Z4M or 35is ?

[Austin]

As you already have a powerful weekly cruiser, I would personally be tempted by the M for a contrast. It would offer a different driving experience for the weekend toy, but a nice choice either way.

[Philly_Sweden]

Thanks guys, I think I get it...I am kinda leaning towards the IS for looks.

So if the M is a 10/10 on the "fun scale" as an example,.... Then what would the IS score ?

"Fun" in this scenario means ability to grab it by the scruff of the neck and drive/ get the back out type stuff on twisty roads

The M is like a go-cart. I've had 2 Z4MC and it's fun as hell.
I haven't driven the IS that much since I bought last fall but it's fun in another way as well.
I have ESS stage 1 so around 400HP/550NM and NO turbolag and the sound is actually good for beeing a turbo.

I wanted a more mature car since the E89.

The looks = The E89 wins comparing front ends. The E86 wins comparing the rear end.
Drive the manual/DCT but DCT is fantastic. I had a M6 E63 Before and the SMG3 vs DCT = night and day.

[David-H]

I went from the Z4M Coupe to a 35i DCT and have no regrets. I love the DCT!
(PS I did change the springs and front & rear ARBs to Eibach on the E89 though which improved the handling a lot!)

[Philly_Sweden]

I went from the Z4M Coupe to a 35i DCT and have no regrets. I love the DCT!
(PS I did change the springs and front & rear ARBs to Eibach on the E89 though which improved the handling a lot!)

Estoril blue

[willgill]

I have a C7 RS6 avant as a daily and also have a 35is for my mid life crisis roof down moments. It's so much more refined and relevant than the e85, the gearbox is awesome, the hardtop roof gives you a great mix of roof down potential and decent road noise reduction when its up. Handling wise I never find myself desiring much more from the platform. Sure the M is mildly more fun in testing conditions, but unless you are driving round a race track 24x7 the experience is rather dated.

[Z4M-2006]

Your gonna have to make this decision yourself..

Drive them and see what you think...

Considering they are probably similar money now for an M coupe and a 35is then the decision is even harder.

If the suspension was good on the E86 i would probably tip that way,but it is shockingly bad and its major flaw.

With the E89 you can just get in a blast away and be fast relatively quickly.

[sad_old_man]

I bought my 35is 6 months ago and in the past have owned an M5, M3 Convertible, X5 4.4 Sport and just bought my 21yr old son an M2.

I live in Blackpool and bought my e89 Z4 35is from Swansea after looking for a decent one for 4 months. I bought and paid for the car without even seeing it and fortunately it paid off in my favour. I prefer having the top down and i own Waminda but both cars will give you a lot of enjoyment and if you want fast............I mean FAST FAST FAST........... get the is!

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[Nanu]

Bias I admit but for the DCT alone the decision is an easy one.

[ph001]

just bought my 21yr old son an M2.

..must be loving the insurance premium on that! Unless he's on daddy's policy

[Mavster]

I didn't even consider the IS before I joined this forum, now it is the preferred option for me I feel. I saw a couple of US reviews mainly for the IS this evening ( yes I know,...say no more) but it comes across as being quite competent on the handling front. Finally, I also want a car that I will want to drive and not leave in the garage due to being concerned with it not going over 70,000 miles and nose diving in value .

[buzyg]

I didn't even consider the IS before I joined this forum, now it is the preferred option for me I feel. I saw a couple of US reviews mainly for the IS this evening ( yes I know,...say no more) but it comes across as being quite competent on the handling front. Finally, I also want a car that I will want to drive and not leave in the garage due to being concerned with it not going over 70,000 miles and nose diving in value .

What cat do you know that nose dives in value after 70k.

[mr wilks]

If you can enjoy driving a Audi you can get on with a 35Is no bother it won't make you tingle like a S54 does but the 89s look great , feel great in the cabin & even without adaptive ride the twin turbo's are competent & quick when needed

[Mavster]

...Like modern collectibles mainly

775 PS in anything, even an Audi can be made to be enjoyable

[jimmybell]

...horsepower does not a fun car make.

i guess ill prefix this again: test both, theyre very different and suit different requirements.

that said, id liken the 35is to modern bmw M cars (albeit not an M), and the z4m represents M cars of old. the former being sharp, smooth, rapid, a small GT. The latter is raw, unrefined, revvy and certainly a sports car.

[SO8]

I've had a Z4M Roadster and 2 Z4 35iS's .... currently in an M240i.

I grew to hate my Z4M quite quickly - it didn't go wrong but the gearchange was awful and the suspension / seats very competent but just too hard. I liked the noise but found it muted compared to the 35iS which in sport mode was lovely.

I would have another 35iS but needed a bit more space. The Z4M was a mistake - the lurching when cold was awful too.

The only thing about the 35iS that seems to pop up regularly is the roof sensors - I had 2 go. I had an earlier 35iS that was a nightmare (Friday afternoon car) but that didn't put me off the model ... just that car ! My second 35iS was lovely.

Get a 35iS and enjoy it