I think the X5 is a great vehicle based on my previous experience with BMW on cars before. But I think the ML is a better vehicle all around. It is almost 1/2-1/2 traction on the 4 wheels vs. 1/3-2/3 on the X5, not to mention the low range feature.

The ML is the most balanced vehicle I ever had, for instance it is the only vehicle I had that requires the same amount of tire pressure front and rear, and at least on mine, it wears evenly on all 81K miles I've driven it. It is the first vehicle I ever had that at this milage it feels and runs just as on day one regarding all respects. I normally keep cars very long and this one is one of those keepers.

Regarding the high tech automobile design features, I think they are very similar.

Yes, I had my share of problems, which I also had with my previous BMWs before. Basically the 1) harmonic balancer which was covered under goodwill while out of warranty, power steering line issue covered by recall, and the window switch covered under warranty. I still think the ML is a rock solid vehicle that don't deteriorate easily with time and use.

On the Japanese, I have my reservations. They may look great in paper, but in my opinion, when I drive them, I am bored in a short period of time. Safetywise, most Japanese vehicles are built to comply with the specific parameters set by the US to pass a safety test, but the ML, X90 and X5 are built for much more, and they happen to pass the safety tests. In other words, if the US changes the safety parameters to pass a test the Japanese may have to go back to the drawing board, while the european SUVs may pass the new parameters just the way they are. Also, they test crash results features, they do not test those features on a vehicle to avoid the crash in the first place.

On US SUVs, yes, they drive and go. They'll take you to your destination.

I have an ML and a C class, my next 2 cars are likely to be 2 MLs.

Just my opinion...

Rene

P.S. Also, by having a forums like this, it helps a lot to understand your vehicle and keep it in top shape. Thanks to Gilly and others.