I'm new to the X5 3.0 SI and bought an 08 with 9,000 miles on the chassis a few weeks ago.

My previous cars were BMW 3 series (2) and MBz E Class (1), Tundra P-U, I find something strange in the X5.

I've only logged a few hundred miles on this car, half in cities, half in rural areas, and my sense is the g/box is always in the "wrong gear" IE trying to provide lots of engine braking, all of the time!

I have only engaged the Sport shifting a time or two, and prefer to use the standard automatic g/box for 99% of the time. I live in hilly areas and in areas where other cars will accelerate downhill in normal driving, the X5 slows where others will roll "free" and gather speed. I know the cruise control WILL slow decent, but I'm not in cruise control at the time.

I have Hill Decent Control in this car, but it is turned off and according to the owner's manual, not a factor above 9 MPH or so.

Is engine "STRONG" engine braking, like expected on a sports motorcycle, a normal sense in X5s?

Thanks,
Dick
Seattle area