I look at it this way...

If the vehicle is worth 8K and the tranny goes and is expected to cost 4K to repair, I am sure you will be able to find someone willing to pay 4-5K for the X with a bad tranny. (Those same Honda kids who are looking to move up and are not afraid of a little grease.)

In that case, I don't think you will really loose anything.

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2006 X5 Sport 4.4i