I think this is the last winter for my '05 E53 3.0 auto w/ 175k, and I think I have found a replacement. Welcome any thoughts.

As for the E53, I bought it with an overheated engine 6-7 yrs ago at 125k miles..replaced the head gasket and have done all the work you know it takes to keep a 175k-mile E53 on the road in a salty climate. I live in the US Northeast.

I am on the backside of 60 yrs old and I am getting tired of the maintenance. Particularly when I have two E39's (soon to be 1) and an E46 to keep up with.

The replacement I am leaning towards is a 2017-18 Mercedes GLE 350 w/tow package and 80- 110k miles.

- Non-turbo M276 v6 engine with decent reliability and lifespan.
- Good engine access in the engine bay
- Good towing capacity 6600 lbs (RWD) and 7500 lbs (4-matic)
- The 4-matic system is pretty solid and trouble-less
- Similar height, weight, driver position, and cargo capacity as E53
- Wife has a '14 GLK 350 with same engine that I have been maintaining for 8 years*
- Most used GLE 350's were owned by a mom named Muffy who weighed 100 lbs and parked it in her garage.
- Most sellers are frightened by maintenance expenses at 90-115k miles...because they pay someone to do it.
- US made, but better build quality /parts quality than E53.
- Thought about the GLS 450, but that's a turbo V8 and they sold 2x as many GLE's as they sold GLS...more used cars and parts. I also don't need the size and weight of the GLS.

Prices seem to be $15,000 - $18,000 which seems to me to be about the same or less than a similar-vintage Ford explore, Chevy whatever, BMW X5, Jeep, etc.

*My wife only wants technicians in white lab coats working on her Mercedes. However, I have done oil changes, brakes, and several other more significant things when she wasn't looking. It's been pretty reliable.

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'99 E39 528i 5-speed 130k
'06 325Cic auto 115k
'05 X5 3.0 auto 173k-SOLD
'03 530i - manual swapped - 430k miles-SOLD