BMW x5 or Discovery 3/4?

[bluepony]

Need 4x4, 7 seats and a split tailgate, hence these two contenders:
BMW X5 2nd generation (post 2007?)
Discovery 3 or poss 4 (are they worth the extra money?)

I know they are very different to drive, but the following considerations are very important too:

MPG? (real)
Reliability?
Other?

Thanks!

[Uncle John]

Just gone through the same process.

I know the BMW would be more car like, frugal and perhaps more reliable but it's just a bit to bland for me.

The Discovery on the other hand just looks right to me (My opinion) and in HSE spec is a lovely place to be.

So Discovery 3 for me, pick it up on Saturday.

[V8forweekends]

Ex's Disco3 bought 4 and bit years ago with 50K on and Full LR history, has been serviced on the dot at LR since, now on 85ish K but has needed (in addition to expensive services which was her choice);

Front suspension joints £800+

Clutch

EGR valve (£400+)

Aircon condenser

It is a very good "go anywhere, carry anything" machine though and surprisingly comfortable. It gets mid 20's MPG around town and used to manage 27/8 on a longer run with her driving, low 30s if I drove :-)

I think it's had three sets of tyres, too, but they aren't as dear as some. If it was me, I'd get the HID lights, too.

Her most recent gripe was an acrid smell from the webasto diesel heater - but LR (bless 'em ) pronounced it fit and well.

ETA - it's a 2.7 Diesel, Spanish (in case that wasn't obvious)

[IroningMan]

I went for a D3 because:

More space
Better towing - 3,500kg
7-seat X5 thin on the ground
Much more capable off-road

I'd also be lying if I said image wasn't a factor - Disco sits rather better in rural Somerset than X5 - might be a different story inside the M25.

Both are big, heavy, complex vehicles and you'd be nuts not to shell out for a comprehensive warranty, which makes reliability less of an issue: although I doubt there's much to choose between them on that score in any case. Mine has just had new lower wishbones all round because the bushes were worn out and the warranty firm picked up the tab. A good indy specialist is essential.

I seem to be averaging 28mpg all round: look for an HSE, auto, and don't expect a D4 to be much different unless you can stretch to an 8-speed one.