ML55 AMG or X5 4.6i

[FITZ TITS]

Which would you rather take?

Why can't we edit the subject? I meant 4.6is

[smithm5]

never liked merc SUVs

[rlebwohl]

I have driven the ML55....doesnt excite me and I think the X5 looks better then the older MLs.

[sliverwagon]

I voted for the Benz but I like both

[enigma1406]

I like the look of the X5 more. Friend of mine's sister has the 4.6 and she's had nothing but problems with it. But that could be just one case. Of course everything has been covered under warranty, but taking the car in is a pain.

[seank]

what do you want a SUV for?

[Daddy MO]

I have driven both but the ML was in 430 form not AMG. If I had to choose, I would get the Benzo. The X5 feels better but the reputation on the X5 and X3 interiors after a few years is crap. Shit starts falling all over the place.

[bunnn]

I like the look of the X5 more. Friend of mine's sister has the 4.6 and she's had nothing but problems with it. But that could be just one case. Of course everything has been covered under warranty, but taking the car in is a pain.

same with my dad....and now that warranty is OVER ... he had so many problems...Door handle broke..lock mechanism breaking...and just last week he had his bearings and brake lines changed + other stuff....but otherwise it's a good car...but i'd much rather have a range rover .. but I have to admit that the new MLs look good

[A4 ABT]

My mother had a ML430 and hated it. It had great power, but the suspension was so firm...not comfortable at all. I'm sure the ML55 has the same problem. I'd go for a X5.

[Re5pectThe_Cuz]

depends on the year of the ML 55...X5 4.6 is pretty sweet as well, but a bit underpowered if i remember. Get the 4.8 if your going that far...ML 55 is pretty sick but not the early ones. If you can get a later one then you should have a blast.
However, ML63 FTW!

[GrkA4]

Drove an X5 4.4 for awhile, loved it.

[FITZ TITS]

what do you want a SUV for?

Just entertaining the thought. I've been in small sedans for all of my driving life, and I enjoy the room to be had in an SUV.

[Con]

my parents have a ml500, many things of that car piss me off.. but those are personal ticks.

my best friend has a 4.4 x5 so i been in both of them many many times.

if i had ot choose, i'd take the x5.

[SurferForever]

I wanted an X5 so bad when i was lookin for a car. They are sick compared to a ml

[Militant-Grunt]

I have a 2001 ML55(dads) I can tell you off the bat that its all up to what you want, if you're going purely for performance go for the 4.6is. If you want luxury, performance, offroad capability take the ML55. The 4.6is is slower. Especially in the long run (over a second slower by 100) the interior ergonomics suck major ass, very uncomfortable car to sit in. The interior quality is no where near the Mercedes. The ML is very comfortable, everything in the car came as standard, the only options were the entertainment package (vcr + LCD) and the telephone hook up. I have a low range box, something that the X5 doesnt have, the X5 can't even pretend to offroad. The ML is a great over all car, id have it any day over a 4.6is. Granted, the 4.6 handles a little better, but the 55 is no slouch, very minor difference on handling. The ML rides on 285's all around, the handling is much much different from a 320/430 350/500 (ml is an inch lower too.)

Cons on the ML are the brakes. They're off a ML430/500 they're not AMG brakes, so the car needs new rotors / pads every 12-15k miles. Theres a few ML 'quirks' that are common across the model range, but its quite manageable, the car has been fairly reliable.

Im not sure of the cons of the 4.6is, other than it is more expensive to buy. Granted it wont depreciate as quickly but regardless. One thing I heard of are the tires being ridiculously expensive (I think the thing rides on 305s or 315s in the rear.)

Here's a picture of mine



Damn straight I autocrossed her.



I raced a 4.6is btw, close but the ML is quicker =) There is a motortrend comparo that proves this aswell.

[AudiGuy666]

I drove the new 4.8is .. it hauled serious ass for an SUV.. fastest suv I've ever been.

Sounds amazing too.. not to mention the great input and roadfeel for a truck. Still dont like em though.

[FITZ TITS]

Yeah I read the motortrend article. I was also on an MB forum and people shadowed your sentiments about the brakes. That's a really expensive component to be replacing so often. In addition to that would be gas. I read it gets about 18hwy. I guess I would have to ride in both. To be honest, I like the exterior look of the BMW a little better. My mom has the ML350, brakes are soft as shit. Other than that I haven't had any complaints, nor has she. Thanks for the info, Millitant

[FITZ TITS]

I drove the new 4.8is .. it hauled serious ass for an SUV.. fastest suv I've ever been.

Sounds amazing too.. not to mention the great input and roadfeel for a truck. Still dont like em though.

Yeah but it's like 68g's

[AudiGuy666]

Yeah but it's like 68g's

Never said it was cheap.. my buddy with a 330i is getting one in a couple months. It's so baller

[Militant-Grunt]

Yeah I read the motortrend article. I was also on an MB forum and people shadowed your sentiments about the brakes. That's a really expensive component to be replacing so often. In addition to that would be gas. I read it gets about 18hwy. I guess I would have to ride in both. To be honest, I like the exterior look of the BMW a little better. My mom has the ML350, brakes are soft as shit. Other than that I haven't had any complaints, nor has she. Thanks for the info, Millitant

Yeah no problem man, what we do is ebay + porterfield competition pads = 15k miles. Again, both me and my dad drive bats out of hell, and this is NYC. some people get 20k out of the brakes if you're in suburban areas.

I averaged 21mpg on a 40mi stretch of interstate before. The city mileage is what gets you, but I can imagine the BMW is about the same. The brake feel on the 55 is much better (having driven both a 320 and a 55). That and the reliability is much better than the 320/350 430/500.

[FITZ TITS]

Yeah no problem man, what we do is ebay + porterfield competition pads = 15k miles. Again, both me and my dad drive bats out of hell, and this is NYC. some people get 20k out of the brakes if you're in suburban areas.

I averaged 21mpg on a 40mi stretch of interstate before. The city mileage is what gets you, but I can imagine the BMW is about the same. The brake feel on the 55 is much better (having driven both a 320 and a 55). That and the reliability is much better than the 320/350 430/500.

hmmm....something to consider. is it just the pads that need tp be changed or the rotros too? Anyone make an aftermarket brake kit?

[Militant-Grunt]

hmmm....something to consider. is it just the pads that need tp be changed or the rotros too? Anyone make an aftermarket brake kit?

Yeah you can get a brembo big brake kit as well as a renntech brake package, but they're both quite expensive. You can get aftermarket oem size rotors though.

It depends on your driving style, 15-20k is rotors + pads though.

[shehatezme]

I have driven both but the ML was in 430 form not AMG. If I had to choose, I would get the Benzo. The X5 feels better but the reputation on the X5 and X3 interiors after a few years is crap. Shit starts falling all over the place.

Actually I have never heard of the X5 and X3 interior reputation. I have only heard of Mechanical problems and electrical. I think the interior mostly falls apart because people don't take care of it. This goes for any car. The B6 is notorious for Audi interior peels. However, only some people have peeling interiors, some don't.

[A4 ABT]

The ML is very comfortable

do the ML55 and the ML430 have the same suspension setup?

[Militant-Grunt]

do the ML55 and the ML430 have the same suspension setup?

Nope. The 55 is stiff as hell and it rides an inch lower. ML430 / 320 = boats.

[HP18]

I say the ML, prolly cuz that was my old car haha

[LAZY TURBO]

i would get the older X5 4.8is over both of those cars

[FITZ TITS]

i would get the older X5 4.8is over both of those cars

How insightful....OF COURSE YOU WOULD But that's comparing apples and oranges

[VroomVroom]

I generally prefer Benz over BMW (I know...shoot me...but the latest styling cues just leave me going 'ugh') but the X5 has been one of my favorites since its inception. In either generation of each vehicle I'd choose the X5.

[Kyhai]

Porsche Cayenne S > ML or X5

[Applejacks]

hat and the reliability is much better than the 320/350 430/500.

Why is the reliability much better? or at least, why do you say that?

[DELUX]

X5, my aunt just got rid of her 2 year old ML55 because it was nothing but problems. I don't like the look of it either. The X5 is a solid car and I like driving it too.

[TheBlueMartin]

Just ask yourself, do you like Dinan or Barabus superchargers better???

[Vahshiee]

my friend flipped and rolled an ML 7 times on the highway last month

[Applejacks]

my friend flipped and rolled an ML 7 times on the highway last month

What does that have to do with the thread?

[FITZ TITS]

Porsche Cayenne S > ML or X5

Yeah, no shit. The porsche is a lot more money...

[Militant-Grunt]

Why is the reliability much better? or at least, why do you say that?

Because the 430 and ESPECIALLY the 320s have so many problems it is quite scary. The 55's dont exibit as many problems because they're put together slightly better. Something to due with the fact that there are 12k ml55s world wide, and only 8k in the states?

[Applejacks]

Because the 430 and ESPECIALLY the 320s have so many problems it is quite scary. The 55's dont exibit as many problems because they're put together slightly better. Something to due with the fact that there are 12k ml55s world wide, and only 8k in the states?

You also mentioned the 500's. Which are model years 2002-2005. ML55 was made thru 03 model year I believe. So why would the 55 have better build quality? They are all made domestically in the U.S.

[Militant-Grunt]

You also mentioned the 500's. Which are model years 2002-2005. ML55 was made thru 03 model year I believe. So why would the 55 have better build quality? They are all made domestically in the U.S.

Handbuilt engine as a start shipped from germany?

[Applejacks]

Handbuilt engine as a start shipped from germany?

I am well aware of the motor...

You are saying the 55 is more reliable based solely on the motor? Cause if so, thanks for the clarification, even though I don't agree. If not, then please tell me what else on the ML55 makes it more reliable... considering all other components are basically put together state side. AND cause most of the ML55 parts are available on the Sport Models... even on the lowly 320. You are saying that the 500 motor isn't as reliable even though it was considered a staple of Mercedes Benz for years used in several of their model lines?