bro, V6 fuel consumption is not actually lesser than a 318. I would go for the E36 than buying a Perdana V6. The only Perdana worth buying is the 95/96 Perdana (non V6), just my opinion.
The 318 is actually underpowered because the car is heavy. But the fuel consumption is not that bad. I'm riding a 328 and most of my drives are city driving and I drive it everyday (about 3000kms per month). Sure parts need to change, it's an old car but once you change it, it will last. Test drive the E36 before you decide. The refinement is totally different for both cars. You'll feel it from the start.
Before you buy the BMW, get it checked by a BMW mechanic and have the mechanic list out what parts are needed to be replaced. And to find out more, logon to
www.bmwclubmalaysia.com. Best that you do research and talk to other E36 owners and ask for their experience.