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1995-2002 Range Rover P38A
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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
So I purchased a 2008 Range Rover HSE today. It has 192,000. I got a really good deal and it is beautiful in every way. However, I am finding myself underwhelmed by the power compared to my 2003 HSE. I thought the Jaguar motor had more horsepower but I am finding it to be pretty flat. Could there be something wrong with it? Anything that I should check that might be causing it to be sluggish? Maybe a fuel injection cleaning?
 

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2006-2009 Range Rover MkIII / L322
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What size wheels? I find a big difference in the 19's and 20" wheels. The 20" inch wheels make it feel more sluggish than the 19's.
 

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If nobody has every done the air filter or it is in terrible condition that'll cost you a decent amount of HP. I'd also suggest doing a full intake service, plugs etc. Tho if something were seriously wrong with it you'd get codes so most likely nothing horrible (hopefully). Would run some fuel system cleaner through it after you've done the intake service. Yes it has more power than 2003... also make sure the brakes are in good shape and nothing is dragging, also the condition of the tires/psi, etc can all factor into it being sluggish. Let us know what you find.
 

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Discussion Starter · #4 ·
My first day of driving it today and I guess I just miss the peppiness of the 2003 BMW motor. If I stomp the pedal it scoots pretty good but does not have the low end throaty grunt of my 2003. It just seems like it takes more pedal to get it moving. I must say though it is smooth and quiet. Maybe I just need to get used to that. I checked and the PO has a K&N filter installed and it looks a bit dirty. I have never been a fan of K&N so I ordered a new air filter and a new mass air flow sensor. Also added some BG44K to the fuel and a tank of premium. Hoping these things might make a difference. Another thing, the 19" rims and tires need to go. It needs 20" rims and bigger tires. I may have to borrow the set from my '03. I will report back. As always, I appreciate the support!
 

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Discussion Starter · #5 ·
So latest update- I replaced the air filter and installed a new MAF. I have run almost a full tank with the BG44K system cleaner. Unfortunately, it is still slow! Just plan lethargic and no fun. However, not horrible either. Just feels like I need a lot of pedal to make it go. I have been pretty much flooring it everywhere I go hoping to clean it out or something. While driving like crazy I did get a CEL P0420. I reset the light and just today got another CEL this time P0171 (ECU trimming fuel excessively) and P0420 (catalyst system below threshold). I am starting to think I may have a catalytic converter issue. I spoke with the PO and he mentioned a while back he had rough running engine issues. He took it in and had the coils and spark plugs changed. This he said resolved the problem. Also, he told me he has been driving the car for the last 5 years 100 miles per day commute to work. He said he did not notice it being slow because he only drove highway and babied it for gas mileage. With all that said, any thoughts on what to check next? Should I just take it to the stealership and have them diagnose?
 

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I think it is worth resetting the adaptation values to see if that helps any. Only because he mentioned babying it and driving highway mostly.
 

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The Jaguar engine is definitely not as fun as the BMW M62. It's less problematic but does not sound as good nor have nearly the low end grunt of the M62. I'd never owned an M62 Rover but had ridden in one extensively and when i got my 2007 HSE I was also disappointed by the power output.
 

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The Jaguar engine is definitely not as fun as the BMW M62. It's less problematic but does not sound as good nor have nearly the low end grunt of the M62. I'd never owned an M62 Rover but had ridden in one extensively and when i got my 2007 HSE I was also disappointed by the power output.
the jag motor makes more power and every test you'll find online has it faster 0-60 as well. The jag motor is quieter.
 

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the jag motor makes more power and every test you'll find online has it faster 0-60 as well. The jag motor is quieter.
Yes that's true but the power curve is different. The BMW motor has a more linear power curve which means a more enjoyable engine for everyday driving since it is in its powerband more often. Driving the Jag truck in Sport helps a lot as the 6 speed likes to keep the revs low.
 

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Yes that's true but the power curve is different. The BMW motor has a more linear power curve which means a more enjoyable engine for everyday driving since it is in its powerband more often. Driving the Jag truck in Sport helps a lot as the 6 speed likes to keep the revs low.
Is the power curve that much different? I'm looking at stock dyno graphs and they look very similar. The fact remains the jag makes more power and goes to 60 quicker so in that no the BMW is not faster. Louder yes.
 

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Discussion Starter · #11 ·
So here is where I landed in the 08 vs 03 discussion. Having driven the 08 now for about 2000 miles I can say I know it pretty well. The catalytic converter CEL issue has gone away. I believe it is running as it should. I have driven it for a couple of trips through the rocky mountains and other long highway trips. I am really impressed with the power on the highway and while climbing passes. It pulls really well at high RPM. Its a complete dream to drive! I still however find it slow and disappointing off the line and coming out of corners. It seems the 03 is just more fun to drive around town and pulls so hard at low RPM. But now that I drive them both I find the 03 falls off at high RPM and does not pull as hard as the 08 at higher RPM. I drive the 08 to work and the 03 pulls the trailer and goes to the dog park. I love them both and I am very happy that I have both. If I had to keep only one.... I'd keep the 08. I must say though the 03 has a more comfortable driver seat and better cup holders giving the 08 a run for the money since it cost much less!
 

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So I purchased a 2008 Range Rover HSE today. It has 192,000. I got a really good deal and it is beautiful in every way. However, I am finding myself underwhelmed by the power compared to my 2003 HSE. I thought the Jaguar motor had more horsepower but I am finding it to be pretty flat. Could there be something wrong with it? Anything that I should check that might be causing it to be sluggish? Maybe a fuel injection cleaning?
It's the supercharger sensor on the right side its durty take it out clean it or change it problem solve
 

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With this : ECU trimming fuel excessively - you are out of range for fuel/air mixture, so running too lean or rich. The ECU is trying to compensate, but has hit a limit. It compensates based the the measurement of the O2 sensor.
 
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