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1991 BMW 3 Series Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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User reviews for 1991 BMW 3 Series
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Anonymous
Sep 20, 2013
Great car with great gas mileage and fun to drive!
can be modified fairly easily!
Very reliable and has many futures that vehicles to this day cannot out perform. Handles great if you know how to driver a rear wheel driver vehicle.
I love it!Sep 20, 2013
by Anonymous
Jun 25, 2013
I've had my 1991 BMW 318IS since 1998, and it is now 2013. It has 300,000 miles on it, and it's still running well. I love anything that withstands the test of time. I enjoy driving this car. The turning radius is remarkable. I will cry when this one dies.Jun 25, 2013
by Damon W
Jun 15, 2013
Overall the e30 is an excellent machine, mine has an upgraded e36 Vader interior from the M3 edition. the oem sport seats are lacking and the normal seats that come in the base are even worse. The car also has upgraded suspension that really gives this old car a great feel. It has been fitted with a custom 4 piston front bbk from the rx7 fc and the stereo from factory is pretty bad, so when installing a new system you need to replace all the speaker wires. the oem system has a common ground and you will not get good performance from a system using the oem wires.
This is one of my favorite cars i have owned out of the 31 in the last 15 years.Jun 15, 2013
User rating:
by Anonymous
Sep 20, 2013
Great car with great gas mileage and fun to drive!
can be modified fairly easily!
Very reliable and has many futures that vehicles to this day cannot out perform. Handles great if you know how to driver a rear wheel driver vehicle.
I love it!Sep 20, 2013
by Anonymous
Jun 25, 2013
I've had my 1991 BMW 318IS since 1998, and it is now 2013. It has 300,000 miles on it, and it's still running well. I love anything that withstands the test of time. I enjoy driving this car. The turning radius is remarkable. I will cry when this one dies.Jun 25, 2013
by Damon W
Jun 15, 2013
Overall the e30 is an excellent machine, mine has an upgraded e36 Vader interior from the M3 edition. the oem sport seats are lacking and the normal seats that come in the base are even worse. The car also has upgraded suspension that really gives this old car a great feel. It has been fitted with a custom 4 piston front bbk from the rx7 fc and the stereo from factory is pretty bad, so when installing a new system you need to replace all the speaker wires. the oem system has a common ground and you will not get good performance from a system using the oem wires.
This is one of my favorite cars i have owned out of the 31 in the last 15 years.Jun 15, 2013
by Josh D
Apr 30, 2012
I owned it for a few years. Drove it through 2 or 3 winters. It's great in the snow. Brakes/handles very well even at high speed in the snow. The all wheel drive provides great traction in mud and snow. The interior is spacious and generally nice. It isn't underpowered, but not impressive eitherApr 30, 2012
by Anonymous
Sep 12, 2011
Overall I like the E30 style and performance of the E30 that's made BMW the company they are today. 1991 was the last year of the E30 chassis in the sedan/coupe version but the E30's were one of the most popular models BMW ever built.Sep 12, 2011
by Anonymous
Dec 01, 2010
I have owned a '91 BMW 318i now for four
years, it is an amazing machine that
outperforms many much newer cars. Not the
most comfortable car, very raw, sports-car
feel. Handles like no other. Old school
BMW! Super reliable.Dec 01, 2010
by Guy M
Jun 18, 2010
I owned a 318 ti, a nice car, very well finished, high fun factor, low fuel
consumption, very good chassis ... The 318 Ti had a very good 140 bhp back then,
which you could really use. The "crude" chassis which can be found in a Z3 or the
previous 3 series proved quite ok, you had some rear axle flex impacting straight
ahead stability, but nothing worrying.Jun 18, 2010
by Matthew S
May 28, 2010
Love my car, it's a bit quicker than stock due to the supercharger, but the worst part about it is the minimal tourqe. Wish I had a Mustangs amount. The only thing that is really wrong with it is due to age things break. Overall I love the car.May 28, 2010
by Luis F
Apr 03, 2010
I enjoy a lot to drive this car, the handling, engine sound (M20 inline six) is excellent, the car was made for people who likes to drive, a car thinked for the driver principality, is like a modern classic car.Apr 03, 2010
by James S
Jan 07, 2010
First of all my 318i was a 1984....they didnt have the option for 84 and 85. The car was a first year car for the E30 body style in the USA, plus it was BMWs entry level car so dont expect much. 1.8 liter 4 cyl engine put out just over 100hp. Very well made body, but replacement parts were not up to my expectations. There is still somewhat of an aftermarket for these cars for people that like to upgrade. Overall a decent car that had some issues....would I ever buy one again.....probably not an 84 or 85, but I have heard good things about the 1991 318isJan 07, 2010
by Danny B
Nov 14, 2009
This little beast is turning into my track car. Its engine is pretty solid for a non-turbo 16v 1.8L. It's got to be revved though. It likes life above 4000rpm, which makes it less fun driving to work than my GTI, but is perfectly good for track events.
This car has BMW M-tech suspension, including front and rear sway bars from the factory and an LSD. BMW even moved the battery to the boot for better weight distribution. It is 18yrs old though so the old struts and springs are a bit tired. Bilstein Sports Struts/H&R Springs combo is being installed after the new year :-)
Nov 14, 2009
by Steven M
Oct 30, 2009
Car is amazing to drive. There's really no comparison to driving an E30, there are no blindspots, the car is compact and nimble and has exceptionally responsive steering. Dubbed the baby M3, the 318is was the somewhat affordable alternative to the M-series car. The M42 engine has a strong pick-up and a powerband between ~3800-->4500 RPM. The car turns on a dime too, amazing turning radius. Oct 30, 2009
by Russell B
Oct 28, 2009
A practical 4-door with a tuneful straight-six, plenty of
power and entertaining rear-drive handling. Boxy looks
still the best, and still considered to be one of the most
engaging driver's cars ever made by BMW.
At the time, a real-deal performance saloon too thanks to
that silken 141-kW 2.5-litre straight-six. Oct 28, 2009
by Ted S
Oct 16, 2009
Stunning car thats got the performance and dependability to go with it.
Already has 200k miles and its got 200k more left in it. Really fun to drive
with the all wheel drive performance for inclement weather, but
acceleration and cornering of a sports car.Oct 16, 2009
by Christopher W
Oct 07, 2009
Performance - braking, handling all very good, acceleration good but not great.
Build Quality - Some parts needed replaced, but it is a 1991
Appearance - BMW e30's look great
Cost of Ownership - gas mileage- 24-35 (93), maintenance- got the car for ~ 1700 spent 1500 on tires brakes and bushings to make it drive like new.
Fun Factor - this is a very fun car to drive on curvy roads, but not in a drag race
Oct 07, 2009
by Dinko D
Sep 10, 2009
I like it because it is mine and it is BMW :)
Performance is good for 140 hp.
The costs are as normal.
The car is more than fun to drive :))
The styling is nice having in mind the years of the car!
Sep 10, 2009
by Ibraheem I
Sep 08, 2009
i have bmw 325i schnitzer with manual gear box and custom interior in black and white colour
the car can go very fast with this manual gear
it has original schnitzer body kit and 17 inch wheels
i like itSep 08, 2009
by Stuart M
Jul 26, 2009
drives lovely and really fun when kicks out breaks smooth and feels safe when booting it, comfortable on long or short journeys more economical than an m3 but not as much fun as one lol buy or test drive to find out Jul 26, 2009
by Hadi H
Jul 10, 2009
It is a 91' 320i, it has a great accelaration, no ABS, and very good handling on corners, it needed some repairs i bought it recently, it has a nice appearance just needs some rims and spoiler on the exterior, its interior is comfy. its gas mileage is nice except when i hit the gas. And yes it is deffinetly fun to drive.Jul 10, 2009
by Donald C
Jan 20, 2009
My first car after i passed my driving test! It was an absolute rust bucket but somehow remained cool.
Old School BMWs rock,too bad this one died never to be brought back to life.
Would have another any day!Jan 20, 2009
by Wuri Y
Nov 13, 2008
Driving BMW 318i E30 M40 is like having comfort and performance in one beautiful body.
It has classic design and strong body.
The thing bothered me about this car is that it rather hard to maintain ... since it was 17 years old, it was quite hard and costly to find spareparts.Nov 13, 2008
by Martin K
Sep 09, 2008
BMW E30 3 Series sedan , the best 'first BMW to own' I think. Fast, easy to drive, relatively cheap to fix and upgrade, nice sound. If you think about BMW and you never had one and you previous car was not sports car, this is the car you should start with I think.Sep 09, 2008
by Gergely L
Aug 18, 2008
Excellent and sharp handling, traditional german quality (who said such thing doesn't exist ,p) like reliability - ever seen a beemer on the back of a tow truck? Build quality is not that terrific, but it's 15 years old afterall, with a few missing tidbits. _Very_ car-like apperarence, I used to draw the same kind of stuff when I was 8, so it looks great. Simple, but ergonomic in the inside, with just enough space to fit a friend and two girls in. It's not expensive to run, and extremely fun to drive.Aug 18, 2008
by Gary R
Aug 08, 2008
Loads of room, easy to drive, good performance for engine size and excellent handling. Economy is good at 30 mpg round town and 40 on a run. Well appointed with Climate control and multi changer CD, cassatte radio. Cheap to service and repair with parts readily available at the dealer with prices less than expected. Never been keen on BM's but having now owned one I can see why people love them.Aug 08, 2008
by Stefan C
Aug 08, 2008
i like the alloys and leather interior,my little boy loves it because its a beemer i like the colour white and the wooden steering wheel it has a spoiler on the boot it could do with tidying up a little bit though but its my baby so ave it Aug 08, 2008
by Adnan A
Aug 06, 2008
It is extremely reliable and it still gives great performance for the size of the 1.8 L engine. It is really fun to drive, and all the work on it can be done yourself. Gas miligage could be better, it gives about 20 city 30 highway. Extremely well built and a life long automobile. Aug 06, 2008
by Sergio D
Aug 06, 2008
Its a 4 banger with 140hp. not much for power. but what it lacks in power it makes up in handling. A lowered suspension curtsy of performance shocks and progressive springs, da car takes corners very well. acceleration is noting great due to the power situation and the dual mass flywheel. Appearance is all my own, as it is a beautiful car, the touches I have done reflect me and my love for clean old school euro engineering.
Maintenance is something I dont want to get in 2, but heres some advise, if it brakes, fix it. all n all its a awesome car, fun
year round and has given many lessons on how 2 handle such a machine. Aug 06, 2008
by Pj Daniel T
Jul 26, 2008
Likes:
Technologically ahead of its time
Handsome exterior
Solid build
RWD
50/50 weight distribution
Excellent handling
Engine & exos grunt
Plenty of spare parts & accessories around
High modding potential
Dislikes:
Age
Under power
Sluggish acceleration
Average interior
High fuel consumption
In a nutshell - Its a Beemer... can't ask for more...Jul 26, 2008
by Leo B
Jul 17, 2008
not as light as the e30 325i, yet still very much a drivers car, early 90,s models hav rot problems towards the rear end normally the boot, bmw seemed to have sorted this problem by 93 so best to purchase that model or later, se model much better, vanos 24valve engine also a useful engine, thease cars are much betyter after being lowered an inchJul 17, 2008
by Annelene Deborah P
Jul 11, 2008
Performance of the car is good, braking good and it can handle itself on speed.
Never needed any repairs
the apperance is excellent
low maintenance mileage is okay
fun factor - racingJul 11, 2008
by Gareth T
Jul 04, 2008
The 140bhp 1.9 318iS Coupe is often called the 'Baby M3' and for good reason. It's not too easy to find a good one but when you do it's worth it, trust me!Jul 04, 2008
by Templeton K
Jun 08, 2008
Car has interior problems associated with any 93 3-series (they dont have the option for a 93 318is) but overall has worked well and the exterior is mint.Jun 08, 2008
by Chester C
May 09, 2008
very stable, and good appearance, but the moving off speed is a bit slow.May 09, 2008
by Matt J
Apr 06, 2008
3-series are always fun to drive, no matter the age of the car. RWD makes for interesting driving in the wet, even with a smaller engine. Apr 06, 2008
by Ian K
Feb 22, 2008
Great little car, with just enough mods. Dad rebuilt the engine a couple of years ago, re-mapped, heads polished and ported, intake & exhaust polished and ported, combustion chamber re-shaped, new valve seats, Dinan chip, K&N air filter, stainless steel Magnaflow exhaust. Hasn't been dyno'd but we figure its putting out between 165-175hp, up from 138 stock.Feb 22, 2008
by Denis O
Feb 18, 2008
This particular model, the 318is is rather rare. Only about 15,000 were imported into the United States in total...less than the E30 M3! Who know's how many are in running order today.
Specs:
DOHC Inline - 4
136 hp @ 6000 rpm
127 lb ft @ 4600 rpm
Dimensions (nominal) : 84mm/3.31" bore x 3.19" stroke
Displacement : 1796 cc
Feb 18, 2008
by Nigel H
Jan 21, 2008
I was lucky enough to get this car when I was the youthful age of 19. Power steering, full electrics pack, fairly economical, alloys, what more could I have asked for? Steering was perhaps a little woolly, but the car was designed for motorway cruising, not darting nimbly around corners.Jan 21, 2008
by Ben P
Nov 24, 2007
I had the 85' model without powersteering, bought as a project and rebuilt. With chrome bumpers. Drove like a dream!Nov 24, 2007
by Brian W
Nov 14, 2007
It's not called The Ultimate Driving Machine for nothing!Nov 14, 2007
by Jean-Nicolas N
Nov 14, 2007
A 6 cylinder with enough punch to get you wherever you want with some old school German style. Legendary BMW handling and symphony! That's a real car, without any assistance. You need to be a real man to drive it. ;-) Nov 14, 2007
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1991 BMW 3 Series?Compare this car
1991 BMW 3 Series Pricing
Original MSRP
$20,275 to $35,650Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: vinyl
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Spring Type: coil springs
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Suspension
Front Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Spring Type: coil springs
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: rear
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: rear
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Sunroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: vinyl
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Convertible roof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy