Need advise on getting my 1st E39 525

Hi all you Bimmer guys out there,

This is the first time i joined a BMW forum and i am from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I am interested in getting a 2nd hand or japanese reconditioned 2002-2003 BMW E39 525 (which i believe, 2003 is last year of the E39 production, correct me if i am wrong). However, i would like some advise / comments from you all on whether this car is a good buy? What are the typical problem of the 2002 E39 525 model that i should look out for? What's the fuel consumption like?

I am a lilttle worried about the maintenance as i am made to understand the cost of upkeeping a BMW is pretty steep and i would be like shelving out my savings for this baby.

Thanks for all your comments by the way.

Hi Iwloh,
Bought my own 03 525I last year, been a great car, smooth, comfortable, very good fuel mileage. I drive 380 mi to work every two weeks about 80% highway and I usually get 29 to 30 mpg averaging about 75 MPH. I have gotten as high as 33MPG slowing down to 70MPH with the airConditioning off. Good luck with yours, Hop.collin