IMPORTING
Best export format for 3D Max is as ACIS solids.
Try and avoid meshes. Revit’s underlying engine is NURBs based so meshes don’t help.
Meshes look messy because of all the edges and can be so large they slow Revit right down, and in some instances take 100 times longer to print because there are so many lines.
Export as a straight .SAT file if the export is simple (e.g. a mass shape). To get better control over colours in Revit export as an AutoCAD DWG with ACIS solids selected. This provides an import with layers that can be manipulated in Revit.
In Revit you have to import the .SAT or .DWG into a family, usually Generic Model. If you will need to scale your import use the Planting category. It can be a separate family (.rfa) file, or within the project as an in-place family. Putting the import within a cuttable family (don't use Furniture or Plumbing Fixtures for example) ensures the import will be cut by plans and sections. If you don’t do this the import will always display in elevation.
Keep in mind that an import in Revit is just a dumb object. You can’t do anything with it except look at it. You can’t snap to it, alter it in any way and only change its appearance in very limited ways. Although it can be cut in plan and section the results are not very good because what is being cut are usually isolated thin planes.
It is always better to do things in Revit if possible.
LINKING
There is a command to directly link a Revit file into 3D Max. Materials from Revit are retained (or overridden if you prefer), and 3D views in Revit are imported as scenes. Any lights in Revit are retained and can be used in 3D Max.
This workflow is primarily designed to allow for rendering Revit models in 3D Max. But it can also be used to provide context for modelling in 3D Max.
In Revit the basic building is modelled, then linked into 3D Max. This is used as the context to model in 3D Max. For example Revit provides the basic building shape, 3d Max is used to model the facade.
Using 3ds Max Design with Revit: (to render in MAX)
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnKw1txyYzRmpEtsyTuBA4skzrpuLAp4G
Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2013 Revit Linking: