Well, here's my story:
First time I looked for an e36 328 was in 2003. I test drove one then, and was gobsmacked, more or less. At the time I was driving a Waja (company car). Then I changed companies and got a Sonata. I still looked off and on, mainly at the MPPJ car market and used car dealers. In February this year, I started looking in earnest because I was leaving the company and starting my own. I finally got one in May.
In my experience, it's really difficult to judge whether you will get a good one or not. In the time that I was seriously looking, I've seen all sorts. Low mileage, high mileage, stock standard, heavily modified and repainted. In the end, I got one which was stock standard and had 155,000 on the clock with a full AB service history, at a used car dealer in Sunway.
Was it good? Hah, read on.
When I wanted to get it, brought a friend along who owned 2 UDMs. We test drove the thing. First impression was that the shocks were gone. The sales guy said that the grinding on the road bumps were because e36s are generally low slung and the mudflaps got in the way too. I didn't believe the guy but wasn't too bothered. This was not my first 2nd hand car. I expect to have it done up once I bought it anyway. My friend said that apart from the shocks, the mechanicals sound okay. The gearbox was good.
After paying for it and all, went with my cousin who had an e36 to pick it up. My cousin said that it felt OK (minus the shocks) and the interior was creaking in all the right places.
Sent the car to my regular (non-specialist) workshop.
This was what happened:
1. Car was knocked on the front left but fixed quite well
2. All shocks were gone
3. Sump guards were missing
4. Alternator's borked
So, got all that fixed for 6Ks, roundabouts.
Have since discovered that alternator was ok, just that the electricals were borked and grounding somewhere -- had that fixed at Bavarian Auto Works in Kayu Ara.
Everything else was just minor wear and tear.
Have also changed to Hamann replicas with Eagle-F1 17"
Almost 6 months now and have spent close to 15K.
Have enjoyed MOST of that time!
The point I'm trying to make here is that either one that you choose, you would still most probably end up with some fix-ups. As long as either "feels" ok and you've got as much expert advice as you can get your hands on to, go with your gut.
Or go find other samples ... B)
One thing I've learned is, unless what you buy is a real dog, you won't regret getting a 328 e36, petrol price and road tax be damned.
gier