Dave here. I bought a 1997 328i with sports pack, 5 spd, etc on January 23, 2010. Love it. This is my 2nd BMW - the first was a 2002 530i. I've owned VW's, Toyotas and a few older Chryslers. I've had like 12 cars in my life and I really like BMW and I also hope to own a Porsche some day.
I've had quite a bit of wrench turning in my life, but I'm not usually willing to buy too many special tools or replace clutches etc.
So far I've done a few fuse replacements, a few bulb fixes, and today I did the thermostat. It went well, I am glad. But I am facing a clutch soon, some suspension work, and several other issues like my steering wheel squeaks and there is dust in every crevice of this car. Inside the fuel door, behind the glove box, in the seat belt height adjusters, in the sunroof stuff and many other places is evidence of some really dusty driving.
Anyway, if anyone has any dust horror stories they could share, let me know so I can head off any quirky E36 issues.
In the meantime I will update to this thread occasionally so everyone can bask in the glory that is my car.
-Gracias.