agreed.. but the main reason is, there isnt enough HP at the rear wheels like e39 V8.. I have driven many E39 530 , all was auto.. and the performance was long way below my expectations.. I would prefer a modded manual 528 or 540..
and if we talk about reliability, Bmw is not that different from an omega.. if it was neglected/abused by a previous owner, its a bottomless money pit but costs twice(or more) as much as omega (here).. i
The 530i (Which is Straight 6) has 230BHP and 220lb-ft Torque.
Compare that to the 3.0 Omega, 208BHP and 170lb-ft Torque and you see quite a difference especially as the 5'er is slightly lighter.
Chuck in the 540 V8 and you are looking at 282BHP with a considerably higher 325lb-ft of the good stuff.
Also, (in Auto form), the e39 has the much MUCH better 5speed Transmission (I believe very few late Omega's were available in Europe with this Tranny?).
Reliability? Just like a Golf, Astra, Bently Continental...... I guess it's how the car has been treated. Parts for both the e39 and Omega are now dirt cheap. Suspension components for the e39 are a little more expensive being Aluminium though.
I'm looking to spend ~£2k on another car. Will it be an e39? No. Will it be an Omega? If the right one comes along, then Yes.