I think the new e28 is just a daily driver. he hasnt done anything to it as far as I know. The e36 is done. and he already has the engine and suspension for rusty. it was all removed to shave the bay and do some little odds and ends.
also this is very old news. he the post was from the day after Sowo. so he made it public in late may, he obviously had an idea, desire or reason to keep it before he decided to make it public. and the fire was in april. so a month really isnt that long of a period of time to decide what you;re gonna do with a long term project. ive had a broken bmw for 3 weeks now lol