Hello Folks,
Brand new to this forum, but very familiar with how this works. Judging by my experience with Miata.net, I'm sure you guys wouldn't mind a word or 2 of advice.

I will soon be in the market for a new ride. I currently own a '91 Mazda 626 that I've had since it was new. It's my everyday car that is time to be retired. I'm in the process of paying off my '99 Miata, which is my toy (autoX, club runs, sunny days, etc.).

I've got it in my mind that I want a 5 Series, but know very little about them.
I really like the '99-'02 body style. I don't want lots of fancy doo-dads, just a reliable car with a stick (and nice wheels). I can't afford a new one, but I think a car with under 50k is in my budget. Or can I look at a higher mileage car? I'm really spoiled as my 626 has 243k and is still ticking right along.

I would like your opinions, experiences, warnings etc on your ownership, dealings with service, and potential problems I may have with these year cars. I'm guessing that standard parts might be a little more expensive than my Mazda's, but I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty to work on cars.

So I'll open the floor. Any help/advice or links to topics on this site would be GREATLY appreciated. I look forward to getting to know you all.

Thanks,
Chris

BTW...I just found the "buying a 5 series" topic and will read it thoroughly if someone will let me know how to decipher the "E" codes for the years I'm interested in ('99-'02).
Thanks!

You are looking for an E39 5 series. My suggestion is to look for either a 525, 528 or 530 sport package with a stick. Stay away from the V8s as they suck gas and require a bit of maintenance.

FWIW, they've got 03 525i and 530i premium/sports, manual, +40k miles for ~$23k-26k around here. I think they all come with those fancy doo-dads that you don't want. :D

Great! Thanks for the help with the E code. Now, can I get some more of you to give me opinions on what you like/don't like about your cars?
Also, anything major I need to look out for when searching for a car?
Thanks!

I must compliment you for keeping your 626 running strong
at 243k miles. That's some serious babying you've done, I can tell.
I had a 96 Millenia, so I know what it'd take to keep one of them
Mazdas up and running at that mileage.

If you happen to find a reliable E39 and treat it the same way you've done
to your 626, it will not suck your wallet dry. From my experiences, I'd say it
costs little more than what I used to spend on Millenia.
Believe me,a well maintenanced bimmer can be so reliable and durable, you don't need to spend a grand every month just to keep them on the road. Also, these cars are known to run strong well beyond 300k. However, be prepared to replace parts that are wear+tear items, such as radiator, expansion tank, hoses, brakes, etc.
You can't say cars are not properly cared when these parts go out, because
they are meant to go at certain ages.

I'm happy with my E39 for many years. I can never imagine driving other
car makes. Driving experiences in any of these cars are VERY addictive.