HI, all I'm a long time member but this is my first post just sold my clk320, so I'm in the market for a 530i. its going to be my first BMW, so needs some advise.
is the sport package a must have? what's the difference between the two and for a 2007 530i with 18,000 miles almost every option except sport package for $32,000 is a good price? this is a private party sell.. Thanks

 

The non-sport E60 is still a very good handling car, probably sportier than the clk, but you'll notice the difference with the E60 sport pack. Whether that difference is a positive or negative is subjective, of course. If I were you I'd try both before you decide. Active roll stabilization is part of the sport pack, it keeps the car flat on corners and it's just incredible.

 

I disagee. I have a 2007 525i non sport now and it doesn't handle any better than any other decent cars I've driven in the past.
of course it rides better than a standard buick.. but its not anything to smile about.

I think when people praise about BMW handling it should only apply to BMW cars with sport calibrated suspension only.

 

Your 525's primary issue is a lack of power, not any real deficiencies in handling. The non sport BMW is still better than most of the competition whereas the sport equipped models are much better than most of the competition.

 

I usually like to disagree with swajames because, well, he likes to disagree with a lot of people, many some times for good reason... however, i am on his side with this one...

 

 

Most people will agree the sport package is almost a must have.

You will notice a difference between the two.

 

I agree there is a clear difference between the sport and no sport, but the handling of the non sport is still much better than other similar vehicles (i say similiar very lightly)...

 

Yes, swajames is absolutely spot on here. The sports package is a must.

 

Thanks all, so sport package way to go... still looking hopefully find one soon