The BMW 3 Series Sedan (E30) 318is, produced from 1989 to 1991, represents a pivotal point in the evolution of BMW’s iconic sports sedan. Falling within the facelifted E30 generation (introduced in 1987), the 318is was positioned as a more performance-oriented variant of the 3 Series, bridging the gap between the base 318i and the higher-performance M3. It was primarily marketed in Europe and North America as an entry-level sports sedan offering a blend of handling, practicality, and BMW’s renowned driving experience. The “is” designation, standing for “injection, sport,” signified upgraded features and a more potent engine compared to the standard 318i.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | BMW |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Generation | 3 Series Sedan (E30, facelift 1987) |
| Type (Engine) | 318is (136 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1989 |
| End of production | 1991 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 10.9 l/100 km (21.6 US mpg, 25.9 UK mpg, 9.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 6.4 l/100 km (36.8 US mpg, 44.1 UK mpg, 15.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 8.2 l/100 km (28.7 US mpg, 34.4 UK mpg, 12.2 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 202 km/h (125.52 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.3 kg/Hp, 120.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.5 kg/Nm, 152.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 136 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 75.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 172 Nm @ 4600 rpm (126.86 lb.-ft. @ 4600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M42B18 |
| Engine displacement | 1796 cm3 (109.6 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1125 kg (2480.2 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1565 kg (3450.23 lbs.) |
| Max load | 440 kg (970.03 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 425 l (15.01 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Length | 4325 mm (170.28 in.) |
| Width | 1645 mm (64.76 in.) |
| Height | 1360 mm (53.54 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2570 mm (101.18 in.) |
| Front track | 1405 mm (55.31 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1415 mm (55.71 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 318is is the M42B18 engine, a 1.8-liter (1796 cc) inline-four cylinder powerplant. This engine was a significant upgrade over the base 318i’s M40 engine, featuring a higher compression ratio (10:1) and a revised cylinder head with optimized intake and exhaust ports. It utilized Bosch Motronic fuel injection, a multi-port system that precisely controlled fuel delivery for improved efficiency and performance. The M42 featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) design with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its relatively high specific output. The engine produced 136 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 172 Nm (126.86 lb-ft) of torque at 4600 rpm. The 318is was exclusively offered with a Getrag 265 five-speed manual transmission, known for its precise shift feel and durability. This transmission was geared to complement the engine’s powerband, providing responsive acceleration.
Driving Characteristics
The 318is offered a noticeably more engaging driving experience than the standard 318i. While not as overtly powerful as the M3, the 318is’s combination of a responsive engine, precise manual transmission, and well-tuned suspension made it a genuinely fun car to drive. The rear-wheel-drive layout contributed to balanced handling, and the relatively light weight (1125 kg / 2480.2 lbs) further enhanced agility. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took approximately 9.4 seconds, and it could reach a top speed of 202 km/h (125.52 mph). Compared to the higher-output M3, the 318is felt less urgent in acceleration, but it offered a more accessible and forgiving driving experience. The gear ratios were well-matched to the engine’s torque curve, providing good in-gear acceleration for everyday driving.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 318is came standard with a number of features designed to enhance both comfort and sportiness. These included sport seats with enhanced bolstering, a sport suspension with stiffer springs and dampers, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Exterior features included a subtle rear spoiler and sport alloy wheels. Optional extras included a sunroof, air conditioning, and upgraded audio systems. Interior trim options typically included cloth upholstery in various colors. The 318is was generally positioned as a well-equipped, but not overly luxurious, sports sedan.
Chassis & Braking
The E30 318is utilized a MacPherson strut front suspension and a semi-trailing arm rear suspension. The sport suspension package included stiffer springs and dampers compared to the standard 318i, resulting in reduced body roll and improved handling. Braking duties were handled by disc brakes on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was available as an option, enhancing safety in slippery conditions. The steering was a hydraulic power-assisted rack-and-pinion system, offering precise and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 318is was well-received by automotive critics, who praised its balanced handling, responsive engine, and overall driving experience. It was often seen as a more affordable and practical alternative to the M3, offering a similar level of driving enjoyment without the higher price tag. Fuel economy was respectable for a sports sedan of its era, averaging around 28.7 US mpg in combined driving. Compared to the base 318i, the 318is offered a significant performance upgrade and a more engaging driving experience. Reliability was generally good, although like all older BMWs, regular maintenance was essential.
Legacy
The E30 318is has become a highly sought-after classic among BMW enthusiasts. Its combination of sporty handling, reliable mechanicals, and relatively affordable price has made it a popular choice for restoration and modification. The M42 engine, while not as robust as some of BMW’s later inline-sixes, is generally considered to be a durable and reliable powerplant when properly maintained. Today, well-maintained examples of the 318is command a premium in the used car market, reflecting its status as a beloved and iconic sports sedan.
