Go for the E36, i didn't even hesitated to vote. I myself drive an Audi A4, almost from that era of E36, yupe, people who never drove one always go :" high maintenance, parts rare all" to testify, its all bullshit. I changed my kancil's tie rods, RM270; my A4? RM330. Expensive? I wouldn't say so ... that day i changed my gasket ... hehe RM96. kekek
I'm not sure E36 were using fully galvanised body shell, Audis are, hence would not rust no matter how, but i guess both from Germany .. maybe same. kekek ~
Get the E36, then you'll feel the tendency to mod it slowly, take care of it and maintain it. Notice one thing? those uncles that keep their cars even if 20-30 yr old car... maintain them nicely, attached to their car kinda people... were all in continentals... thats the special thing about continental cars, they are designed, made in passion and ego ... not like jap cars which most were made to make money ....
i agree with going to bmw forums to ask around, zth is too generalized, cant get much input here. go ahead, search for e36s from forum members... .they know how to take care of their cars.. oh by the way... ever considered an Audi A4 1.8 Turbo? hehehhe costs around RM60k+ to RM100k .... or the 1.8 NA.... which is a good performer as well.... IMO a tad more spacious than E36 for front seats, and a bit more cramped than E36 for rear passengers. .. huge boot thou .... oh, Audis are famous for top notch interior build quality. The materials used are top top top notch ! :) happy car hunting !