GO1234

Sorry if this topic has been discussed previously. Looking to buy a ML 250/400 (350 will obsolete I was told by my dealer). I have always liked the ML but some of my friends are asking me to consider BMW X5 3.0. I really don't know enough to make a sound decision. I guess it all comes down to the looks? I wonder if any of you have considered the X5 before buying the ML? And if so, why did you end up getting the ML? Any advice would be much appreciated.

27T

We have the w166 ML350 bluetec and F15 X5. Both are great. X5 is a bit fresher because it was released last year. You can't go wrong with either.

ntwillie1

I considered the X5 3.0. I eventually picked the Mercedes. I was originally looking at the ML350 but the day I went in to buy it I changed my mind and got the ML400 instead namely because a lot of the upgrades I wanted on the 350 were standard on the 400. Plus the 400 has a a little more horsepower than the 350.

Now between the ML and the X5, To me, looking at both interiors I think the benz is the nicer of the two. One of the reason I passed on the bmw was because dealer was pompous and unwilling to negotiate. I also didn't like the nav screen on it and prefer the nav screen on the MB much more.

Overall, I think the BMW has a sportier feel and handled tighter which I liked but the Mercedes is more luxurious to me. I also think that the ML is a better looking car, especially w the sport appearance package. With the BMW if I got the M package I couldn't get the running boards which I didn't like. I also felt their entertainment system offerings were super weak. Lastly, when I sat in both I felt like the BMW was a little more cramped.

xMB007x

Cargo capacity was the biggest issue for me.
With the 2nd row folded
X5: 66 cubic feet
ML: 80.3 cubic feet

opasha

We have a '14 ML350 4-Matic, '14 ML63, and '14 X5 50i. All are great, but I love my X5 the most. It handles and drives the best:

ntwillie1

Opasha, very nice. Is that the X-line package? Also, hope you got the rim and tire protection package. Those things look like rubber bands.

opasha

Thanks, buddy. Yes, it is. Lol, they're actually thicker. They're 285/35R22 tires but because of the lighting look thinner. They run nicely over uneven road and small potholes without issues. Here's some more pics: http://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=974651

Streamliner

STRONGLY suggest you drive the X5 over rough roads and bad intersection dips, as I think you will find that it rides much nicer than the ML. That said, I love my ML350BT, with the exception of how it rides over less than perfectly smooth roads. Mine is a 2014 with AirMatic and Active Curve, 19" regular wheels & tires.

GO1234

1

GO1234

If the 2nd row is not folded, do they have the same cargo capacity pls?

xMB007x

No.

ML: 38.2 cubic feet
X5: 22.9 cubic feet

Hopla

Go with BMW man, don't even ask the question, they have better service and they are more human

fabbrisd1

I guess you have a Time Machine or a Crystal Ball - communicating with the past !

Binxx

I too was debating this so went into the BMW dealership. I was looking at the diesel models.


They first made me wait, then went looking for a car to test drive then said no car available. I left my business card asking them to call me back as I was 10 minutes down the road. That was 6 months ago, have not heard back to date.


I test drove the Porsche Cayenne twice, have been in the Q7 and can categorically tell you that the ML is the most refined amongst them all.


Looks are individual choices, I personally like the Porsche but was put off by the diesel engine noise (Same diesel engine is used in the Q7 and VW touareg)


The ML400 is even quieter still (We never had the 350 option here) and I believe it has the wood over the equivalent BMW engine. I stand corrected if not as don't have the stats with me now.


If I were you, I would test drive both and if possible avoid the 250 (Diesel?)

Streamliner

I special ordered a 2014 ML350BT. It had most of the options, including AirMatic and Active Curve, which together, are about $5K in suspension upgrades. I had the 19" wheels and even replaced the OEM tires with Michelin Latitude Tour tires to try and get a better ride. Bottom line: I sold the car after six months, as I just could not handle what I call the "cheap pick-up truck ride" at slow speeds over something other than a perfectly smooth road. I even test drove other ML's to see if there was a problem just with mine, but they were the same. Why MB would not refine this ride problem is just beyond me. Pretty much everything else about my ML was wonderful, but I'm a ride freak and it just bothered me too much. Anyway, I am back in a nice, new S550 which is where I belong. SUV's just are not for me.