Mercedes ML to BMW X5 ? Anyone else done it ?

[Omega]

Hi everyone, I'm new to X5World, looks like a great site !

I've always done lots of research on forums etc when looking for a new vehicle and thought I'd pop some questions in here.

I've previously owned several BMs (E36 328i Coupe, E36 M3 Cabrio, E46 328Ci), and currently own a Boxster S and a Mercedes ML320.

Has anyone moved from a Mercedes ML (W163 - pre facelift - old shape - mine is a 1999MY) to an E53 BMW X5 ?

I will be changing the ML soon and have narrowed my choice of new ride down to three... The prices are just a guide based on what I could probably buy with a reasonable mileage and age.

Porsche Cayenne S - cost £15,000
Range Rover TDV6 - cost £14,000
BMW X5 (probably E53, 3.0D) - cost £12,000

Honestly I'd prefer to keep costs down, and I already have the Boxster for those sunny weekends so I think the Cayenne or Rangie would probably be unwise. I also currently own a 1988 Land Rover Defender - lift, mud terrain tyres, roll cage etc - so thats what I use for offroading.


I love the ML I currently have, but it's just getting a bit old.. Great truck but a little sluggish, handling is a little too soft and the interior is from the dark ages !!!

So how much different is the X5 to the ML ?

Many thanks guys, sorry for the long post. I've done some searching but couldn't see any threads which covered the same questions ?