[Enilder]

I am in a same boat but for 2012 models. Having very difficult time with x3 vs x5. I hated previous x3 so i was pretty much ruled out until I started looking into it recently.

If you are looking at older models, I have to say x5 but for new ones...definitely consider both.

[likebmw]

Originally Posted by hks786

X5

I like X5, too

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

X5.

[e462005]

x5 without a doubt !!!

[platnumdesi01]

My friend has a 03 x5 w/ easily over 100K in miles. It drives awesome and no major issues!

[Syndicategt]

I don't see MB ML or GL on there? You mentioned the R class but that is more of a station wagon. The GL was named best full size lux SUV in 2010 and the ML is nothing more than a smaller version. I own a 2010 ML and I absolutley love it, it's also had zero issues to date. I was in the same boat 2 years ago, and went with the ML over the other options. The cost is more than the BMW (and service warranty is not as good) but in terms of looks and functionality....it has the X5 beat and this is comming from a former X5 owner.

[balmain]

X5 is the perfect size and far superior to the X3. Not sure how the X5 can be described as too big for anyone looking for an SUV...

[Supra98]

X5 no question.

[adamina]

I would prefer good used parts, new BMW parts are way out of my price range.

[az34]

Originally Posted by EndlessZ4M

I am in the market for an SUV and have looked at the following and have narrowed it down.

Acura MDX---- Looks good and is reliable
Acura RDX---- Looks ok and is reliable
BMW X5------ Overall looks good
BMW X3------Overall looks good
Porsche Cayenne--Exterior looks ok and interior looks like a Dodge Neon.
Audi Q5-------Looks horrible
Audi Q7-------Looks horrible
Mercedez Benz R Class- Looks ok, kinda like a Honda minivan

Right now the X3 and X5 are leading the pack. It's just my girlfriend and I and a dog right now. I want something to haul things around, including my dog and also to hit the slopes to do some skiing...

I have also been doing research on the models and what years to stay away.

What do you guys think if it was between the X5 and X3? 2008-2009 years on both.

beauty is always subjective,although am i a bmw owner i'LL pick a Q5 over an x3 anytime.

[E90Alex]

Originally Posted by EndlessZ4M

I am in the market for an SUV and have looked at the following and have narrowed it down.

Acura MDX---- Looks good and is reliable
Acura RDX---- Looks ok and is reliable
BMW X5------ Overall looks good
BMW X3------Overall looks good
Porsche Cayenne--Exterior looks ok and interior looks like a Dodge Neon.
Audi Q5-------Looks horrible
Audi Q7-------Looks horrible
Mercedez Benz R Class- Looks ok, kinda like a Honda minivan

Right now the X3 and X5 are leading the pack. It's just my girlfriend and I and a dog right now. I want something to haul things around, including my dog and also to hit the slopes to do some skiing...

I have also been doing research on the models and what years to stay away.

What do you guys think if it was between the X5 and X3? 2008-2009 years on both.

cayenne interior looks like a doge neon
I think that the new cayenne interior has probably one of the best interiors for SUVs. However, the regular cayenne might not be powerful enough and a cayenne s with good packages is gonna cost you $85,000+

[iDRIFT]

x5 but go all the way an get a x6m !

[Cdnrockies]

Originally Posted by Syndicategt

I don't see MB ML or GL on there? You mentioned the R class but that is more of a station wagon. The GL was named best full size lux SUV in 2010 and the ML is nothing more than a smaller version. I own a 2010 ML and I absolutley love it, it's also had zero issues to date. I was in the same boat 2 years ago, and went with the ML over the other options. The cost is more than the BMW (and service warranty is not as good) but in terms of looks and functionality....it has the X5 beat and this is comming from a former X5 owner.

I'm curious as to how the ML has the X5 "beat" in terms of functionality? I currently have both and agree with you on the looks, but feel they are very different vehicles that target different drivers.

Our ML has had several annoying little issues, all covered by warranty. Neither the ML or X5 would be vehicles I would be buying if reliability was a significant concern.

Up here, the ML was actually less expensive than the X5 and even moreso when you figure in the absolutely ridiculously expensive service on the Bluetecs.

Originally Posted by E90Alex

cayenne interior looks like a dodge neon

I think that the new cayenne interior has probably one of the best interiors for SUVs. However, the regular cayenne might not be powerful enough and a cayenne s with good packages is gonna cost you $85,000+

He clearly hasn't been in one.

Quality of materials, fit and finish, ergonomic lay out is far better than anything in the segment.

Makes the X5 interior look like a Neon (oops...just like every BMW interior ).

[Shawnthebomb]

The X5 is a dream.

[bunnn]

We've had an 09 X5 4.8iS for 3 years..soon to be replaced by '12 Cayenne S... if you think the Cayenne interior looks like it a Dodge Neon, what the heck is the X5? The X5 is a nice looking suv, but I honestly don't like the way it drive. Suspension is pretty stiff for a luxury SUV, anything over 60km/h on a turn feels like it's going to topple over. The interior creeks and rattles to no end in the cold. Throttle is nearly impossible to modulate, either too little or too much. We also picked up a '12 X3 3.5iS ...IMO it drives way better than the X5, and has more than enough space for my daily needs. The n55 engine is plenty fast for it, and interior is much better than the X5; but of course this is newer so there's no real argument here. I'd pick the new X3 over the E70 X5 until the new chassis is released. Oh, the Cayenne S is simply much better than both on the test drive but I can't give real feedback till it arrives...wait time is pretty ridiculous on the S, even worse on the V6.

[NoMods]

Originally Posted by keanu1

x5 all the way
x3 look cheap

i agree...so sad that the newly designed X3 looks like crap...it runs along the lines of the ugly 5 series GT too.

[turbokid11]

x5 all day!!