'01-'02 ML55 or BMW X5 4.4
08-29-2002, 10:27 AM
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1999 ML430
'01-'02 ML55 or BMW X5 4.4
I currently own a 1999 ML430 that I will be selling soon, so now I have put myself in a dilemma of having to choose between these two vehicles. I need immediate advice and direction so I come to the experts for counseling. HELP!!! Also, which year (01-02) ML55 would you recommend? Why?
Thanks,
Smokey
Thanks,
Smokey
08-29-2002, 01:16 PM
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2002 ML320
This is the same reply I posted in the ML55 forum but anyway:
If I were in your position, I would get the '02 ML55. My reasons are pretty clear - the ML55 offers a balance of on- and off-road comfort and performance. The ML55 will be better suited when bad weather arrives, etc. and is larger than the X5, so you have more room. And since you are already an ML-owner, you know how much space the ML has. The X5 has much less space - especially the second-row seats and the trunk. The trunk is tiny and the 2nd-row passengers have about 1/2 the ML's legroom. It's a pretty tight fit for most adults back there.
The X5 4.4 is almost strictly an on-road vehicle, and is only meant for that purpose. Performance-wise, it competes more with the ML500 than the 55. The 55 out-performs the 4.4, and the X5 4.6is is the actual ML55-competitor.
Even if you compare the 4.6 to the ML55, the difference is clear. The 55 has almost identical performance as the 4.6, if there is any difference, its very small, so unless you are a pro race driver, that shouldn't matter.
So the ML55 offers more room, comfort, safety, and performance than the X5 4.4 (or 4.6) does.
And the '02 ML55, being the facelifted model, has many improvements over the previous MY (model year) ML's. Over 1100 parts were changed from the '01 to the '02. The '02 fixes many of the minor problems and add more safety technology, as well as styling updates and changes in the interior (new center console, plus the rear seats get their own A/C unit) plus there is a dual-climate control system, which previous ML's didn't have.
And around this time you can probably find a nice deal on an '02 55. Plus because you are the owner of a '99 ML, you get an extra $1000 off any '02, '03, or '04 ML. (did you get that yet?) Even if you can't work out a good deal with the dealer, you can look for a slightly used one at autotrader.com, cars.com, or even eBay.
Hope it helps.
If I were in your position, I would get the '02 ML55. My reasons are pretty clear - the ML55 offers a balance of on- and off-road comfort and performance. The ML55 will be better suited when bad weather arrives, etc. and is larger than the X5, so you have more room. And since you are already an ML-owner, you know how much space the ML has. The X5 has much less space - especially the second-row seats and the trunk. The trunk is tiny and the 2nd-row passengers have about 1/2 the ML's legroom. It's a pretty tight fit for most adults back there.
The X5 4.4 is almost strictly an on-road vehicle, and is only meant for that purpose. Performance-wise, it competes more with the ML500 than the 55. The 55 out-performs the 4.4, and the X5 4.6is is the actual ML55-competitor.
Even if you compare the 4.6 to the ML55, the difference is clear. The 55 has almost identical performance as the 4.6, if there is any difference, its very small, so unless you are a pro race driver, that shouldn't matter.
So the ML55 offers more room, comfort, safety, and performance than the X5 4.4 (or 4.6) does.
And the '02 ML55, being the facelifted model, has many improvements over the previous MY (model year) ML's. Over 1100 parts were changed from the '01 to the '02. The '02 fixes many of the minor problems and add more safety technology, as well as styling updates and changes in the interior (new center console, plus the rear seats get their own A/C unit) plus there is a dual-climate control system, which previous ML's didn't have.
And around this time you can probably find a nice deal on an '02 55. Plus because you are the owner of a '99 ML, you get an extra $1000 off any '02, '03, or '04 ML. (did you get that yet?) Even if you can't work out a good deal with the dealer, you can look for a slightly used one at autotrader.com, cars.com, or even eBay.
Hope it helps.
08-29-2002, 03:43 PM
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Mercedes-Benz
very good post, i agree i would go with an 02 ML55 over the X5 4.4i. Faster, more unique, etc.. Try and get the designo edition, that is one of my favorite vehicles.
