First off, excuse my ignorance of british models. Your 5 speed is a manual correct? If so, no filter kit to replace. Not sure if the euro models ever got the 5speed auto outside of the v8's like USA models. could you please provide a better description than " messy" for the transmission.

Take the problems one at a time in priority.

Start with the fuel smell, I woulnd't do anything until I located the source of your leak. Check the hoses around the fuel filter, they go bad and leak commonly.

Next, check the front suspension, there are many things that can cause your symptoms, but it wouldnt surprise me that you need the entire "kit". read my post here http://www.bimmer.info/forum/showthr...297#post145297 for detailed instructions on checking the front end.

Any number of things could cause the noise on accelleration, I would verify that the driveshaft and it carrier bearing are ok, then check the 1/2 shafts.

Take care of the safety issues first, 3 of the things you have listed are potential safety concerns, I would worry about that before trim and cluster lighting.

Unfortunately letting a car sit for a year is horrible abuse, they get what is called "lot rot". basicaly things start to disolve and when you start driving it, parts that had moisture creep in begin to fail and rubber parts start to leak. Never buy a car from ebay without having a very thurough check out from a qualified person. I have seen the worst horror stories from ebay, every thing from cars that went swimming to one car that was actualy 2 cars welded together behind the B pillar.

Take it one step at a time starting with the important things, post questions as needed. Try not to flood a post with questions about multiple problems, folks just decide its too much and back off. It might be worth taking it to a bmw shop for a comeplete check over, then you will have a list of atleast the important things, make sure you tell them that it sat for a year.