BMW X5 vs. MB ML350
 

Aloha everyone,

I'm in a bit of a quandry here and would like to request a bit of assistance. My wife and I have been discussing the purchase of a new vehicle, and both the BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz ML350 have come up. As they're both about the same price (out here in Hawaii that is), she would rather go with the Benz. I, however, am leaning towards the X5 (it's MUCH more iPhone-ready than the Benz).

I realize that this is hardly a non-biased forum, but have any of you compare these two particular SUVs on their relative merits? If so, what are you thoughts on the both of them?

I was able to test drive both an X3 and an X5 today (the X5 was the V8 model :D), and really liked the X5 better. I currently drive a Lexus RX300 and the X5 was about the same size, but a MUCH better ride. I enjoyed the feeling of strapping the SUV on my back, as it were, on the test drive, although I don't really drive too aggressively. The iDrive system will definitely take a while before it's completely comfortable, but I like the gear shift device.

We were unable to successfully pair my iPhone with either vehicle's Bluetooth system, however, but that may have been due to the code being changed. I will be returning to the dealer on Saturday to test the iPod and Bluetooth pairing functionality again.

All in all, I could be very satisfied with either vehicle, even with the relative "smallness" of the X3, but I prefer the X5 overall, even moreso than the ML350.

Does anyone have any argument for the ML350? If not, how many of you have driven both vehicles? I welcome any responses.

Mahalo in advance for your response,

HawaiiMacAddict

if i were you .. id go with the x5 .. the mer ml350 is known to be the worst SUV especially the ml350 compard to the ml500 or ml55 .. go for the x5 ..

i was never a real fan of bmw .. i always liked mercs but the x5 has changed my opinion ..

Hey there...

I'm a fellow Honolulu resident and fellow iPhone user. I own cars from both sides of the Kapiolani dealerships, so I'm not really bias on one brand or the other. I was looking closely at a GL 450 before settling on the X5 4.8i Sport. At the end of the day, I just didn't need such a big 7 seater SUV. I've also had extensive seat time in the ML 350, and while a great SUV, nothing is really inspiring about it. The engine is just average, the ride is ok, and the steering had a terrible drift to the left. I noticed this with the GL too when test driving it. I'm not sure what it is about these two Benz SUVs. The X5 is much more involving driving experience and you really can tell the difference in steering response and body control, especially with the Adaptive Drive option. Something none of the ML models have.

As far as iPhone pairing, you type in your own Bluetooth code, so I'd just use 1234 or 0000 and it should pair up. But make sure you turn off wi-fi on the iPhone or you will get interference noises when on a call. If you have any problems, talk to Danny the shop forman or Terrance in sales. Danny has done a number of drives with me and we've talked at length about BMW bluetooth and the iphone. I also have tried to use my iPhone in my Benz S550, and the phone book does not load at all and the other party often tells me it'd hard to hear what I'm saying.

If there is one complaint about the BMW service dept, it's the loaner car situation. They only have 5 loaner cars and they reserve them for only the worst emergency problems. My X5 has a rattle right now which they have been trying to fix since day 1. I've been trying to get the car back in the shop to get it fixed and have been on the loaner waiting list for 4 weeks now. You've probably seen around town, Benz has 100+ loaner cars, which means you'll get one when you make an appt. But, I have to say that when it comes to actual service work and customer service, BMW is better in Honolulu and aren't as fussy.

Let me know if you have any questions or need help!

Chris

rattle fixed yet?
 

hi there. i've got a front end clunk and all over rattle in the undercarriage as well. the dealer has had it three times with no luck and really has no ideas. here's what they tried
1. replaced sway bar end links
2. clearanced an aluminum shield(?)
3. "tightened everything"

and it's still there.. last week i test drove another x5 with sport pack, but it was a 4.8. NO RATTLE/CLUNK. the tech said he drove another 3.0 x5 just like mine, nothing. we're unlucky? i guess.

hoping you have had luck. i'm thinking of taking my x5 to an independent bmw repair shop to get this fixed.. it is driving me insane, and daily makes me regret ordering the car sight unseen.

I have the X5 and iPhone and they work perfectly together.

Regarding the iDrive, at first I did not like it, but after a few days it has become second nature. I find it far safer to use than the touch screen in the Lexus. I am able to operate the idrive w/o taking my eyes off the road, and find that once you get the hang of it, it is very natural to use.

:xoutpost: , I'm a Mac addict as well :D

I would say ML350 (new body style) and X5 (E70) are just as good. Both are german built. Reliability of one is about as bad as the other. Performace wise, they are very similar. Luxury wise, about the same. Price ranges (based on models) are about the same. "Wow, he drives a BMW" or "Wow, he drives a Mercedes" both sound the same too. Pick your poison. And I mean poison for real (after factory warranty expires.)

I looked at the ML350 for a bit...it seemed so "last gen" compared to the X5, and a bit dated. Also, a bit more feminine.

I have also both 2002 X5 and 2006 ML 350, well the X5 is E53 but still, here's my view.

ML 350: for the size of the engine I think it's pretty impressive, it has 268 hp and enough torque in good range 258 lb-ft @ 2,400 — 5,000 rpm. It's good enough engine that you don't miss the V8 in day to day driving. Suspension is soft, it dips more than the E70 but I've liked it anyway as it has been my family car, Bay Area concrete roads weren't that bad when driving ML. ML is also a quiet car, tire noise is minimal even with 19" tires. For me the adjustements for driving position are better and I like that the seats are also great, good side support. The 7-speed automatic is also great. First the transmission had some times harsh shifting but after SW update it was smooth.

E70: Never owned one but last week I test drove one. Can't say much about the engine because I drove the 3.0d, but accroding to specs, ML wins as X5 3.0si has 260 hp and 225/2750 lb-ft torque.
Suspension is stiffer than ML has, so that's a plus, BMW's suspension is more responsive. But, I was dissappointed of the tire noise, the E70 had 255/55-18 runflat tires and they seemed to cause more noise than the 20" tires in my old X. With correct tire setup the new X5 looks great.
iDrive, with a short test run it doesn't feel good, you need to play with it a bit more.

Both are good cars, choose the one you like more.

:iagree: I'm a Mac addict as well :xoutpost: :band:

Regarding your purchase? It's all about preference. You said "My wife and I have been discussing the purchase of a new vehicle".
What's her opinion? I don't believe you mentioned it but Is this her daily driver or your's? That could make a difference ya know.