Hello everyone,Just joined this site today and I could really use some advise on E39's.To be honest let me first start off by saying that I own a 2000 alfa romeo 146 twinspark.Yes yes I know it does have it's problems but it was my first car i got after college and it's been my buddy for the past 5 years till I got married. The car is in real good shape but with the baby coming along and frequent lifts with the family.....the alfa doesn't fit the bil. The e46 scary cause I've heard a lot of rumours about electrics and stuff...expensive to maintain they say & I only started looking into the 5's after some good comments about it from a friend. More reliable he says!I don't know mate .....I know nothing about beemers and I couldn't think of a better place than here with the maestros.So I need some advise....this is what I'm looking for since I already know it has the looks, the space & it's german. Which one gives better fuel economy, what year from should I look for. What are the problems should I expect? Is maintaining one more expensive esp than my alfa cause that boy sucked me dry for the first 3 years. What should I look out for when looking at a second hand car dealer cause it's hard to find a honest dealer these days? Lastly why the 39 and not the 46? I'm open to all advise. I'd really appreciate it cause if all goes well this would be my first german experience! :stupid: