timmyc - I think you should find something else.

I have a wife and kids and they need cars that start and run every time and they can't worry about window regulators breaking, AC not working, leaks into the cabin, brake lines rupturing, broken pano sunroofs, etc. etc.

I think waiting on an Indy is only getting worse. It feels like there are fewer good Indy repair shops and the wait for parts has become tougher..Parts quality has also deteriorated.

I have 4 BMW's all with the 6 cyl M54 B30 engine ( 2 E39, E46 vert, and E53). Mine are pretty reliable for my use, but would not cut it for wife use. My kids drove two of my BMW's as Instacart drivers during COVID and while they handled the extra workload, I always worried about them.

I do think the E53 (an early US-made car) has more build quality and electrical problems than the either the E39 or the E46.

I suggest you sell your V8 E53 and let the wife drive the Honda...

If YOU really want an E53, I would suggest you buy the best 6 cyl E53 you can find from a rust-free state and maintain it as well as you can...I think you might have fewer issues with that car than your V8.

Regardless, if you enjoy driving 20yr old + BMW's, it's a good idea to have a few of them around.