I'm not an expert here...
1,First of all the new design of the Acura MDX trying to looks mean = FAIL.

2,If your X5 is paid for then i say keep it even if you have to repair it monthly it's still cheaper then new/used car payment, as the tranny on the 3.0i i'm not too worries about it.
3,The wood trim is cracking is an normal thing...