First post about my 4.8is (long)

[marcjac]

First, let me say how INVALUABLE this site has been! I have learned a LOT and plan to upgrade to Premier membership very soon. After a long search to replace my Grand Cherokee Overland 4.7HO, my wife & I decided on an X5. We'd test driven a bazillion different vehicles, but were smitten by an '06 X5 4.4i. Since I'm a "more power" kind of guy, I figured if 4.4 was good, 4.8 would be better!

Through Carmax we found an '05 4.8is with 59k in Arlington, TX and paid to have it shipped home to NC. It's gorgeous! (looks like all the other Lemans Blue ones with pictures on this site). However, I'm underwhelmed with the performance and the sound system (premium). If the original owner is on this site, any info would be very helpful.

It runs well, no misses, starts right up, etc. But my gut is telling me it's slower than the 4.4 and slower than my Jeep. It's throwing no codes, but it does seem to hesitate when I step on the gas (have to push down an inch or 2 to get rolling), and while it'll run right up to redline, I don't get the g-forces I was expecting from the 355HP engine. Would any diagnostics show any parts not running up to spec (I'm wondering about MAF and maybe the cam sensors from what I've read online). I hate to just throw money at it, but I have to say at this point I'm a bit disappointed with the acceleration after just 1 week of ownership. And the expensive Supersprint exhaust that's on the X5.... way too quiet! X-pipe soon to replace resonator!

The sound system... I keep tweaking the DSP settings and it's getting better. I'm going to add the aux line in and see how it sounds with my Blackberry and then XM. All the speakers are operational with no crackles or cutouts. But again, I expected more. My wife's '05 FX35 sounds far superior. Any way to confirm the sub is working properly?

Thanks all for your input! Sorry for the long post; I do tend to be long-winded lol.

Marc