in your opinion, which is easier to work on and repair yourself, or which just runs into less problems overall?

trying to avoid big stuff that isn't preventable like transmission meltdowns even if you replace the fluid and valves falling into engines ect ect

i shall post this in the e60 forums as well

 

The repair frequencies we have for the 5, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2010 5-Series: 76, high
2009 5-Series: 66, moderate, small sample size
2008 528 / 550 / M5: 80, high
2008 535: 99, high
2007 5-Series: 63, moderate
2006 5-Series: 68, moderate
2005 5-Series: 66, moderate, very small sample size
2004 5-Series: 74, moderate
2003 5-Series: 149, high
2002 5-Series: 111, high
2001 5-Series: 111, moderate, small sample size
2000 5-Series: 117, high, small sample size
1999 5-Series: 137, high, very small sample size
1998 5-Series: 103, moderate, very small sample size

BMW 5-Series reliability ratings and comparisons