What's in an '02 Sport Package?
#1
07-06-2009, 07:29 AM
What's in an '02 Sport Package?
I just picked up a 2002 - 540i that has the sport package option (from a Lincoln-Merc dealer in Miami). My local BMW dealer said that includes sport steering wheel, seats and slightly lowered and stiffer suspension. Does anyone know if there is more included such as, higher torque diff, modified tranny software, torque converter, etc.?
#2
07-06-2009, 10:24 AM
The sport package, besides suspension, is purely cosmetic.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_5_Series_%28E39%29
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.
#3
07-06-2009, 12:30 PM
Thanks for the response, Tractor.
The wikipedia article needs to be corrected to 2003 as the last year for the E39 chassis (their chart reflects this correction). The '03 did have the special "M-package" I found out thru KenRockwell.com (BMW and Merc enthusiast) who wrote an article about his 2003 - 540i. My '02 - 540i didn't get in on all the M-technic ground effects and 18" wheels that BMW offered on the last model year, but I was hoping it had more on it than just stiffer shocks.
Thanks, again!
The wikipedia article needs to be corrected to 2003 as the last year for the E39 chassis (their chart reflects this correction). The '03 did have the special "M-package" I found out thru KenRockwell.com (BMW and Merc enthusiast) who wrote an article about his 2003 - 540i. My '02 - 540i didn't get in on all the M-technic ground effects and 18" wheels that BMW offered on the last model year, but I was hoping it had more on it than just stiffer shocks.
Thanks, again!
#4
07-06-2009, 01:49 PM
Could be mis-advertised and actually not a sport package.
#5
07-06-2009, 02:18 PM
Had the CarFax, no options listed. No window sticker was saved from original owner. Local BMW dealer didn't even know much about it. Sport options that I do know it has: M-steering wheel, sport seats w/ adjustable thigh cushion (as you mentioned), 17" forged & staggered M-wheels, lowered sport suspension and Steptronic transmission. My main question concerns whether or not it has the engine/tranny software modifications and/or the 3.15 diff.
I do appreciate ur feedback, thanks.
I do appreciate ur feedback, thanks.
#6
07-06-2009, 02:21 PM
In 2003, BMW added the Motorsport bodywork to the Sport Package. Prior to this, a 540i Sport had the same bodywork as a non-Sport car. So, your 2002 540i Sport should have: sport seats, steering wheel, wheels (17" split 5 spoke?), performance tires, and suspension.
#7
07-06-2009, 02:23 PM
Nope, I don't know of any BMW sport packages that have modified ECU's or transmissions.
You should post pics when you get a chance! My chiropractor had a black/black 2002 540i with sport package and it was gorgeous!
You should post pics when you get a chance! My chiropractor had a black/black 2002 540i with sport package and it was gorgeous!
#8
07-06-2009, 02:23 PM
Had the CarFax, no options listed. No window sticker was saved from original owner. Local BMW dealer didn't even know much about it. Sport options that I do know it has: M-steering wheel, sport seats w/ adjustable thigh cushion (as you mentioned), 17" forged & staggered M-wheels, lowered sport suspension and Steptronic transmission. My main question concerns whether or not it has the engine/tranny software modifications and/or the 3.15 diff.
I do appreciate ur feedback, thanks.
I do appreciate ur feedback, thanks.
#10
07-06-2009, 02:26 PM
^ Yes, I'm positive. I bet it was a 3.15 gearing (up from 2.xx) but I'm not positive on that . . .
Shawn, perhaps call your local BMW dealer and talk to the parts department. I bet they could look up the differential for the 2002 540i Sport, and see if there are any differences between it, and the non-Sport part.
Shawn, perhaps call your local BMW dealer and talk to the parts department. I bet they could look up the differential for the 2002 540i Sport, and see if there are any differences between it, and the non-Sport part.