1st Jan 2008, 14:41
If you buy a older BMW, you better be a mechanic and able to fix it. They are fun to work on and well built and fun to drive. Do some reading and fix it, don`t condemn it.
15th Nov 2008, 14:59
I just stumbled across a 1984 318I with 80255 miles on it, one owner (70ish old retired elementary school principle). Asking 2500 (US). Is this reasonable?
16th Nov 2008, 15:11
I would think it may well be worth more than 2500. probabaly won't go wrong as much as many cars of that age either, especially with such low mileage. if I was looking for one, id be sure to get there ASAP.
24th Feb 2009, 02:09
I picked up an 85' bimmer for $3500 AU. Had a leaky fuel line, but nothing a $30 new hose didn't fix...
Great little car, I installed a 2.5" exhaust and the little motor sounds awesome. Very reliable car and great to drift in the rain with. The body is very straight and it looks like it's worth a fair bit more than I paid for it. Pretty punchy motor, but slightly gutless until you get the tacho up to around 4000, nevertheless it will still crush small Japanese cars (Hyundai Excels, Pulsars) in a drag.
They are great cars for what you pay, so don't bag them..!
6th Jul 2009, 20:17
BMW 318 I is one of the best cars ever built in that class. I own a 1984 one, and I will not sell it no matter what. I bought it 20 years ago, and maintained it very well. If you find one that is well maintained, buy it, however I don't think the owner will sell it like myself. Probably will stay in the circle of family and friends. No economy car can beat it. The M3 version of this class no matter how old it is, will go nowhere but up in price, because of the overall design of this generation of BMW.
16th Sep 2009, 22:47
I own an E30 '84 323i, manual, bought it with a reconditioned engine (140k) 2 years ago but since then the chassis has done over 400k. It's a great car, real fun to drive, even more so than a motorbike.
2.3 ltr straight 6, rear wheel drive, 10 ltr/100km, fuel injected for '84, it IS the best value for money second hand car under 3.5 grand.
Once the reconditioned engine conks out, I'd rather install another reconditioned 323i instead of buying the latest piece of Japanese steel.
5th Jan 2010, 14:17
I just purchased a 1984 318i for $100 USD!! Whoo Hoo! It has 41,931 original miles. I am the 3rd owner. It has never been wrecked. The exterior and interior are in excellent condition. It was parked in 2004 and has been sitting ever since. It has not MOVED since 2004.
Should I assume the engine and all its inside mechanics will need replacing?
Can anyone give me an idea of what work it's going to need in order to get it running? Thanks!!
19th Feb 2010, 00:10
I have this vehicle. Bought it for $200 after it skidded down hill into a Cadillac. Frame tested excellent. Kidneys and head lights, great! Radiator whole. Needed passenger fender and an impact shock, as well as regular 196k maintenance. Runs and drives great!!! 34mpg! Daily commuter. 2010.
29th May 2007, 07:38
The 'Factory Stereo' in your 1984 318i may need a security code to be entered. I phoned the local dealer here about mine, gave him the VIN number (chassis number) and he gave me the code. Great.