Hallo!
I'm a new BMW owner, and obviously new to the forum - actually discovered it by doing a google search for BMW check engine light (uh-oh. actually, it's not on, but I still have questions). So it looks like I'll be posting questions right away. :-)
My screenname is derived from the fact that I used to own an '84 Volvo 244DL - loved it (it was fun, cheap, reliable, and easy to work on). Just months ago I upgraded to a '98 Audi A4 Quattro, as I couldn't pass up the initial purchase price, but was not at all happy with that (unreliable!), so I sold it off once I found my 1996 328i (which I am really enjoying so far, despite some small quirks).
I have some experience with Swedish and German automobiles. As I mentioned, I owned that Volvo. I've also owned two Saabs (a 900 GLi and 9000S). I did a bit of work on that Audi (until it just became too much). We've also owned a '95 Mercedes-Benz C280 for a while. The latter is my wife's car, but that's fine, because I am loving my new-to-me, aged-to-perfection BMW 328i.
I certainly hope to be able to eventually contribute answers, though I'll be the one asking some E36 questions for a while. Bear with me! I hope everybody is doing well and I'm sure we'll be chatting soon. Auf Wiedersehen!