For many people living behind Iron Curtain (including me) E9 was not a real car - only poster car but not popular in any case (Corvetter or Ferraris were much more popular between teenagers as dream cars).
They were not appearing on the streets as far as I remember.
Some were driving E10 or E21 which you can buy having someone in the US or Western Europe or having $ from different sources.
First BMW I remember was silver E21, used by doctor living in the same quarter. This car was so different (especially at the rear) - like a shoap or candy.
there was also red 2002 around, owned by BMW mechanic
E12 were not common. Most of them have been eaten up by rust before they could be imported to Poland but I remember one rusting in the garden in the quarter next to mine. I was dreaming to make it new, riding my bike reqularly next to it, but it was impossible that time. There was no spare parts and even if they were - just to expensive for repair. The car has disappeared rapidly (probably taken to the scrapyeard).
E12 was on my " bike road trip" together with BMW Isetta. Being in really poor condition (painted with brush) but movable, in use. Also dissolved in year or two after.
Once I was able to buy a car I become E23 fan. I have even decided to drive few hundred kilometres with my father for one for sale (in my budget) which appear a bucket of rust with almost no A-pillars. The car was complete but I was looking something for driving, not for restoration that time.
In the end - from practical reasons - I've bought E30 from last production time. It was so called "Design Edition" in very nice color: Daytona Violett Metallic:
It was old but I was able to drive it daily and repair. I coverted it to LPG to make the riding cheaper. It was the best car I have had over years. I drove it over 9 years and sold to my Friends.
In the meantime E9 appeared imported from Germany, Belgium, Holland and they were as nice as rusty ... To much for my time and budget these days. But from many models I really like they looks to be the most classical shark, still with plenty oh shiny metal and almost no electronic (carb. ver. of course).
In summary - due to geopolitical reasons - E10 and E12 were models which created BMW style in me and made me love E9 in the end