Newbie- Please advise with concerns

Greetings to all M5 enthusiast!!

I am (like all of you) a HUGE M fan. I have an opportunity to pick up a '02 M5 that is in exceptional condition (so I'm told). The car has 98,000 on the clock and dealer states it has a new clutch & "DINAN Software". The asking price is $15,900 and it is not from a BMW dealership. Coming from a Honda/Acura background I have always treasured the "reliability" of the VTEC engine, and will be the first to say that the M5 has always been a dream and is simply in a class all by itself- HANDS DOWN.

My concerns are of course the dreaded stories of the "problems" that arise after 100k, and the amount of money I am expecting to spend maintaining the monster (from scheduled maintenance to unexpected and "issues" the car is known to have. Any thoughts, advice that you all can give will be greatly appreciated. I have included the link that shows the car- thanks again for sharing your knowledge

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

Well, 65 views and no response- perhaps some of you guys really have no idea what your doing after all- you just buy a car because it has an "M" next to it, I was expecting to have a few responses or advice - thanks guys.

When buying any car, but especially a BMW, just take it to a BMW dealer or independent and have them do a prepurchase inspection. (i'd rather go to a reputable BMW independent) - they'll give you an idea of what work it needs, and what condition it's in.

I'd never buy a used M car without one.

Ask your questions over at M5board.com. You'll get a better response there.