I would recommend using the fbx fromat and not 3DS. Both Max and Maya have 100% support for this format and has become the standard for transfering assets between the different apps.
Chris (formerly R@nSiD)
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When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will truely know peace - Jimmy Hendrix
Winner SM VFX Challenge 1
3rd Place SM SteamPunk Challenge (May 2007)