X5: Sport or No Sport?

[fjoyce]

I'm about to buy an x5 4.4. Is it worth getting the Sport package? I'm talking strictly from a driving performance perspective. From a driving perspective the Sport package for X's provides only a tighter suspension, unlike the 5's where you get more driving benefits. Interested in hearing from X owners to see if they feel the package was worth it. Does it make for a less comfortable ride on long highway runs?

Thanks.

 

[asad]

Go for Sport - better sale afterwards - sports suspension is firm but adds to enjoyment.

Good Luck

 

[fjoyce]

I see from another thread you've got a 4.4. Did you find a noticeable difference, 4.4 w/o Sport vs 4.4 with? Any headaches with your Nav system- I'm considering going the same route.

Thanks.

 

[MrElussive]

The Sport Package makes the ride more firm, but provides better handling. From a driving perspective, I would definitely go with the Sport Package but it depends on whether you're after ride comfort or driving pleasure. The Sport Package does make the ride quite rough for back seat passengers and the suspension does feel firm, but it gives the X5 jaw-droppingly-good handling and you get those sweet 18" wheels which give the vehicle a really sharp look.

 

[asad]

The UK Sport Spec has 19 inch alloys - the ride and handling is excellent with the sport model.

Navigation is very user freindly - I am still having difficulty in trying to activate the Day / Night map modes however, as the current 2004 X5 model does not seem to have this function on the menu or hidden menu - checked with dealersip too ! This is not absolutely essential but the glare does cause difficulties at night time.

 

[x5ed]

From a driving perspective, yes the SP is definitely worth it. Beware, though. Mine has the 19" wheels with performance tires and I hear they're horrible in snow. I haven't had mine over winter yet. Fortunately we don't have too many snow days around here, but still I'm bracing myself for a challenge.

 

[deutsch100]

We have a 2004 X5 4.4i with every option available including Sport Package. I can not recommend it enough. It does not make the ride stiff or bumpy in the X5...it is a dream to drive.

With the Sport Pkg. it really handles like a sedan. We can rip our X through the Hollywood canyons and it feels poised and glued to the ground.

The rims that come with the Sport Pkg. are so hot (and the easiset rims you will ever clean), they are reason alone to get the sport Pkg. You will love it!!!

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[jochet]

Just Got a 2004 X5 3.0 with both performance and sport package, yes the sport package is worth it. The ride is a little harder but comfortable, just the a BMW should drive. What a great handling vehical. The seats are great and I love the steering wheel. Hope this helps

 

[fjoyce]

From fjoyce: I ended up getting the X5 4.4 with Sport. Absolutely love the ride. I'm hearing the tires that come with Sport are not all season and therefore perform poorly in winter. Any experience with this?