How the hell did this happen?
 

http://money.cnn.com/popups/2006/autos/reliable/8.html

I would rather be in my X5 than an acura or honda when I am in an accident...

It's consumer reports.... 'nuf said.

The report is not about safety its about reliability.

Consumer reports always have Honda's and Toyota's on top of their lists. Honda and Toyota do make reliable cars (meaining less visits to dealer) but crash-worthy-ness and handling is another story. On a side note: I read that Acura is trying to catch-up to BMW in handling with thier new MDX. ;)

Hmmm, I wonder what would make the 2006 X5 V8 models more unreliable than the rest of the model years?:confused:

So would I!!!

I've got the same question>

Well, if we talk about security and driving experience there is no question that the X5 would be on the top of the list and these are the main reasons why we all love it so much. However and unfortunately it is true that from a reliability stand point it does not compare to Japanese SUVs. I am not talking about major mechanic issues but small things like window regulators, AC final stage resistor, etc... On my X in the last 2 years I got 3 Windows regulator replaced, one final stage resistor and few other problems. Nothing big and all covered under the warranty but every time a trip to the garage. I will never understand how comes BMW has not solved this window regulator weakness which has been known for ages.
So when you do a survey about reliability it is no surprise that the X5 does not make the top of the list. A car in that price range should do better IMO.
Having said that, however, I would not swap my X for any other SUV, Japanese or not. Very few SUVs compare to it as far as driving experience is concerned.

I saw that this morning and thought "TOTAL BS". Consumer Reports is becoming more and more Japanese bias IMO (and my opinion is jaded). This is why MB was going after them for their 'reliability' report. It is totally subjective and unless you personally put all stock in CR articles, it doesn't really hold any weight.

I would not trade my X5 for any other vehicle in terms of road safety. I've seen too many accident pics where X drivers come out unharmed from severe accidents.

Last I checked the X5 with air-bag options had a 5-star safety rating, as high as it gets, not sure how it doesn't make the list.

I think the the survey is about reliability(visits to dealer for repairs) not safety. :confused: