New 2000 740I Sport

[dabears34]

I just bought a 2000 740I Sport with 83,000 miles on it. I would like to know what makes it a sport? It has the M wheels, wood grain, steptronic, no chrome trim. Is there anything else that is different?

Also, I took it to get checked out and they told me it needed front control arm bushings. They said that the job would run around $400 including an alignment. Does that sound fair? Thanks

[crewdog843]

This issue has been hashed and rehashed several times in the past three months. Do a search, but based on what you have posted, it sounds like a sport especially with the Steptronic and lack of chrome trim, although these could also be mods. The wood trim is standard on these cars. Your front seats should also be segmented, that is: adjustable thigh supports. My ride is a non-sport, so I speak only from memory...others may chime in later.

jake

[vqman]

it's the bestest E38..

[jmiseo2008]

The only thing i do not like about the sport model is the lack of chrome trim.

[Qsilver7]

The wood trim...as stated is standard across the board...BUT...the Sport Pkg uses Vavona Redwood Trim instead of the standard Nussbaum (walnut) wood trim. :)

The other BIG difference is that the short wheel base 740i Sport...has more "goodies" than the long wheel base 740iL/750iL Sports. The "short" 740i Optional Sport Package includes:

Options/Features Exclusive to the 740i Sport Sport suspension (conventionally achieved). High-stall-speed torque converter.
Performance final drive ratio.

Also Includes:
18-in. wheels (different sizes front/rear) with performance tires.
STEPTRONIC transmission feature (driver-controlled shifting).
Shadowline exterior trim.
3-spoke M sport steering wheel.
18-way Contour sport front seats.
Vavona redwood interior trim.

The 740iL sport package is more "cosmetic" than it is substance...its redeeming "sportiness" is achieved basically thru electronics (the EDC feature)...the 740iL "Optional Sport Package" includes: EDC (Electronic Damping Control)
18-in. wheels (different sizes front/rear) with performance tires.
Shadowline exterior trim.
Vavona redwood interior trim.


The 750iL comes packed with just about every option available as standard equipment...so the "Sport Pkg" for the 750iL, though listed like the one for the 740iL....actually has a few more items than its V8 long wheel base cousin...the 750iL "Optional Sport Package" includes: 18-in. wheels (different sizes front/rear) with performance tires.
Shadowline exterior trim.
Vavona redwood interior trim. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
EDC (standard equipment on 750iL) Steptronic (standard equipment on 750iL) rear self-leveling suspension (standard equipment on 750iL) *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ 3-spoke M sport steering wheel (no cost option over standard heated steering wheel) 18-way Contour sport seats (no cost option over standard 16-way Active Comfort seats standard on the 750iL)

[dabears34]

This forum is awesome! I never expected such a quick and complete response. Any feedback on the control arm bushings?

[Qsilver7]

yep, that's a pretty standard rate for parts and labor for doing the control arms at a dealer. about the only way to get better savings is if you purchased the parts from one of the really good online vendors...but your dealership may balk at installing parts not purchased thru them.

You may want to seek out an independent BMW wrench in your area that comes highly recommended...it could save you dough in the long run...and if we can talk you into becoming a DIY'er...you'll really save some cash! :D

Here's a link to the BMW Online Vendor List...check out some of the part prices from their web catalogs vs the wholesale prices from the BMW online parts database:
1. BMW Online Vendor List: http://home.earthlink.net/~hainesinutah/bmwvendors/

2. Online Parts Data Base: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do