If there is more than one Coil in the Old Days there used to be a resistance reading you took with an Ohm Meter. For the resistance value you need to have an Manual or someone who knows what it is.
I am looking at the coils at at Internet Part seller. I don't know if what I said above would work or not.
Apparently there is some sort of resistance test; this is not for your Engine but mayge you can find the info you need on the Manual site:
BMW Workshop Manuals - 3 Series E36 316i (M43) COMP Workshop Manual - 4 RA Checking Ignition Coil (primary Coil) (M43, M44)
I think Pelican Parts has a BMW tech section.