Thinking about joining the dark side...

Ok, the feedback you all gave me when I posted regarding purchasing a 1999 cl500 was valuable, so I will risk a flame war and ask for more advice. Once again, I am a senior in college and currently drive a 1988 420sel. I'm looking to replace it with a car with more current safety features (and a warranty).

I'm thinking I'd like to replace my car with a 2001 or 2002 530i. Does anybody have any experience with these or any other words or wisdom regarding their upkeep? I already searched around other BMW forums to try to get an idea on their common problems, repair costs and reliablilty, but it wasn't very useful. It doesn't seem like the BMW owners are as interested in repairing their own vehicles.

Anyway, as always all of your comments are appreciated.

Thanks in advance
Peter
1988 420sel

PS - If anybody has any other suggestions on cars I would like to hear them.