I've had both and e36 318i and e30 318i as well. I don't really think they are comparable cars despite sharing a powerplant.
The E36 is a more modern, more comfortable car. The E30 a more nimble, more pure car. In my personal opinion everything BMW built after the E30 and E28 was downhill. Too heavy and too complicated. Doesn't stop me from buying them now and again as daily drivers.
As far as the multilink rear end. The E30 rear suspension is to this day better than what's available on most cars. The e36 rear end is an upgrade in the way Vista is an Upgrade over XP. Sure its more capable, but also more complex and more fragile. Although you aren't likely to break one with an M42 powerplant, but M3s and modified 6 cylinders do quite frequently.
If you are looking for a sports sedan to modify and track and go zoom-zoom in (to borrow a phrase from Mazda) then you want an e30 or 6 cylinder e36. If you want a capable fuel efficient daily driver that lets you wring out the car a little on your way to work without getting you in trouble than an e36 318is is a great choice.
To answer your question though: What are you missing in an e36 over an e30? A great deal of fun.
PS my 95 318i was Hellrot with a black interior. Cold weather package (heated seats, washers, door locks) premium sound, fold down rear seats, LSD. There was also a sport package - 16" wheels and stiffer springs on a coupe. Also adds sports seats on a sedan. Leather, foglights, cruise control were also an options. At least that's what I remember from the order sheet after 13 years. I don't remember Hellrot being particularly rare as it was the basic red for the time frame. Oh, metallic paint was another option that could get you a dark metallic red.
I agree and disagree.
I have had more fun in my E36 so far, than I have ever had in my E30...not to say my E30 isn't fun (good gravy it is!).
Yes, the Multi-Link rear suspension is more complex, and can be more fragile, but it is also far superior. Any rear suspension will be fragile if it is old. If you fix it correctly, it should never give you any trouble.
That being said, my E36 is far more solid and stable feeling.
I LOVE my cars for their own reasons, but I feel like I can drive the E36 alot harder than I can the E30. Even though my E30 has an M20, and the E36 an M42, the E36 still has a charm to it (even though it can be dreadful in daily driver usage). But when I get out on the track or auto-cross or whatever, I remember how much fun the car is, and how little it can't do.
Just my opinion of course!
I still would love a 1991 318is someday....someday!
