XSeries-forum

I have had an E53 3.0D and an E53 4.6is and currently drive a Jaguar XF S 3.0D. I am thinking of going back to an X5 after considering an ML350. My dilemma is do I go for a 2012 xDrive40d or go for a 2013xDrive30d. The 2013 car would have slightly less miles on the clock and would obviously be slightly younger, but would be down on bhp from the 30d.
My concern is over the reliability of the X5's. From what I have managed to find out the 2011 cars were pretty unreliable, the 2012 slightly better and the 2013 even better.
The reason I was looking at the facelift Merc ML350 was because of the X5's poor reliability record, but there is not much info. on the reliability of the ML's!!

Any thoughts or advice?

Graeme.

Unreliable how?  What parts?

Plenty of folks on here with all models and reliability is very good generally.  Certainly none of the issues that plagued the E53.  2010 onwards cars are the LCI versions and seem fine.

The biggest complaint I've seen is to do with the ride quality caused by runflat tyres and M Sport suspension in combination.  Many owners are going to non-RFT and finding the ride much improved.

Thought there were gearbox, suspension and electricsl problems but I was searching X5's world wide. I am pleased that you think otherwise, that makes me feel better

Any thoughts on which one to go for?

Gotta be a 40d.  Hot hatch performance if you really want to push it, on a car that weighs more than 2 tonnes.  I tried both when I bought my X6 and the extra oomph of the 40d is a little addictive.  That's not to say the 30d isn't bad, but the extra turbo makes all the difference.

The gearbox went from the 6-speed to the 8-speed in 2010 model years and is much the best choice.

Pano sunroofs still seem to be a problem and the tyre life of RFTs is not good.  Mine need changing as a set after just 16,000 miles which is dreadful considering they cost almost £1k a set!  My E53 tyres lasted easily 10k a set longer.

Thanks for that