what contributes the most to the SP driving dynamics?

y789 · 02-18-2006, 11:08 PM

There have been lots of arguments and discussions about the virtues of SP (sports package) for the e90. This post is not meant to discuss whether one should or shouldn’t get the SP, but to find out which component of the SP (steering, sports seats, wheels & suspension) that contributes the most to the improved driving dynamics of the SP compared to the non-SP models:

1. Steering wheel/system: The SP steering wheel is marginally smaller but I do not see this makes a big difference compare to standard steering wheel. If I am not mistaken, the steering system is the same between tow versions except the wheel itself. All other things being equal this will contribute no more than 5% to the driving dynamics of SP.

2. Sport seats: probably improved comfort for thigh & back as well as better holding in hard/spirited driving. All things being equal, I’ll give this 5% as well

3. Sports wheels: wheels could make up of 20% of the improved driving of SP.

4. Suspension: The lowered (1.5cm) suspension contributes the most to the better driving characteristics of the SP. I give this 70%; all other factors being the same.

Question is: If non-SP models owners want to get the driving dynamics of the SP, would it be a sound decision to lower the suspension to get the most of standard SP driving characteristics?

tctic · 02-18-2006, 11:24 PM

I'll give the Sport Seats a lot more credit to them. Not 5%.

ben1364 · 02-19-2006, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by y789

There have been lots of arguments and discussions about the virtues of SP (sports package) for the e90. This post is not meant to discuss whether one should or shouldn’t get the SP, but to find out which component of the SP (steering, sports seats, wheels & suspension) that contributes the most to the improved driving dynamics of the SP compared to the non-SP models:

1. Steering wheel/system: The SP steering wheel is marginally smaller but I do not see this makes a big difference compare to standard steering wheel. If I am not mistaken, the steering system is the same between tow versions except the wheel itself. All other things being equal this will contribute no more than 5% to the driving dynamics of SP.

2. Sport seats: probably improved comfort for thigh & back as well as better holding in hard/spirited driving. All things being equal, I’ll give this 5% as well

3. Sports wheels: wheels could make up of 20% of the improved driving of SP.

4. Suspension: The lowered (1.5cm) suspension contributes the most to the better driving characteristics of the SP. I give this 70%; all other factors being the same.

Question is: If non-SP models owners want to get the driving dynamics of the SP, would it be a sound decision to lower the suspension to get the most of standard SP driving characteristics?

The driver contributes most, by far.

bluemagic · 02-19-2006, 08:12 AM

I think the suspension is the least of the reasons why I picked the SP. I'm not an expert driver by far but I couldnt feel any difference between the non SP suspension I test drove and the SP I ordered. The nicer feel of the sports seats combined with the look of the SP wheel and the larger 17" 191's made the choice for me. I'd like to get 18's later but the stock 16" rims looked too small.

roppongicorolla · 02-19-2006, 01:13 PM

SP also gives you a staggered setup F/R which seems to make it turn in quicker (but feels less stable on a straight road) and stickier summer tires.

When increasing the wheel diameter it's only natural to follow up with a suspension drop, so you can say that if you get SP sized wheels you are pretty much on your way there. Of course BMW offers it to you at a very good price, which is why SP owners chose this option.

BellasBmw · 02-19-2006, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by y789

1. Steering wheel/system: The SP steering wheel is marginally smaller but I do not see this makes a big difference compare to standard steering wheel. ?

Isnt the SP steering wheel bigger than the standard steering wheel?

34Three · 02-19-2006, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BellasBmw

Isnt the SP steering wheel bigger than the standard steering wheel?

This is a girth vs. diameter difference...can't believe I'm writing that

Seriously the diameter is larger on the reg wheel, grip material thicker on SP and spongy. I drove an older 528i the other day and if felt like a school bus...steering wheels are shrinking thankfully!

02-18-2006, 11:08 PM	#1
y789 Private 2 Rep 57 Posts Drives: e90 325 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: earth iTrader: (0)	what contributes the most to the SP driving dynamics? There have been lots of arguments and discussions about the virtues of SP (sports package) for the e90. This post is not meant to discuss whether one should or shouldn’t get the SP, but to find out which component of the SP (steering, sports seats, wheels & suspension) that contributes the most to the improved driving dynamics of the SP compared to the non-SP models: 1. Steering wheel/system: The SP steering wheel is marginally smaller but I do not see this makes a big difference compare to standard steering wheel. If I am not mistaken, the steering system is the same between tow versions except the wheel itself. All other things being equal this will contribute no more than 5% to the driving dynamics of SP. 2. Sport seats: probably improved comfort for thigh & back as well as better holding in hard/spirited driving. All things being equal, I’ll give this 5% as well 3. Sports wheels: wheels could make up of 20% of the improved driving of SP. 4. Suspension: The lowered (1.5cm) suspension contributes the most to the better driving characteristics of the SP. I give this 70%; all other factors being the same. Question is: If non-SP models owners want to get the driving dynamics of the SP, would it be a sound decision to lower the suspension to get the most of standard SP driving characteristics?
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02-18-2006, 11:24 PM	#2
tctic Major 38 Rep 1,238 Posts Drives: BMW E90 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	I'll give the Sport Seats a lot more credit to them. Not 5%.
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02-19-2006, 08:12 AM	#4
bluemagic Enlisted Member 3 Rep 41 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Coupe Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Ramstein AB Germany iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 335i Coupe [0.00]	I think the suspension is the least of the reasons why I picked the SP. I'm not an expert driver by far but I couldnt feel any difference between the non SP suspension I test drove and the SP I ordered. The nicer feel of the sports seats combined with the look of the SP wheel and the larger 17" 191's made the choice for me. I'd like to get 18's later but the stock 16" rims looked too small.
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02-19-2006, 01:13 PM	#5
roppongicorolla all systems are go 2 Rep 157 Posts Drives: 325i SG SPP Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Lake Jackson, Texas iTrader: (0)	SP also gives you a staggered setup F/R which seems to make it turn in quicker (but feels less stable on a straight road) and stickier summer tires. When increasing the wheel diameter it's only natural to follow up with a suspension drop, so you can say that if you get SP sized wheels you are pretty much on your way there. Of course BMW offers it to you at a very good price, which is why SP owners chose this option.
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