Definition of e39 sport package vs M packages?

[boca rat]

In the market for an E39 (say a 2000 model) and confused by what the packages include - does the sport package include any suspension mods?

Thx

[mattmartindrift]

search!


M = m-tech bumpers, pretty much M5 bumpers with some other stuff on it.


http://www.kenrockwell.com/bmw/540.htm

[RobV15]

im confused myself. Is there really an m package, or is it just a sport spackage? It seems that people are confuse between a sport package, just because it has the M logo on the steering wheel, they think it's an M package? am i wrong?

[FP5241]

[Qsilver7]

In the market for an E39 (say a 2000 model) and confused by what the packages include - does the sport package include any suspension mods?
Thx

^^^^^^^^^^^^ ditto..ditto....ditto... ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The "sport packages" are different thru the production run depending on model and model year. The M-sport package was only offered on the 2003 540i/i6/iT...and it didn't include all the same stuff on all the models.

The M-bumpers were also available from the accessory catalog for all the e39 models...so those could be added later for anyone wanting to do the mod.

The 1st "sports" were the early 540i/6 models that only had suspension upgrades. Then in 1998, the first "inclusive" sport pkgs were made available for the automatics and extended to the 528 as well as the 540i...and shadowline trim was added. Then in 1999 the Tourings were added and they were offered with lower gearing and the M-steering wheel and sport seats became standard equipment. Later, when the new sixes debuted...the 525i sport pkg only got some of the items featured in other sport pkgs (like regular chrome trim instead of shadowline...then in 2003, BMW turned the "sport pkg" into the M-sport pkg for the 540i/i6/iT and offered the M II suspension, chrome instrument cluster rings, dark headliner, M rocker panel covers, 18" MPars (on the sedans only), etc.

There is a write-up in the DIY section for ALL of the model information (except for the 2003 model year.

BELOW is a link to an E39 Buyers Guide PDF article that explains all of the models, how they came equipped, common maladies, and upgrades ideas (its approx 5MB so give it a few seconds to open or download). The article is from 2005 so adjust the "market prices" accordingly:

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/q...e%208-2005.pdf

[Cyrix2k]

^yes, if you want a good example of an early sport, just look at my car. There are no M logos, the boat wheel, basic seats, and chrome trim.

I believe sport seats were always a no cost option but moved to being standard starting in '99 or '98. The sport wheel with the M logo started in '99.

Here's my car in its factory state (minus tail lights)

[RobV15]

got it!! so if anyone who tries to sell you an e39 stating an m package, then they are wrong!!!!!!!

[ganesht]

got it!! so if anyone who tries to sell you an e39 stating an m package, then they are wrong!!!!!!!

unless its a 2003 540..

the m sport package was an option on the 530 iirc

[eflo]

my car is a MY2000 and it has the "m sport pgk" which includes the m logo steering wheel, shift knob, and rims. the 2003 540i has the "m-technic pgk"

[ganesht]

my car is a MY2000 and it has the "m sport pgk" which includes the m logo steering wheel, shift knob, and rims. the 2003 540i has the "m-technic pgk"

do you have your build list?

the true m sport includes these packages: "S338A M SPORTS PACKAGE II" and "S715A M Aerodynamics package"

which includes the m bumpers, and the m door sills

[4500 RPM]

my car is a MY2000 and it has the "m sport pgk" which includes the m logo steering wheel, shift knob, and rims.

Dude, those stickers are just sport package stuff, not ///M Sport.

[Qsilver7]

my car is a MY2000 and it has the "m sport pgk" which includes the m logo steering wheel, shift knob, and rims. the 2003 540i has the "m-technic pgk"

Your 2000 is just a plain ol "sport package" option that included the M steering wheel, and shift knob (apparently you have a 540i6?) the wheels that came in that year's "sport pkg" for your model.

As some of us keep trying to say...the M-sport pkg was a "named" package introduced for the LAST YEAR of production here in the States. But the package was available in other markets in earlier years.

In 1997 (the sport pkg) didn't even have an "official" package name...if you purchased the 540i/6 you automatically got the "sport". In 1998, BMW finally "named" it the sport pkg and it became an "inclusive" package that featured items which some of them may have included the "M" logo (but it WAS NOT an "M" sport pkg...just a plain old "sport pkg".

I'm not sure how any clearer it can be than in the text in the images below...and again, some "M" items got added in the 1999-2002 sport packages...but it was not CALLED an M-sport until the 2003 model year in the USA:

-

[boca rat]

Great posts, thanks although should have asked a week ago before I spent the $10 on the bimmer reprint......which i didn't get yet!!!

[eflo]

yes i have a 540i/6. i know about the 1997 and 1998's.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E39
1999

In 1999, rain-sensing windshield wipers and xenon headlamps became standard on the 540i, and were newly available for 528i models. The "M Sport" package was added (replacing the standard sport package), and included the M Sport steering wheel, door sills, and shift knob. The 528i versions also gained the 540i's standard stability control system. All models now had daytime running lights, and fog lamps.

[Qsilver7]

yes i have a 540i/6. i know about the 1997 and 1998's.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E39
1999

In 1999, rain-sensing windshield wipers and xenon headlamps became standard on the 540i, and were newly available for 528i models. The "M Sport" package was added (replacing the standard sport package), and included the M Sport steering wheel, door sills, and shift knob. The 528i versions also gained the 540i's standard stability control system. All models now had daytime running lights, and fog lamps.

Eflosd...you have to be careful with websites like Wikipedia because the information can be posted WITHOUT it being verified. There is more than one fact that is blaringly incorrect in their description of changes by model year.

Here's some MIS-INFORMATION passing as facts on the Wikipedia site that DOES NOT apply to E39s imported to the USA:

1. The entire first sentence for the 1995 e39 on Wikipedia is totally incorrect. In the USA, the 1995 E34 5 series had an extended model year up into 1996. Because of OBD II compliance and the introduction of the newly designed e39 5 series...BMW continued to build and sell the 1995 e34 models. (My e34 525iT had a 11/95 build date (GD26374 - you can check the VIN for yourself on www.realoem.com)...which under normal circumstances would have been a 1996 model. But it was officially a 1995 model as well as other e34 5 series that were built and imported up to April 1996. This can be verified if you find any e34 built after 9/95-96 (the "average" model year changeover month)...they will have an "S" as the 10th digit of their VIN. The 10th digit indicates the official model year in the USA mandated by DOT (dept of transportation).

The USA had no "official" 1996 model year 5 series (neither e34 or e39). BMW used the extended e34 period to use the DOT "pass" to do an "early" roll out of the e39 as a "1997" model which occured in JUNE/1996.

1995
The 1996 model year 5 series E39 was introduced into the US market in late 1995. Models available were the 528i with a I6, and the 540i with a M62 V8.

2. Again, there are some obvious misinformations given for the 99 model year. The "M SPORT" package is incorrect because it was NOT available until 2003. And the "sport package" that was offered on the 1999 528i/iT & 540i/iT/i6 featured the M Sport steering wheel and the sport seats now (for free) and it did NOT come with M door sills...but they came with black door sills (I have a 99 540iT w/sport pkg as evidence). When I look at my car's build sheet...it does indicate that I have the sport package and it says NOTHING about it being an "M" package. And daytime running lights had been an option since 1997...it was a feature included in the car/key memory that cold be activated or deactivated using BMW DISplus/MoDiC/GT-1.

1999
In 1999, rain-sensing windshield wipers and xenon headlamps became standard on the 540i, and were newly available for 528i models. The "M Sport" package was added (replacing the standard sport package), and included the M Sport steering wheel, door sills, and shift knob. The 528i versions also gained the 540i's standard stability control system. All models now had daytime running lights, and fog lamps.

M Steering wheel in my 99 540iT w/sport pkg (& sport seats):


Black door sills (NOT M door sills) in my 99 540iT w/sport pkg:


3. Then when they get to the 2003 model year (w/production beginning in the fall of 2002)...the now just call it the "sport package" which now featured some parts from the M-technic collection.

2002
2002 marked the last year for the E39 platform; they were differentiated by the addition of extra chrome trim on the trunk (boot) and on the sides of the body. In all 6-cylinder model 5-Series add a standard sunroof. The optional navigation systems upgraded from CD-ROM format (8 CDs to cover the entire USA and Canada) to single DVD-ROM. The optional sport package on the 540i carried parts from M-technic. This included a full M-tech ground effects, M-tech II suspension, 18 inch wheels, and a variety of M badging. Isofix/LATCH child seat anchors were added. The E39 wagon (touring / estate) was continued into 2004 until the touring version of the new E60 5 Series was released.

I'll even offer up my 540iT's official build sheet that was printed out at the BMW dealership. Take note that the "option code #270" indicates that my 1999 540iT has the "sport package"...not the "M-sport package". I hope this post brings clarification...my intent is not to be argumentative in any way...its' just this topic has come up lately and it appears to be a LOT of misinformation over the "name" of a optional package...but it is confusing because it gets misrepresented over and over with an upgraded package that is highly revered.

[boca rat]

OK, I am now looking at a used 2000 528i. I called the local dealer with the VIN and they said it has the (I quote) 'sport premium' package, but had no info on what that is....I need to call the original dealer who sold the car to find out, so will do so tomorrow.

[Qsilver7]

This information is in the parked thread on the e39 forum titled FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS. When you click on that thread (its the 2nd one down from the top)...when you scroll down that page you will see a link under MODEL INFORMATION.

Here's a direct link to the thread that gives all the model information from 1997-2002. A tip: some information is carried over from a previous year...so sometimes the sport or premium or sport/premium pkg information may be listed in the previous year if NO changes occured. At one point the sport/premium pkg was dropped and some years it exists, and some years new items were added...so basically you need to start at the beginning to keep up with all the changes. Again, that should be apparent from the discussion in this thread...where you need a "program" to keep up with all the changes and misinformation.

Here's the direct link to the thread (that's at everyone's disposal in the FAQ thread) which has all the specs (features & options) for the 97-02 models:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...3&postcount=11

Also...if you scroll back up to my previous post (post #5)...I included a link to the BIMMER magazine article about the e39 Buyers Guide which gives even more details. All the information that you seem to be asking has been given in this thread...all one needs to do is take advantage of the information by clicking on the links etc. that are being provided.

[BCBJr]

According to a friend who's a manager in the local BMW dealer, in order for you to have the M-Sport pkg., the following option code must be present in the build sheet for your car:

P337A M SPORTS PACKAGE

This was an order code item added to the 2003 model year in the USA to simplify the ordering for the dealers and included the following Items:

S202A STEPTRONIC
S481A SPORT SEATS F DRIVER/FRONT PASSENGER
S705A M SPORT SUSPENSION II
S710A M LEATHER STEERING WHEEL
S715A M AERODYNAMICS PACKAGE
S760A INDIVIDUAL HIGH-GLOSS SATIN CHROME (shadow line)
S775A INDIVIDUAL ROOF-LINING ANTHRACITE
S780A M LT/ALY WHEELS PARALLEL SP. MIXED TYRE BMW
S785A WHITE DIRECTION INDICATOR LIGHTS

He also said that there were a couple of items that got added during manufacture that were not listed such as high stall torque converter and performance rear axle.

Look at the build code for my car below:

Type Value
VIN **********GN87935
Type code DN63
Type 540I (USA)
E series E39 ()
Series 5
Type LIM
Steering LL
Doors 4
Engine M62/TU
Displacement 4.40
Power 210
Drive HECK
Transmission AUT
Colour TITANSILBER METALLIC (354)
Upholstery STANDARDLEDER/GRAU (N6TT)
Prod.date 2002-09-06

Options

Code Description (interface) Description (EPC)
S202A STEPTRONIC
S204A DRIVE VERSION EXPORT
S319A INTEGRATED UNIVERSAL REMOTE CONTROL
S326A REAR SPOILER, DELETION
P337A M SPORTS PACKAGE
S403A GLAS ROOF, ELECTRIC
S415A SUNBLIND FOR REAR WINDOW
S416A SUNBLINDS Roller sun visor, rear lateral
S459A SEAT ADJUSTM., ELECTR. W. MEMORY El.
S464A SKIBAG
S465A THROUGH-LOAD SYSTEM
S481A SPORT SEATS F DRIVER/FRONT PASSENGER
S494A SEAT HEATING F DRIVER/FRONT PASSENGER
S500A HEADLIGHT WASHER SYS/INTENSIVE CLEANING
S508A PARK DISTANCE CONTROL (PDC)
S521A RAIN SENSOR
S522A XENON LIGHT
S640A CAR TELEPHONE PREPARATION
S650A CD PLAYER
S677A HIFI SYSTEM PROFESSIONAL DSP
S694A PREPARATION FOR CD CHANGER
S705A M SPORT SUSPENSION II
S710A M LEATHER STEERING WHEEL
S715A M AERODYNAMICS PACKAGE
S760A INDIVIDUAL HIGH-GLOSS SATIN CHROME (shadow line)
S775A INDIVIDUAL ROOF-LINING ANTHRACITE
S780A M LT/ALY WHEELS PARALLEL SP.MIXEDTYRE BMW
S785A WHITE DIRECTION INDICATOR LIGHTS
S818A MAIN BATTERY SWITCH
S925A SHIPPING PROTECTION PACKAGE

Standard equipment

Code Description (interface) Description (EPC)
S210A DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL III (DSC)
S249A MULTI-FUNCTION FOR STEERING WHEEL
S302A ALARM SYSTEM
S354A GREEN STRIPE WINDSCREEN
S431A INTERIOR RR VW MIRROR W AUT ANTI-DAZZLE
S438A WOOD TRIM
S441A SMOKERS PACKAGE
S470A CHILD SEAT ISOFIX ATTACHMENT
S473A ARMREST, FRONT
S520A FOGLIGHTS
S534A AUTOMATIC AIR CONDITIONING
S555A ON-BOARD COMPUTER
S645A RADIO CONTROL US BMW
S661A RADIO BMW BUSINESS Radio BMW (C43)
S845A ACOUSTIC BELT WARNING
S850A ADD FUEL TANK FILLING FOR EXPORT
S853A LANGUAGE VERSION ENGLISH
S876A RADIO FREQUENCY 315 MHZ
S992A NUMBER PLATE ATTACHEMENT MANAGEMENT

[Qsilver7]

P337A M SPORTS PACKAGE

This was an order code item added to the 2003 model year in the USA to simplify the ordering for the dealers and included the following Items:

S202A STEPTRONIC
S481A SPORT SEATS F DRIVER/FRONT PASSENGER
S705A M SPORT SUSPENSION II
S710A M LEATHER STEERING WHEEL
S715A M AERODYNAMICS PACKAGE
S760A INDIVIDUAL HIGH-GLOSS SATIN CHROME (shadow line)
S775A INDIVIDUAL ROOF-LINING ANTHRACITE
S780A M LT/ALY WHEELS PARALLEL SP. MIXED TYRE BMW
S785A WHITE DIRECTION INDICATOR LIGHTS[FONT=Arial]

He also said that there were a couple of items that got added during manufacture that were not listed such as high stall torque converter and performance rear axle.

Thanks for posting this information. We know have even more proof of the difference between the regular sport pkg (BMW option code P270A & the M sport pkg (BMW option code P337A)

The high stall speed torque converter and performance rear axle was a given in all the sport packages for the 540i/iT (not sure on the I6 models until someone steps up with their build sheet).

Some of my sport pkg options are the same as yours and some are different due to it being a Touring...here's more of mine that we can compare to yours:

• S204A Drive Version Export Shorter Final Drive Ratio
• S227A Sport Supsension w/Self-leveling Suspension Sport Susp.+Low-Slung+Ride-Height Ctrl
• S339A Satin Chrome Shadow-Line Trim (instead of your High Gloss Satin Chrome Shadow-Line)
• S481A Sport Seats F Driver/Front Pass Sports Seat
• S710A M Leather Steering Wheel M Sports Steering Wheel, Multifunction
• S202A STEPTRONIC

[Cyrix2k]

Thanks for posting this information. We know have even more proof of the difference between the regular sport pkg (BMW option code P270A & the M sport pkg (BMW option code P337A)

The high stall speed torque converter and performance rear axle was a given in all the sport packages for the 540i/iT (not sure on the I6 models until someone steps up with their build sheet).

Some of my sport pkg options are the same as yours and some are different due to it being a Touring...here's more of mine that we can compare to yours:

• S204A Drive Version Export Shorter Final Drive Ratio
• S227A Sport Supsension w/Self-leveling Suspension Sport Susp.+Low-Slung+Ride-Height Ctrl
• S339A Satin Chrome Shadow-Line Trim (instead of your High Gloss Satin Chrome Shadow-Line)
• S481A Sport Seats F Driver/Front Pass Sports Seat
• S710A M Leather Steering Wheel M Sports Steering Wheel, Multifunction
• S202A STEPTRONIC

Not all, the early 540iA sports still received the 2.81:1 diff and the 6-speeds all have the 2.81 (except for maybe 2003?). Either way, there's not a huge difference. For those who want a collectible car, the 2003 M-Sports are great. For those concerned with performance, all the 540i/6 and the later 540iA sports remained about equal. The suspension remained the same through all the V8 sport models, even for 2003 despite the name change.

[BKphoto]

those make the car wicked fast...

[Qsilver7]

Not all, the early 540iA sports still received the 2.81:1 diff and the 6-speeds all have the 2.81 (except for maybe 2003?).

Your, right...thanks for the correction...I keep forgetting this small difference between the Tourings & sedans rear end gearing. Shame on me, sorry.

And as far as the suspension parts...I think most would be surprised as to the actual parts that are different in the 4 suspensions for the regular equipped cars, the ones equipped with EDC, the ones with sport package (M suspension), and the ones with the M sport package (M suspension II).

Again, if you look up the front & rear axle suspenison diagrams & part nbr index...you can read down thru the parts that are specific for each pkg.

[boca rat]

Qsilver7 - can't believe I missed that in the FAQ. I joined bimmerfest as well at the same time so must have overlooked it. Nice write up in your link, just what I wanted, pity its not searchable for "sport premium"...

I'm pretty sure the article in Bimmer doesn't mention this but will have to reread again tonite to be sure.

Lordy, talk about confusing.

Thanks for all the help, hopefully I've found my car otherwise who knows what other options I will stumble across...

[ganesht]

those make the car wicked fast...

man dont you know they are good for at least 15 rwhp?

[m5hoot]

Unfortunately, too many don't read the FAQ section OR use the search function. To make this all even more confusing, the M-sport package was offered prior to 2003 but only on non-USA vehicles. If you had a Canadian 2001 straight six, it could have been a real M-sport. The M-sport were only sold into the USA in 2003, Cars sold for destinations elsewhere could be the real deals so when you hear of a 2001 M-sport, before you pronounce it a fake, see where it was first titled.