1998 BMW 528i Question?

Q: What are these cars like, I'm thinking of buying either a 1998 523i or a 528i in around a year or so and depending whats around with a full service history and that's in good condition with under 80,000 miles.

Are there any known faults with this car or are they generally very reliable if looked after?
Or know where to get them, I'd never get any parts from BMW because they don't make half the things in those cars, they always get contractor companies to make parts, then BMW stick their badge on them.

In Lincoln UK which is around 40 miles from me, there is a place called GSF (German, Swedish, French) and they sell aftermarket parts and bloody good prices so that's covered:P
@gracien - Same here so go ahead:)
I know a good mechanic who gets parts cheaper due to his trade discount, so is the gearbox the main problem area?
I didn't think the E39 had the i-Drive, also would it be worth going for the manual instead lol
wow great info, so if I make sure the 528i is a manual at least and that its very well looked after, would this be a worth while car? I hope so because I love the E39 shape
wow that's good at least lol, I'm confident with the engine because I've seen them in Australia that hit 300,000 miles and still going strong but we'll have to wait and see lol

I also found a nice 528i SE on autotrader with 67,000 miles for £1,450 and is a manual, also are there any special requirements on engine oil or just use a good synthetic from Castrol, Silkolene, Comma and so on.
EDIT: also another car I'd like to get in around 2-3 years and I know they will be getting quite old, but does it count with a 2001-2002 BMW 740i Sport as well, I've tried to find any manuals but as far as I know, they never made manual E38's.
@Mark - 'What did you think -- that Porsche or BMW builds their own AC systems? That Lexus builds it own transmission? That Hyundai constructs its own tires?'

Keep the atitude to yourself mate also which part of what I wrote suggested that I don't know that!!!
Also I do know a lot about cars but the reason why I'm asking for advice is because I don't know those cars personally, I was wondering what they are like from personal experience, and because I don't have one yet, all of my vast knowledge is in fact pretty much useless and can't be matched by first hand experience.
Mark, that doesn't suggest a thing, I know that they don't make them hence why I typed it, a lot of people out there don't know that which is why I typed it to avoid people saying 'BMW parts and servicing are very expensive' and so on.
(2012-01-29 09:18:09)

A: Well Fox, I'm a car enthusiast so you might not like my two cents worth on this subject but...
Considering European is fine accepting the conclusion that they are not Lexus or Acura in most cases. Im a fan of amazing M models, v8 M3 models in particular!
European care requires regular/expen$ive service procedures utilizing BMW techs for codes, more expensive parts/supplies, synthetic oils, dot 4 brake, premium petro, and crossed drilled rotors to deliver the high performance that BMW is known to the world for. In exchange for this they usually deliver higher performance and life. They have the potential of being reliable if you pour money into them which is definitely not the case seen usually.
You seemed to have noticed a considerable amount on used car lots. After about five years or so they start needing replacement part$$$$$$$ and you thought the maintenance was bad.
Check and re-check that the automatic transmissions were serviced or replaced because this and Electronics seem to be "problematic area " after five years if not sooner. You couldn't pay me to be in your shoes if the BMW I Drive multi-controls need replacement/service $$$$$$$$. That being said, finding a good low mileage example that was meticulously maintained is a diamond in the rough. ENJOY !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhDCZ22IQdk&list=FLbVNOm1SGBsyB0UITRSKIsA&index=4&feature=plpp_video
http://www.edmunds.com/bmw/5-series/1998/consumer-reviews.html
http://www.koalamotorsport.com/projects/750il.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_7_Series_(E38)
The BMW E 38 was for all practical purposes the Flagship "Bimmer". If ever the term COMPLEXITY was described this is one of those vehicles. It was offered with auto and manumatic transmissions, the manual you will have better luck finding in Europe like getting hit with a "meteorite" ... it's possible. The top of the line model offered a V12 that was shared with the Rolls Royce Silver Seraph.

EDIT: Early 7 series 88 - 89 735i were available with factory manual transmissions in Europe, but not installed on V8's. Here's a included link to a few who have successfully installed them.

EDIT: If you can Utilize a personal mechanic knowledgeable with BMW codes and schematics this will help considerably in the wallet dept. Do avoid BMW I Drives like the Plague, and pick my personal favorite ...a manual 6 speed simple fact less complexity in less moving parts vs complexity in clutchless transmission applications, paddle shifters ,and automatic transmissions.