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The issues CR is referring to are the well-known problems with the first generation direct injection HPFP (High Pressure Fuel Pump). BMW has publicly claimed that the problem affected approximately 1% of owners, but that number has been challenged as being grossly optimistic. Even if it is only a few percent, it represents thousands of irate customers. The replacement HPFP seems to be much more reliable (so far) and presumably is the version that will be installed on the 2011 and later N55 engines.
The new X3 8-speed transmission is an unknown quantity, but BMW transmissions have been reasonably reliable in the past, so hopefully this one will be no exception. BMW does provide an industry-leading warrantee, so hopefully will provide a fix if any X3 teething problems surface.
I have a 35i on-order and am expecting to receive a well built quality machine, but realize that to have some of the most up to date engineering features (direct injection, dual scroll turbo, eight speed electronically controlled transmission, etc) one must be willing to take a few chances, and to have faith that the company will stand behind its product.
(Fingers crossed)
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