Sport package or not?

[ALX]

We (the wife) are looking into an X5 3.0 because it's the only way to get a manual shift in the X and- believe it or not- the wife prefers a manual vs. an auto!

With that said, I'm wondering if the "sport package" would be worth getting on this X5.

Any comments and/or suggestions greatly appreciated!

POW!

ALX

[TCM]

Alex:

Definately go for the sport package. I think it will make the car a lot better looking and more fun to toss around in the snow. The 3.0 will feel very underpowered when compared to driving the M5 though. Every BMW is better with the sport package IMHO. Hopefully, someone can present more information about the 3.0 liter.

[ALX]

Yeah, in terms of power there is no comparison, but we're looking at something with a little more utility (even though the fold down rear seats on my M have gotten alot of use ).

The main issue for us is the transmission. I really wish the 4.4 and 4.6 came with a manual tranny- I'd have one by now.

I suggested a 5 series sports wagon, but the wife HATES wagons!

So the X5 3.0 with 5-speed and sport should be interesting...it just means the engine is going to see the higher end of the rev range more often when I'm driving it!

Still, I wonder if anyone can address the difference in the feel of the suspension? Is the sport suspension much stiffer in the X5?

POW!

ALX

[Fred Jr]

Driven and was driven many times X5 in both 3.0 and 4.4 versions and finally can prepare such comments:
- Had parallel start 3.0 vs 4.4 and surprisingly until getting to aprox. 140 kmh (85) not a big gap between two!!! Only then V8 easily drives away. But both cars reached 200 kmh mark on speedo.
- Also V8 produces much more Noise (but very creamy one).
- The auto gearbox on X5 works very good – with quick and usually right shifts. Maybe you should try it before final decision
- as I understand, Sport suspension is first of all the choice between ’17 and 19 wheels
- As with every expensive German car, the more you invest into specification while preparing your car order, the more satisfied owner you feel later.

[ALX]

Thanks Fred for the advice and comments. I'm going to go with the sport package for the tighter suspension.

In terms of the tranny, the wife is fixed on the 5-speed and man do I wish BMW would have given us the option of the V8 with a manual- I even would have paid extra to have that as an option!

Either way, it's a BMW and even though I haven't driven an X5 with the sport package yet, the one I have driven drives extremely well- like a car!

POW!

ALX

[ano0oj]

Originally posted by ALX
Thanks Fred for the advice and comments. I'm going to go with the sport package for the tighter suspension.

In terms of the tranny, the wife is fixed on the 5-speed and man do I wish BMW would have given us the option of the V8 with a manual- I even would have paid extra to have that as an option!

Either way, it's a BMW and even though I haven't driven an X5 with the sport package yet, the one I have driven drives extremely well- like a car!

POW!

ALX

for that i applaude u....nice choice

[MEnthusiast]

whats your purpose?

I chose no sports package because I find the x5 to ride hard enough as std and this is our family hauler and we have a family of motion sensitive people!

for us, the abilty to have the heated steering wheel is a huge deal, which is not available with the sport package. if you do get the sport package and get the 19s, make sure to use different wheels/tires for snow driving.

as to the 5 touring- its a not a lowley wagon, its a touring

[ALX]

Thanks for the input everyone! I've opted for the sport package and so far I like it. One thing I wish was available (and I don't understand why it's not possible) with the sport pkg is the heated steering wheel. But since the M5 didn't have it, we're not missing it.

Soon I will be adding some mods- exhaust and short shifter. I'll report back with the results.

POW!

ALX

[MEnthusiast]

the heated steering wheel is simply due to the m style sport steering wheel they use for the sport package- its marketing. I am sure if you really hollered, and maybe paid something extra, they could put the standard steering wheel on the car for you. either way- enjoy! the X5 is a great vehicle!