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Sitting on the Fence - 'new' 35i worth it?

Specific discussion about the E89 2009 Z4 (sDrive35is, sDrive35i, sDrive30i, sDrive23i)
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enzed4
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Sitting on the Fence - 'new' 35i worth it?

Post by enzed4 » Sun Oct 21, 2018 11:34 am

Have found a 35i I quite like the look of, but as always there are a few 'hurdles' - some perhaps self-made (or imagined).
2009, black, 67,000km (41,600mi). Black interior, PDC and satnav (with NZ maps, so someone's made some changes to upgrade the nav system which is usually quite expensive. As these Z4's come from Japan they usually have non-working GPS due to the different system in Japan). Paintwork looks beautiful as it has been 'Duraseal coat' protected - whatever that actually means.
The negatives:
Sadly, the Jap imports almoste never come with m-sport seats, and this one's no exception. (have seen them on one 35iS, but this may have been the only option on that model). I have been blessed with the m-sport seats in my E85 - how much am I going to miss them in the 35i?
The car is also on the other side of the country (ie, in the North Island). I'm in the South Island, so I would have to fly up there and drive it down if a deal was done. This would add another several hundred dollars, and more time as there are no direct flights.
The pictures also show what looks like a bit of neglect inside; nothing major by the looks of things so not a deal breaker (just dirty mats, a bit of wear on some of the switches/buttons and steering wheel, and a well-worn right pedal).
The price seems about right for the year/model/mileage.

I'd appreciate any comments or advice on this; anything I should look out for in particular, as I'm not that familiar with the E89's?

This is the car in question:
35i_01.JPG
35i_01.JPG (131.08 KiB) Viewed 731 times
35i_02.JPG
35i_02.JPG (125.19 KiB) Viewed 731 times
35i_03.JPG
35i_03.JPG (148.06 KiB) Viewed 731 times
35i_04.JPG
35i_04.JPG (121.47 KiB) Viewed 731 times
35i_05.JPG
35i_05.JPG (119.16 KiB) Viewed 731 times

Cheers.
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Gone: 2010 35i DCT
Gone: 2008 2.5Si Sport

Hunter
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Sitting on the Fence - 'new' 35i worth it?

Post by Hunter » Sun Oct 21, 2018 12:07 pm

How difficult is it to get an E89 in NZ? Are they a rarity? If the cars are plentiful..look for one that has all your option preferences in order of importance, if they are rare, which options can you do without? Ask yourself these questions and you will have a better understanding if this car is for you.
E89 S Drive 35iS

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enzed4
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Sitting on the Fence - 'new' 35i worth it?

Post by enzed4 » Sun Oct 21, 2018 12:17 pm

The 35i's are quite rare - only 3 listed in the country at the moment. We seem to get about 95% 23i's - I'm guessing that was the cheapest option in Japan so it now seems to be the majority of E89's that get imported here.
The one I've shown ticks most of the boxes for me - black interior, iDrive (if that's what the display on the E89's called), PDC.
I also wonder how harsh the ride is on those 19" wheels.
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Gone: 2010 35i DCT
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Sitting on the Fence - 'new' 35i worth it?

Post by Hunter » Sun Oct 21, 2018 3:48 pm

Ride harshness is over stated. It depends what you are comparing it to or what you are accustomed to. Its not going to give you the ride of an S class but its not going to be like driving an arial atom either.
E89 S Drive 35iS

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Zed Baron
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Sitting on the Fence - 'new' 35i worth it?

Post by Zed Baron » Sun Oct 21, 2018 5:18 pm

But what a drive home! :D
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