X3 M Series?
 

couldn't they have just bought M Series Rims?:dunno:

That's a possibility but the rims they had were X3 standard rims with the M Series logo on them. Plus they had the steering wheel.

No M Version
 

BMW have now decided to introduce MSport versions of almost if not all of thier model range.

In short this means M Style alloys/Steering Wheel Decals on the Speedometer and I think door entry seals.

In short a few M badges for extra bucks.....a car with some show but none of the go. :bustingup

If you want an M model go out and get one.If you look at the MSport version of the 3 series even Stevie Wonder would notice that the M3 has 4 exhaust tips (2 each side) compared with 2 tips on one side on the M Sport versions.The wheel arches are much more flaired and most M drivers notice at the huge bulge on the hood concealing the beating heart of the beast. :D

i hear ya, but how many people here
have the M steering wheel? there's
no M Series X5.

i'm sure someone will chime in though
w/ more knowledge than i though. :thumbup:

Basically through the Model lifecycle a few things happen...in the case of the previous 3 series (E46) it was introduced as a Saloon then came the coupe. A year or so in the M3 coupe was released.Approx 12 months later the M3 cabriolet was released then the M Sport versions of the standard saloon until finally the termination of the model range of this chassis the M3 ZCP (over ion the US) or CS over here in the UK.Then finally the e$^ was replaced by the Honda Acoord...ooops sorry they look so alike..E90 3 series. :D

In short in order to keep their product alive manufacturers have to slightly reinvent the model(cosmetic changes) to keep the product from looking tired or dated.

There has been reportedly an M version of the M5 as a concept...I have even seen a black one Mbadged in Guildford Surrey UK with a Nurhmbergring Decal on the back :wow: ...who knows may have been.As regards release no M version but the M Sport edition with badges stickers and non M tuned engine is due for release in 2006 in the UK. :dunno:

If it's the case of just ordering the steering wheel and requesting the rims then I think it's a silly thing to do.

actually, the 4.6 and 4.8 were touted as "M" series in the beginning, but changed to the designation 'HP' which was BMW's designation for 'high performance'. But there is no official X5 "M" version (yet).... but jeff and i are working on it! ;)

It's the $1800 Sport Package. It comes with:


18 x 8.0 Star Spoke (Styling 113) alloy wheels, 235/50R-18 all-season tires
Shadowline exterior trim
8-way power adjustable front sport seats with 2-way manual thigh support
3-spoke leather-wrapped sport steering wheel
Full body-color aerodynamic kit with painted side skirts

Note: Sport suspension consists of stiffer springs and anti-roll bars. While these features improve the sporty handling of the X3, they can also create a firmer ride, which may not be acceptable for all customers.

I've heard the sport tuned X3 has a very harsh ride. But then again, isn't that what "sport" is all about?

M steering wheel is very different from the normal sport/non-sport steering wheel. Smaller diameter, nappa leather, thicker. I have the sport wheel one of my X3's and the M wheel on the other. I prefer the M wheel. I even put M3 seats in my X3, cuz I just hated the seats that came with it.

Got pix of all that hawt stuff? :)

Yeah...I'll take a pic of it once I'm back from my trip. Still trying to figure out how to put the passenger side M3 seats since the seat sensor is different on the X3 versus the E46. Was thinking about just taking it out from the X3 seat and putting it in the M3 seat. An upholsterer can do that. And the dealership doesn't sell the X3 passenger seat sensor pad separately.

I just took receipt of a 2006 X3 with the Sport Package. In addition to the items listed by jaaX3 it came with the following:

//M door sill strips (front only)
Sport silencer (no vacuum-operated flapper valve, larger exhaust tips similar in style to the M3 tips, not chrome covers)

Regarding the ride, I also got the 235 / 255 performance tire and 8.0 / 9.0 wheel option. DEFINITELY a smoother ride than the '04 and even the '05 Sport package, yet it still maintains outstanding handling for an SAV. I am throughly pleased!

Post pics?

Yes, I have one. Black/black `06 M-Sport X3.
Factory M-options: 6-speed with M-shift knob, M-steering wheel, M-door sills, Anthracite headliner (M-product), M-exhaust (twin round pipes), entire body painted black (bumpers and rocker panels), M-suspension, M-specific X3 wheels and Sport Seats.

You likely saw this...

http://www.bmw.ca/configurator3/Zoom...475_BW192M.jpg
http://www.bmw.ca/configurator3/Zoom...475_BW192M.jpg
http://www.bmw.ca/configurator3/Zoom..._LGAZ_438E.jpg

The best part? You can still get the Steptronic with the M-Sport Package! :wow:

The strange thing about that pic is that the steering wheel isn't the M version. There was an 06 on ebay with the sport package and it had the M version steering wheel.

Ah well you know the fine print...The car might not be exactly as shown. I guess this is the case with the last shot.

Actually, I haven't seen the ebay car, but mine has the same steering wheel, but they now put a little 'M' emblem on the bottom (6 o'clock) spoke.