is it possible to export a model made in Maya to an 3DS or a X-file so I can use it in DirectX8?

Yep, go to Microsoft''s DirectX page and download their package with plugins for MAX and Maya. They don''t have one for the new version 4.5 but I''d imagine that''s on the way. I just downloaded it a couple of days ago so I don''t know how well it works, though. I don''t know the URL off the top of my head - just go to www.microsoft.com and follow the links.