Faults:

The radiator cracked, then blew at around 100,000 miles.

Power windows have had issues - first the front passenger window would stick, requiring dealership service, and now the rear window has broken from the motor (at least it's all the way up at the moment).

The left turn signal switch stuck in the "on" position. I bought a new part online and replaced it myself - having to take the steering wheel off and get into the column. Cheaper than a dealer.

Front bumper was replaced - it has low clearance and scraped one too many of those parking concrete slabs. Eventually, the outside temperature sensor (located under the front passenger side bumper) was knocked out. When that happened, the AC stopped working because it requires a minimum outside temperature to function.

Currently, the engine in idle seems as though something is rubbing. We'll see how that goes.

Dashboard console buttons are pretty cheap. Replaced several. You can buy these online and DIY.

I never had the master key from the time it was purchased (I'm the 3rd owner) so I couldn't use the keyless entry feature. The valet key that I had wore out. Replacement master key was $100 from dealer. At least now I'm good.

Cupholders are the worst ever created. Biggest flaw with the car.

Most other things are rather routine with cars - alignment, replacement of tie rods and such.

General Comments:

When this car is properly maintained, it is the most comfortable/sporty thing to be in. It's not a racing vehicle - you might find it sluggish since it is so heavy - but at least it doesn't say "retiree" like a Mercedes or Lexus.

Driving is precise and fun every time the weather is nice. I liked driving my Accord before having this car. I love driving the 528i in the summer.

Winter driving is another matter - it doesn't handle slick conditions very well. I haven't tried the xDrive versions that BMW has. I've slid quite a bit in this thing - maybe because I have driven FWD cars until now (my Accord seemed to handle icy or slick roads pretty well). I have feared for my life on two occasions in the 528i with RWD (including one time driving about 10 mph with chains on!)

Getting about 22 MPG with mostly city driving.

So far it seems that I've had to put an average of about $1200 per year of service into the car.

Too many replacements or repairs seem to require specialty service or dealer work. Headlights for instance - Xenon bulbs are ridiculous to replace. DIY for cheaper, but you gotta find the right place to buy them. Same thing with wiper blades. Dealer wanted $200 in parts for a change of spark plugs! DIY and tell them to stuff it.

Message boards are good online resources. So is Bavarian Autosport (online parts store). Purchased many parts from them.

Faults:

* The cooling system failed at 80K.

* Front end needs complete overhaul at 120K.

* Rear end suspension too.

* All kinds of leaks, power steering, transmission hoses.

* All the vacuum tubes get extremely brittle and disintegrate when you touch them.

* The VANOS system failing, decreasing MPG and power.

* Automatic transmission is garbage, failed at 80K.

* The CCV system is likely shot as well, the vacuum tubes cracked. Just another example of over-engineered poor design, complexity that's not necessary and in fact detrimental.

* Camshaft position sensors.

* O2 sensors.

General Comments:

IMO, E39 doesn't age well. I would recommend getting one with reasonable miles, like 80K and one that has been well-taken care of.

The issues surrounding E39 are many and can pop-up anywhere, just to name a few.

I would say its design is not really geared towards DIY types. Often need special tools to accomplish something. There is "The BMW way". Some of it is pretty interesting and good, like the oil filter being on top of the engine, others not so good. Front end work is not that difficult.

You never know what new and interesting item will fail next. It's truly a "FORD" car after a certain mileage: Fix Or Repair Daily.

Basically it's easy to put about 5-6K into an E39 after you buy one. A high-mileage E39, meaning one with 100K miles has the reliability of a mid 1980's Ford, or worse even, with parts costing 3x as much.

I would only buy one that has been garaged, has low miles and has the majority of the above repairs done, at least the suspension and the cooling system. There are tons of these for sale now at good prices.

Basically, they are expensive to buy and expensive to keep on the road. And high price does not assure high quality and longevity. Dealership prices are absolutely insane. Think $4K to change clutch. 500 to change the transmission fluid. $12 for one spark plug. 40 for a vacuum tube. I am used to DIY to keep the ownership cost reasonable but it's not for everyone.

OTOH, there is plenty to like about E39. IMO:

The ergonomics are excellent. The seats are A+ and the heated seat is also very nice. It fits me like a glove. Everything inside is just right.

The handling is pretty good, better than X5 and for that matter, E39 Touring has more storage space than X5.

I like E39 Touring, it's just the right size. Not too big, not too small. And very practical.

The I6 motor is very nice. It's silent, has just the right amount of power IMO (but is even better with Manual)

The AC system is insane, it will chill you faster than the North Pole. On med, it's stronger than most cars on High. The heat is the same way. The high is some kind of crazy Turbo mode. When you turn heat on high, it takes high literally.

The handling is pretty good, basically 5-series E39 is a big and heavy car, cannot possibly handle as well as 3-series but the space is nice. Especially with Touring.

The ride quality is very nice. No FWD can compare. New struts make a huge difference. No regrets buying mine but does need a bit of maintenance. Find the nicest E39 you can find.