After a years penance driving a Rover I want to get back in a Bimmer .

My previous BMW was a modified E34 535 with a supercharger fitted - this car taught me a valuable (and expensive!) lesson - don't buy a modified car unless you have deep pockets.

I'm now looking at the E36 three series and notice that there is a bewildering range of engines - 323 (which is 2.5 litres?), 325 (which is allegedly 2.2 litres??) & 328 (of which I haven't a clue as to the real size).

My question is which one is "best" regarding performance, reliability and relative economy?

I haven't included the smaller engines (1.8, 2.0) or diesels as I want a bit of "go" however, am I judging them too harshly?

So, which way do I go?