XSeries-forum

After getting rid of my E53 X5 15 months ago due to ULEZ restrictions, I decided to dabble in a small EV i.e. the BMW i3 having gone down to just under 3k miles of yearly driving. I am now thinking of either getting back into a large SUV or go down the EV route again with used iX3 or iX 40

I have had a few friends walk alway from the F15's after so many issue and expensive bills. I am interested in the early G05 (2019/20) so not sue how reliable they are. This lead me to also consider the Merc GLE's of the same year. I perfectly understand that BMW will always remain the ultimate driving machine but at nowadays, I just want to get in a car and drive. not have to worry about timing chains or air suspensions ...

Which of the 2 has less issues and runing costs?

The outgoing iX3 is a 2WD only, so if you were still considering one then it’s something to bear in mind. It’s also quite short-legged in range terms (around 220miles) though that may not be a concern if your mileage is low. The new NK version iX3 is 4WD and has a 400+ mile range, but it will be a few years before used ones are more affordable (£73k new at present).

For me, an EV has only made sense because I can charge at home so costing (April 2026) £0.052p/kWh. Public charging varies from around £0.42p/kWh up to £0.94p/kWh on motorways - that’s more than petrol was until last month. I’m awaiting delivery of an iX3 in July/August to replace the i4 which I’m handing back because it’s used value is now well below what’s left on the finance.

A home charging installation is not cheap either. They are getting cheaper, however make sure you use someone reputable to install it properly if you go that route. Like solar installers, there are some real fly-by-night cowboys out there!

A friend had a 2012 Merc GLE that he bought used and after about 6 months the gearbox failed. It was cheaper to scrap it than get a specialist to rebuild it. I don’t think it’s common, but it did remind me of the horrors of the E53 autos. He liked the car but obviously it went a bit wrong. He’s got one of the big Merc estates now and lives in rural France. Not had any issues with it, which is good as the nearest dealer is 100 miles away!