Diesel Sport Package - question

[RedTRex]

Greetings, I am fairly new here (but bmw owner for 20 years) as I have been researching a X5 purchase. I thought I wanted a 4.8is but I am leaning very heavy towards an e70 diesel.
My question is why on 2009 and 2010 the sport package doesn't have the appearance of the 4.8 sport package? whereas the 2011 and 2012 do.(hopefully that question makes sense)
The pic is a 2012 35d with sport package - that is what I want (I think).
I realize the wheels and fender lips can be swapped - is that the difference?
Thanks for the help.
Rick

[mavic1010]

The pre LCI (09/10) sport package option did not have the 20" wheels and fender flare option.. The LCI (11+) can be optioned with 20" which includes the flares.

[blue dragon]

Originally Posted by mavic1010

The pre LCI (09/10) sport package option did not have the 20" wheels and fender flare option.. The LCI (11+) can be optioned with 20" which includes the flares.

You could also have added on the 20" wheels onto the sport package, at least in Canada.

[RedTRex]

Thanks Mavic!

[ard]

Do also keep in mind that the sport package on the 2009 diesel included AD. On 2010- it was a stand alone option. (In 2008 it was called 'sport package', then 2010 on it became 'sport activity package')

[RedTRex]

so for 2011 and up need to look for sports activity package plus the optional wheels/lips?

edit: NVM - I just looked at the 2012 online configurator. Only weird thing is when you add the 20 inch wheels it delets sport suspension.

[999RX]

Sport package also includes thicker steering wheel and few other cosmetic changes...

As far as sport suspension delete that has to do with firmer springs and shocks that are available in european market but not available in the US. If you order sport package in the US, it will come with sport suspention delete option to keep standard suspension components and you cannot change that on a US car. Adaptive Drive is different, I'm just talking about traditional suspension.

FWIW, standard suspension + 20's and run flats will be responsive enough ride for a heavy SUV. I mean it's not like you'll be taking it to the race track.

[RedTRex]

Originally Posted by 999RX

FWIW, standard suspension + 20's and run flats will be responsive enough ride for a heavy SUV. I mean it's not like you'll be taking it to the race track.

funny you say that ...... I love to autocross and it did cross my mine to try the X5. BUT, on second thought at 5K + lbs it would be dumb to try. That's okay though my intention is for it to tow my race car.

[RedTRex]

I know its not a diesel but I absolutely love this e70 - Tobacco interior, is it rare?

BMW : X5 4.8i Sport Premium Cold Weather Package in BMW | eBay Motors

[ard]

That seller makes me uncomfortable. Are they selling buybacks???