| Edw5 |
Due to the big discounts going on with the MDXs, I just recently purchase a base model 05 MDX for just $32,400. The discounts are also going on with the PILOTs, and my brother was able to purchase a 05 PILOT LX for just $23,600.
I currently also have a 99 Odyssey, and I would said the performance difference between my Odyssey over the MDX is dramatic. The MDX’s ride is firmer, much quieter, and the performance in turns of acceleration is like night and day. Only after a week of driving the MDX my wife said, “I thought there was something wrong with the Odyssey because of its lack of acceleration”.
As for the difference between my brother’s 05 PILOT LX and my MDX, to my surprise there are also many differences. The MDX rides firmer, the handling is better, it accelerates a little quicker (maybe due to its axial ratio differences), and the body seems a lot tighter. I guess you get what you pay for. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
I guess you get what you pay for.
Not always, but certainly in this case. :) |
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| memphor |
| I recently negotiated a 05 pilot ex-L with RES for $29,800 (excluding taxes) for my sister. I have an 05 mdx touring which i paid $36,800 (excluding taxes) back in march. after comparing both, the mdx is alot more refined. the ride in the x is alot smoother. the pilot feels more utility. no wood trim in the pilot compared to the x. i also like the shift being on the floor as compared to the column on the pilot. one thing i noticed was that the pilot does not give you the D5, D4 option on the transmission. maybe it just didn't work well for the column? one thing missing on the pilot is the seat position memory. that really comes in handy when you have 2 drivers using the same vehicle. |
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| MDteX |
quote:
Originally posted by Edw5
As for the difference between my brother’s 05 PILOT LX and my MDX, to my surprise there are also many differences. The MDX rides firmer, the handling is better, it accelerates a little quicker (maybe due to its axial ratio differences), and the body seems a lot tighter. I guess you get what you pay for.
Maybe you should tell lann that! :19: |
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| EXCALIBUR |
quote:
Originally posted by MDteX
Maybe you should tell lann that! :19:
C'mon lann. We know you are lurking and reading this.:D |
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| lann |
hi Excalibur casino,
I admire you for the fact that you have a 2002 MDX and you have been very happy with your vehicle :)).
One thing I have noticed is that I barely see an 01, 02 MDXs on the street anymore. However, I do see 01,02 MDX on the lot at the dealers where I live. |
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| vlam |
One thing I have noticed is that I barely see an 01, 02 MDXs on the street anymore. However, I do see 01,02 MDX on the lot at the dealers where I live.
What can you conlude from that? Have you consider that those 01 and 02 MDX are off lease? I see a lot of the 2nd generation TL, RL, RSX on my local dealer lots too. Guess what? They sell used cars too!
Why don't you take a picture of you standing next to your MDX and then another picture of you standing next to the new Pilot that you insist people trading in their 01-02 MDX for. After that, go away and stay in the Pilot board because you are still unable to contribute any valuable info on this board. |
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| Warzau |
| Let's not start this crap AGAIN!!!!:3: One thread was enough. |
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| Edw5 |
quote:
Originally posted by vlam
[b] Why don't you take a picture of you standing next to your MDX and then another picture of you standing next to the new Pilot that you insist people trading in their 01-02 MDX for. After that, go away and stay in the Pilot board because you are still unable to contribute any valuable info on this board.
OUST
vlam,
I am just curious, is there something about lann that you have an issue with??????:rolleyes: |
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| lann |
ouch hehehehhe.
06 PILOT IS DEFINITELY BETTER THAN 01, 02 MDX.
I AM SORRY TO TELL YOU GUYS THE TRUTH. THE TRUTH ALWAYS HURTS, BUT YOU GUYS HAVE TO FACE THE REALITY. |
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| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by Edw5
OUST
vlam,
I am just curious, is there something about lann that you have an issue with??????:rolleyes:
lann's been banned before for inappropriate posting. He comes back every once in a while under a new username and bashes the MDX until he gets banned again. Latest:
Link |
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| Edw5 |
quote:
Originally posted by JL_SS
lann's been banned before for inappropriate posting. He comes back every once in a while under a new username and bashes the MDX until he gets banned again. Latest:
Link
Wow, now I know why the harsh words. I had a change to read though some of the things the lann aka linker wrote, and to say that it was interesting would be an understatement. The funny thing is that while I was on the Odyssey forum (OdyClub.com) there were people that owned the Dodge Caravans and the Toyota Siennas that was also in there trolling and saying pretty much the same things.
I have to admit, prior to my purchase of a 2005 MDX and my brother’s purchase of a 2005 Pilot, I too thought like lann and that the Pilot just like the MDX, but it was less money. However, now that I have driven them back to back on the same streets and freeways, and also was able to have them parked side by side and saw the differences of every body panel from the inside to outside. It is than I will realize the true differences between the two SUVs. And those differences are truly substantial. In fact my brother is disappointed that his Pilot doesn’t have the same handling and the feel of the road like that of the MDX. And my sister-in-law is also disappointed that the Pilot’s details such as the interior and the exterior, such as head lights and trail lights are nothing like that of the MDX’s.
I only hope that lann would have the opportunity to check out the differences of these two vehicles like I did and he would definitely know why there are so many MDX owners feels so strongly about how great their MDXs are.
An interesting note that lann thinks the Acura MDX is no where in the same league as that of the similar vehicles from Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes. Fact is I had an change to drive these vehicles back to back on a driving course set up by GM and the only vehicle that compares to the MDX’s handling and performance is BMW’s X5 and the Cadillac SRX.
But what do I know, I am just the average Joe, and not the VP of marketing at the corporate offices of Honda. However, I just can not imagine that they would market an Acura MDX that cost thousands more than a Honda Pilot and have it build to be an inferior quality in terms of performance to that of the Pilot and think they could get away with it. |
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| DaleB |
These trolls lurk everywhere..they enjoy going on forums and flooding threads with misinformation, or is that missing information?
They present info that supports their bias and nothing that refutes it. They don't care if you don't get a clear picture of the subject at hand. Only that you will be around to read their constant blabberings. Like small children that need constant attention. Shallow lives they must lead to spend so much time and effort on something so worthless.
If they did the same thing face to face in a public forum, well they probably would not have a face left to talk out of.
Best thing to give them back is what they offer you, NOTHING!:D |
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| lann |
quote:
Originally posted by Edw5
Wow, now I know why the harsh words. I had a change to read though some of the things the lann aka linker wrote, and to say that it was interesting would be an understatement. The funny thing is that while I was on the Odyssey forum (OdyClub.com) there were people that owned the Dodge Caravans and the Toyota Siennas that was also in there trolling and saying pretty much the same things.
I have to admit, prior to my purchase of a 2005 MDX and my brother’s purchase of a 2005 Pilot, I too thought like lann and that the Pilot just like the MDX, but it was less money. However, now that I have driven them back to back on the same streets and freeways, and also was able to have them parked side by side and saw the differences of every body panel from the inside to outside. It is than I will realize the true differences between the two SUVs. And those differences are truly substantial. In fact my brother is disappointed that his Pilot doesn’t have the same handling and the feel of the road like that of the MDX. And my sister-in-law is also disappointed that the Pilot’s details such as the interior and the exterior, such as head lights and trail lights are nothing like that of the MDX’s.
I only hope that lann would have the opportunity to check out the differences of these two vehicles like I did and he would definitely know why there are so many MDX owners feels so strongly about how great their MDXs are.
An interesting note that lann thinks the Acura MDX is no where in the same league as that of the similar vehicles from Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes. Fact is I had an change to drive these vehicles back to back on a driving course set up by GM and the only vehicle that compares to the MDX’s handling and performance is BMW’s X5 and the Cadillac SRX.
But what do I know, I am just the average Joe, and not the VP of marketing at the corporate offices of Honda. However, I just can not imagine that they would market an Acura MDX that cost thousands more than a Honda Pilot and have it build to be an inferior quality in terms of performance to that of the Pilot and think they could get away with it.
people misreading my post. I did not compare 05 pilot with 05 mdx. In fact I compare 01, 02 MDX with 06 Pilot.
The fact that they keep upgrading Pilot make me mad. Why would people buy MDX when knowing in a few years it will be a lot worse than the current cheaper SUV like its brother like Pilot.
No wonder Acura is less popular than Honda. WHY?, because it's not worth spending money on Acura.
PILOTs should not have the same color like MDX: Sage Brush Pearl . |
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| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by lann
people misreading my post. I did not compare 05 pilot with 05 mdx. In fact I compare 01, 02 MDX with 06 Pilot.
The fact that they keep upgrading Pilot make me mad. Why would people buy MDX when knowing in a few years it will be a lot worse than the current cheaper SUV like its brother like Pilot.
No wonder Acura is less popular than Honda. WHY?, because it's not worth spending money on Acura.
PILOTs should not have the same color like MDX: Sage Brush Pearl .
That's life lann. That's how it works. Things get upgraded and eventually surpass whatever was the newest at the time. Two years ago I had a top of the line DELL workstation with a 1 Ghz processor. Should I be mad that DELL now has cheapo computers with 3GHz processors? The Pilot AND the MDX get upgraded - the MDX redesign is next year. Maybe a nice scooter would suit you, not much you can upgrade on a scooter. Acura sales are less there are less customers at that price level. |
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| Edw5 |
quote:
Originally posted by lann
people misreading my post. I did not compare 05 pilot with 05 mdx. In fact I compare 01, 02 MDX with 06 Pilot.
The fact that they keep upgrading Pilot make me mad. Why would people buy MDX when knowing in a few years it will be a lot worse than the current cheaper SUV like its brother like Pilot.
No wonder Acura is less popular than Honda. WHY?, because it's not worth spending money on Acura.
PILOTs should not have the same color like MDX: Sage Brush Pearl .
lann,
I am not trying to take sides here, because as I have stated, I too thought the Pilot and the MDX were the same vehicles, but to compare a vehicle that is 5 years older than another vehicle is not a fair comparison, because the technology moves on. Wouldn't you agree? And to make fun of people who had spend over $40K for their vehicles rather you are right or they are right is just not a nice thing to do.
This a very good forum, with a lot of very nice people sharing the experiences and knowledge of their MDXs. Just look at it in that in that perspective and enjoy each other's views, if not enjoy, respect. |
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| lann |
My point overall is: Acura is not far superior to Honda. In fact, Acura is barely better than Honda.
When you look at Lexus RX330 vs. Toyota Highlander, you will see a clear separation from it.
When you look at Honda Pilot 06 vs. Acura MDX 06, there not much separation from the two vehicle ( just just a little seperation if any ).
THAT PROVE ACURA IS NOT MUCH BETTER THAN HONDA. And that is true for Acura reputation. Acura can never establish itself as a luxury division if they do not have a clear separation from Honda.
Hope people get my point |
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| Edw5 |
quote:
Originally posted by lann
My point overall is: Acura is not far superior to Honda. In fact, Acura is barely better than Honda.
When you look at Lexus RX330 vs. Toyota Highlander, you will see a clear separation from it.
When you look at Honda Pilot 06 vs. Acura MDX 06, there not much separation from the two vehicle ( just just a little seperation if any ).
THAT PROVE ACURA IS NOT MUCH BETTER THAN HONDA. And that is true for Acura reputation. Acura can never establish itself as a luxury division if they do not have a clear separation from Honda.
Hope people get my point
I agree the MDX is just slightly better than the Pilot in terms of performance, and that is what makes the Pilot such a great value. However, I don’t think the people at Honda was intending to compete and compare the MDX against the Pilot, but to compete against the Mercedes ML 350, the BMW X5 3.0, and the Lexus RX330. The Pilot was design to compete with the Toyota Highlander, the Ford Explorer, the GMC Envoy,…
Now had you stated your perpective in the manner in the first place, I think more people are willing to listen to your view than attacking it. |
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| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by lann
My point overall is: Acura is not far superior to Honda. In fact, Acura is barely better than Honda.
When you look at Lexus RX330 vs. Toyota Highlander, you will see a clear separation from it.
When you look at Honda Pilot 06 vs. Acura MDX 06, there not much separation from the two vehicle ( just just a little seperation if any ).
THAT PROVE ACURA IS NOT MUCH BETTER THAN HONDA. And that is true for Acura reputation. Acura can never establish itself as a luxury division if they do not have a clear separation from Honda.
Hope people get my point
Who said that Acura was trying to establish themselves as a Luxury division? Their place in the market appears to be affordable, near-luxury, performance. And they do very well within that market. The MDX is in the same price range as the RX330 and is much much larger. There are enough people here telling you that they do see a clear difference between the Pilot and the MDX, it's just you that doesn't. |
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| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by Edw5
I agree the MDX is just slightly better than the Pilot in terms of performance, and that is what makes the Pilot such a great value. However, I don’t think the people at Honda was intending to compete and compare the MDX against the Pilot, but to compete against the Mercedes ML 350, the BMW X5 3.0, and the Lexus RX330. The Pilot was design to compete with the Toyota Highlander, the Ford Explorer, the GMC Envoy,…
Now had you stated your perpective in the manner in the first place, I think more people are willing to listen to your view than attacking it.
This is about the 8th time he has presented his perspective, he just won't listen to any reasonable argument against it. |
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| lann |
quote:
Originally posted by JL_SS
Who said that Acura was trying to establish themselves as a Luxury division? Their place in the market appears to be affordable, near-luxury, performance. And they do very well within that market. The MDX is in the same price range as the RX330 and is much much larger. There are enough people here telling you that they do see a clear difference between the Pilot and the MDX, it's just you that doesn't.
If much much larger is all it matters then why not create a tank? ( like the H5 ) . In fact, it's a Honda philosophy, make every vehicle the biggest in its class to compete. example: Odyssey biggest in its van. MDX, biggest in its misize SUV, Pilot biggest in its class.
If the size is all it matters, so every car manufacture will just focus on making its car the BIGGEST. GEEZZZZZZZ |
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| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by lann
If much much larger is all it matters then why not create a tank? ( like the H5 ) . In fact, it's a Honda philosophy, make every vehicle the biggest in its class to compete. example: Odyssey biggest in its van. MDX, biggest in its misize SUV, Pilot biggest in its class.
If the size is all it matters, so every car manufacture will just focus on making its car the BIGGEST. GEEZZZZZZZ
OK, so you don't want more for your dollar, that's your right. Honda/Acura makes vehicles bigger, sportier, and competively prices them. If you compare the Lexus closer in size (GX 470) it starts as much as 10K more than an MDX. So if the MDX adds 10K to the price and loads it up with a nicer interior are you still going to purchase it? |
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| memphor |
i think that honda is trying to separate acura from honda.
the tsx/rdx is not the civic.
the tl is not the accord.
the mdx is not the pilot.
of course honda is going to share frames, engines, transmissions, etc. across platforms, that makes good business sense. that's how you drive down cost. which you can in turn pass on to the consumer. of course honda could get rid of acura and instead have a hundred options for the honda counterparts so that you could essentially option a pilot out to get an mdx but that would make shopping for a honda a nightmare. you'd have suspension options, convenience options, entertainment options, wheel/tire options, etc. i personally like the fact that there are so few options when purchasing the x. it makes costing and shopping for the vehicle so much easier. if you could add all the extras to the pilot to get an mdx that looked like a pilot, i bet the price would be around the same as the mdx. |
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| rpengr@bellsout |
I test drove a 2002 MDX and a 2003 Pilot one after the other and could definitely see the superiority of the MDX. The Pilot was very good, but the MDX was better: road firmer, handled better, was quiter, and was much better appointed.
Both had about the same milage (32K) and both the MDX was slightly more expensive ($1500) even though 1 year older. I had also test drove a new 2005 pilot, and still preffered the used MDX when price was also considered.
I was happy to get a very nice off-lease MDX, and am very happy with it.
I am concerned about the tranny troubles I am reading about. QUESTIONS FOR A SENIOR MEMBER / MECHANIC: I have read a lot on acuramdx.org...but what is the overview concerning 2002 transmission? What percentage need replacing? How many need replacing again? The dealer is currently replacing mine under warrenty, but claims they have never had one come back after replacement (palm beach acura). I also two a 20' boat and installed an aftermarket hitch without the oil coolers...will this be a problem?
Ray |
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| DaleB |
quote:
[i]
I am concerned about the tranny troubles I am reading about. QUESTIONS FOR A SENIOR MEMBER / MECHANIC: I have read a lot on acuramdx.org...but what is the overview concerning 2002 transmission? What percentage need replacing? How many need replacing again? The dealer is currently replacing mine under warrenty, but claims they have never had one come back after replacement (palm beach acura). I also two a 20' boat and installed an aftermarket hitch without the oil coolers...will this be a problem?
Ray [/B]
I can remember at least 2 members who had multiple transmission transplants. Not to say it can't happen, but it does not seem to be common.
The brand of hitch SHOULD have nothing to do with the transimssion. But running without coolers is risky, more from the warranty aspect than the real world. |
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| rpengr@bellsout |
Thank you DaleB
It wasn't the hitch I was concerned about. It was the tranny and the lack of trans cooler and PS cooler. I haven't heard of a towing kit including a Power Steering cooler before.
Acura rates the MDX to tow about 5000#s...pretty respectable.
Does anyone have any experience good or bad with occational towing of heavy trailers. I am considering a new boat and need to consider how big it could be.
Has anyone added the coolers separate from buying the Acura towing package? Any advise appreciated.
Ray |
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| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by rpengr@bellsout
I test drove a 2002 MDX and a 2003 Pilot one after the other and could definitely see the superiority of the MDX. The Pilot was very good, but the MDX was better: road firmer, handled better, was quiter, and was much better appointed.
Both had about the same milage (32K) and both the MDX was slightly more expensive ($1500) even though 1 year older. I had also test drove a new 2005 pilot, and still preffered the used MDX when price was also considered.
I was happy to get a very nice off-lease MDX, and am very happy with it.
I am concerned about the tranny troubles I am reading about. QUESTIONS FOR A SENIOR MEMBER / MECHANIC: I have read a lot on acuramdx.org...but what is the overview concerning 2002 transmission? What percentage need replacing? How many need replacing again? The dealer is currently replacing mine under warrenty, but claims they have never had one come back after replacement (palm beach acura). I also two a 20' boat and installed an aftermarket hitch without the oil coolers...will this be a problem?
Ray
Surprisingly, you may have been better off with the 2003 Pilot instead of the 2002 MDX if your are going to tow. There are very few tranny failures reported on the Pilot site even though the early pilots had similiar transmissions to the 2001/2002 MDX. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by rpengr@bellsout
Thank you DaleB
It wasn't the hitch I was concerned about. It was the tranny and the lack of trans cooler and PS cooler. I haven't heard of a towing kit including a Power Steering cooler before.
They can ordered separately, but I think most tow kits on domestics now include both, and often a bigger battery and radiator.
I know PS coolers are common on RVs and 5th wheelers. |
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| socalJD |
Do a search on a member named 'Super Tech'. He's reputed to be an Acura service tech and has posted several times re: the early MDX tranny. IMNSHO, you don't want to do any medium or heavy towing with the '01/02 (even with coolers), and you need the coolers if you want to do any kind of towing regardless of model year. Not sure what people's needs or preferences are, but I wouldn't use my X to tow, I'd get a 2nd vehicle, a true body on frame SUV or pickup to do any type of regular towing. Just my .02 . . .
FWIW, me, my cousin & friend all bought new '01/02 MDXs within a 6 mos timeframe, my cousin replaced her tranny at 76k and my friend replaced his tranny at 45k. Needless to say, not wanting to play russian roulette, I traded mine in as soon as I went past warranty. |
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| rpengr@bellsout |
Thanks for your replies. Palm Beach Acura is replacing the transmission under warrenty, and I am having them add the oil transmission cooler at the same time. Because its at the same time, they are only charging 1 hour to install, and $169 for the cooler.
Ray |
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| Edw5 |
quote:
Originally posted by rpengr@bellsout
Thanks for your replies. Palm Beach Acura is replacing the transmission under warrenty, and I am having them add the oil transmission cooler at the same time. Because its at the same time, they are only charging 1 hour to install, and $169 for the cooler.
Ray
How old and how many miles is your MDX?
I am very concern able all these AT issues.
My brother's Odyssey's AT went out at just 40K miles. The service manager at the dealership told my brother to change his AT oil every year and not to follow the owner's manual. |
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| Justice |
Acura MDX is definitely better than Pilot but Pilot is a better deal moneywise. However, if folks have some disposable moeny, it is their freedom to buy whatever pleases them.
I mean, my manager's family only wear RL clothing while my family is doing fine buying from JC Penney/target. As long as each of us is happy with our choice, it is all cool. |
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| rpengr@bellsout |
Edw5:
My 2002 MDX had just 33,000 miles on it. Only showed the simptoms of bad EGR valve that I took it to the dealer to replace it. Simptoms were slight power variation when cruising at about 1400 rpm.
Dealer said they felt a shudder on the 2nd 3rd shift and would replace the trans under warrenty.
I am having them add the Trans Cooler at the same time. I do intend to tow in accordance with the owners manual...that's why I traded in my Accord for an MDX. Have an extended warrenty to 72,000 miles so I have a few years to see where this transmission problem goes. Many threads talk about it, and the problem is known to exist mostly in the 2001/2002 models.
Justice:
I agree. Pilot is excellent and good value. I was just giving my opinion that they do not drive exactly the same.
Ray |
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| rpengr@bellsout |
Justice:
Welcome to the forum. I have only been on a week and have found it very helpful.
Ray |
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