I am currently thinking of selling my 2001 ES3 Civic RS (kind of a mildly sporty Civic, though with no extra oomph as it comes with the stock 1.7liter D17A sohc engine pumping out a puny 130hp connected to manaul gearbox, but comes with a totally stiff suspension, anti roll bars front and rear, gearbox is a special japan only sports box) and going for my dream of getting a BMW 3-series as the Civic just is not fast enough and due to the light weight it tends to be very uncomfortable and harsh on our poor road surfaces.
Due to high taxation and initial price, getting a newer model E46 is out (a BMW E46 318i cost as much as 2.5 times the price of my civic @ my country) so i have dediced to find a used E36, preferably with the inline 6 engines.
I have found two options, with Option 1 being the favorite
1. 1994/95 model 328i 4dr, manual (49k miles, VANOS engine, driver only airbag, ABS, TCS, standard exhaust)
2. 1991/2 model 325i 4dr, manual (72k miles, pre VANOS engine, 192hp, no airbags, ABS, TCS?, Sports exhaust)
The 325i is understandbly cheaper due to the age and use, but i want to know how th reliability of these cars (engines, etc) and what are the usual repairs and things too look for. I have referred to sites such as BMWWorld, BMW forums, AutoCar reviews, but would appreciate any help, advice, info from the large membership base who I am sure would be having E36 model cars.
Also note that in my country the best fuel we have is rated 95RON, and mostly its 91RON which is commonly available and these cars would have been run on the cheaper fuel
Also the road conditiosn are really bad, with most roads worse than the B-roads in UK (so i am told by members who have travellled to UK).
Any assistance would be most appreciated.