BMW 5 series

I would not buy a BMW if you are looking for reliability. They are expensive to fix and after 50K on the odometer you have lots of issues. Transmissions is one. Transfer cases is another. Cooling systems are notorious for issues. Most notable online mechanics will tell you to stay away from BMW's

I told my new mother in law that her newer X3 was garbage and what she can expect to go wrong with it and she did. A $5000.00 transfer case issue with 52K on the odometer. She also had half of her cooling system replaced at 46K on the odometer. She now tries to hide her issues from me because she doesn't want to hear it from me. She has some pride about her car. I told her to spend less and buy a Lexus. She also was shocked that I knew what she spent for the garbage mobile.

The 6 cylinder models are probably more reliable. If you take good care of the car, it will take care of you. I wouldn't consider BMWs unreliable, but you do have to take care of them. Read around on forums like Bimmerfest.com and Bimmerforums.com. Good luck in your search!