When do you get a sport button?

Sidewaze Samm

Sidewaze Samm

Senior member
 Sth. Manchester/Cheshire border
Hi guys

I'm currently looking for a 2.2 or 2.5i E85 in SE spec. (Available budget means probably a pre-facelift). This is because I really don't want the M sport suspension.

I'm aware of the differences between facelift Sport and SE models, but as all pre-facelift cars are SE with the Sports bits being options, it's a lot harder to identify them in adverts - especially if wheels have been changed.

So what I'd like to know is:
Did all 2.2 cars have a Sport button, was it an option, or was it all part of the M sport suspension option?
Does the same apply to all pre-facelift 2.5 cars?
Did pre-facelift 2.2/2.5 cars with M sport suspension automatically come with 18" rims?

I know using a vin checker will tell me what the set-up was when new, but sellers are understandably reluctant to give chassis numbers away over the phone/email, and most don't seem to know with any certainty what they've got under their car.

So - what are the easiest and most reliable ways to differentiate between M sport and non-M sport suspension on a pre-facelift 2.2/2.5 E85, from a distance?

cheers
 
My 2.2 didn’t have the sport button.... or leather steering wheel & leather seats

That said, I bought a button from bmw and will get it retrofitted soon
 
I'm sure all face lift Si models...2.5 3.0...have the button.
Pre I'm thinking was an option on 2.5 and 3.0
But I maybe wrong
D
 
I'm sure all face lift Si models...2.5 3.0...have the button.
Pre I'm thinking was an option on 2.5 and 3.0
But I maybe wrong
D
 
Hi Steve :poke:
I think it must have been an option on the 2.2 SE. Mine hasn’t got a sport button. As far as wheels go a lot of people have changed them over the years so it doesn’t mean that the car will automatically be MSport spec if it has bigger wheels. The MSport suspension is a little harder it’s true but one of the biggest factors in improving comfort and handling is getting rid of the runflat tyres. I don’t think you would notice a huge difference in ride between the 17inch and 18inch wheels. As long as they were fitted with non runflats. IMO the bigger wheels look better.
 
IRD said:
Hi Steve :poke:
I think it must have been an option on the 2.2 SE. Mine hasn’t got a sport button. As far as wheels go a lot of people have changed them over the years so it doesn’t mean that the car will automatically be MSport spec if it has bigger wheels. The MSport suspension is a little harder it’s true but one of the biggest factors in improving comfort and handling is getting rid of the runflat tyres. I don’t think you would notice a huge difference in ride between the 17inch and 18inch wheels. As long as they were fitted with non runflats. IMO the bigger wheels look better.
Click to expand...
Just trying to figure how reliable an indicator the sport button is, for the presence of M sport suspension. Your car supports the theory, but not definitatively...
I agree 18" rims have a better look, but the car will at times be parked in a very tight area with 'proper' kerbs - so smaller wheels are attractive for less chance of kerbing damage - and parking sensors attrative too.
The softer ride of SE suspension suits us better because the roads around here are worse than bad, but also because of the higher ride height, for those kerbs again.

cheeers
 
A worthwhile investment to reduce wheel damage is to buy and fit Alloygators. You can find them on the internet. Cost about £125 to have fitted to all four wheels and then about £25 to replace on if you kerb it. We have them fitted to our 330 d. I take a picture and try and include it with this post. They come in a variety of colours and can look a bit naff if for rxample you choose the yellow or green ones. However, everybody’s taste is different. Using them has saved us a few pounds over the years.B5466434-9000-400D-8130-223C257207C1.jpeg
 
IRD said:
Don’t know what happened to the last post. It is littered with typos. Must be my age.
Click to expand...
Glad to know it's not just me!
Out of interest, and even further off topic, where did you position the switch for your front parking sensors?
cheers
Steve
 
Steve have you seen the 68000 mile blue 2.5i SE on Autotrader? The advert states it is in Manchester. So not far away from you. Priced at £3500. Private seller. There is a telephone number 0161 9378335. Might be of interest if you haven’t already seen it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom