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 ?

[X5rolls]

I switched from an 01 ML 430 to an 06 X 4.8is.

It was a great choice for me.

Reliability was a major factor - the X has been nearly flawless while the ML was always having issues. A long list of them.

The ride was a huge factor = I like the ride of the X very much even with the 20 inch rims/tires. The ML was very truck like around turns and into driveways.

The handling characteristics of the X are great - I love the way it drives. The ML was truck like in it's handling - it was competitent for what it is but not at all exciting, the steering didn't give good feedback. Getting the right suspension options and tires is important if you want the full X handling factor. I'd suggest driving ones that are outfitted to both ends of the spectrum - some people might not want a full on sport SUV, thinking that it's ride is compromised. I want the best handling possible and enjoy the ride.

Engine responsiveness - the ML430 had a nice engine, I liked it. However, the 4.8is has more power, it's more responsive and it gets better mileage.

Transmission - the ML's automatic was good, I liked it. Had a manual shift mode. However the X's auto is much better, 6 speeds vs. 5, sport mode in the X is great, it holds gears when you want them to be held and provides engine braking power when you are trying to slow quickly.

Can't speak for the Cayenne or RR, never owned one.

I don't think you will be unhappy with the X - go drive one for a while and then drive the others. I bet that will help you make up your mind.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[TwinsPoppa]

I went from a 99 ML430 to 04 X5 4.8is (actually still have the ML but it's up for sale). I agree pretty much with everything X5rolls said except I had a little better luck with reliability with my ML.

See below for more comments:

Originally Posted by X5rolls

I switched from an 01 ML 430 to an 06 X 4.8is.

It was a great choice for me.

Reliability was a major factor - the X has been nearly flawless while the ML was always having issues. A long list of them. (I just had the tranny replaced for $3K but other than that no major probs - 115K on the ML)

The ride was a huge factor = I like the ride of the X very much even with the 20 inch rims/tires. The ML was very truck like around turns and into driveways. (No comparison, X5 wins hands down! The difference is the old MLs had a body-on-frame construction and the X (I believe) has a unibody. The new MLs have unibody now)

The handling characteristics of the X are great - I love the way it drives. The ML was truck like in it's handling - it was competitent for what it is but not at all exciting, the steering didn't give good feedback. Getting the right suspension options and tires is important if you want the full X handling factor. I'd suggest driving ones that are outfitted to both ends of the spectrum - some people might not want a full on sport SUV, thinking that it's ride is compromised. I want the best handling possible and enjoy the ride. (Again because of the unibody and on the 4.8is air suspension. I am amazed how the X drives smooth for it's size yet handles excellent on turns)

Engine responsiveness - the ML430 had a nice engine, I liked it. However, the 4.8is has more power, it's more responsive and it gets better mileage. (Ditto)

Transmission - the ML's automatic was good, I liked it. Had a manual shift mode. However the X's auto is much better, 6 speeds vs. 5, sport mode in the X is great, it holds gears when you want them to be held and provides engine braking power when you are trying to slow quickly. (Ditto)

Can't speak for the Cayenne or RR, never owned one. (Ditto)

I don't think you will be unhappy with the X - go drive one for a while and then drive the others. I bet that will help you make up your mind. (This is what sealed it for me. Once I actually drove the X it was a done deal!)

Good luck and keep us posted.

[X5rolls]

Pretty amazing similarities - it's like we went to different high schools together.

Originally Posted by TwinsPoppa

I went from a 99 ML430 to 04 X5 4.8is (actually still have the ML but it's up for sale). I agree pretty much with everything X5rolls said except I had a little better luck with reliability with my ML.

[993turbo]

I went from a ML55AMG to 4,6is. Its night and day. The ML feels like an agricultural machine in comparison.

[4.6isbadboy]

I work for MB in UK and have bought a 2003 4.6is over a ML for the wife.There realy is no comparison here! The ML is a old soft, sluggish, wollowing old fart compared with the sharp handling X5.In every way the X5 puts the ML to shame.Do the right thing and go X

[Icer006]

I agree with the comments. I too went from a reliable 99 ML430 to the 4.8is. No issues except it got old at 160k miles and almost 10 years later.

Originally Posted by TwinsPoppa

I went from a 99 ML430 to 04 X5 4.8is (actually still have the ML but it's up for sale). I agree pretty much with everything X5rolls said except I had a little better luck with reliability with my ML.

See below for more comments:

[ESP]

I personally did not own the 1999 ML 430, however my Parents do, and they added an X5 to the garage after purchasing the ML.

They have an ML 430 and it has been incredibly reliable. They too just had a new tranny put in but their mileage is up around the 165K mark. Other than that a heated seat stopped working and the Fuel Gauge doesn't read properly right after topping off the tank.

As for differences in the 2, you are right the ML interior is a bit dated, the E53s have that typical BMW interior and it seems to never get dated (though my favorite interior/dash setups are the E30s, E24s, etc. so what do I know).

The ML ride and handling is not as sporty as the X5s, though I think that was MB met their goal with how it should ride. My parents at times prefer the ML over the X5 because it is a more comfortable ride over the horrible roads in their area. Yes they are getting older and not as accepting of a firmer ride, however they are used to cars like their lowered e39, and their past modified BMWs.

In comparison to the Cayenne and Range, I personally own a p38 Range and it has been more reliable than the X5s (mine and my parents. But I am sure you are well aware of the hit or miss reliability of Land Rovers, and it seems to be that way regardless of who owns them, supplies components, etc.

Not sure if my rambling has helped any, if you have any questions please let me know and I will try my best to provide some insight.

Regards,

ESP

[Dannyell]

Originally Posted by ESP

I personally did not own the 1999 ML 430, however my Parents do, and they added an X5 to the garage after purchasing the ML.

They have an ML 430 and it has been incredibly reliable. They too just had a new tranny put in but their mileage is up around the 165K mark. Other than that a heated seat stopped working and the Fuel Gauge doesn't read properly right after topping off the tank.

As for differences in the 2, you are right the ML interior is a bit dated, the E53s have that typical BMW interior and it seems to never get dated (though my favorite interior/dash setups are the E30s, E24s, etc. so what do I know).

The ML ride and handling is not as sporty as the X5s, though I think that was MB met their goal with how it should ride. My parents at times prefer the ML over the X5 because it is a more comfortable ride over the horrible roads in their area. Yes they are getting older and not as accepting of a firmer ride, however they are used to cars like their lowered e39, and their past modified BMWs.

In comparison to the Cayenne and Range, I personally own a p38 Range and it has been more reliable than the X5s (mine and my parents. But I am sure you are well aware of the hit or miss reliability of Land Rovers, and it seems to be that way regardless of who owns them, supplies components, etc.

Not sure if my rambling has helped any, if you have any questions please let me know and I will try my best to provide some insight.

Regards,

ESP

Yep My parents have an 01 ML430 with 128k on it I believe...very reliable...but as a handling/feeling factor I feel my X is way above...

[StanF18]

Originally Posted by Omega

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

The only Cayenne variants I would pick over an X5 are the 'Turbo' or 'Turbo S'. I don't think the 'S' outperforms the E53 by so much that it justifies the higher price tag.

As for the Rover, I don't know which model year you're referring to, but I've read in numerous publications and magazines that Range Rover reliability grades are the absolute worst in the entire automotive industry. They're probably better pure off-roaders than most SUVs, but it's like buying a long-term maintenance headache.