I daily drive my e46 (besides storing it in the winter) and I have yet had any problems with it. My friend (as well as a few of his family members) have a 91 M5, and an e36 325is with no problems. The e36 has a little over 100,000 miles. He swapped it out from an auto to a manual and has an m3 rear-end now.
I personally own a 2000 323i 5spd. I bought it two Julys ago. I bought it with 68k miles on it, and I'm about to roll on 78k. I keep up with my service, and I never have problems with it. I also have previously owned a DSM and I kept up with service and had no problems after owning for 3 years and daily driving (even in the snow with 15psi). I'm just saying if you keep up with the service, you really have nothing to worry about.
BMWs do have a few flaws, just like any car does. I believe e36s have a fan problem where if it ends up failing, you're looking at replacing more than just the fan. So they make a fan-delete kit for this such problem. Also, a lot of parts are made from plastic. The Thermostat for example (which I had replaced). Cam Positioning Sensors seem to go out on a lot of BMWs too. Mine did. It through a code, got it checked and it was it (which I knew it was). You'll be able to tell. CPS failure happens to give the car a rough time to start, and an almost fuel-cutting feel because of lack of power. One failed but I ended up replacing both. I didn't just reset the system either. I left the check light on to make sure I did the install correctly (light will dissapear if it does, and it did).
Really when it comes to buying a used vehicle (any for that matter), just have it checked out before buying. Plus, BMWs have sensors for almost everything, haha. That's something i'm not used to. So, if there's a problem, you'll know (not saying it will predict problems). I'm just saying for those that are too busy to even check their fluids can know when they need refilled because of all the damn sensors the car has. Which is a plus for some. I'm just used to not having sensors so I check things accordingly anyhow. Not everything you hear about a certain car ALWAYS has those such problems. For example, DSMs with crankwalk. Yes, crankwalk happens, but it's over rated. A lot will have engine failure for other reasons, but don't care to look into it because they hear that DSMs have crankwalk "all the time" and don't actually know the real reason for their failures. Keep up with your service, and replace parts when you're suppose to and you shouldn't have a problem.
Also, if you're interested I do have my 2000 BMW 323i. I know you said you found a sweet deal on a 2002 325ci. I'm just letting you know. Since I'm about to put it up for sale (basically because I need to buy a new vehicle for this winter, and for a business opportunity). PM if you want details. It's silver with black leather and black trim. It's got 18" M3 CSL reps with neo gens, and 15% tint. Everything else is stock.
Good luck with your future purchase!
- Devin
