1997 | BMW 318ti Compact

BMW 318ti Compact “STW Swiss Edition” – Motorsport for the Road

Switzerland celebrates, BMW fans cheer – and somewhere between Lake Zurich and the Matterhorn, a very special compact car rolls off the line: the BMW 318ti Compact “STW Swiss Edition”. No ordinary E36, but a road-legal tribute to the triumph in the Swiss Touring Car Championship.

Only 48 units were built – and this one, number 18, is likely the last of its kind in a condition that makes collectors' hearts beat faster.

Motorsport in a tailored suit
What looks like a nicely equipped Compact with an M package turns out to be a precisely crafted homage to racing: Alpine White III, flanked by BMW Motorsport stripes, and those red mirrors – not a vinyl prank, but factory original.

Underneath: 17-inch BBS RX cross-spoke wheels, like those used on the STW race cars. And to ensure it handles like it looks: an H&R coilover suspension with certificate – real engineering, not some cheap lowering kit.

Interior – More M than your local butcher
Open the door, take a whiff – it doesn’t smell “used”, it smells like BMW factory delivery, circa 1997. Black Alcantara with M3-style fabric, Alcantara headliner, M-Tech steering wheel – and everything feels freshly installed. No wear, no smoke, no dog hair or drink stains.

Just pure collector DNA.

Condition – Almost suspiciously good
✅ Accident-free
✅ Air conditioning, never winter-driven
✅ Complete service history
✅ Full documentation, original folder and keys
✅ Includes original parts (tail lights, headlights)

This car has never been thrashed. It’s been lovingly preserved – first in a Swiss BMW collection, since 2020 in the hands of another collector. Whoever drove it probably served it an espresso first and polished the rims with a toothbrush afterward.

Why should you buy it?
Because there’s no other like it. No other 318ti Compact comes this close to the STW dream of the '90s – this original, this rare, this flawless.

No rust. No shortcuts. No excuses.
Just you, the key – and the spirit of the '90s riding with you.

And if you’re wondering whether a modern hatchback with a touchscreen might be more practical – forget it.
This BMW isn’t an alternative.
It’s a statement.