3 series from the 80s? I think I can relate...
I've had a few of those as well as an E32 7 series but never the 5 - been meaning to get my hands on a 5 especially the late 80s one looks marvelous!
As for the snow I can only say that those bimmers are very prone to corroding especially in heavy winters which is really a shame.
Can also confirm the riggidity, had more than one accident in E30s and I walked away every time including a high speed impact which I literally just 'got out of' - amazing.