sg678

Hi.. I am a new to SP and also to BMW in general.

I am trying to finalize on a 528i but getting confused
whether to choose the SP or not.

I did search around the forums on this website and I am even
more confused. I can understand that this is a personal pref.
but still looking for some feedback based upon others' exp.

This is for the wife who commutes 30 miles each way mostly on the
freeway. I heard that the steering with SP is noticeably
hard than the one without. I that true..? If yes, is it still worth
the perfomance/comfort that comes with SP.

I did test drive a 535i with SP and did not feel much diff. in
terms of the hardness of the steering.

tuco

I opted out of the Sports Pack as I didn't want the RunFlatTires, the non-Sport car has GFTs and a spare. Important to me, maybe not others.

bmw093

If the car was for my wife, I'd probably have gotten a non-sport. With the sport package, you are paying more to make the car sportier, and, IMHO, a bit less luxurious. The ride is a bit harsher, tighter, and stiffer. I wouldn't want the car any other way, but a woman?? Not so sure. One suggestion I would make is to buy the comfort seats separately. That is a part of the sport package that is pure luxury, which you will both appreciate. Best of luck.

joewatch

Hiya,

I think that most people on this board and e60.net will recommend the Sport package for the 5-series, no matter what model you get. I ordered my 528i without the SP, but with the comfort seats ($1090).

In weighing the decisions, here is what I got:

5-series Sport package pros and cons

Pros:
Better handling (aka sportier), due to lowered suspension, tighter shocks/struts, performance tires and larger wheels
Active roll system also improves handling in corners over standard sway bars in non-sport

Cons:
Lower vehicle decreases snow performance due to less clearance
ARS increases complexity of vehicle, possibly decreasing overall reliability of car (see my previous post asking about experience with ARS) - this is important especially if you plan to keep the car > 4 years.
Increased cost (about $1500 if you compare to non SP with comfort seats)
Possibly decreased comfort for long commutes due to harsher ride of tighter shocks/struts (especially in areas with a lot of pot holes)
Comes with summer performance tires, which means you have to get winter tires, even if you get only light snows. Also, many people complain of the harsh ride of RFTs, possibly necessitating purchasing a 2nd set of summer tires.

For me, the cons outweighed the pros, but you may feel differently. One thing to consider also, is that it looks like BMW will probably offer performance upgrades in the future, and this will include sport shocks/struts, and sway bars. You can also go to the aftermarket (including Dinan $$$) for performance upgrades. You can get performance tires any time, and bigger wheels after you upgrade the shocks. The only thing you won't be able to get is ARS.

MiamiPhill

Hi SG, I went with the SP on our 535i even though my wife is the primary driver, reasons?.....
Pros:
1) Handling; a better handling car is offers better safety IMO becuse there is value in being able to manuver yourself out ot trouble.
2) The SP also includes the comfort seats (CS), which is a must have feature.
3) You will be happy to list SP & CS on your 'for sale' sign when the time comes to sell.
4) To put a on your face when you drive the car.
5) Steering effort is a non-factor, period.

Cons:
1) Cost ($2,800)
2) Snow & Ice performance is decreased but is by no means a hazard.....the electronic nanny sees to that.
3) # 2 is moot in warm /mild climates.
Good luck with you choice.