I think it makes sense that every 4.6/4.8is came with the sport package. Just like every six speed manual E39 540. I can't imagine that BMW would produce something with 'is' and it be available without sport.

I looked at the option codes for the 4.8 I am planning to buy. It shows four separate codes related to the sport package:

226 Sport suspension settings
255 Sport Steering wheel
481 Sport seats
840 High speed sychronization

I *have* seen a 4.8is with comfort seats but never ones without the other three options. A long time ago, I even had an E39 with comforts. I much prefer the sport seats that I have ragged out on my trusty old '04 3.0 and tried to keep fresh in my '00 540i6.

I understand that the 840 option refers to an increased rev limiter to accompany the sport suspension settings.