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

[Pack66]

Hi all,

I've lurked here for a little bit and thought I'd introduce myself. I'm a regular guy looking into my 2nd possible BMW purchase. My first car was an ancient 316 (1979 or 1981 I think). For background, in the past I owned a 2002 Acura MDX Touring. If anyone here has had one, you know that the 01-03s had an issue with the transmission (same with the 01-03 Pilots/Odyssey Vans). Having had that happen to me (and thankfully having Honda/Acura North America take care of it gratis) has made me a little gun-shy towards vehicles with transmission issues.

Having said that, I'm looking to buy a used X5 (2001-2006). From reading this and other forums, I gather that some of the model years have a tendency for transmission failures. Is there a year/package that I should avoid as a general rule or is it just a game of roulette? For example, are the auto six speeds (04 and newer models I believe) more apt to fail then the five speeds? 3 Liter v. 4 Liter? 2001 - 2003s better than 2004-2006?

I was dead set on a 2004 or newer to get the six speed transmission, but I drove an 01 4.4i the other day that I really liked handling-wise. I had read a review somewhere (perhaps here) that someone felt the 01s were relatively "over built" compared to other years.

Anyway, I'd love to hear the forum's thoughts. Thanks in advance!