What are the differences between '02 and '03? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

mshea · 28th March 2005, 03:50

And what were the available options/prices?

boostmiser · 28th March 2005, 04:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by mshea

And what were the available options/prices?

DVD Nav (sorry, overlooked that earlier) was the only change.
Available options were PDC, MAudio, Fold down rear seats and sunshades. Of course you could chose between the luxury interior or the sport (extended leather) interior.

mshea · 28th March 2005, 04:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by boostmiser

Nothing. Available options were PDC, MAudio, Fold down rear seats and sunshades. Of course you could chose between the luxury interior or the sport (extended leather) interior.

Thanks. That's what I suspected (although isn't the monitor DVD vs. CD?) Would you mind elaborating on the interior options? I prefer the extended leather (otherwise, it looks like my 540) but why is that 'sport' and not 'lux'? What does the lux have that sport doesn't...?

ard · 28th March 2005, 05:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by mshea

Thanks. That's what I suspected (although isn't the monitor DVD vs. CD?) Would you mind elaborating on the interior options? I prefer the extended leather (otherwise, it looks like my 540) but why is that 'sport' and not 'lux'? What does the lux have that sport doesn't...?

Boost missed the title in the post.
.
The 03 has a DVD based Nav. THis is faster and has better maps than the CD based system. You CAN upgrade the nav computer for $800-1200.

The 03 has standard rear airbags- they may be enable or not. The 02 must have been ordered with them (IIRC)

Lots of definitive posts on Sport versus Lux interiors... do a search. SHort ans is:

Sport has different leather texture, and (maybe?) diff stitch pattern
Lux was ALL black or ALL caramel
Sport is either all black OR has colored panels on the seating surfaces (Silver, blue, red.. sorry, I'm not using the right names)
Sport comes with ALUM trim, Lux with Wood. Sport CAN be ordered with Wood.
Rear sunshades only available on sport.

Good luck- I opted for the 03 price wasn't the determinant. I know you are facing a bit of a quandry.

Need4Spd · 28th March 2005, 05:25

Check out these FAQs re history, model year differences, etc.

mshea · 28th March 2005, 05:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by ard

Boost missed the title in the post.
.
The 03 has a DVD based Nav. THis is faster and has better maps than the CD based system. You CAN upgrade the nav computer for $800-1200.

The 03 has standard rear airbags- they may be enable or not. The 02 must have been ordered with them (IIRC)

Lots of definitive posts on Sport versus Lux interiors... do a search. SHort ans is:

Sport has different leather texture, and (maybe?) diff stitch pattern
Lux was ALL black or ALL caramel
Sport is either all black OR has colored panels on the seating surfaces (Silver, blue, red.. sorry, I'm not using the right names)
Sport comes with ALUM trim, Lux with Wood. Sport CAN be ordered with Wood.
Rear sunshades only available on sport.

Good luck- I opted for the 03 price wasn't the determinant. I know you are facing a bit of a quandry.

Guys - thanks for your input and clarifications! I'm going through the archives as fast as I can as I'd like to make a decion on the '03 vs. '02 tomorrow. Price aside, I prefer the Lux interior, DVD, rear airbags (thanks for THAT gem!) and longer Factory warranty of the '03.

Thanks for bearing with me while I sort this out....!

boostmiser · 28th March 2005, 05:50

Sorry about that oversight. If you have kids, you want the rear door airbags disabled.

MEnthusiast · 28th March 2005, 15:34

I thought all M5s for the US had rear side air bags that were deactivated for delivery- the customer had to ask the dealer to activate and perhaps the customer had to sign something or put some stickers on the inside of the door sills stating that the airbags are active and not recommended for child passengers. My 00 had this and my 03 has this.

black02m5 · 28th March 2005, 16:15

I just got an 02 with the sport seats. How can I tell if it has the upgraded M audio? Also, I'm assuming my doesn't have the sunshades but how do I confirm? Would there be a button on the dash or something?

gsfent · 28th March 2005, 18:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by MEnthusiast

I thought all M5s for the US had rear side air bags that were deactivated for delivery- the customer had to ask the dealer to activate and perhaps the customer had to sign something or put some stickers on the inside of the door sills stating that the airbags are active and not recommended for child passengers. My 00 had this and my 03 has this.

As I remember it, 01 had the rear bags, came deactiviated. In 02, they were a no cost option and many dealers did not check off the box. In 03 they went back to standard. All U.S. came non activated. If my memory has faded ( a distinct possibility according to the significant other), I am sure someone else will chime in.
Regards,
Jerry