Mine just turned 12000 miles today... 1.5 years of ownership. The Dunlop RFTs are just fine.

 

There is no comparison. The Sport is quieter, smoother and even has lighter steering. The Sport also has far better seats. There are alot of far better cars than a 5-Series SE, but none in the class offers a better ride/ handling balance than the Sport. Even with the Runflat tyres.

I would actually expect the Runflats to last quite a long time because they appear to be made out of concrete. Very hard and no grip!

 

The stock RFT's destroy the ride and smoothness on the E60, they're also noisier than decent non-RFT's. Switching to non-RFT's makes a huge difference.

 

Sport Package is the best option you can get. Importantly, you get active roll stabilization, lower ride height, better wheels and tires, and comfort seats.

I've got 7K on my Bridgestones and they look good wearwise. Hoping to get at least 25K out of them. Importantly, you can ditch the RFTs anytime and get longer lasting replacements.

CVT Benhogan

 

I know the E39 had a lower ride height with the sports package but is this the case with the E60? I dind't think so.

 

The 545/50 sport has lower ride height than the 530 sport. Don't know why but it does and its noticeable.

CVT Benhogan

 

I believe he's right, the E60 sports package is an 1/2 or 1 inch lower than non-sports package cars. Will have to dig hard data to confirm though...

Edit:
However, in looking at the dimensions posted in the information section, no height difference is noted for the E60, though it is for the E39. Maybe I'm wrong but I thought a remembered several discussions on this a long time ago like back in 2004 when I bought my car. Oh well, memory must be going...

 

Sports Pkg a must. Makes the car. Looks, and is lower to the ground and for some reason looks sleeker. Interesting how the the 545i and 550i with sp pkg get that double take look, while the higher 4 wheel 5's and the non-sports do not.
Looks aside, the handling with the sp pkg and active steering is a pure delight. Got a total of over 52,000 miles between the two 545's I have owned and still enjoy every moment behind the wheel of these cars. The torque on the 545i is also a kick and greatly adds to the pleasure.

Run flats agreed are to harsh riding and tramline like crazy. Got about 22,000 (Snow tire time subtracted) on my RF's and can possibly go another 10,000 or so on my Dunlop RF's.

 

The sports pack in australia comes with lowered springs (i believe it is). its around 2cm lower. Yes. got to agree that sports pack is a must. But come to think of it, almost all dealers ship pre-order the e60 with sports pack.
Sports pack comes with Bodykit, 18" rims, shadowline trimmings, lowered springs/height.

Another package that comes aussies have is the professional package.

 

you HAVE to get the sport package...resale its going to give you stronger dollars and the esthetics just scream out in sex appeal. These cars just dont sit very well in 'everyday' driver stance. non-sport and you might be mistaken for a....<gasp> Camary!