Contact these guys here with your questions, they might give you an idea:

http://www.automartgulf.com/pages/12alhomepag.html

For the BMW you can contact any of the following at the local BMW dealer:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

If you are going to go for a 2001 5 series, the old shape, I suggest you go for the 530i which is a more complete car unless your budget doesn't permit it. Consumer Reports gave the 2001 530i its highest car rating ever. Make sure you check the instrument cluster for problems and whatever you decide try to get one with a full BMW service history to make sure it's been properly and regularly maintained.