A friend of a friend is looking to get started with BMWs. He is looking into picking up a 6-cylinder E36 manual with LSD, so either a 325is or a 328is. Being the resident BMW owner I was asked for my opinions, but I started out with E46s and always had cars under factory warranty so I wasn't much help
So, I will ask you guys and hopefully learn a few things myself.
He found an M50-equipped car (but we're not sure if it is the M50TU) and an M52-equipped car. The former is $2k cheaper but obviously a few years older and 20k km (12k mi) more mileage.
All others being equal, which engine would you guys pick? From what I can gather, all 3 have similar output but:
M50: breathes the best so a bit more "sporty"
M50TU: has VANOS so torque under the curve is much improved
M52: the best daily driver with more torque everywhere but less "sporty"
Though, with newer technologies come with finicky maintenance. How different are the 3 engines in terms of upkeep?
Thanks in advance for your input!