Atacama Yellow 35is build thread

[Nanu]

Interesting comparison. I had a 28i previously and now driving the 35is it's like chalk and cheese although neither were adapted in any way.

I find the 35is handling in everyway superior although neither had non run flats. I was tempted to change but my Indy mechanic says the adaptive suspension just doesn't work as well with non run flats. One day perhaps I may get the opportunity to drive a 35is without the run flats and judge for myself. As for outright performance and grunt, the standard 35is is more than acceptable for me and will see off many a competitor.

[tiglon]

You really didn't like the 35is, did you?

TBH, if you want a roadster that handles brilliantly you'd be better off in a £2k MR2...

With regards to the gearbox, I think there was room for a third setting in between D and S. D is fine for trundling around, although the kickdown is too unnecessary - when overtaking I now always pre empt it by changing down myself. S is fine when you're absolutely going for it, but neither D or S works very well for spirited driving when you don't want to go nuts and hit 7k rpm before changing up, which is where I probably spend most of my time. For that reason I end up in manual a lot of the time.

It's taken me about 4k miles to work out how to get the DCT to behave exactly how I want it to.

I imagine once you make your planned changes the engine, transmission and handling will all feel far better to you.

Nanu, I would definitely recommend non RFT's, although I haven't driven a 35is with RFT's. With the michelin PS4s Andy put on, the grip is exceptional compared to my old 30i with RFT's (albeit with smaller wheels and SE suspension).

[Chippie]

You really didn't like the 35is, did you?

TBH, if you want a roadster that handles brilliantly you'd be better off in a £2k MR2...

With regards to the gearbox, I think there was room for a third setting in between D and S. D is fine for trundling around, although the kickdown is too unnecessary - when overtaking I now always pre empt it by changing down myself. S is fine when you're absolutely going for it, but neither D or S works very well for spirited driving when you don't want to go nuts and hit 7k rpm before changing up, which is where I probably spend most of my time. For that reason I end up in manual a lot of the time.

It's taken me about 4k miles to work out how to get the DCT to behave exactly how I want it to.

I imagine once you make your planned changes the engine, transmission and handling will all feel far better to you.

Nanu, I would definitely recommend non RFT's, although I haven't driven a 35is with RFT's. With the michelin PS4s Andy put on, the grip is exceptional compared to my old 30i with RFT's (albeit with smaller wheels and SE suspension).

Totally agree with your comments on the DCT, only driven mine with non run flats so can’t really comment on the run flats, one thing I can say is that when I fitted the Michelin PS4S’s the handling was a great improvement from the previous mismatched rubber it had on when I bought it

[R.E92]

I think the DCT just takes time to get accustomed to. It's really a superior unit to the 8HP in every way, it'll shift faster and hold much more torque.

With xHP software it can hold 1000Nm of torque so you don't have to worry about the trans holding you back.

I have mine configured to hold gears a lot longer in D mode. The stock config shifts too early, probably for emissions reasons.

[B21]

I think the DCT just takes time to get accustomed to. It's really a superior unit to the 8HP in every way, it'll shift faster and hold much more torque.

With xHP software it can hold 1000Nm of torque so you don't have to worry about the trans holding you back.

I have mine configured to hold gears a lot longer in D mode. The stock config shifts too early, probably for emissions reasons.

Hello R.E92, I think we'll have to disagree on 'how nice' the DCT vs 8HP is.

Whether I've adapted to it or its adapted to me, it does seem to better 'think' about what I'm doing.

Against the 8HP45 of course the DCT box out flanks it, which is good for all tuners and tweakers!-:)

However when its cold, or you change your mind suddenly in tight spots or slowing up rapidly it shows its age /limitations.

I'll treat it to some fresh oil and filter.

Given the history of DCT sumps leaking do you think a pre-emptive change of actual sump is merited?

[B21]

Interesting comparison. I had a 28i previously and now driving the 35is it's like chalk and cheese although neither were adapted in any way.

I find the 35is handling in everyway superior although neither had non run flats. I was tempted to change but my Indy mechanic says the adaptive suspension just doesn't work as well with non run flats. One day perhaps I may get the opportunity to drive a 35is without the run flats and judge for myself. As for outright performance and grunt, the standard 35is is more than acceptable for me and will see off many a competitor.

It would be no suprise to surmise that the adaptive suspension is optimised for run flats as that was the only option specified by BMW.

However having done 30k in the 20i and now 4k in the 35is we will have to beg to differ on the merits of each versions handling.

[B21]

So getting ready for the start of the big parts swap / upgrade program next week.

Just unboxed the Ohlins suspension system, its a work of art and engineering..beautiful.

I've used Ohliins several times on various bikes to great effect so feel very comfortable with this decision.

I chose it over the popular KW series primarily as it leaves the ride height unaltered (well 5mm down at the nose)

For Scottish hooning ground clearance is already too tight on single track and bumpy roads, Ohlins AFAIK, is the only coilover that doesn't dramatically reduce the ride height.

Not cheap but is probably the best road biased suspension in the world.

If its good enough for Porsche and Lambo to be used as upgrades it should be OK.

The dual valve action should get around the normal trade off between high speed, large diversions control and pottering around ride comfort.

Has a simplified one knob for rebound and compression..most reports indicate that one set there's little need to vary it.

[Flyingfifer]

So getting ready for the start of the big parts swap / upgrade program next week.

[enuff_zed]

If that kit works to the standard of your photo presentation you'll be fine.

[B21]

If that kit works to the standard of your photo presentation you'll be fine.

Just getting ready for the porno shoot!

[B21]

So, following down another tried and trusted route..

Fitting E90 M3 steering linkages and bushes as per previous N20 Yellow Peril.

Not sure if its a waste of resources, but the hot tip from the US, is to put a very high grade bearing in the top part of the steering linkage.

In my case its an M3 arm, brand new of which one bearing will be removed and replaced before we even move!

The view is that this bearing is under the greatest strain under braking and or hard steering or even worse with both.

So anyway going with both M3 arms and the mega bearing upgrade.

For the observer, as the front headlamp angle sensor cannot be connected directly to the control arm, I've got a whole new one and I'm going to use aerospace glue to bond the clip to the new M3 control arm.

As a by the by..one of the TRW arms was destined to be a BMW boxed part..hence the grinding off, of the BMW logo in the centre of the arm.

[Zed Baron]

If that kit works to the standard of your photo presentation you'll be fine.

Just getting ready for the porno shoot!

Shocking!

[R.E92]

I think the DCT just takes time to get accustomed to. It's really a superior unit to the 8HP in every way, it'll shift faster and hold much more torque.

With xHP software it can hold 1000Nm of torque so you don't have to worry about the trans holding you back.

I have mine configured to hold gears a lot longer in D mode. The stock config shifts too early, probably for emissions reasons.

Hello R.E92, I think we'll have to disagree on 'how nice' the DCT vs 8HP is.

Whether I've adapted to it or its adapted to me, it does seem to better 'think' about what I'm doing.

Against the 8HP45 of course the DCT box out flanks it, which is good for all tuners and tweakers!-:)

However when its cold, or you change your mind suddenly in tight spots or slowing up rapidly it shows its age /limitations.

I'll treat it to some fresh oil and filter.

Given the history of DCT sumps leaking do you think a pre-emptive change of actual sump is merited?

I wouldn't replace the sump unless it's leaking and even then only if I suspect it was warped. If you are going to open it up to replace the suction filter then I'd just make sure to use a fresh gasket and you'll be fine.

The most important filter to change is the suction filter on the side. That one seems to take the most strain.

[B21]

I think the DCT just takes time to get accustomed to. It's really a superior unit to the 8HP in every way, it'll shift faster and hold much more torque.

With xHP software it can hold 1000Nm of torque so you don't have to worry about the trans holding you back.

I have mine configured to hold gears a lot longer in D mode. The stock config shifts too early, probably for emissions reasons.

Hello R.E92, I think we'll have to disagree on 'how nice' the DCT vs 8HP is.

Whether I've adapted to it or its adapted to me, it does seem to better 'think' about what I'm doing.

Against the 8HP45 of course the DCT box out flanks it, which is good for all tuners and tweakers!-:)

However when its cold, or you change your mind suddenly in tight spots or slowing up rapidly it shows its age /limitations.

I'll treat it to some fresh oil and filter.

Given the history of DCT sumps leaking do you think a pre-emptive change of actual sump is merited?

I wouldn't replace the sump unless it's leaking and even then only if I suspect it was warped. If you are going to open it up to replace the suction filter then I'd just make sure to use a fresh gasket and you'll be fine.

The most important filter to change is the suction filter on the side. That one seems to take the most strain.

Hi R.E92..when you say 'suction filter on the side'..so there is one in the sump and one elsewhere for the DCt?

[R.E92]

Hi R.E92..when you say 'suction filter on the side'..so there is one in the sump and one elsewhere for the DCt?

Yes, 2 filters.

Here's a list of parts that might be useful for the DCT service:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/BMW-parts/Z4/Tr ... 0&d=788&v=