1984 BMW 318i

1984 BMW 3-Series Description

Just for BMW lovers! My wife is the original owner of this car. It was purchased in Texas, but has spent most of its life in California. It has been garaged most of its life, and the original paint still shines. There is no obvious rust. It has been my daily driver for over ten years, and it is really fun to drive. I have taken it on several annual trips of over 1600 miles (round trip), and at least monthly on trips of over 150 miles. The four-cylinder engine when properly tuned gets mileage comparable to our Honda Civic, and while it is not the fastest car off-the-line, it will easily cruise at 80+ mph (where legal!). I hate to part with it, but it is time for someone with more time and mechanical ability to make it a project and get it back to 100 points. You won't be disappointed!
The car has working power steering, power brakes and a sun roof. It has a 5-speed manual transmission. I recently replaced the fuel pump. The lights all work. As is typical with cars this age that have been in regular use, some things have worn out or broken over the years. The driver's seat needs reupholstering, and the shift boot has a tear. The cassette holder in the console is broken. The speedometer is intermittently inoperative (which I understand is typical) as is the radio. The radio (stock) is AM/FM/cassette tape, but only the AM band is currently functioning when it comes on. Antenna still goes up and down when the radio is turned on/off. The odometer quit (which I understand is also typical) at 149,000+ miles, and I estimate that I have put about 25,000 miles on it since. The air conditioning stopped working about a year ago, and I was told it was because there was a refrigerant leak. Until it quit, the AC was unbelievably cold. All parts are there, and it is all original: it was never switched to R-134. Some of the tools in the kit in the trunk are missing, and those that are there are rusty. While the body is sound, and there is no obvious rust, there are the typical minor dents cars get in parking lots, and scratches, and the clear coat has come off in a few places. There is a crack in the windshield (right behind the rear-view mirror so you barely see it when driving). A few years ago, it was hit while parked on the passenger-side door (see picture). I took the trim piece off to avoid losing it: it is in the trunk, with additional parts I obtained over the years. Finally, it is running very rich right now when it starts, and it is hard to keep running until it warms up. Because it is running so rich, it doesn't have the power it should. Last August it passed California smog with lots of room to spare. I suspect that it will not pass now without some work. If California title is required, and it does not pass smog, seller may cancel the sale by returning all deposits.
In spite of these "flaws" it still handles like a dream, and it is fun to drive, especially on mountain roads. Sold as-is: no returns. Serious buyers only, please. Buyer is responsible for arranging transportation. While I think it is capable mechanically of being driven as is, the rear tires should be replaced before undertaking a long trip.