Ride Characteristics for sport pkg ?

Hello,

I've been lurking for a month. After years of F150's and Navigators I'm looking for change so I can get back to enjoying my driving experience.

Today I went to Erhard BMW to buy a white 03 745Li I found on autotrader - she was sold before I got there.

The dealer had a nice 02 Blue 745Li with premium sound,adaptive ride,luxury seating pkg,19' wheels, and park distance. I like this car but it was missing the convenience group and the sport pkg. This forum also advised to be cautious with the 02 model year. But the car looked spotless and I have the maint records - a bunch of service codes.

Is there a noticeable difference in ride characteristics btw the sport pkg, adaptive ride, or base suspension ? I'm looking for a smooth ride but don't want float during high speed or a lot of roll in cornering.

I drove another 02 that was outside and these cars ride so nice. Idrive really isn't that bad once you take time to play with it. I drove a S65 a few weeks back and although it's nice I can't justify the $20k+ price difference. I believe the E65 offers more bang for the buck.

And last - I see 2 silver buttons on top of the steering wheel but the sales person was not familiar with there purpose.

In the meantime I'll be patient and look for finding what I want the 1st time. I recall a post a few weeks back how one of the members here took the car back within a few weeks to get the options he wanted. I thank all of you on this forum b/c I've learned a lot.

I have a 2004 745Li. It does not have the sport package. Nevertheless the ride on the highway is awesome. Seems like the faster you go, above 80 mph the more comfortable the car seems. In my limited experience with this car, the ride is super smooth. I wouldn't say that it floats and body roll has not been noticable in the corners, but there are times I wish I had the sport package for a slightly firmer/tighter ride, especially when I drive my wife's 528, which is noticable tighter and firmer. When I drive these cars back to back, I notice that the 745 is not as tight or firm; obviously since they are much different cars. These are my subject perceptions. What may be smooth to me may not be to you. I would recommend that you try to test drive a car with the sport package and then one without for comparison purposes.

The silver buttons in the front are for downshifting (clutchless) when in manual mode. There are also 2 buttons on the back of the steering wheel for upshifting.

Overall, the 745 is a fantastic highway cruiser. If only there was an autobahn in the US. It is powerful, agile and very comfortable. It is a little big (in my opinion) if the majority of your driving is "city"/around town.

Good luck with your search.

I have a '06 750Li with the sport pkg. It rides quite a bit firmer than the regular one. One would feel every little bump on the road. The performance is truly impressive. The cars stays almost complete flat during a hard turn. It yields a feel and agility of a 3 series instead of a large Li. It also sits slightly lower so there is less ground clearance. One would need to be extra carefull when approaching speedbump and driveways. The bottom line is if you are looking for ride comfort then it is not for you; but if you want to feel like you are driving a real sports car with 4 doors then it is about as good as it gets.

Yes, the sport pkg. rides stiffer and lower, but it handles and corners great. Holein1 is right on the money...you got to watch out for the speed bumps and you'll scrape a lot of driveways if you enter too fast. Otherwise, it is the best handling 4 door IMO. I think the lower ride looks a little better too, but I'm biased because I've always bought the sport pkg. models.

I love my sports package 750. It handles fantastically for such a large car. I sometimes will take the 7 out over my M3 because it's comfortable and it's great handling.

I do not have the sport package in my 2006 750iL. Ride is plenty firm and plenty fun. I drive it w/o regard to speed bumps, entrance ramps and other hazards. Hard to believe a car that large can generate so much driver feel.

SJ , dont tell me you got a busa too. lol
and a 745i .

u got a good taste .

Originally Posted by sjbusa

Hello,

I've been lurking for a month. After years of F150's and Navigators I'm looking for change so I can get back to enjoying my driving experience.

Today I went to Erhard BMW to buy a white 03 745Li I found on autotrader - she was sold before I got there.

The dealer had a nice 02 Blue 745Li with premium sound,adaptive ride,luxury seating pkg,19' wheels, and park distance. I like this car but it was missing the convenience group and the sport pkg. This forum also advised to be cautious with the 02 model year. But the car looked spotless and I have the maint records - a bunch of service codes.

Is there a noticeable difference in ride characteristics btw the sport pkg, adaptive ride, or base suspension ? I'm looking for a smooth ride but don't want float during high speed or a lot of roll in cornering.

I drove another 02 that was outside and these cars ride so nice. Idrive really isn't that bad once you take time to play with it. I drove a S65 a few weeks back and although it's nice I can't justify the $20k+ price difference. I believe the E65 offers more bang for the buck.

And last - I see 2 silver buttons on top of the steering wheel but the sales person was not familiar with there purpose.

In the meantime I'll be patient and look for finding what I want the 1st time. I recall a post a few weeks back how one of the members here took the car back within a few weeks to get the options he wanted. I thank all of you on this forum b/c I've learned a lot.

Not to mention that with the sports package, steering feels noticeably different. It's more accurate and more in tune with road and is razor sharp. I like the shape of the steering wheel. Also, you get the high gloss black shadow line trim with body colored contour line in the back.

Originally Posted by first5ny

The silver buttons in the front are for downshifting (clutchless) when in manual mode. There are also 2 buttons on the back of the steering wheel for upshifting.

Just a point of clarification for the OP...

Early E65s (2002 and early 2003s, I believe) did NOT have the buttons on the back of the steering wheel. If he is looking at pre-owned E65s, I didn't want him to think something was wrong when he couldn't find them. If memory serves, I think that feature was added just around the same time that a Sport Package became available in the US. (That's also about the time-frame when the Navigation system switched from CD to DVD? Memories!)

Originally Posted by first5ny

The silver buttons in the front are for downshifting (clutchless) when in manual mode. There are also 2 buttons on the back of the steering wheel for upshifting.

Just a point of clarification for the OP...

Early E65s (2002 and early 2003s, I believe) did NOT have the buttons on the back of the steering wheel. If he is looking at pre-owned E65s, I didn't want him to think something was wrong when he couldn't find them. If memory serves, I think that feature was added just around the same time that a Sport Package became available in the US. (That's also about the time-frame when the Navigation system switched from CD to DVD? Memories!)

Originally Posted by XZLR8

Just a point of clarification for the OP...

Early E65s (2002 and early 2003s, I believe) did NOT have the buttons on the back of the steering wheel. If he is looking at pre-owned E65s, I didn't want him to think something was wrong when he couldn't find them. If memory serves, I think that feature was added just around the same time that a Sport Package became available in the US. (That's also about the time-frame when the Navigation system switched from CD to DVD? Memories!)

yeah, I am shopping for 745li 2002, I could not find any button at the back.

So, how to upshifting? both buttons were downshifting when I test drove it.

Originally Posted by sjbusa

And last - I see 2 silver buttons on top of the steering wheel but the sales person was not familiar with there purpose.

How sad: A BMW salesperson did not know the purpose of those buttons... What are those guys doing the entire day??

It's like working at McDonalds and never heard the word "BigMac" before...

Originally Posted by Patina

yeah, I am shopping for 745li 2002, I could not find any button at the back.

So, how to upshifting? both buttons were downshifting when I test drove it.

i think it was jus the US models.... perhaps...cuz i have an '02 745Li and have buttons both on the steering wheel front and back....the ones on the front are for downshifting and the ones on the bottom are for upshifting...works gr8..IMO

Well the search continues.. I've been looking in my local area and there are quite a few cars BUT no sport pkg. I'll be patient since there's no hurry.

I'm flexible on my 3 color choices - silver, white, or Toledo Blue. However I insist on the sport pkg, convenience group, and Logic 7.

I do see more selection in Chicago so I'll take a trip on a off day.

Thanks for all the tips.