Anyone have the sport package on their X5 or X3? I want to get some feedback to find out whether it is worth getting.

My 1999 328i has the sport package and the suspension is a little stiffer but handles great. I was just wondering if the experience is the same in the SAV. Any feedback would be great.

Just picked up my 4.4 with the sport package and I would say get it for sure. I drove both a was very impressed with the sport package. I would have to look at the window sticker to recall the price but whatever it was it was worth it

My 2000 did not have the Sport pkg and my 2005 does have the sport pkg. The sport pkg really does ride rougher though. I actually like the way the X5 handles just fine without the sport pkg but it did not stop me from getting my 05 with the sport pkg because it was only only black on black we could find.

I have the sport package on my X3 and I appreciate the handling. It is a rougher ride but I prefer to have the cornering ability over a softer ride. I feel like I have more control over the vehicle.

If you like the sport on your 328, then it's a NO brainer. GET THE SPORT. I drove a 3.0 non-sport... hated it. Way tooo much body roll for me, but then I drive a lowered M3 too. The handling is totally different with the sport.

I think the earlier model years maybe a little more stiffer than current Xs. I do not have it and love the way it feels (I too had a 99 328i w/ sport and had the same concern). Its smooth and quiet. I also upgraded to 20" rims, to get the sporty feel and handle. Makes a big difference.

Personally, I wouldn't spend the extra money to get it, but the only true test is to drive them both and choose.

My X5 does not have the sport package and does very well. It also depends on the difference in the look of the two X's. I used the chrome trim on my X5 to accent the bigger chrome wheels that I added.

How do you tell if an x5 has the sport package. I am thinking of purchasing a 2000 x5, the owner states it has the SP...but it doesn't have the sport seats, the 3-spoke steering wheel, etc. I am a bmw owner now, a 96' 328i...how do ya'll like the x-5???

How do you tell if an x5 has the sport package. I am thinking of purchasing a 2000 x5, the owner states it has the SP...but it doesn't have the sport seats, the 3-spoke steering wheel, etc. I am a bmw owner now, a 96' 328i...how do ya'll like the x-5???

Check the VIN.

How do you tell if an x5 has the sport package. I am thinking of purchasing a 2000 x5, the owner states it has the SP...but it doesn't have the sport seats, the 3-spoke steering wheel, etc. I am a bmw owner now, a 96' 328i...how do ya'll like the x-5???
One way to tell is too look at the window trim molding-non SP has chrome window surrounds, whereas the SP has gloss black shadowline so no chrome around the windows.

During my recent search for X5's, I found the 2000 models to be a bit different in their configurations than later years. I saw SP equipped '00 models without the sport steering wheel, and some with. Note that for '00 and '01 models, ordering SP did not automatically get you the sport seats-those were a seperate option. Starting in '02, sport seats were standard with the sport package.

In addition to the shadowline molding, the SP cars will have clear indicator lights all around instead of amber-although there will still be a small bit of amber on the front turn signal lenses by the headlights.

I have owned about 7 BMW's in the past 7 years, all of them 3 series cars-E30 M3's, E36 M3, E46 330i's-and the '02 X5 4.4i I just picked up is my first SUV (SAV) ever. So far, I really like it! Gas mileage is not great (understandable) but the comfort and interior room is. The thing drives and handles like a taller BMW-it is amazing what they have done with it. So far I don't regret my decision at all.

Just do your homework before you purchase-the X5 (especially the 4.4i) has some issues and can be very expensive to maintain and repair. Things to look and watch out for:

Alternator failures
Water pump
Outer CV joint boots on the front axle will split
Valley pan gasket/coolant leak
Oil separator and vacuum hoses under the intake manifold
Transmission-BIG $$$$ if needing replacement

Try to find one that has good service records and possibly on that has had some of these issues already taken care of. The '02 I bought had the alternator die the day I went to first pick it up, but the dealer replaced it for free. As soon as I got it home this weekend, I put it up on jackstands and replaced both outer CV joint boots. The parts for this are cheap ($30 or so) but the dealer will charge you about $350 total per axle to replace them. You can do it yourself, but it is a messy job. But if you let it go too long, it can destroy the CV joints on the axle, and they are around $800-900 to replace.

And in my personal opinion, I would look at the '01-'02 models if possible. I try to avoid the first year of production on a BMW.

its all depends on your type of driving i guess if u like stiffer handling get the sport but if u like a more smooth ride get the norm, price is abouth the same if u get used, cheers and good luck on your purchase!

on the x3 at any rate, the sport package looks far better than the standard issue, which is a bit heavy on the "black texturized plastique" body panels for my taste.

picking up the new sapphire black on black x3 tonight or tomorrow, in fact. it's off the boat and being processed as i write this. the timing couldn't be better, as it arrives just in time for mother's day (it's the wife's new driver). exciting times...