I've done this sort of thing on a motor- and ecu-swapped Fiero in another life, but on a stock X5? If I knew the car came this way then I'd be open to trying it.

I think it does come this way... You've described the standard M54 drive by wire lag.. It's why a lot of people prefer the drive by cable of M52 and earlier

Cable throttle would be nice I think. I don't have any of this stuff on the m52 car. It will just does what you want it to do and has no ability to question or change anything. It did have a cable traction control thingy that was easily deleted.

With e53 once in awhile I'll blip a downshift and it will way over blip near redline. Like no way I did that. The f30 does that sometimes too. The tach sometimes is a little laggy I think the cluster needs a good cleaning. But it's very drivable. No issues controlling the throttle off the line.

It could be the CDV. I deleted that when I did the clutch. I don't think it's really needed on these cars they don't make a ton of power or cause shock. I didn't get maybe more than a dozen drives on the stock clutch but I don't remember having any problems with it. I do bleed the clutch all the time on these cars I find it really helps.

Any other diagnostics I can try for the MAF before I drop $170 on a new one?

CDV just slows the clutch engagement, no?

Sorry for the multiple questions in a row, but can anyone confirm what I am in seeing in INPA regarding throttle position? What I am seeing doesn't make sense unless the computer is playing games, which wouldnt surprise me.

Just based on your description in post #1, I had a similar symptom when my idle air control valve became clogged. Simple fix was to remove it and clean carefully.

That's a very good idea


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You can try rapping on the MAF with your knuckles while the engine is running to see if there is a stumble. (doesn't rule out a bad MAF though) You can also try disconnecting the MAF (key off) and try taking it for a drive. (doesn't mean for sure the problem is the MAF but gives some direction) The throttle pedal pots giving offset or opposing signals is normal. Are you really really sure there are no codes? How old are the spark plugs?

and yep, idle air control might be worth a try.

Thanks all for the suggestions. I will try cleaning the IAC valve, can't hurt.



I just replaced the spark plugs, but did not change the coils. the old ones were the originals. did not notice any difference before and after.