BMW hasn't exactly made things easy when it comes to naming their trims and models, of which there are an awful lot. Things can get quite confusing with the hierarchy of letters and the similar-sounding names.
We're here to set the record straight on how your drive can be enhanced by BMW M Sport Pro Pack (the crème de la crème of BMW add-ons) and whether it's worth what they say.
The Ultimate Driving Machine just got a whole lot better.
What is the BMW M Sport Package?
It's basically a series of trims for BMW vehicles. The M stands for 'motorsport' and, well, you know what Sport means.
What the M Sport package does is offer upgrades on certain BMW models to enhance them further and help make you stand out from the crowd.
Important to note: models with M Sport are different from M series cars (M3, M5, M8 etc) and M Performance cars (M135i, M330i etc). In a nutshell, M Sport is a level designed to make the chosen model look and feel a lot like an M series/performance car without the engine and race tuning that comes with it. Think of it as BMW’s take on Audi’s S Line, Ford’s ST-Line and Mercedes-Benz's AMG Line ranges.
Nope, but we wouldn't blame you for thinking it is.
The M Sport aims to give you the looks of an M3 without the running costs or price tag.
Which BMW Models Have M Sport?
Most BMW models are available in M Sport trim, including popular models like the BMW 1 Series, the BMW 3 Series and the BMW X5.
Here's some of the special features included in each one:
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BMW 1 Series: Xenon Headlights with headlight wash; Sun protection glass; Harman Kardon loudspeaker system; M Sport braking system
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BMW 2 Series: 18" M light alloy Double-spoke style 719 M Jet Black wheels; M Sport braking system; Windscreen with Grey shade band; Harman Kardon loudspeaker system
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BMW 3 Series: Sun protection glass; Harman Kardon loudspeaker system; M Sport braking system; 19-inch M Sport light-alloy wheels
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BMW 4 Series: 19" M Double-spoke style 740 M wheels; Mirror caps in Black High-gloss; Harman Kardon loudspeaker system; M Sport braking system; M Seat belts
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BMW 5 Series: 19-inch M Sport alloy wheels; Sun protection glass; Harman Kardon loudspeaker system; Saloon models gain an M rear spoiler
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BMW 7 Series: M rear spoiler; M Sport braking system; 20" M light alloy Star-spoke style 817 M wheels; M Sport braking system
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BMW Z4: 19" M light alloy Double-spoke style wheels; Adaptive M Suspension; M Seat Belts; Extended High-gloss Shadow line exterior trim
Exterior M Sport Features
M Sport aims to give you a better driving experience on the inside and more to boast about looks-wise on the outside.
It's not the same for every BMW model, as the A1 Series M Sport might not receive the exact same features as a 3 Series M Sport, for example.
Regardless, the impact is the same, and all M Sport BMWs receive a small 'M' on the side of the car to identify it as part of the unique trim.
Even better though, you'll see aerodynamic body styling to make the car look sportier and chunkier. Go to the front and you'll see a sportier, more detailed grille that's black in the middle with a chrome effect frame. Indeed, BMW's kidney grille is iconic enough as it is, and this only adds to the effect.
Also, a high gloss shadow line exterior trim adds two tones to the colour, making the overall car stand out a lot more than the SE/Sport trims. You also get LED fog lights which can be totally absent on lesser trims, and also (depending on the model) a slight spoiler which again has a high-gloss shadow line trim.
One of the more obvious changes are the drastically upgraded M Sport tyres and wheels. You'll also benefit from larger, more sporty alloy wheels and the sportier-looking low profile tyres.
BMW Tech Pack vs Pro Pack
Asking yourself: what is BMW tech pack?
The BMW Tech Pack is more geared towards advanced tech, infotainment, and connectivity. It focuses on features such as an improved sound system, more advanced navigation and additional safety systems. Ideal if you want a better in-car cabin experience.
The BMW Pro Pack on the other hand leans towards performance and luxury upgrades. This package tends to offer you more sportslike handling, higher-end comfort features as well as some exterior styling enhancements. Ideal if you want a better drive.
Here's the sort of features you can expect from the BMW Tech Pack:
Enhanced Infotainment
- Larger display screen (e.g., upgrading to a bigger iDrive screen).
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
- Gesture control, allowing you to control certain functions (like volume or answering calls) with hand gestures.
- Head-Up Display for critical driving information projected onto the windshield.
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS):
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
- Parking Assistant Plus (e.g. surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, and possibly even self-parking capabilities.
- Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go (for maintaining a set speed and following distance in traffic).
- Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind Spot Monitoring.
Premium Sound System
- Often gives you an upgrade to a Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system
- Better audio experience than the standard system.
Additional Connectivity Features
- BMW ConnectedDrive Services
- E.g. remote services, real-time traffic info, and the possibility of controlling the car via a smartphone app (lock, unlock, start, etc.).
How Do I Know If a BMW Has M Sport Package?
You’ll know if a certain model has the BMW M Sport package if you see door plates and steering wheel badges that identify a BMW as M Sport? They might also feature blue brake callipers and/or blue-coloured interior trim.
When browsing online, the site will usually make clear that you're looking at an M Sport BMW model. The title or vehicle trim will say 'Pro Pack' or 'M Sport' or similar.
Interior M Sport Features
What's good on the outside is in this case also good on the inside, especially compared with some lesser BMW trims.
The first thing you might notice are the full leather sports seats with some leather upholstery thrown in (except for the 1 Series). They're sturdier and better-equipped to deal with the stiffer suspension and lower ride height.
You'll also quickly notice that the improved leather steering wheel gets the 'M Sport' logo added to it, not to mention the transmission gear stick and the sill as well.
BMW will also throw in coloured headlining, remote control keys and an M Sport instrument cluster. Some models even receive a bigger fuel tank. In addition, aluminium and chrome trims are also added to boost the vehicle's sense of performance luxury.
As you can see then, BMW M Sport vehicles get a complete overhaul both inside and out, raising them up a notch from the bog-standard and premium vehicles.
Is M Sport the Best Trim?
In pure objective terms, the answer is probably yes.
But it's not always that simple.
Think of clothes. The expensive brands might be good for a night out or two, but are they really something you'd want to wear on a daily basis?
Same with cars. Depending on your lifestyle, occupation, and where or how you want to be driving on a regular basis, the sporty and aggressive feel that comes with the M trim might not always be the best thing.
Sure, it's great if you're looking for a little bit more in terms of comfort and sportiness, but bear in mind that BMWs also have plenty of other trim options. Different strokes for different folks.
Is M Sport worth it?
Again, not a question that really has a 100% answer.
You do get a lot of extras, so if you want the very best BMW driving experience without getting an actual M series, then the BMW M Sport package could well be worth it.
But if you only want 1 or 2 of the M Sport features, it's probably not worth going for the overall package. You can buy those specific things individually as optional extras.
For example, you might like the sound of leather seats and stiffer suspension, but do you really need the satellite navigation? Then just pay for the 2 things individually.
Add a Personal Touch With BMW's Add-ons
Whether you're seeking greater performance or just want to give your BMW a sharper visual edge, BMW pro pack and other add-ons give you the freedom to tailor your BMW just how you like.
Here's some of what's on offer:
Travel Pack
Perhaps you're privy to the occasional week-long camping trip, or maybe a road trip around a foreign country. In which case, you're probably going to need the extra space, right?
That's where BMW's travel pack comes in. It offers you up to 320 or 420-litres of extra storage space, complete with specially-designed and easy-to-install roof rails as well as an aerodynamic, triple-locking BMW Roof Box that's suitable for up to 50kg.
Better get your suitcases packed.
Mat Protection Pack
This allows you to protect your BMW's interior all year round with durable mats with raised borders that protect footwells from moisture and dirt, whilst elsewhere the boot is preserved by a luggage compartment mat with a robust, anti-slip and fluid-resistant cover that blends in naturally to the surroundings.
Pet Pack
BMWs keep humans happy, and pets too.
This animal-friendly package helps keep your 4-legged friends happy and your car safe and clean. Available on most BMW models, the pet pack includes an animal guard (the mesh 'wall' that you sometimes see which goes between the boot and the rear seats), a dog bowl and a rear compartment mat.
Pawwfect.
Cycle Pack
A spot of mountain biking or the Tour de France, BMW's cycle pack helps get you to where you need to be.
It includes easily mountable roof bars that are compatible with every one of BMW's roof support systems, as well as two user-friendly roof cycle carriers – ideal for transporting touring or children's bikes with a weight of up to 20kg.
Better get cycling.
How Do I Buy BMW Accessory Packs?
From a BMW retailer or online at the BMW shop.
Price can vary depending on model, so it's not completely the same all across the board. The price can sound like a lot, but for all the cool extras you receive and the boost it can give your BMW, you may well end up feeling that it's worth it.
Summary
Now you know what BMW M Sport is and how it and the other BMW packs can help enhance your overall driving experience.
Or maybe you simply like a BMW enough as it is and don't need any of the extra 'stuff', which is perfectly fine as well.
Not a BMW driver and want in on the action? Then head straight over to our BMW lease deals.
FAQs
What is M Sport Pro Pack?
The BMW M Sport Pro Pack is an optional package for certain BMW models which gives the vehicle a sportier look and feel.
What is the 5 Series M Sport Pro Pack?
The 5 Series M Sport Pro Pack comes with 19in wheels (18in on the 530e), a more sporty body kit, black instead of chrome exterior trim, sport seats, an M sports steering wheel, and black headlining as well as an instrument panel wrapped in faux leather (or as BMW puts it, 'synthetic leather').
How do you tell if a BMW is an M Sport?
You’ll find badges on the steering wheel and the door plates which identify a certain BMW as M Sport. M Sport models may also feature blue interior trim or brake callipers.