1998 BMW 318i Touring Manual E36

Highlights

• Low documented mileage of 43,000 miles
• Highly preserved and well presented E36
• Three keepers with current one since 2001
• Practical and very reliable modern classic estate
• Used as a second car hence low mileage
• Timing chain, head gasket and shock absorbers replaced since 2024
• Car will be sold with a new MOT

The Appeal

Some cars are an obvious testament to the care of their long term keepers, a point firmly proven by this remarkable 1998 318i Touring. It is close to 30 years old yet across the Arctic Silver paintwork and smart grey velour cabin it looks barely a fraction of that.

The condition owes much to the current keeper, who acquired the car in 2001. She tells us that it has always been a second car, which explains the very low displayed mileage of 43,000 miles. She explains that the car has been regularly serviced. In 2023 the car received a new power steering pump and suspension bushes while in 2024 the shock absorbers were replaced. 2025 saw the car receive new tining chain and head gasket set. The car will be sold with a new MOT - the current test runs to the end of August 2026 with no advisories.

The 115bhp 318 may not be the most powerful of E36s, but it is certainly amongst the most reliable thanks to the durability of the iron block 4cyl M43B18 motor. For those looking for an engaging, practical and very well kept modern classic load lugger, look no further.

The vendor says:

“Very nice car to drive a nice big boot with Dog Guard and Sun Shine Roof both installed when I bought the car.”

Key Information

• Mileage: 42,795 miles indicated (supported by MOT history)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: sold with a new MOT, current MOT valid until 27th August 2026 with no advisories
• Technical specs: M43B18 115bhp 1,796cc 4cyl petrol, 5spd manual
• Paperwork: Handbooks and wallet, V5C, recent invoices

Recent maintenance summary:

• 2025 - timing chain and head gasket set
• 2024 - shock absorbers replaced
• 2023 - suspension bushes, power steering pump
• 2021 - battery

The Detail

• Well kept Arctic Silver paintwork with few signs of use for age of car
• Bodywork is well kept with some localised points to note in photos
• Two surface-level marks noted inside the boot aperture where the boot lid sits
• Small bubble on driver's door near the window, described by the vendor as not rusty
• Factoiry standard car with original 15in BMW alloys in good order with light wear
• Fitted with Pirelli tyres
• Underside as shown with no structural advisories on August 2025 MOT
• Recent maintenance summarised above and in photos
• Vendor states car checked at each MOT and oil changed accordingly
• Grey velour five seat interior with large boot all in very good order
• Interior looks barely used even high traffic areas such as driver’s seat presenting well
• Vendor describes interior as being in very good condition
• We are told that the rear seats having hardly been sat on
• Sunroof and dog guard fitted
• Driver's door lock occasionally sticks can be released from the rear passenger side
• Only one key supplied
• No advisories on current August 2025 MOT

BEFORE YOU BUY

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