Welcome to the forum GTwice.
As "ph001" says I wouldn't rule out any cars with the earlier silver-top engine. I've had one of each and in terms of how they drove I really didn't notice any difference. And neither gave me any trouble mechanically.
I'm now running my 2nd 100+K mile 3 Series with the earlier silver top and haven't had any issues with those either. Any 3 litre N52 is a great engine!
As "ph001" says I wouldn't rule out any cars with the earlier silver-top engine. I've had one of each and in terms of how they drove I really didn't notice any difference. And neither gave me any trouble mechanically.
I'm now running my 2nd 100+K mile 3 Series with the earlier silver top and haven't had any issues with those either. Any 3 litre N52 is a great engine!