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Writer's pictureGerald Yuen

BMW E30 318i - the perfect late 80s throwback?


Bangkok never fails to surprise car enthusiasts, especially when you get caught in a jam like we did. Based on visual estimations over the past 5 years, 90% of tarmac will be occupied by CKD examples mostly from Japanese brands, while 9% are generally reserved for near-new German CBU imports that cost a whopping 3 to 4 times more than vehicles fully made and assembled in Thailand (no thanks for 300+% import taxes).


And then you will be able to notice 1% that do not fall into any category - they could be American muscle from the 60s, JDMs from the 70s or even hypercars on the tow truck making its way to a new owner. One of our recent sightings is not too niche, but is something that piqued our interest.


First impression: the E30 is extremely small! Dwarfed by a Honda Accord and when placed side by side to a R56 MINI Cooper, we could even mistake it for a Countryman. Weighing in at just over 1,000kg, there’s not much heft to move and the inline 4 motor paired with a 5 speed manual producing 113bhp and 165nm should do the job just fine - especially in Bangkok traffic where vehicles jostle for breathing space most of the time.


Performance figures are interesting as they are very similar to a modern day Toyota Yaris - indistinguishable power to weight ratio. The comparison stops here as we reckon that the E30 is a proper driver’s tool (RWD, 5-speed stick shift) with practicality to match, while the Yaris is just built for point A to B journeys. But of worthy mention will be the fuel tank of the E30 measuring in at 55L, instead of the Yaris’ 35L indicating how technology has advanced to squeeze maximum distance per drop of fuel.


This particular unit did not have pristine paintwork, but it could still be on original paint - highly respectable considering it has weathered 3 decades of global warming!


Is this the perfect late 80s throwback? Quite possibly so as its pure physical presence alone (of lack there of) makes you wonder that everything is designed to be bigger, larger and perceivably better nowadays.


We’ll check in soon to uncover more interesting finds, with an aim to speak to one of them to find out more about their ownership experience!



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