BMW E36 318i special edition

The E36 was manufactured and sold from 1990 to 2000 as the third generation of the 3 Series, the smallest model in BMW's lineup at the time.

The first and second generations had a classic 3-box style, but the E36 was a model that made a big leap forward in terms of style, with a sharp, modern style with improved aerodynamic performance that even the harsh car critic Tokudaiji Aritsune said, "It's simply cool, and it's the best small premium car in the world, including the inside."

 

The wheelbase is 112mm longer than the previous E30 model, making the backseat, which was previously considered narrow, more spacious. The 318i, a 4-cylinder model, has a front midship layout, achieving an ideal 50:50 weight distribution. It also features a new multi-link central arm rear suspension, making it a compact sporty sedan that is typical of BMW, which promotes the "joy of driving". What

we are introducing this time is the base model 318i, a special edition model that is a mature late model with genuine leather seats and a sunroof. It is a car in such good condition that it is hard to find anywhere in Japan, so if you have been looking for one, don't miss it.

 

[Exterior]

The Aegean blue body, which is said to be inspired by the Aegean Sea, is very deep, elegant and beautiful, and the overall condition is very clean and can be called a superb car.

It may be because it has been applied with glass coating, but it is rare to find a car of this age that is this beautiful.

The body is beautiful and has almost no flaws, including scratches from flying stones, but there are some minor flaws such as scratches on the bottom right of the front bumper and the rear of the right side step, and a small scratch on the edge of the left rear door, but they are not noticeable. In addition, due to aging, the resin on the front wiper arm attachment part has the usual cracks. Please check the images for these.

 

[Interior]

The interior is also very well maintained, with little wear or fatigue on the dashboard, door lining, or air conditioning outlets, and the overall condition is very clean and does not show any signs of age.

The light gray leather seats, which are close to white with the unique BMW texture, are of high quality and really tasteful. They are less slippery than smooth leather, but the condition of the leather seats is also very good and beautiful. The condition of the

genuine leather parts of the steering wheel and handbrake is also good, and there are no missing dots on the meter odometer. The sunroof opens and closes smoothly, and since the roof has been replaced once, there is no drooping as usual.

The interior is very clean overall, and you can really feel that you are driving a good car, and the design with the controls facing the driver also symbolizes that it is a driver's car. The lack of a digital feel is also a nice thing for old-fashioned BMW fans.

 

[Engine]

In addition to test driving from the passenger seat, I also drove the car with the owner's kind permission, and there was nothing to say about the engine, transmission, or suspension, and it was in good condition. There were no problems.

With the recent heatwaves, the effectiveness of the air conditioner is a concern, but the air conditioner was repaired in April 2024, including replacing the compressor and liquid tank, so the interior of the car was cool and comfortable even during the heatwaves when the temperature exceeded 30 degrees at the time of the interview. Air conditioners are a part that will inevitably break down as they get older, and repair costs are quite high, so I think the fact that the air conditioner has been recently repaired is a big plus.

 

The tires are Michelin ENERGY SAVER4, 195/65R15. They were manufactured in 2020 and have about 80-90% of the tread left. The original wheels are clean, but all four have slight scratches that can be seen if you look closely.

 

[Additional Parts]

The car is basically driven as is. The only additional parts added are a CD deck and an ETC onboard unit.

 

[Maintenance History]

Most of the maintenance records are from when the car was new, including those from the time of vehicle inspection. Although the mileage is low, it seems that there have been no major breakdowns or problems since the car was new.

We have omitted information about parts that are generally replaced regularly, but they are as follows.

 

1998.05 5,948Km 12 month inspection

1999.11 12,138Km 12 month inspection

2000.04 13,359Km Inspection Power steering oil leak repair

2002.04 17,732Km Inspection Power steering hose replacement

2004.04 20,138Km Inspection Fan belt, air conditioner belt replacement

2006.04 24,071Km Inspection　

2008.04 26,408Km Inspection

2010.04 30,439Km Inspection Brake pads (front) replacement

2012.04 35,244Km Inspection

2014.04 37,989Km Inspection

2016.04 41,315Km Inspection

2018.05 43,705km MOT 2021.01 Brake pads (rear), fan belt, air conditioner belt replaced .

45,500km MOT

2021.01 Bonnet damper, battery, bumper trim LH, air conditioner tensioner & pulley belt, alternator tensioner & pulley idler pulley belt replaced. Rear bumper repainted due to scratches.

2021.02 Tire replacement 4 pieces

2021.03 Glass coating applied

2022.01 49,211Km 12-month inspection Radiator, AT mount, steering rack boot, fuel pump filter, etc. replaced

2023.01 52,339Km Vehicle inspection Cam cover gasket replaced

2023.10 Roof lining reupholstered, seat cleaning

2024.01 56,236Km 12-month inspection Radiator reserve tank, fan belt replacement

2024.04 Engine internal cleaning, air conditioner compressor liquid tank replacement

 

[A word from the interviewer]

On a personal note, I bought this E36 318i for my father when it was still the current model, and it's one of the cars I personally value as a practical driver's car with a sporty, luxurious feel and strong brand power.

The 318 is a basic model, but it is just as practical as the 320, which has a thin low-speed torque, for driving in Japan's low speed range with an automatic transmission, and the lightness of the nose makes it feel light and nimble. The engine is smooth with little roughness or vibration even when revved up, and I think the good thing about BMW is that they don't cut corners just because it's a basic 318, including the interior.

 

In addition, the E36 model (sedan) is a "5-number" size, which fits the road conditions in Japan, and while there are many large luxury cars these days as cars get larger, small luxury cars are no longer available. Also, as a driver's car, a compact size gives a stronger sense of unity between the driver and the car, and even just driving on public roads is enjoyable.

 

Both the exterior and interior are impeccably finished, and the Aegean Blue exterior, genuine leather seats, and a sunroof that gives you a sense of openness make this a very attractive car. It's hard to find an E36 of this quality, so this is a car that anyone with an attachment to the E36 should definitely get their hands on.

 

The actual vehicle is located in Fukuoka Prefecture.

Since this is a private sale, no consumption tax will be charged.

If there are recycling consignment fees and automobile tax (monthly), they will be charged separately.

 

The above article was created based on comments and interviews with the owner, and we have tried to write the article as objectively and honestly as possible, including any known defects. However, it is not possible to fully grasp the defects, maintenance history, repair history, etc. at the time of the interview, and the car is sold as is, with the condition of the actual car taking top priority. Therefore, please ultimately check and judge for yourself before deciding to purchase.

 

The above article was created based on comments from the owner.

Maintenance history and repair history have not been verified by Ensu-no-Mori.