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seeking 325 purchase advice

My wife got a minivan, and I got her '89 Volvo 240 wagon.  It is a
dog, and I don't like it.  I'm considering replacing it with a BMW,
and would like some information I have not found elsewhere, and a
critique of what a local dealer told me.

I'm looking at a late 80s or early 90s 325.  Is there any year to
avoid? Consumer Reports says avoid the 91, it has engine problems.

The dealer told me I should be looking at newer 325s, 92 or better.
The dealer claims that these cars will be more reliable and more
solid, and that the older cars were merely good while the newer are
great.  I assume this is merely gas to get me to buy a more expensive
car.  Is there any substance to what the dealer is saying?

I've found conflicting information on when air bags first appeared in
325s.  Was it 90, 91, or some other time?

With reasonable care, a Volvo 240 goes for 200000 miles.  With
comparable care, what would you experienced BMW owners expect for a
325?  Will the Minnesota winter turn a BMW into a rustbucket?  Was
there a year where BMW started galvanizing body panels, or doing other
rust preventive things I might want to know about?

I drove an 88 325ix with 98000 miles on it.  Examining the service
records, I note lots of minor fixes and regular oil changes, but also
see that the front differential was replaced 10000 miles ago with a
used one.  I see also that at the same time a local dealer recommended
replacing a worn drive shaft, which was not done.  This car looks
good, but rattles (body and suspension noise, I think) a fair bit more
than my Volvo.  Is this common when BMWs get higher miles, or should I
just suspect the car was thrashed and run away?  Or should I be trying
a lowball offer to get this car, because most rattles are easily
addressed?  (I would have a mechanic look at it before buying in any
case.)

Thanks,
clyde rogers
crogers@domain.elided