BMW vs Ford
I got rid of my 5 series touring in favor of the Explorer Sport. The question that you'll need to figure out is how do you want to use either one? Do you intend to carry lots of cargo or lots of passengers - Ford wins. If you're using it as a low passenger commuter then probably the X5. Do you intend on keeping it for 3 years or less - BMW wins, anything over 6 years Ford does. In terms of reliability, I hope that the new BMW is better than my '08 was - it was in 10 times for everything from electrical to fuel injectors (3 separate times), fuel pumps, ignition, telematics, sunroof, etc. The BMW was well thought out, yet poorly tested for durability before passing it into market in my opinion, but at least with the cost savings on the Ford even if all else fails it can help pay for repairs. The Ford isn't perfect, and frankly neither is the X5. The X5 will also undergo a model redesign next year which means a further depreciation factor within the next 3 years. My suggestion is that if you elect to go with the BMW, at the first sign of major trouble trade it in.