My 98 E430 sport came originally with Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D2 235/45ZR-17, I don't think they are "****ty" at all, indeed, they are z-rated high performance tires that sell about $233 each at tirerack...plus, I think the upgraded 17" x 7.5 wheels for the Sport option weight less than the stock 16". That's the only difference for getting the sport option. I bought my E430 sport in 98, so the regular 98 E430 still came with 16" stock wheels, but now the 2000 E430 comes with standard 17" and with bodykits, I don't think it's worth of getting the sport package any more unless one still wannabe a E55-wannabe . (but you need the 18" and amg exhaust too)
There is one thing that really piss me off, why is the sports package for the c-class so cheap (around $900) compared to e-class ($4000)plus, the stuff c-class is getting for the sport option is more useful(suspension, upgraded wheels, gauge, etc) compared to only bodykit and upgraded wheels for the e-class. Well, I guess everything with AMG on it is very expensive like all other name-brand. Hail to the RennTech EV12!!

---WILL