BMW: general bmw, bmw history, bmw model

Question
Hey Ian

Im looking into buying a bmw - pre owned with ~15-30K miles - probably a 328 or an M3. I just had some general questions...

1. Could you provide some insight into the nomenclature of the model names - for example what does the "s" in 328is represent?

2. Is there anything in particular I should be wary of when examining, for example, a used M3? (mechanically speaking).

3. Could you recommend any good books (technical or historical, etc.) regarding bmw and its models?

4. Any good links to recommend? I'm starving for technical info on the subject.

Thanks for your time, I appreciate it.

Answer
Mike,
The "s" represents sport. I may come with a few more sporty options that arnt availible on the 328i. A used BMW with less than 30,000 miles on it shouldn't have any mechanical problems to worry about. Just to be safe, I would have the car checked out by a BMW mechanic. I have seen a few BMW history books at various book stores(Barns and Noble, Borders). Go to www.carpoint.com, they have some good in depth technical information on each BMW model.
Thanks,
Ian