I agree on the gas mileage.. Regular driving I get in the 24 MPG range, and the highway (with a gentle touch on the pedal but still maintaining 75 MPH) I can get 32 MPG on my 328i w/ the top down. One section between Richmond and Fredricksburg I was able to maintain 44MPG for about a 8 mile stretch.. (OK mainly down hill..) Got to love that 2.8L mated to the 5 speed.
It's one fast and nimble car. BTW.. last time I checked the E34 didnt come in coupe or convertible... That alone makes it a vote for the E36..