I've had my 2002 X5 3.0d sport for 12 months now, having changed from a Merc ML270. Whilst the Beemer might be better to drive I thought the Merc was more comfortable. I never had any problems with the Merc. However the X5 has needed new front anti-roll bar, 2 new batteries, new rear hatch control, new cd player, new drivers seat motor and now that it is out of warranty it's telling me the self-leveling suspension is faulty. The last BMW emergency repair man told me that I should buy a battery charger to stop the battery going flat!
What a pile of s**t! As soon as I can afford a new ML the X5 is history