ZM to 35is

[john-e89]

Hi has anyone gone from a zM roady to an e89 35is and what we're the differences good or bad as I'm doing the switch, any input much appreciated, many thanks.

[original guvnor]

I think jamesbond on here has done. He prefers the 35iS.

[CornishRob]

Think it depends wat you want. If you want more of a cruiser, the 35 wins hands down.

[shortfuse 2]

changed from a m 29000 miles I am warming to the 35is the more miles I do in her gear box is silky smooth and the same performance .I think given time the 35is will come out on top

[jamesbond]

Hi

Pay no attention to my threads .. as I am abit of a one off worrier at the moment, until they get my thyoxerine levels correct.

[john-e89]

Well my hand has been forced somewhat as I need to now get a wheelchair in now and again and no chance with the e85 but I can in an e89 so although I'm stretching funds to the limit I thought go for the 35is, better selling point if I ever need to I think, I'm more than happy with the ride after testing a 2.0 m sport on 19's and the fact it's more of a cruiser, just going to be hard letting the ZM go, brilliant car.

[john-e89]

I really hope you don't make any rash decisions Jamesbond, can you stick it out until you're in a better place health wise? Be such a shame for you lose out financially. All the best with getting it sorted.

[jamesbond]

I really hope you don't make any rash decisions Jamesbond, can you stick it out until you're in a better place health wise? Be such a shame for you lose out financially. All the best with getting it sorted.

Yep

I was thinking that ....

[john-e89]

Shortfuse2 how do you find the exhaust noise levels on the 35, any louder than the M or same levels but different note? Which is to be expected obviously. Any regrets going from a manual or does the dct make up for it?

[jamesbond]

Hi

When I drive my 35is it sounds just like the z4m, and the same on start up from cold. the 35is has the 10db sports exhaust.

The DCT is great .. which is funny as this was one of my big concerns, but turned out to be a great gearbox. When I had my m's (I have owned three) I always wanted a auto due to a bike accident when I was younger.

so in some ways it reminds me very much of my old E85 z4m'S .. as you said great cars, but for us battle bruised chaps the DCT is a great compromise

[john-e89]

Brill thanks for that James, I had a n e85 3.0si in auto that got written off and tbh the novelty of paddles wore off very quickly but I think that was largely due to the push with the thumb downshift, did'nt like that at all but they've put the proper left for down and right for up shift on now as you know. This is obviously all down to individual taste but I like to get as many peoples opinions as possible as I'm in that paranoid phase of 'have I done the right thing' going back to auto!

[ronk]

Brill thanks for that James, I had a n e85 3.0si in auto that got written off and tbh the novelty of paddles wore off very quickly but I think that was largely due to the push with the thumb downshift, did'nt like that at all but they've put the proper left for down and right for up shift on now as you know. This is obviously all down to individual taste but I like to get as many peoples opinions as possible as I'm in that paranoid phase of 'have I done the right thing' going back to auto!

Yes!
I don't bother with the paddles very often - the auto box in sport mode works it out quicker than I can!

[SO8]

I had a Z4M Roadster and have moved on (albeit with a gap and a 330d) to a Z4 35iS.

Personally I find the ride softer in the 35iS than the Z4M unless the 35iS is put into 'sport' mode.

Noise I find the 35iS louder , more bass.

The 35iS is quicker and doesn't have the annoying issue (well it was to me anyway) of the 1st to 2nd gearchange. The DCT is great up through the box and stunningly quick whilst smooth. Kickdown makes you wait a second or so which is a bit frustrating and nowhere near as quick as the new 8 speed auto in the M135i / M235i but I would never swap it for the manual box of my Z4M R. The paddles are something I never use. With the DCT box set to sport along with the suspension it does seem to make the car fly ! Steering is heavier (and in this setting like the Z4M R), gear changes happen *very* quickly and the car seems to burble more on over run with the odd pop and bang you don't get as much of in 'normal' mode.

[john-e89]

Have to say I agree with you so8 on the 1st to 2nd change in the M it gets a bit of a pita at times, and to be brutally honest i'm not upset at changing it as I think at 48 i'm ready for something a bit more cruisey, and an e89 seems just right, though I might change the spec to a 35i if it's a bit quieter, 305 bhp is still more than enough grunt. Just getting old and clapped out I reckon! Thanks for the input.

[shortfuse 2]

john-e89
the noise level is about the same .I wanted a auto box the gearbox is superb smooth responsive much more of a cruiser
more comfortable ,I think in a couple of months I will be saying it is far superior to the m .but hey its everyone to there own .
I am just getting older and have something easier to drive hip and knees playing up.
(old git that I am ) lol