I'm a former BMW owner and I'll preface this by saying they drive awesome. That is the reason you buy one because there is no other in my opinion. My E36 experience was very poor. It ran the gamut of problems from numerous electrical and AC issues, to total engine failure all before 20k miles. Most of it was covered under warranty, but the AC in particular and the electrical problems persisted and got VERY expensive. AC parts are pretty high, and new BMW parts are also very high. The interior continued to be a source of issue too, as pieces would simply fall off. And I'll add that was very well maintained and not abused in any way.
I'm always amused at some owners that say "I really don't have any problems" and then list off a bunch. For a daily driver, I want one that doesn't have that list, when getting to work IS the top priority, or using it to visit customers.
My Dad is a huge BMW guy, but he will not own one out of warranty. The newer ones seem to be pretty good mechanically, but electrically they are a mess. Of course their BMW SUV is almost 8 months old now and has never had an issue, it's some kind of record I think. The 5 series has been one big drain after another though.
As an ownership cost example, the Miata never needs anything other than consumables like tires and brakes, nothing. The difference between the two ownership-wise is night and day. I always tell people to go into BMW ownership with their head, and not with their passion. It's too easy to get carried away with the latter.
To be honest, my Porsches and VWs were pretty much the same, so it all comes down to how much of the driving experience you are willing to pay for. I opted out of that experience a few years back, but my wife really wants another BMW, so what do I know... 
Oh, and I still have dreams of my 944 Turbo regardless of the lost plasma you needed to sell to keep it running....
It might be time to start looking at Chevy and Ford again. 
