1996 BMW 318i convertible P650 SMW

The E36 3-series is fast becoming an unusual sight on British roads, so it’s always good to see one parked on the streets of Bristol.

This is now the second E36 I’ve featured after I came across an unusually clean early 316 saloon a few weeks back.

P650 SMW is a BMW 318i convertible from 1996. The car’s owner was kind enough to walk me around this example. He explained he’d owned it for four years already and that his fastidious attention to its mechanical upkeep meant P650 SMW has been an expensive car to own.

In his ownership, the car has had a full engine and gearbox rebuild as well as having had an uprated cooling system fitted. The original grey cloth interior has been swapped out for a black leather one and the soft top roof has also recently been replaced.

Solid red cars always get a hard time with the elements and this one is no exception, but the bodywork and underside of the car remain solid and free of rust. It’s a respray away from being a really presentable example.

Quizzed on whether he’d ever be tempted to sell up, the owner explained the car was likely to be sticking around, though a clean P38 Range Rover might be enough to tempt him away from the BMW.

All of a sudden the E36 is an unusual sight on British roads.
The 1996 318i is powered by a 1.8-litre, four-cylinder engine with 114 hp.
The red paint is flat in places but crucially this car is still rust-free.
The E36 convertible is a great looking car, particularly with its roof down.
Original Dick Lovett dealer plates front and rear.
P650 SMW is a 1996 BMW 318i convertible spotted parked on the streets of Bristol.
The black leather interior is an upgrade over the car’s original spec of grey cloth.