Got the black/black fully loaded X5 for an "overnighter" and took it to work today... You gotta know its fast, when compared to the 4 cylinder beater, errr Mazda that I'm driving now.

Only thing is, at mile 350, the tranny starts hesitating and I'm getting warning lights all over. Back to the dealer I went, and hopped away from it like it was on fire.

Glad I didn't drop my $25k downpayment before it started seizing, but I still find myself longing for that beast. Anyone have similiar experience with the transmission in the first few hundred miles? Simple problem or not? I work at 4 different sites during the day and can't afford a quirky machine...

Our 2008 X5 4.8 has around 600 miles without incident. Obviously any problem will be covered by warranty. Our 600 miles are too few to give any indication of reliability. This model came out in 2006 so data should be available, but I am not sure if the 6 speed auto, now the only available trans, is even newer and thus not as proven.

we have a 4.8 and have no problems and it has 8000 miles on it we drive the crap out of it i want to get rid of my 4.4 and move in to my dads because of handling and power

You may not find it is any faster or handles any better. Our 2008 weighs 5300 lbs and has 350 hp. Do the math to see how the power to weight ratio varies with your older version. A 2006 (pre model change) can also have the 4.8 and weighs only 5000 lbs. I believe they may run as much as 1/2 second faster to 60. We needed the extra room of the new model. Handling may be due to tires, wheel, and shocks -- all of which can be upgraded. We have the sport package with the 19 inch wheels and handling is good but its still a 5300 lbs beast. The upgrade 20 inch wheels help but the ride is rougher and they are useless in snow so you would need 2 sets of wheels.