I am looking to get back into the BMW family after having a not well thought out affair with a Nissan. (I know, I know - please have mercy on me - you can't say anything derogatory about the decision or the car that I haven't already said to myself).

I am looking for an '01 - '03 530 (stick). What is the best way, just looking at pictures, to tell if an e39 has the sport package, when the written description is less than helpful?

Usually the three spoke "M" steering wheel is the giveaway, right? But are there any other visual cues I can be looking for? I ask because I think it's possible to swap in a "sport" steering wheel into a car w/o the sport package, right?

If its sport it will have black trim around the windows, if its not it will be chrome

Also look for lowered suspension, M steering wheel (3 spoke) and a wider smile on the driver's face.

For the 530i you will see Style 42 wheels (17" BBS 2-Piece cross-spokes), Shadowline trim (no chrome, all blacked out), a lower suspension, the 3-Spoke ///M steering wheel, and possibly the sport seats.

If its sport it will have black trim around the windows, if its not it will be chrome
not always, my car has chrome and is a sport, since 540's with a 6sp only came as a sport.
btw, buy my car is for sale, why buy a 530 when you could buy a 540i6

btw, buy my car is for sale, why buy a 530 when you could buy a 540i6

Because some of us prefer lower running costs and better handling balance. :)

:werd:

Because some of us prefer lower running costs and better handling balance. :)
ya know, everyone in the vw scene used to say that about vr6 cars vs. 4cyl cars and basically, it comes down to spring rate, sway bars, tires, and the drivers abilities, just like in our cars. besides, i get 25mpg on the hwy and i've only had to put a water pump in this car and it has 112k on it. not too bad
i forgot though, the E39 M5 was a V8 and i'm sure that it's not near as balanced as your wondrous 6cyl. :rolleyes

Its a good thing I chose the Sport by accident because I did find myself basing things on color and price, but luckily My color came in sport.

Suspension tuning only masks the inherant balance or imbaance of a car. I garuntee you my car is better balanced. Oh, and yes, my car IS faster through corners than an M5. Once again, I can't convince someone who doesn't want to be, so I'll leave it at this.

I am looking to get back into the BMW family after having a not well thought out affair with a Nissan. (I know, I know - please have mercy on me - you can't say anything derogatory about the decision or the car that I haven't already said to myself).

I am looking for an '01 - '03 530 (stick). What is the best way, just looking at pictures, to tell if an e39 has the sport package, when the written description is less than helpful?

Usually the three spoke "M" steering wheel is the giveaway, right? But are there any other visual cues I can be looking for? I ask because I think it's possible to swap in a "sport" steering wheel into a car w/o the sport package, right?

Shadowline trim, lowered suspension, and in the case of a 530i, these (style 42) wheels:

http://www.bmwtips.com/tipsntricks/wheels/bmw_wheel_042.jpg

Thanks everyone!

And the answer to the question is: because everything I've read on the boards here indicates I don't want the maintanence headaches and wallet drain of the v8.

Anyway, if I were looking for a 540, I've already found it. Check out ebay item #4639022213 (sorry - can't post a link yet). Unbelievablely clean 2001 sport with only 60k with 30k left on the warranty. Beyond gorgeous. I don't know why it hasn't sold already - this is the second time I've seen it listed on ebay didn't hit the reserve last time, the highest bid was 21,000. WTF?

Talk to your local BMW dealer. Give the parts guy the last 7 digits in the car's VIN. He should be able to get you the "build sheet" for the car The "sport" and other info will be on that sheet.
Bob