E39, What's the Difference between Premium and Sport Pkg?

[Fangs]

I am looking to buy a 2002 or 2003 E39 540i, and most I've seen have one or the other, but not both.

What is the difference between the Premium and Sport Packages? What is in each? If there is a website that has this info, I'd appreciate it! Also, if there is anything else to look out for, I'd appreciate that too. (For example, do the late model E39's have the cooling system prob's the earlier ones do?)

I've seen some with the Nav system, how common is it and what is your impression of it? We have one on our 2005 Land Cruiser, and love it...

Thanks in advance. Can't wait to upgrade from my E46!

[sp0rky]

the e39 is quite a solid car in comparison the e46 (both great cars)
So I would assume that you'll enjoy the e39

My e39 has both premium and sport, I don't think it would be too hard to find another like it.

Premium has things like fancier stereo, the passenger side mirror tilts down when you shift into reverse to see the ground, odd little "premium" luxuries.

Sport package has larger rims, lower and stiffer suspension, black trim instead of chrome around the windows - if it's a 540, little M bits all through the interior, etc.

[97alpineM3]

http://www.bmwmregistry.com/index.php

I didnt look... but try here... it explains a lot about ever model... if you want...

Good Luck,

Les

[Fangs]

Thanks for the replies, guys.

Does anyone have a link to the brochure for each model year (or any E39 model year?)

I read in another post about going to roadfly, but I don't know what to search for. So far, my search terms have not brought me luck...

[superdeadman]

they used to have the info on bmwtips.com but i'm not sure if they still do
it should be under specifications tab

yeah man 540 will feel big compared to e46, but you'll be amazed by its speed
as far as problems, i feel like the car will treat you how you treat the car

[davidvh2]

Mine has both packages which is nice but be prepared to look out for humps in the road which you'll likely hit & also a much harder ride. You'll be able to go round corners like a train but overall the suspension will give a hard ride. Pity it's not adjustable as on some Jananese cars.

[sp0rky]

e39 sport ride is hardly "harsh", sure it's not as soft as other cars, though.

IMO, I'd buy a non sport e39 and then do my own suspension. I like it to feel firm. I guess "out of the box" it's decently firm feeling.

[SnidelyWhip]

In both '02 and '03 only two option packages were available on a 540i:

Sport Package (ZSP)
on 540iA (Automatic) and 540iT (Sport Wagon)

and

Cold Weather Package (ZCW)
on any 540i model.

If you ordered the 540i/6-speed you got all of the Sport Package items except for the automatic transmission.

There was no Premium Package offered on 540i models, only on 525i and 530i models. The idea was to offer some of the luxury items that came standard on the 540i as optional packages for the lower trim level (and pricetag) cars.

This info straight from a BMW FastFacts CD which I got from my dealer when I was looking for an '02 or '03 540i/6-speed.

IMO, the 2003 model is the better of the two years because it had the staggered 18" M Parallel Spoke alloys standard on the 6-speed, and available with the Sport Package on the 540iA. The 2002 also had the M Parallels available (optional, not with a package) but they were staggered 17s.

The 2003 model also has the M Sport aerodynamic kit on both the 540iA Sport and the 540i/6-speed which adds more aggressive front and rear valances.

Hope this helps.

[Fangs]

THANK YOU! YES. Especially the information about the Premium Package not being an option on 540, although I have seen some listed as having it...

Cheers!