Thinking about picking up an 08 528i with nav/premium package. One thing it is missing is the sport package...do you guys think that I'll be missing much without it?

 

All depends on how you drive. BMW by nature will handle better than a lot of other cars - I feel the sport package just takes it to the next level. But I am sure you'll get mixed opinions. Drive both and see what you think.

 

IMO Sport Package is a must have. Dont buy an e60 with minimal options, you'll be sorry later. Wait an extra month or two (however long you need to save the extra money to afford one with all the options) and then enjoy your fully loaded e60 for years to come. I have the Active Steering, Sports, Premium, Nav, Comfort Seats, Active Headlights, Roll Stabalization and the list goes on and on, but those are the options I think make a huge difference in the way the car drives and feels behind the wheel. Trust me, I test drove a lot of them before buying and there is a big difference. Theres nothing better than throwing it in DS (Drive Sport Mode) or MS (Manual Sport Mode) and having a sports car for as long as you want, until you throw it back in normal D (Drive). Its well worth the extra money for that option, that's half the fun of the car for me...ok I lied 80% of the fun!!

 

Well if its your first BMW then that in itself would be awesome, then in the future you can upgrade to a newer one with all the goodies. However, like what was already stated, if its just a matter of waiting a month or two in order to get one with sport, that would be worth it in the long run.

 

I'm actually just going to be crusing 90% of the time (with a heavy foot of course) so I figured I could do without it. That said i'll definitely drive both to see how i feel in them.

How would you say the 528i non-sport handles compared to a v6 honda accord sedan of the same year? Just to get an idea?



The only problem with this is that its RARE to find one with a sport pkg and the options the way i want it. Plus I like the non-sport wheels better than the sport wheels. I'm getting this car more for the crusing and comfort aspect vs performace(otherwise i'd be buying a 335i/535i).

 

You can't go wrong! It is a solid car. Enjoy it!

 

Not even a close comparison ... 528 is a much more competent sports sedan even without the sports pkg. If you had said a TL that might even up the comparison. But in my opinion a BMW isn't a Honda of any breed ... the ONLY difference is Honda's reputation for quality - however, that may be over stated too.

 

Unless you are on a tight budget, I'd at least consider at 535i. Driving wise a 528i is on par with an Accord if you don't consider handling. The sports package does make a world of difference - but its still lacking without the extra power.

IMO the 528i is underpowered for its class.

 

I just bought a 550i without the Sport package. It had everything else I wanted, nav, the 20-way sport seats, sat radio, iPod adapter and most importantly....a manual transmission. It's a 2008 CPO car with 19k miles. It was priced $10-12k below all the other 550i manuals I was looking at. I figured I could buy a lot of mods with that $10-12k, so I went for it.

The tough decision comes when everything else is right but one option...with buying a used car you have to take what's available to you. I drove a 535i with the sport package before I bought this car. Definitely a difference in the way it handles. I most likely will be spending some of that $10-12k on some suspension upgrades.

 

One piece of advice----ditch the 28 and get the 35. 535 that is! You wont regret it.