Smokey

I am trying to decide which of these two vehicles I will purchase, but I need your advice. What do you think? Which year ML55 would you recommend? Why?

Thanks,
Smokey
1999 ML430 (almost gone)

amb9800

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.

Hope it helps.

amb9800

I forgot to mention - 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.

mikE55

I looked at the ML55 and X5 4.6is, back when I thought I wanted a hot rod SUV. I drive 100% on road, so off roading was not a factor. And with the price of these babies, I wouldn't want to take them off road anyway.

Speed, the ML55 is actually faster to 100mph vs. the X5 4.6is, but I'd rate them equal. Handling and brakes, definately the BMW X5 4.6is, the 4.4i is better than the ML55 too for that matter. Interior, again the X5 has much better quality and a nicer design. Space, I rate them equal. (The ML55 has more cargo room, but that spare tire in the back takes up space.) Exterior looks, very subjective, but I really like the ML55 a lot better. It's muscular and differentiated from the (non-sport) ML320/500. The X5 4.6is does not look very different from the 4.4i, but it does have awesome 20" rims and huge tires. Then there's the tuner factor, the ML55 is an AMG, the X5 4.6is does not get an ///M badge.

I was torn, but slightly leaning to the ML55. Ultimately, I decided that a hot rod SUV was not for me. As good as they get, they are just too BIG and high off the ground to be sports cars. Thus, I got my E55 instead. If I had to make a choice now, I'd by the X5 4.4i. It's almost as good as the ML55 or 4.6is, but a lot cheaper.

maybach

FIRST OF ALL MY DAD OWNS THE ML55 AND MY WIFE DRIVES MY X5 4.6is, I FIND THE X5 MORE COMFORTABLE BOTH IN THE FRONT AND REAR SEATS AND THE DIFFERENCE IN SPACE IS NEGLIGIBLE, THE X5 SEEMS MUCH MORE EXCLUSIVE AND PERSONALLY I PREFER THE BMW STYLING IN THIS CASE. PLUS IF YOUR LOOKING FOR THE SPORTIER RIDE THE X5's FOR YOU. AND IM NOT A BIAS BMW FAN, THIS IS MY FIRST BMW VEHICLE AFTER THREE MERC'S AND I AM VERY IMPRESSED BY THE QUALITY OF MATERIALS AND OVERALL PACKAGE ESPECIALLY AFTER MERC'S RECENT DOWNHILL SLIDE ON THE QULITY FRONT, THOUGH I HEAR THAT THE 02' ML HAS MANY OF ITS PROBLEM FIXED. ONE OTHER PEACE IF ADVICE, WHY NOT WAIT FOR THE PORSCHE CAYEENE!

theboogers

had a 4.4 x-5 in 2001 and hated the driving position and ride. this car was fast and cornered like my sl, but the ride and seats were too stiff. i'm 5'10. the seat must be back far enough to fit your legs comfortably that your arms are extended straight out to reach wheel. this is very uncomfortable on long trips of 1 hour or more. also the arm rest is non existant if you sit with the seat high so you get good visibility. sold it with 3000 miles on it for a loss and bought the cl500. i am going to try a ml for this winter. i have found the seating position much better.