Seems the 05 X54.4i is anything but the ultimate driving machine. I am the original owner of my X5 and am frustrated with a newly arisen transmission issue at time of my warranty expired. Since owning the vehicle:

* Steering box had to be replaced. One dealer sent me away knowing I was six hours from home telling me the couldn't duplicate the problem with the car was steering totally eratic. Almost hit a tunnel driving home (this was at about 30k miles). Took it to another dealer and they were well aware the problem existed in some X5's and fixed it, thankfully.

* Check Brake light comes on and stays on at 45k miles....I need all my brakes replaced due to "wear". Thankfully under warranty.

* Transmission issue that has yet to be solved (see my earlier post)

I've had my car for three years and have loved it for the most part. I am disappointed that I would drop that much money on a car to have it go through major mechanical issues with only 50k miles or less! I drive it in the snow, on the coast and everywhere inbetween because of where I live and it performs nicely but I have become hestiant knowing that something else is going to come up.

I'd say have them take the car back and try a newer model --