I've had a 2002 3.0 X5 for 1000 miles...perfect, and beyond expectation.

ML ok, but looks like a milk truck...yuck...
MDX has too much sheet metal look without style...more room, yes, but not too good looking either. Quality of both way inferior to luxury in X5. Neither will drive or perform in any way like the X5. I researched this same decision for two years, driving all choices, including RX300 (my second choice, but too feminine, and lacks performance), and am extremely glad to have purchased the X5. No regrets. NO Comparison. Don't waste your time. Get the best...X5!!! My humble opinion...

am about to get out of 98 ml320. am comparing mdx, x5, and 02 ml. i keep thinking that ML is compromise between value (MDX) and fun (X5) and between reliability (MDX) and engineering fun (x5). i like the X5, and i like German engineering but can't deal with another lemon like the 98 ML. So -- for those who made comparisons, i would like your feedback and i would like reliability feedback as well. U can skip the part about the garage burning down -- i am making the assumption that issue has been resolved...thx