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BMW 5-Series Sedans

12737 messages,  Last post on Feb 16, 2013 at 11:05 PM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 5 Series, Sedan

Messages Page 598 of 1275

#5963 of 12737 SP vs. non SP... by shipo

Mar 19, 2003 (7:49 am)

My previous BMW (1999 328i) did not have the SP, my current car is a 2002 530i w/SP, and there is absolutely no comparison. Handling is enhanced in virtually all phases of driving from zero to governor max (128 mph), and my car has seen considerable time north of 100 (I did ED and was able to spend enough time to enjoy my car over there after the break in period). In addition to the handling enhancements (lower/stiffer suspension and better wheels and tires), there is at least anecdotal evidence that BMW includes slightly different brakes with the SP. While I have not been able to come up with the exact numbers, when I ordered my winter wheel/tire combo from TireRack.com, I was told that wheels that fit the non/SP equipped 530i will not fit the SP version due to brake caliper clearance issues.
 
Yes the SP does also in fact include "Cosmetic" features such as much better seats, a steering wheel that is far more pleasing to grip (the wheel in my 328i was the same as the non/SP 5er), and the leather/wood combo knob for the shifter seems less likely to slip out of your hand on a hot/humid day (assuming A/C off, and window and roof open). I would have to agree with most other folks, if one can afford only one package, get the SP. Any salesman telling customers that the SP is "90% cosmetic" is simply "Blowing Sunshine up the customers' skirt", IMHO.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

#5964 of 12737 sel3 by div2

Mar 19, 2003 (9:36 am)

I agree with Shipo's comments on the SP. That said, my wife's E39 is a great car-and it doesn't have SP. Nonetheless, I would never get a BMW without SP if I planned to be the primary driver. The SP raises the already fine handling to an entirely new level. It's evident that your salesperson simply wanted to move a non-SP 525i, so he said whatever was necessary to convince you to buy it. His comments about the SP only being needed "for better handling at high-speed driving (over 100 MPH)" reveal that he is either
1.An outright liar
or
2.Hopelessly ignorant regarding his product knowledge.

#5965 of 12737 SP vs Non SP, Shipo, Snagiel, and Epn by spyderred

Mar 19, 2003 (9:45 am)

Ditto,
If you are on a limited budget and can only afford very few options, The first on my list would be the SPORTS package. The E-39 with this package really transforms the car into (in my opinion) the BEST handling midsized sedan out there. I don't think anything in this class can compare.
Again, just my personal opinion.
 
The Sports package is a must for me.
 
Spyderred,

#5966 of 12737 Question about those neat AngelEyes by sirtiger

Mar 19, 2003 (10:54 am)

I have some simple question about those beautiful angeleyes on the 5 series which I have seen around.
 
They seem to be add ons which cost a lot. Will they interfere with my xenons headlights or just an addition to my current ones? Do they have a separate switch to turn on or only on when parking lights are on like the fog lights? I know its more cosmetic to have one but they are very attractive on the 5ers.
 
Any insights will be greatly appreciated.

#5967 of 12737 Consumer Reports "Best Car Ever Tested": by srfast

Mar 19, 2003 (11:25 am)

2003 BMW 530i with SPORT PACKAGE. I agree with all the previous posts regarding the SP. This is definitely a worth while option. If there is a question regarding SP/non SP, drive both and decide which ride you prefer.
 
Hope this helps...JL

#5968 of 12737 sirtiger: "Angeleyes" are FACTORY INSTALLED by srfast

Mar 19, 2003 (11:50 am)

standard "park" lights on the E39 5 series beginning in MY2001. Many pre 2001 E39 owners have upgraded using BMW or aftermarket components. Since they are "factory", AEs do not interfere with the headlight systems.
 
Hope this helps...JL

#5969 of 12737 Sport Suspension by dabimmer

Mar 19, 2003 (11:53 am)

Ditto... ditto... ditto. ditto
Mmmmm... let's see my 2001 E-39 has steptronic tranny, xenons, self dimming mirror,
leather, wood adornments, split seats, rain sensor, absolutely wonderful 3.0 in-line 6(a silky smooth power plant) and last but by no means last-- the sport suspension. If I had to make a choice for only one of the above (besides the engine, which i would have to keep) my ONLY other must have is .... the sport suspension !! Just my $2 worth( my time is valuable).

#5970 of 12737 sirtiger by div2

Mar 19, 2003 (11:57 am)

The AE retrofit is a dead simple do-it-yourself job; it should take 1 hour, tops. The AEs won't intefere with your xenons either. Just make sure that your AE kit comes with the correct plug and play wiring harnesses. Check out the "Tips & Tricks" section of bmwtips.com for some additional information.

#5971 of 12737 525 vs 530 and Sports Package by sel3

Mar 19, 2003 (12:09 pm)

Gentlemen,
 
To be fair to the salesman, he deals mostly with first-time BMW buyers, you could say most are average drivers that are coming out of very average automobiles. With that in mind, his comments could be relevant.
 
Based on the board's comments, there are some real BMW experts that really understand the cars and the SP.
 
As for me, I had the opportunity to purchase a custom ordered 525 or 530 at $7600 to 8000 below US MRSP, plus avoid US customs and state sales tax bring the total savings close to $10,000. The PP was more important to me than the SP, but I am a first-time BMW owner that is just happy to be driving a world-class automobile.
 
Thank you for your feedback, at least we can agree that BMWs are great cars that are fun to drive.

#5972 of 12737 sel3 by div2

Mar 19, 2003 (12:42 pm)

You're correct, there's certainly nothing wrong with a non-SP car. I'm sure you'll enjoy your 5er. As for your salesperson, I still think he's incompetent and/or clueless. At best. Dealing with first time BMW buyers does not excuse a total absence of product knowledge. Don't feel bad; In the early nineties I had a debadged Cinnibar Red 535is. BMW salespeople repeatedly asked me if it was an M5 or an M6-among other SWAGs. Never mind that the M6 was a two door coupe and that all North American E28 M5s were Black. Only ONE BMW salesperson ever correctly identified the car. And then there was the time back in 1995 when a BMW sales guy checked out my brand new-and dead stock-318ti Club Sport and asked who installed the body kit...

Messages Page 598 of 1275

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