How to identify sport package.

[mnhead11]

I am in the process of purchasing a 2000 to 2001 540ia. I am down to two cars. One is BMW certified (more expensive) and the other is being sold by a Mercedes dealer. Both are said to have the sport package. I trust the BMW dealership a bit more than I trust the Mercedes dealership.

My question is how does one identify that a 540 is equipt with the sport package? Thanks

Mark in VA

 

[MrElussive]

I would tell you to look at specific rims, but BMW changed the rims around a lot for the 5-series so it's hard to identify by the rims. So, what I think as the next best thing, look for the sport seats. The Sport Package for the 5-series always came with front bolstered sport seats.

 

[CosmosBlack]

Staggered wheels, 17X8 (235-45-17 tires) front, 17X9 (255-40-17) rear.
Sport steering wheel (3 spoke with ///M logo)
Lower profile
Sports seats (identify by the adjustable front thigh support)
Steptronic (if I'm not misaken, all 6speeds are with sports package?)

 

[grimpy]

Main thing to look for is Shadow line trim ( all black no chrome! )

 

[SoonerE39]

Staggered wheels, 17X8 (235-45-17 tires) front, 17X9 (255-40-17) rear.
Sport steering wheel (3 spoke with ///M logo)
Lower profile
Sports seats (identify by the adjustable front thigh support)
Steptronic (if I'm not misaken, all 6speeds are with sports package?)

Sport seats are optional on the sport package. I have the sport package sans sport seats.
Along with the 'lower profile' mentioned above is a stiffer sport suspension. If you take a highway exit ramp at high speeds in a sport and a non sport, you can positively tell the difference.

 

[MrElussive]

Sport seats are optional on the sport package. I have the sport package sans sport seats.
Along with the 'lower profile' mentioned above is a stiffer sport suspension. If you take a highway exit ramp at high speeds in a sport and a non sport, you can positively tell the difference.

Why not take everything at high speeds? [fake]

 

[SoonerE39]

Why not take everything at high speeds? [fake]

I tried that but I've had a disagreement on that issue with the Highway patrol (twice), a city cop, and a State Park Ranger. Cops=4; Me=0. But in 6 months the last ticket goes off my record.

 

[M_Six]

I have the Sport Package on my '01 530i. I do not have Sport Seats. It has the stiffer suspension, Steptronic, and an ///M logo on the steering wheel. No staggered tires. I'd say the most obvious clues to the casual observer are the Steptronic and the logo on the steering wheel.

 

[goheels34]

M_Six is right. Look for the ///M insignia on the steering wheel and the gear shift. Cosmos is also right, if one of the cars is a six speed, then it automatically has the sport pkg. I would trust the ///M insignia most. Also if you take if for a spin, you'll know. Nothing beats the sports pkg!!! Although I only get about 10k-15k on my tires, it's worth it!

 

[M_Six]

Whoa. I hope I get better than 10-15k on my tires. I do 45k miles per year. I'd hate to be buying new tires every 3 or 4 months.

 

[CosmosBlack]

That's what I was thinking! [???1]
I do like 11 to 12k a year, which means $700-$900 for new tires every year!!!
That would be bad!

I notice that on my car (Yokohamas-AVS es100s), the rear tires tend to wear on the insides. They told me that's factory specifications when I did my alignment. Does anyone know if it's okay to do some adjustment to compensate for even tire wear? Will that affect handling?

On my previous e34, I had Michelins and they lasted over 5 years!

 

[goheels34]

Cosmos, I also have the Yoko AVS ES. I have admit I drive really hard, but damn it's fun! I just have to suck it up and buy new tires.

Anyway, my service guy did tell me that BMW does align it's wheels to that it does wear more on the inside. I don't know if I would mess with the specs. Let me know what you do.

You said you had michelins..........why did you switch to Yokos if you got over 5 years on them?
Personally I think the AVS ES100's are the best buys for your money. They're cheap and they handle well in rain. Do you guys have other suggestions since I'm getting ready to get new tires this month? Sorry to go off topic. Thanks in advance.

 

[CosmosBlack]

The Michelins were on my previous e34 540i, which had 16" rims with 60series tires. I traded that one in for the e39 540i which I currently drive. I have staggered wheels, 235-45-17 front and 255-40-17 rear. They came with Toyo Proxes, those were the noisiest tires I've ever had! I couldn't wait to replace them but they were still like 70% tread left. Then one fine day, I had a screw in the rear right tire, damn thing didn't even give me any warning, and I busted it, shredded in 2 pieces! So, the excuse to get new set of 4. The manager at the Discount Tire shop has a M3 and he strongly recommended the AVS coz' he has them on his M3, and it was also cheaper than the other choices (Michelin, Pirelli, Dunlop, Goodyear).

So far, the AVS really grips to the road! I have tried taking 90 degree corners from 40 to 50mph and they wouldn't screech! I was prepared for some skid, but it held on tight. However, I have read reviews that the AVS are excellent on dry roads but not as well on wet. I have not tried it on wet roads, having read the reviews, I am having 2nd thoughts to try pushing it on wet unless I get some really open space.

I plan to ask my mechanic if I could align the rear wheels to compensate for even wear, I would think it will in a way affect the rear stability and handling. I used to drive an Alfasud many years back and Alfas were known for their wheels aligned that way, 4 wheels! (Is that positive or negative camber?) But it was very stable in hard cornerings.

 

[gbf1lm]

u can identify the sports package by teh wheels and seats