Great engines, not many car engines in 1998 that made 400nm @ 1300rpm thanks to it's vanos system.
It's not a case of lottery, it's a case of having the funds available when the chain guides start breaking off and falling down in to the sump. I found a piece of guide in the cylinder head, next to one of the cams of my old 540i when they let go. If you plan on keeping the car for a long time, do the guides and cooling system, then imo you're good for another 200+ k kms engine wise.