The E36 is more comfortable than an E30, finding and installing parts will be easier because of how popular they are, and your pimp factor covers a wider girl demographic than E30s typically do, just because they're newer and more expensive. If something on the E30 breaks, it's more likely going to be followed by some other stuff due to its age. But if it's absolutely mint, then there's no reason to pit one BMW against another in terms of reliability. They're all Ultimate Driving Machines.
I'd rather have an E30 because they're a lot easier to drive (more glass, less fat). I think, where they
do look better than the E36 (headlights, taillights, trunkline profile, rear beltline), they look a
whole lot better. But I'll not deny that the E36 has a great many design superiorities. If you're trading back into time, don't do it to get a nicer car (even if it is in better condition than yours). Do it because it's more fun and you'd rather have it in your driveway.
I would.
