Buying a used BMW 5-series...?

Am I asking for some high repair costs down the road if I buy a 2004/2005 BMW 530 with 40-50k miles on it? How reliable are these cars?

Buying a used BMW 5-series...?pop up blocker

As with any higher end car, you can expect some pricey service bills. Your best bet is to buy a car that still has some warranty left on it, and if you buy from a BMW dealer, get one that is certified that way they extend the warranty.

If you're interested in the 5 series...have you considered the Mercedes Benz E Class?

Buying a used BMW 5-series...?systemworks

Get 1988 and older or you will be sorry ! HUGE list of common problems and HUGE maitainance bills
I have a E39 (previous body style) with 150k miles. For me it is not nearly as expensive as everyone says. I do my own oil changes, spark plugs, air filter, etc. I get my shocks done at Meineke for like 420 instead of the independent BMW at 1080 or the dealer at 1200. I use the indepedent place for stuff I can't do.

Overall if you maintain your cars, can do a little maintence yourself, and don't feel the need to go dealership only it is a great car. My previous car (non BMW) I would take to dealer only but I have a recommended independent BMW specialist I use.

However you are talking the new style with more computer whizardery hence more sensors etc to malfunction. With any car you will have routine maintence and things that just break/wearout etc.
/ BMW's are extremely reliable cars. I own 2.