X5 E70 vs M-Class / GLE W164 (ML): which is better?
BMW X5 E70 (2006–2013) vs Mercedes-Benz M-Class / GLE W164 (ML) (2005–2011): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
BMW X5 E70
Mercedes-Benz M-Class / GLE W164 (ML)Specifications
| BMW X5 E70 | Mercedes-Benz M-Class / GLE W164 (ML) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2006–2013 | 2005–2011 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 3.0 (xDrive30i) | 3.5 V6 (ML350) |
| Power, up to | 272 hp | 272 hp |
| Torque, up to | 315 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 854 mm | 4 780 mm |
| Width | 1 933 mm | 1 911 mm |
| Height | 1 766 mm | 1 815 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 933 mm | 2 915 mm |
| Fuel tank | 85 L | 95 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 42 425 ₸ | ≈ 68 375 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
BMW X5 E70
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 272 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large fuel tank: 85 L
Cons
- Engine BMW N52 (3.0): hydraulic lifter ticking
- Gearbox ZF 5HP/6HP: bushing and mechatronics wear
Engine (BMW N52 (3.0)): hydraulic lifter tapping; valve cover gasket and filter housing leaks; electric water pump failure.
Gearbox (ZF 5HP/6HP): bushing and mechatronic wear; shift shocks.
Mercedes-Benz M-Class / GLE W164 (ML)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 272 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large fuel tank: 95 L
Cons
- Engine Mercedes M272 (V6): balance shaft and intermediate shaft gear wear on engines before 2008
- Gearbox Mercedes 7G-Tronic (722.9): control board failure (speed sensors)
Engine (Mercedes M272 (V6)): wear of balance shaft and intermediate shaft gears on pre-2008 engines; intake manifold flap leaks.
Gearbox (Mercedes 7G-Tronic (722.9)): control board failure (speed sensors); valve body wear.
Which one to choose
- X5 E70 — if you care more about: wheelbase, kz tax 2026.
- M-Class / GLE W164 (ML) — if you care more about: torque, fuel tank.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: X5 E70 or M-Class / GLE W164 (ML)?
X5 E70: up to 272 hp, M-Class / GLE W164 (ML): up to 272 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: X5 E70 — about 42 425 ₸, M-Class / GLE W164 (ML) — about 68 375 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.