I have the 1996 E36 323i. It has 185000kms travelled. Similarly too charles28 - it is my first BMW. Being a Japanese import it has a couple (inconsequential) vibrations through the gearbox (Jatco box) between 20 - 30kph, but these 'ride out' once it warms. I may have to get a new pump for the wiper fluid, this is not a big issue imo. I fully recommend this model, as I travel from Queenstown to Dunedin occasionally and it has proven itself very worthy as a beautiful open road cruiser and quite economical ($75.00 Return). Around town it is a bit of a guzzler, but hey?.......it's a 6cyclinder BMW! I love the look and I am well and truly hooked. I payed 6K for mine. It has been looked after. I have clocked up 5000kms in the last 3mths (mostly open road) and it feels like it will be as sweet at 360000kms. Well here's hoping.
Aye!