Hello all...due to the recent demise of my son's 1990 325ic in a highway wreck , i've been shopping for another 3 series, and i think i've found one (a fixer) for $3500.00. the car has moderate front end damage (the air bags did not deploy), and the price includes used replacement body parts (hood, left fender, bumper and moulding, left turn signal and fog lights, and miscellaneous parts), to make the car complete...it will cost an additional $700.00 to install these parts. i've listened to the engine run and it is clean and sounds good, the radiator appears to be intact (although low on fluid at the moment, which is a concern to address), the interior is excellent, and the body and paint otherwise is in very good condition, mileage is at 110,000k, the frame and wheel alignment look straight from visual, with the bulk of the damage coming to the left front bumper, its collision strut, hood and left fender. i'm satisfied from a visual standpoint, as it appears to have been well-kept prior to the collision. additionally, i've been purchasing used bmw parts from this wrecker for 20+ years. he has "assured" me that he would not sell me a lemon and that he will address any outstanding issues...thus, my questions are:

1. why are there next to no 1999 325i(s) models for sale online? it seems that either this was a low production model due to style changes for 2000, or it didn't exist. i've seen a few examples of this model for sale, and sites selling replacement parts, but very few.

2. should i anticipate that acquiring replacement parts is going to be a problem for this vehicle?

3. is it an e36 or e46 model? i can't find out by searching online or throught these forums and threads...there is next to no mention of this vehicle. i am guessing it is likely an e36.

4. are there some particulars that i should be aware of regarding this model, besides the question marks raised when purchasing a wrecked car?

5. how can i be sure the title is clear before purchase? would it be wise to run the vin online to check the vehicle's history?

p.s....anyone wishing to come to the rescue and help resolve an unsolved mystery, please view my thread in the e30 forum on my perplexing intermittent starting problem with my 1985 325e. i really need your help...thanks.