Very cool that the younger generation gets excited and behind such an iconic classic like this E24. I'm sure this kid is going to have this thing for a few more years and remember it for the rest of his life.
Love it when Gen x car guys like 80s gems like this one. For your fuel issues your tank may need to be cleaned out. Had a 280z I bought that sat in a barn for 15 years. After burning a fuel pump I had the fuel lines cleaned and the tank cleaned and a new fuel filter afterwards I didn't have anymore issues.