I have narrowed the search to a 2001 525I or a 2001 530I (for my first BMW :)) This is the deal. the 525 has the premium, sport, and cold packages, No auto climate control. The 530 has +40hp, premium and cold packages, climate control, cost about $1200 more, no sport package. I would like opinions if the sport package makes a significant difference in the handling. (if somebody could explain what, other than the wheels, differs on the sport package, it would be appreciated). Is the HP on the 525I enough? What one would you purchase? Appreciate the feedback.

The sport package, in addtion to the wheels, has a beefier suspension setup. Since you are mentioning the sport package, have you considered checking out a nice CPO 2000 540i? I think it woudl at least be worth a test drive.

I have narrowed the search to a 2001 525I or a 2001 530I (for my first BMW :)) This is the deal. the 525 has the premium, sport, and cold packages, No auto climate control. The 530 has +40hp, premium and cold packages, climate control, cost about $1200 more, no sport package. I would like opinions if the sport package makes a significant difference in the handling. (if somebody could explain what, other than the wheels, differs on the sport package, it would be appreciated). Is the HP on the 525I enough? What one would you purchase? Appreciate the feedback.
If it is down to either of the two, choose the 530 for the bigger engine. It's cheaper and easier to upgrade suspenion than it is to add 40hp.

both manuals or autos? If its an auto, 525ia would be kinda slow..its the slowest bmws out there (well, the 525ia Touring would be slower).

Try both and see what u like. personally I would take the 530 over the 525 anyday.

Here's my suggestion... keep looking, you'll find a 530 with everything plus the sport package ;)

525 is a boat... I feel the difference with the 528... 528/530 ~~ the same feel

Here's my suggestion... keep looking, you'll find a 530 with everything plus the sport package ;)

^What Dwayne said^
I know its your first and your anxious. Just get exactly what you can afford and more importantly...WANT!

If you are at all interested in the sport package, dont compromise! The sport is well worth it. I think you should wait until you find exactly what you want!

Ok here is the deal.
My dad just bought an 02 530 with premium and cold pack and i bought an 01 530 with prem and sport pack. Whe are cars parked right next to each other you can absolutely tell that my car looks way better. First of all it comes with a better suspension shocks/struts/springs and it is lowered a bit, compared to a regular suspension, so it sits lower and on bigger wheels, looks way sicker, not to mention sway bars and M steering wheel. Even my dad told me he regrets not getting a bimmer with a sport pack. So look for a sport and premium pack 530 waaaaay worth it!!!

I have narrowed the search to a 2001 525I or a 2001 530I (for my first BMW :)) This is the deal. the 525 has the premium, sport, and cold packages, No auto climate control. The 530 has +40hp, premium and cold packages, climate control, cost about $1200 more, no sport package. I would like opinions if the sport package makes a significant difference in the handling. (if somebody could explain what, other than the wheels, differs on the sport package, it would be appreciated). Is the HP on the 525I enough? What one would you purchase? Appreciate the feedback.
Interestingly, just last night I drove through a local BMW dealer, just to see what they had on the lot. Out of about ten '01-'03 530's there was NOT A SINGLE ONE with a sport package. My first thought at the time was: "WTF! Why would so many original owners order one without an S pack? :confused"
And my second thought was: "everyone must want one with a sport pack now".
Anyway, the point being, DEFINITELY get a 530 and DEFINITELY one with a S package. :thumbup: