How do you spot a genuine M-Sport BMW?

[Tristan 338]

Hi

I'm in the market for an M-Sport BMW at the moment and have come across a few I've been keen on but I have questioned whether they are genuine M-Sport cars or if they've just been blinged in Japan by the previous owner.

A few of the things I tend to look out for (but I'm not 100% sure are even true indicators are)

-Motorsport badge on inside door trim

-Extendable thigh support on front seats

-Motorsport badge on steering wheel

-Motorsport wheels

etc.

So I don't want to go out buying a "motorsport" car and finding it's just got a body kit on it and different wheels so if possible it'd be nice if some BMW veterans could share their experience.

Thanks in advance.

[thorburn 121]

e39 e46???

[Tristan 338]

Both.

[JaseNZ 53]

IMO best way is to get a build sheet on the car, Then you know excatly what it has ie

337 M SPORTS PACKAGE

226 SPORTS SUSPENSION SETTINGS

255 SPORTS LEATHER STEERING WHEEL

481 SPORT SEATS F DRIVER/FRONT PASSENGER

788 M LT/ALY WHEELS

and so on.,

[APT 195]

Where do you get a build sheet from ?

[elmarco 56]

^^ What he said...

Mine is a non-motorsport and has 2 of the things you have listed.

[JaseNZ 53]

Dealer, When i was looking at buying and checking cars out when I came across one I liked i would drop into the dealer and they would print me out a build sheet. I have to admit they were pretty good as i must have dropped in about 10 times , But at the end of the day they are getting my $$ when i need servicing etc.

Edited July 17, 2010 by M-Spec

[Tristan 338]

IMO best way is to get a build sheet on the car, Then you know excatly what it has ie

337 M SPORTS PACKAGE

226 SPORTS SUSPENSION SETTINGS

255 SPORTS LEATHER STEERING WHEEL

481 SPORT SEATS F DRIVER/FRONT PASSENGER

788 M LT/ALY WHEELS

and so on.,

That's great, thanks.

[sp8s 1]

Where do you get a build sheet from ?

Try looking under the back seat

[Tristan 338]

Try looking under the back seat

How do you get under the back seat?

If the car is ex-Japan will the dealer have a build sheet?

[kiwi535 538]

quote the chassis number(last 7 digits of the vin) at the dealer and yo u will get a version of this

Type code HD12

Type 535I (ECE)

Dev. series E34 ()

Line 5

Body type LIM

Steering RL

Door count 4

Engine M30

Cubical capacity 3.50

Power 155

Transmision HECK

Gearbox MECH

Colour DIAMANTSCHWARZ METALLIC (181)

Upholstery SCHWARZ LEDER (0203)

Prod. date 1989-12-01

Order options

No. Description

200 KATALYSATOR - ENTFALL (no catalytctic converter)

209 LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL (25%)

226 SPORTS SUSPENSION SETTINGS

291 BMW LM SCHMIEDERAD/KREUZSPEICH (alloy wheels)

302 ALARM SYSTEM

320 MODEL DESIGNATION, DELETION (no model badge)

335 M TECHNIC SPORTPAKET (mtech body kit, front spoiler skirts,rear wing, aero rear bumper cover)

339 SATIN CHROME (matt black finish around windows instead of chrome)

401 SLIDING/VENT ROOF, ELECTRIC

458 SEAT ADJUSTMENT, ELECTRIC. F DRIVER/PASS

481 SPORT SEATS F DRIVER/FRONT PASSENGER

498 HEADRESTS IN REAR, MECHANIC. ADJUSTABLE

500 HEADLIGHT WASHER SYS/INTENSIVE CLEANING

534 AUTOMATIC AIR CONDITIONING

548 SPEEDOMETER WITH KILOMETER READING

560 CO-PILOTS IN RR COMPARTMENT (reading lamps in rear )

563 BEL.MAKE-UP SPIEGEL (make up mirrors(or lights for make up mirror)

571 BOOSTED POWER SUPPLY (140 w alternator/aux battery?)

676 HIFI LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEM

687 RADIO PREPARATION

708 M-SPORT LEATHER STEERING WHEEL II

806 Neuseeland Ausfuehrung

847 erweiterter Kabelbaum

850 ADD FUEL TANK FILLING FOR EXPORT

925 SHIPPING PROTECTION PACKAGE

Edited July 17, 2010 by kiwi535

[Tristan 338]

Wow, that's extensive. So how exactly do you find that? Just tell the dealer the chassis number?

[JaseNZ 53]

Try looking under the back seat

I forgot all about that lol, When i had my e36 i found it under the back seat

How do you get under the back seat?

If the car is ex-Japan will the dealer have a build sheet?

They are stapled to the underside of the seat squab. (but you will not always find one)

The dealer (Bmw of course) is able to pull up a build sheet on any bmw as long as you supply the vin number.

Edited July 17, 2010 by M-Spec

[kiwi535 538]

all you need is the chassis number and a co operative BMW dealer

[JaseNZ 53]

all you need is the chassis number and a co operative BMW dealer

Yes co operative being the key, Not all would do this for you i would say.

[Tristan 338]

Yes co operative being the key, Not all would do this for you i would say.

Ok that's great, thanks for your help.

[sp8s 1]

Try PMing Glenn

He should be able to help you if you ask nicely