[QUOTE=dbanbery]
5k will get you an e30 M3 :) you will not be dissapointed..
You may well get an E30 M3 for 5K but most in that price range will be dogs! Also as you are talking about a 318is, I am guessing you are looking at a car with cheaper insurance and running costs than an M3.
5K will get you a decent one although not necessarilly with low milage. When I was looking for my BMW, any e36 with a low milage, especially a coupe, was expensive.
Condition and service history are more important than milage, I would rather buy a car with 100k on the clock and a FBMWSH than a car with 50K and no history. BMWs are built to last and as long as they are looked after should manage at least 200K.
There are plenty of them around so you can affrod to be picky. Best thing is to test drive as many as you can so you get as feel for what they are like. This makes it easier to spot the knackered ones.
Good luck and happy hunting