My 1992 e36 318i has had a few electrical problems recently, first is the fuel and temp gauges. One day the needles just didnt work and i thought ill check the fuses. I found that the fuse was blown but about 5 mins after i replaced it, it blew again. Could it be short circuited from the temp gauge light because that hasnt worked since i bought the car a few months ago or has anyone had any problems like this? Secondly the brake lights stopped working today. I have no brake lights but all other lights work ie reverse and signals. I thought i'd maybe replace the light bulbs but it didnt help. I didnt see any blown fuses either in the fuse box in the eng bay. Could it be a faulty stoplight switch or something? are bimmers known to have this many electrical problems? if so im gonna get rid of it. Any help would be greatly appreciated

thanks