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03-14-2010, 07:22 PM | #1 |
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Difference between "sport package" and "M sport package"?
Friends, this is my first post. I have enjoyed lurking on the site for a while. I just joined because I am in the market for a used 1 Series coupe. The only option that is mandatory for me is the package that has the sport seats and suspension. As I have looked at different listings, I have become a bit confused about the difference between the "sport package" and "M sport" package.
As I understand it, there are distinctive trims finishes unique to the "M" cars - deadpedal, steering wheel, roof liner, handbrake, etc. And I understand that there are 18" wheels unique to the "M" cars as well. What is not clear to me is whether the sport seats are different in the "M" cars and whether there are suspension or brake tweaks unique to the "M" model, or is it all just cosmetic. I have seen several cars on Autotrader that have some of the "M" interior details but only one that actually had what I understand to be the unique wheels (261M). This led me to wonder if you can order the "M" trim items without getting the entire package (suspension and wheels?). I a looking for a used but well-loved coupe for my summer ride. For the past seven years I have been driving (on the crappy roads of Maine) an '01 Audi S4 (B5). It has been a real trooper. Now with 191k miles, it still runs like a champ and still turns heads (Nogaro Blue with black limo tint - that has cost me some ticket $ but I figure it is just part of the ownership cost). I would like to rest it during the summer and keep it for my winter commute. Was in a '99 A4 before that (retired it at 150k miles). Wife's car is a white '06 530xi. What a wonderful car. Solid and capable - like it was carved from a single piece of "car element." Finally, we have the trusty '03 Dodge Grand Caravan. Don't laugh. With four studded Hakkepelitta's it will go most anywhere the Audi and BMW will. And with 245k miles on it, it has been there and back. "Stand by your van...." Appreciate any help I can get on this. I actually would like to avoid the 18" wheels that I understand come with the "M" versions. I have bent too many 17" rims on Maine roads already. Thanks, David |
03-14-2010, 07:35 PM | #2 |
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What exactly you get equipment-wise between the two sport packages depends on the model you get.
Your main questions though are easy. There are no difference in the seats or suspensions between the sport and M sport packages. As for the wheels, you can't get 17in wheels on a 135i with any sport package unless you buy them aftermarket. Both 128i sport packages come with 17in wheels though. Now as for the specifics what you in addition to the non-M sport packages. 128i M sport pack adds different 17in wheels, black anthracite instead of grey headliner, thicker M steering wheel, 135i style front bumper, 135i style rear bumper with diffuser, and M shift knob. Maybe a M dead pedal too but not sure. 135i M sport pack only adds the headliner, and different 18in wheels. Also M sport packs are only available on certain exterior colors.
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03-14-2010, 07:56 PM | #3 |
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When ordering a new 2010 135i there are TWO sport options. (I think this was also the way it was for all model years: '08-'11's)
#1). ZMP option code: $1,300 (Miltary Sales price) (can not be ordered with ZSP!) which includes 2MR 18" double spoke wheels #261M 337 M-sport pack, door strips in M, shifter & hand brake all M 481 Sport seats 710 M-sport steering wheel 760 Shadowline trim 775 Anthracite headliner (black) 840 Increased top speed limiter the "other" sport option is this one: ZSP #2). ZSP Sport option code: $1,100 (mil price) 481 Sport seats 710 M-sport steering wheel 760 Shadowline trim 840 Increased top speed limiter So... for a measly $200 you get the nice Anthracite headliner, M-double spoke wheels (same size as standard car though), M door sills and shifter/brake. I went with the ZMP on my car. I order my car thru Military Sales program. I think the US options were a $200 each more. ? I think the ZMP option is more rare from what I have seen over here. I had to special order my car the way I wanted it. Good Luck, Hope this help you out. |
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03-14-2010, 07:59 PM | #4 |
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gyrfalcon, thanks for the quick response. I stumbled across the current retail price list which explains in some detail the differences between the sport and M packages. Now I get it. Good to know, however, that the seats and suspension are the same, as you say. Does that mean that whenever I see a 135i with sport seats, it will have 18" wheels as part of the package? If I ended up with one of those cars I would likely switch them out for 17" because of our crappy roads in Maine.
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03-14-2010, 08:08 PM | #5 | |
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Thanks bud. BMW dings the 128i owner. You are right that the differential on the 135i is a measly $200 making it a no-brainer. But for the 128i, the M package (ZMP) is $2450 vs $1300 for the non-M (ZSP), according to the 2011 price list. That makes it much more of a Hmmmmmm. |
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03-14-2010, 08:11 PM | #6 | |
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03-14-2010, 08:19 PM | #7 | |
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You know I am new here. Any reports about how stout the 18" wheels are when doing combat with rough roads? |
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03-14-2010, 09:07 PM | #8 |
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Hi deliberate1,
IF after you get your 135i you feel the need for 17's you could always get a set of them. I use 17's for my winter tire setup. Your gonna spend about $1,100 to $2,000 for a 17 wheel tire, TPS(tire presure sensors) setup. I think the 18's will be fine though. The one thing to keep in mind is that the run flat tire's ride quality is very sensitive to tire pressure settings. I run mine slightly low. But even just a few psi (4 psi)can make a world of differnce on how hard the car rides with run flats. Good Luck, David |
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03-14-2010, 09:15 PM | #9 | |
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All that said, swapping the stock runflat tires for normal ones tends to improve ride quality and likely reduces the chance of damaging rims due to the more flexible sidewalls of normal tires.
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03-14-2010, 09:37 PM | #10 | |
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Only IF you like the double spoke vs the standard 135i 18's, and if you like the black/anthracite headliner. When I ordered my 135i I preferred the standard 18's, and I didn't want the dark headliner as I prefer the lighter effect of the lighter headliner. So, when I ordered my 2009 I got the "sport package" and not the "M sport packge", the only difference is the headliner and the wheels. Steering wheel is the same, handbrake is the same, paddle shifter (automatic option) is the same. So, basically the M sport pkg. is the double spoke wheels and the anthracite headliner. On BMWusa.com it's still the same difference, and still only $200 for those 2 things. If you like the dark headliner and you like the double spoke wheels, then it is a "no brainer". OP: I'm in the Chicago area and we have our share of bad roads due to the widely variable weather. I kept my 18's and simply swapped the tires for Conti DWS all seasons and have had 0 problems or issues. If you need more traction than all-seasons, then get a dedicated snow tire set in either 17 or 18". However, if you go 17 you'll have to get taller sidewalls, which will soften the ride and the handling due to the added sidewall flex. Plus, snow tires don't perform too well when the roads are dry as they tend to flex and squirm much more than all-seasons, and the snows are loud while giving lower MPG. Snows are a great choice if you live in an area where there is snow on the roads for most of the season. Barring that, you may want to reconsider. |
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03-15-2010, 07:49 AM | #11 |
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Appreciate all the kind replies.
Regarding the wheels and winter swap-out, this is what I do with the S4. I have a dedicated pair of 16" wheels (downsize 1) with Nokian R's. As a Mainer who travels 110 miles every day round trip to work, and as a skier on weekends, it just makes sense have to have dedicated snows even with all wheel drive. I have Michelin Ice 2's on the 530xi. You can climb walls with that car/tire combination. The Series 1 will be a summer ride exclusively. Thanks again. Hope to have someting to show everyone soon. David |
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03-15-2010, 10:43 AM | #12 |
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Dackelone - Are you saying that dropping 4psi is OK? I would really like a little softer ride but did not think that anything but the 41 / 39 would be acceptable.
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03-15-2010, 11:04 AM | #13 |
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I think you should play around with your presures and find out what works best for you.
This is what I am running with my winter setup. 205/50HR17s on 17x7j wheels all around. 2.3 bar up front and 2.6 bar in the rear. That works out to: 34 & 39 psi. I tired using higher pressures but the ride was horrible!! These are the pressures that my BMW dealer set the tires too when I bought my winter tire package from them. OE bmw alloys with Good Year winter tires. Good Luck David Last edited by Dackelone; 03-15-2010 at 04:17 PM.. |
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03-15-2010, 11:13 AM | #14 |
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i have the m wheels, they hold up fine. I live in NY and the roads here are a warzone. I hit a few nasty potholes, and everything looks good.
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03-15-2010, 12:32 PM | #15 |
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03-15-2010, 12:40 PM | #16 |
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To clarify a couple of things:
The M-sport package wasn't available on the '08 1 series, only the regular sport package. The suspension on the 135 is the same whether you have the sport package, M-sport package, or no sport package at all. The standard 135 18" and M-sport (261) 18" wheels should be fine on the Maine roads during the summer. Swapping the run-flat tires for standard rubber will make a big difference on the potholes though.
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03-15-2010, 04:11 PM | #17 | |
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I find that the 32/35 recommended for my 128i with SP works well with decent handling and a plush ride, although I usually like to increase it by about 2 psi all around! Tom |
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03-15-2010, 05:29 PM | #18 |
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Hi Tom, Sorry for going OT, but... My car is a 2010, 135i 6sp manual. My door jam sticker says this: 36/39 psi for 18" summers (under 100 mph speeds!) 38/42 psi for 18 summers (OVER 100 mph speeds!!) I guess since my US spec car was delivered in Germany I get this added yellow decall! I also got the 155 mph speed limiter. Although I have not tested that out - yet! My winters are only good for 130 mph! In my owners manual I found specs for my 17 winter tire pressures: 33/36 psi winter (under 100 mph speeds!) 38/42 psi winter (over 100 mph speeds!) It also lists the pressures for 18" winters 215/40R18 36 psi (38 psi over 100 mph) 245/35R18 39 psi (42 psi over 100 mph) I don't really know why anyone would go with 18 inch winters - you want the skinniest and tallest tires for winter performance anyway. Only thing I can think of is for people who don't want to buy a 2nd set of wheels for winter duty. Like I said in my original post: I run 34 & 39 psi in my 17's winter setup. I find it the best compromise. but run what works best for you. bye, David |
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03-15-2010, 05:51 PM | #19 | |
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03-15-2010, 06:15 PM | #20 | |
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bye, David |
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03-15-2010, 07:15 PM | #21 | |
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BMW does seem to do some strange things with recommended pressures as my '03 Z4 3.0 called for 33/36 but the Z4 2.5 with the same 17" RE 050 RFTs specified lower pressures - 30/33, IIRC. As the Z4's ride was bone jarring, even without the SP, I pretended I was driving a 2.5 and opted for the softer ride. With one rotation, I managed 30,000 miles out of the stock tires (and never once ran off the road, even on the Dragon), so I guess choosing a bit more comfort didn't hurt. Tom |
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03-15-2010, 07:16 PM | #22 |
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2009 m sport package car came with dunlop's w/280 wear rating... sport comes with i believe 140 wear rating. Considerably different tire life.
Last edited by leftyone; 03-16-2010 at 12:31 PM.. Reason: original post indicated M Sport Package twice |
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