To Sport or not to Sport

[Yal]

I had an '03 2.5 with the Msport suspension. It was a rather harsh ride, but it seemed to work so well. Loved that car, but at the time, thought I needed something else.

Here we are 12 years later and I have the itch to again own, what I believe is the best looking car on the road.

I'm going with an '06 to '08 version this time and would like to do some auto-x as well as daily driving and the occasional run to the coast with my wife.

I'm looking at both 3.0 and 3.0si this time (si for the mo power), and my only question is, will I be totally disappointed in the non-sport suspension or will my old bones like it better? I'm not fast at auto-x, I do it mainly for fun and will probably do a track day or so. Any of you make good use of your non-sport models?

And i'm just looking for opinions before I go and start looking at actual cars.

[3GFX]

Originally Posted by Yal

I had an '03 2.5 with the Msport suspension. It was a rather harsh ride, but it seemed to work so well. Loved that car, but at the time, thought I needed something else.

Here we are 12 years later and I have the itch to again own, what I believe is the best looking car on the road.

I'm going with an '06 to '08 version this time and would like to do some auto-x as well as daily driving and the occasional run to the coast with my wife.

I'm looking at both 3.0 and 3.0si this time (si for the mo power), and my only question is, will I be totally disappointed in the non-sport suspension or will my old bones like it better? I'm not fast at auto-x, I do it mainly for fun and will probably do a track day or so. Any of you make good use of your non-sport models?

And i'm just looking for opinions before I go and start looking at actual cars.

Stock sport springs can crack. Personally the sport springs weren't worth it. In my humble opinion swapping out the suspension with aftermarket springs and dampers (or coil overs) is the way to go either way.

Better bolstered seats (if part of the package) are worth it. The rest comes down to looks.

The button on the dash to weight up the steering is "neat".

[Huz-Z]

Did the Sport Package include bigger brakes? You will get the sport button which changes steering feel, throttle response and shift points (in automatics). The sport package also upgraded from 17” to 18” rims. Some brochures with more details at http://www.bmwz4roadster.net/bmw_z4_brochure.htm .

[3GFX]

Originally Posted by Huz-Z

Did the Sport Package include bigger brakes? You will get the sport button which changes steering feel, throttle response and shift points (in automatics). The sport package also upgraded from 17” to 18” rims. Some brochures with more details at http://www.bmwz4roadster.net/bmw_z4_brochure.htm .

Bigger brakes came with the 3.0si but nothing to do with sport package.

[Yal]

Thanks for the responses. My 2.5 had the sport package and I have to believe that I either had crack/broken springs or blown shocks and coil bind. I hated bumps in that car and I didn't know enough of what to look for.

I was really just curious how much I'd be giving up if I went with a non-sport and then add my own coilovers, and how big of a hurry I'll be to get the updated suspension or is the 3.0 livable for a little fun in the short term

[Sergio19]

Non-sport for sure. Ride is still plenty stiff.

[Huz-Z]

Originally Posted by 3GFX

Bigger brakes came with the 3.0si but nothing to do with sport package.

I could swear that my buddy's non-sport 2008 3.0si has smaller rotors than my 2006 3.0 si with sport package. My car has the premium package too, so perhaps that's it. I haven't seen his car in a while so I can't confirm.

[wdb]

All of the non-M coupes in North America were 3.0si. Some had M sport suspension, some did not. 17" vs. 18" wheels for sure. Not sure about brake sizing.

[Our03z4]

Hey I can chime in on this for sure. I have an 03 2.5i with the sport package and an 08 coupe 3.0si also with the sport package. The 03 is a much harsher ride than the coupe and both have the same tires. My wife still complains about how rough the ride is, which I agree for long drives. 3 hours or less and you'll be fine. I'm actually looking at getting a Audi A8 for long drives and ditching the 03.