BMW 5 series - why m sport only?
BMW 5 series - why m sport only?
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Discussion

lornemalvo

Original Poster:

4,817 posts

96 months

Thursday 26th January 2023
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I've been considering a newish 5 series estate, but in searching I seem only to find M Sport models. My priority is comfort and the E46 330D I had back in the day was an SE, which was OK.. Does everyone actually want sports suspension, because there don't seem to be any SE models out there.?

vikingaero

12,947 posts

197 months

Thursday 26th January 2023
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I think BMW dropped SE for a lot of models years ago.

Everyone wants Sport and Sport Bruv Chav sells. The M Sport gives association to the true M Models.

Yomamaisasnowblower

338 posts

45 months

Thursday 26th January 2023
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Not looking for a 5, but it is pretty much the same for everything else. The M sports look better whilst the SE are a softer drive and look modest in comparison.

In the UK, impressing your neighbours is more important. Whilst living in various countries in Europe, I noticed this is less of a consideration and you see plenty of non M-sport/AMG/S-line examples on driveways.

Edited by Yomamaisasnowblower on Thursday 26th January 15:43

7 5 7

4,350 posts

139 months

Thursday 26th January 2023
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Give me a well sorted SE spec anyday, actively searched/wanted an SE albeit a 3 Series E91 over the M sport ones, little more anominous to me too, and dare I say it classier.

scot_aln

734 posts

227 months

Thursday 26th January 2023
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Not sure how often selected but I'm sure there is a sports suspension delete option on the M Sport spec car. Someone with a 5 though could maybe comment on the adaptive suspension option and how close that brings to SE levels.

CrippsCorner

3,368 posts

209 months

Thursday 26th January 2023
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Is M Sport any more than just a trim level? Thought it was purely about looks (nicer wheels, sideskirts etc.)

_Rob

108 posts

187 months

Thursday 26th January 2023
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CrippsCorner said:
Is M Sport any more than just a trim level? Thought it was purely about looks (nicer wheels, sideskirts etc.)
Generally it's that, plus suspension changes (firmer), interior design tweaks, sports seats, and a billion 'M' badges.

Brave Fart

6,506 posts

139 months

Thursday 26th January 2023
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scot_aln said:
Not sure how often selected but I'm sure there is a sports suspension delete option on the M Sport spec car. Someone with a 5 though could maybe comment on the adaptive suspension option and how close that brings to SE levels.
To (half) answer your question, I have a 2015 5 Series (535d saloon) with 'Adaptive Drive'. It's Luxury spec, which is SE styling; it's on 18 inch wheels and has Comfort seats. The adaptive suspension is extremely comfortable in Comfort mode, and delivers good control in Sport mode. I really rate the adaptive suspension and would definitely seek it out if I was buying a used car. It's a really good option (as are the Comfort seats BTW).

ZX10R NIN

30,410 posts

153 months

Thursday 26th January 2023
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As above look for the luxury model.

SteBrown91

3,083 posts

157 months

Friday 27th January 2023
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ZX10R NIN said:
As above look for the luxury model.
They didnt offer a Luxury in the G series I dont think.

All you can get is SE and MSport

Shifter1

1,081 posts

119 months

Friday 27th January 2023
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Yomamaisasnowblower said:
In the UK, impressing your neighbours is more important. Whilst living in various countries in Europe, I noticed this is less of a consideration and you see plenty of non M-sport/AMG/S-line examples on driveways.
This is true in so many levels.