BMW X5 or Mercedes Benz ML 320-350

[OKCSuburban]

I have been looking to replace my suburban with a smaller but nice suv. I am having a hard time choosing between a (used) Mercedes-Benz ML 320, 350 or a BMW X5. I am wanting a 6 cly Automatic. We have a boat that weighs in at 3600 pounds (lake ready) which we might get rid of...

Which is better, the ML or the X5. Durablility, driving, ??? What do you all think?

[Denalix5]

I would definately go with the X5. The ML's are a pile of junk. We have an X5 and our neighbor has a 350ML and they've had nothing but problems with it. The wife now refuses to drive it because it sometimes stalls on the freeway.

The X5 outperforms the ML in every way.

Originally Posted by OKCSuburban

I have been looking to replace my suburban with a smaller but nice suv. I am having a hard time choosing between a (used) Mercedes-Benz ML 320, 350 or a BMW X5. I am wanting a 6 cly Automatic. We have a boat that weighs in at 3600 pounds (lake ready) which we might get rid of...

Which is better, the ML or the X5. Durablility, driving, ??? What do you all think?

[OKCSuburban]

Thank you for your reply,
I have been looking and driving both. I am starting to think that the BMW is more of a On Road driving vehicle and the ML seems to lean more toward being able to go off road. Well I spend 99.99% on paved roads so the x5 is starting to win in my eyes.

I have noticed that the x5 is 20 to 30% more $ for the same year/options/mileage.. wonder if this is because the new ML just came out and the x5 replacement is not due for another 6-9 months.

I am wanting a SUV that will get better mileage (than my Suburban), be fun to drive and be able to pull my boat (about 3600 pounds). Holding its value a little better too would be nice.

I am thinking of getting rid of two vehicles, a Suburban and a BMW E36 Convertible, one insurance bill would be nice. So on the road driving and handling is important to me. I have had really good luck with my convertible.

[beerkat]

Wife wife had a '99 ML430 it went through four fuel pumps in about 18 months. She test drove a 2001 X5 4.4i, she loves this car. We like V8s. i tow with this car. I haul my 2003 Mustang/Cobra to different tracks around the southeast. If you buy a used one make sure it has the hitch on it. They are pricey and if you can not do the work yourself they are way to much.

[pbv]

if you check consumer reports, jd powers, etc you'll see the mercedes is really a piece of crap. the X5 is not a lexus in terms of reliability but much better than mercedes. i have an 04 4.4 V8 and the drivetrain is fantastic. it has been trouble free for 57 K miles and i would recommend it to anyone who doesn't need a lot of room.

[jbviper4]

I drove a ML55 AMG right before I bought my X5 3.0. Two completely different drivers - ML was a tank and rode like a truck. Very slow off the mark, but a cruiser once you get it on the open road. The X5 is a performance truck. Even at 225 HP the X5 is light on its feet and great in the corners. MUCH FUN!

Not so sure that it will tow 3600 lbs easily (might want to look at the 4.4 or 4.6). I get 19 MPG on winding back roads.

Good luck!

[vitaly78]

Originally Posted by jbviper4

I drove a ML55 AMG right before I bought my X5 3.0. Two completely different drivers - ML was a tank and rode like a truck. Very slow off the mark, but a cruiser once you get it on the open road. The X5 is a performance truck. Even at 225 HP the X5 is light on its feet and great in the corners. MUCH FUN!

Not so sure that it will tow 3600 lbs easily (might want to look at the 4.4 or 4.6). I get 19 MPG on winding back roads.

Good luck!

I couldn't agree with you more. I owned a 3 year old ML55 and it was nothing but trouble. Finally I sold it and am in the process of leasing an X5.

[OKCSuburban]

Thanks for the info.
I got to drive a X5 v8 (small v8) the other day and loved it. Nice power and handling. I drove a 6cly and it seemed to be underpowered.
Still looking and thinking.

[myronl]

How would others here rate the X5 vs. the LR3? I know the X5 is more sporty, but how is the room and comfort? Is the X5 much smaller inside? Does it feel tight? The LR3 has room for 7, but I guess if I'm looking for a people hauler, the X5 may not be the car for me anyways. Thoughts anyone?

One other question, how does the new X5 compare to the older one in terms of interior comfort and size?

['97ventureowner]

Please do not bring up old threads, if you have a new question, start a new thread and link to the old one if necessary. Closed.