E39's Reliable?
 

I have an opportunity to buy an '03 525i. It belonged to a recently deceased friend, who bought the car new.
He had the dealer maintain the car, and he kept it in great condition over it's 47K miles. He never drove it in salty winters, and it seldom got caught in the rain.
There was never a problem with it, and the only thing replaced was the battery. The Michelin tires are the originals, so they will need to be replaced.
BUT, I know nothing about BMW's. I do need a car, but something reliable. I'm planning an extensive, maybe 1000 mile, road trip.
Would YOU trust the car? Do these cars have any known problem area's? Should I consider preemptive maintenance?
I'd very much appreciate your opinions, especially if there's a consensus.
Thanks everyone!

They are reliable if they are kept up. Seems like your friend kept it up. A car that old I would say your vacuum system would be what I would focus on besides the obvious (plugs, fluids maybe thermo). Other than that it should be a sound car. I would also through a bottle of red line SL-1 in the tank. The M54B25 is a solid engine

Thanks for the reply! Great to know. What is it with the vacuum system that needs to be checked?

Vacuum hoses and ccv. If they are not cracked they are surely going to be once you start putting miles on it. Let me look up the system for you and post what you are looking for

Looking for a kit like this for your crankcase vent valve. You'll need the gaskets also since you will be removing the throttle body