Character and place in the range
Technically a 2-door sedan, but with a pure, unmatched sporty soul.
Highly dependent on engine. The 318is (M42, 140hp) did 0-100 in 8.3s. The 325i reached 100 in 8.3s with a top of ~225 km/h.
Engine range
316 / 318i: M10 4-cyl (to '87) / M40 4-cyl (after '87). 90-115hp.
318is: M42B18 16-valve. 140hp. The 'M3-light'.
320i: M20B20 6-cylinder. 125-129hp.
323i: M20B23 6-cylinder. 150hp.
325i: M20B25 6-cylinder. 170hp.
325e: M20B27 6-cylinder 'eta'. 129hp. Focus on torque.
Inspection and maintenance
Watch for rust below the rear window, sills, and under sideskirts on later models. Accelerated wear of front suspension (bushings, arms) and rear subframe rust is common.
Condition varies more than specification. Inspect structure first, verify the engine’s time-sensitive service and road-test the complete car before valuing trim or options.
Details worth knowing
The Coupé is globally the most popular base for engine swaps (like M50/M52) due to its light weight and stiffer body compared to the convertible.
The sporty 318is ('89-'91) is often called the 'little M3' with its stiffer sports suspension and 16-valve M42 engine.
Only around 5,400 units of the 318is were produced worldwide.