Finally drove 330 sport pkg today . .

Local dealer finally got a sport package 330 in to drive, so I thought I'd share my thoughts on the differences between the sport and non/sport since that question seems to arise a bunch here.

After driving non-sport and sport virtually back to back, I think the sport package totally changes this car. Nothing wrong at all with the standard set-up, but the sport package makes this car feel like a true sports car. The steering feel is noticably heavier. Responsiveness is much more immediate. I didn't go all out on the drive, but definitely felt I would never be able to approach the handling limits of this car. Only sedan I've driven that even comes close to the feel you get in an M car or a Porsche. Hard to explain in words other than you just know at any moment you can immediately make the car do whatever you need it to, should the need arise.

Only downside I could feel was the ride was a bit more jittery over imperfections. Nothing too dramatic, but certainly noticable. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any "bad" roads to test what I really wanted to, which was the dreaded pothole.
I was really only disapointed with the steering wheel, which I had hoped was going to be a bit beefier than it was -- very minor issue though.

Anyway, just my 2 cents for those interested in another take on this issue. If/when I take the plunge, the sport package is the first option I'm checking off.

Reply » Finally drove 330 sport pkg today . .

Your impressions square with my thoughts too, except I like the steering wheel. The handling is simply amazing, which reminds me of the E36 I used to have.

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Reply » Finally drove 330 sport pkg today . .

I also had the opportunity to test both, but I did the SP with manual tranny, which I felt took my breath away, and the Stnd Steptronic 16".

My comfort level was with the E90 std w/ AT, now I miss the SP.

Lessons learned guys! SP all the way! whether manual tranny or not!

enjoy!!!!

Reply » Finally drove 330 sport pkg today . .

Good summary of my impression. I first test drove the non-sport and was very "ho hum" on the car and almost passed on the 3 series altogether. I then made myself track down a 330 sport, just to check, and knew it was "right" just driving out of the dealer's lot. It felt like a completely different car. It moves the car towards sports car for sure.

My complaint with the steering wheel is the very plasticky look to the center bulb and surrounds. Otherwise I like the feel.

Reply » Finally drove 330 sport pkg today . .

I drove both versions of the 325i and the 330i. I really like the look of the sport package better in both cars and I thought the steering wheel was great. However, being a bigger guy, 5' 10" 240lbs, I didn't like the feel of the sport seats. No doubt the sport models were more responsive, but I did try them on some bumpy roads (we've got plenty) and I couldn't handle the jolts. Neither car was that great in this regard, but the sport model was more than just a little worse than the standard. I really wanted to get a sport model, but in the end I decided I would rather have the more comfortable ride. You have to pay a price for performance, always have and always will.

Too bad BMW wont let us pick and choose from the various packages. I'd like a 325i with the lower stance and wheels that come with the 330i sport and the sport steering wheel, but without the suspension and seats.

Reply » Finally drove 330 sport pkg today . .

I test drove the 330 Auto (Thats all this dealer had) non sport package, found it rather ho hum, Felt like your everyday luxury car. But the acceleration on the interstate was awsome.

Then a few weeks later found a dealer with the 330 manual and sport package. Total Blast. To me the difference was night and day, I couldn't imagine not getting the sport package. This to me was a true performance sedan feel.

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