An introduction...and a question on transmission/overall reliability.

[prgsxr]

here is a good site for finding out which box is in which model car ,gives you a better idea of whats what.
FixEuro.com - Freddie's Transmission Service - ZF 6HP26

[c4racer]

Originally Posted by faz

When I was looking at buying an X5 last year, I called around a few independent mechanics in my area. They all suggested that 3.0 would be more reliable and less problematic than 4.4 ("definitely get a 4.4 with extended warranty" they ALL said.)

I have been on this forum for the last year perhaps, and every new thread that comes up with regards to transmission issues during my time here, has been from a 4.4 owner. (I eagerly look at these threads since, without an extended warranty, I would like to know what kind of signs/etc. I need to look for ... and I realize the thread is about a 4.4 and not a 3.0... this has happened in many threads... I may have missed one or two here and there... but I would say a good majority of them while I have been on this board have been about a 4.4.)

The 4.4 obviously has better performance and is a much better 'driver's' car than 3.0 will ever be. It may have more problems/maintenance to go with that better performance... if you are after that kind of performance, pay to play and enjoy the performance.

Now that I have said the above, obviously my 3.0's transmission is going to disintegrate and explode on my way home tonight. It will serve me right.

I took it one step further and went with a 4.6is myself. I love it and would never be happy with a 3.0 personally. A 4.4i might be alright, but there isn't much difference between a 4.4i and 4.6is in terms of maint or reliability, IMHO. And you only live once, right?

I think there are a couple ways of looking at it. Certainly a trans can die in any car - even an MDX as in your case. You just never know. There are no guarantees in life unless you buy or lease cars every 2-4 years and keep them within factory warrantee period. But think about that for just a minute. Most all cars depreciate 40% in 3-4 years. So if you are buying a $40K vehicle every 3-4 years you are losing $16K (plus $4K in taxes in states like Kalifornia). Comes out to at least $5K per year. And that is if you stay in the $40K range - goes up if you spend more.

Compare that to buying a nice used premium car like an X5 for say $25K.
In 3-4 years it may also depreciate 40% (could also well be lower) but since you are working from a lower up front purchase cost, the depreciation is more like $10K and taxes are only $2K, so $12K vs. $20K for the new one. I can't imagine that you would ever spend $8K over 3 years in maint / repairs. So tell me what you would rather drive? A fully loaded couple year old X5 that originally sold for $60K, or a new MDX? Considering you would pay more for the MDX even factoring in some major repairs on the BMW. That is an easy choice for me. YMMV of course.

[Pack66]

Actually, the choice for me is between a used MDX and a used X5. I don't buy new vehicles. I'd rather someone else pay the depreciation tax. I've had incredible luck with a 97 Accord w/over 150k miles. I'd like to get the same out of an X5 if possible. Looks like the 3.0 might be the one to check out for me. I've driven two 4.4s, so I'll have to go test drive a 3.0 now.

[c4racer]

Originally Posted by Pack66

Actually, the choice for me is between a used MDX and a used X5. I don't buy new vehicles. I'd rather someone else pay the depreciation tax. I've had incredible luck with a 97 Accord w/over 150k miles. I'd like to get the same out of an X5 if possible. Looks like the 3.0 might be the one to check out for me. I've driven two 4.4s, so I'll have to go test drive a 3.0 now.

MDX might be a better choice for you. X5 is not going to have reliability in the vein of an Accord or MDX. It is a far better vehicle, but you will pay more to own it no matter how you slice it.