now I own a 87 e30!! It's a 318i but has an engine swap 😈 it's no where near stock with a 328i top end m50 engine and a 3.0 x5 bottom end the cars a monster 😁 and since it still has the rear 318i badge I have had a few people sadly think it's an actual 318 😂 sadly they where mistaken 😂😂

[@Emerald13]

Have been looking sooo long for one of these in good condition for a reasonable price. Pretty much gave up a couple of years ago.

[@unemployedrocketsurgeon1124]

Awesome enthusiasm, analog perfection!

[@AutoAmateur]

I always loved these cars too, especially the simplicity of the headlights and the front grill. Never driven one though. I don’t think the seat goes back far enough.

[@thorstenschmidt3570]

You would be surpised, I am over 6ft, and I can sit quite comfortably in it.

[@DougsCars]

Had an ‘84 318i coupe. Manual of course. 101hp...but SO much fun.

[@MichaelNNguyen]

What a beautiful car. OEM no mods FTW!!!

[@ChoPi-Eww]

I love your passion about these cars! I'm always scoping them on BAT.

[@john_p]

was always a big fan of the 325is with the mtech bodykit, i liked those even more than the boxy m3, mainly because a friend's dad in highschool had a modified one with 2.7 eta crank and big cams and compression, was a total hoot to drive, my first experience of a car where first gear was useless

[@nickzarnetske9994]

An IS to boot. That thing would bring a pretty penny on BaT!!!

[@pulsing1982]

Nick, you're spot on, they're an absolute blast! Perhaps your next trip down to Niu Zild should coincide with e30 Mega Meet! Currently planning, north island location, likely late November. 40 e30's last year, continues to grow.

[@unemployedrocketsurgeon1124]

I have a ’90 316i & a raucous ’89 325i, both manual of course, the ’91 318is would have to be the best of both worlds in my opinion, the light weight balance of the 316 & the power of the 325, the baby m3 as they say, I want one.

[@ytuberization]

The 318iS is a future classic. Beside the M3 the most interesting E30. Unfortunately it is meanwhile difficult to find really good cars with that engine...

[@ethankim2142]

You can't hear the real tone as well through the microphone. My neighbour actually owns an 91 E30 325ix. It sounds really nice when ever it drives by my home.

[@zTheBigFishz]

318is: Majical cars...I had one in 2000-2002. They rotate, they rev, etc. All the rage on BaT for the last couple of years.

[@e.a.7265]

E30 Love. I have a 1990 E30’s 325is and love everything about it. By the way, the Gorilla looks ecstatic in the back.

[@thomastalks3841]

E30 is great! I have a 1986 318i and my pal has a 316i. I have a video if you want to see it ;) kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5ylnWqdfJijqaM

[@fisherh9111]

Nick, do yourself a favour and buy one for yourself (in the US). Take your time looking and get a mint condition one. I can tell from the way you talk about this one that it's something you won't regret. Heck, you might even make money on it!

[@islamcoherencepertinence.7226]

I had a 320i (1987) and the top speed was 210km/h (130,5mph)!!!

[@jesperhvid9667]

Wonderful family of cars. As always, your video is excellent. Please make more to help us through this working from home hell.

[@964tractorboy]

E30: great cars. No question. I’m a fan. Interiors are bullet-proof but watch out for rust.

[@djbiltv]

Replace the baboon with an elephant so that we can all make the "elephant in the room" pun. Thank you for keeping me company on valentine's day Nicky ❤️