The E30 was one of the last BMWs that were really
built.
I just sold an '88 E30 325iS. It was the best and cheapest car I've ever owned - I drove it from 108k to 196k and in that time it needed a control arm, a tierod, a (scheduled) timing belt, brake pads, oil changes, and tires - that's it. Original everything, no oil consumption. Amazing.
Not the fastest thing in town, but great fun to drive:
http://www.blight.com/~chaf/Chaf_vs_Marin.avi
I still have an '88 E30 M3, worked up for track use. It is the very most satisfying car I've ever owned - there's this lightness and eagerness about it that I have never encountered in any other car, and it makes even an awful driver look like a pro.
If you think an E30 might be a good fit for you, you're probably right.