Seeking advice, please, concerning the likely difference in the Z4 35is - was there an upgraded version created circa 2013

[Chippie]

I can put up with all the arty farty spiel that he comes out with, it can be entertaining, but it’s the questions that a simple Google search or common sense would provide the answers too

 

[Z4MAD]

Pondrew, you are perfectly correct in your observation that a few years ago I was indeed 'Banned For Life' from this most magnificent of Forums, all of which was motivated by one or two reprobates that wrote about me in the most unkind and also within monosyllabic phrasing,... it was the monosyllabic phrasing that really hurt me. This notwithstanding, since the ban I have been more than happily incarcerated in Monaco. However, I received notification from the board of governors of this Forum beseeching me to make a return. Which, as you can see, I have agreed so to do on the basis of an agreement that I should be provided with a BMW motor car of my choice. Since I have never owned such a device it was quite naturally fitting that I should choose a BMW E89 Z4 35is which is to be delivered this week. It is painted in Melbourne Red and has a sort of creamy leather interior. I also negotiated a suitable registration number which is MAD 1. It is wonderful to be so well thought of and so highly valued. And wait for this, which I assure you is absolutely true,... the annual insurance for this most wonderful of machines is a mere £112.00 (One hundred and twelve pounds Sterling).

 

[Z4MAD]

I can put up with all the arty farty spiel that he comes out with, it can be entertaining, but it’s the questions that a simple Google search or common sense would provide the answers too

Chippie, I should be most grateful, please, were you to kindly abstain from utilising 'Common' as there is nothing 'Common' about me and therefore I cannot accept the reference to 'Common Sense' and would further advise that I have never, ever, had any 'Common Sense' and very much doubt that I ever will.

 

[Z4MAD]

So…

Ride comfort


Key variables

Tyre construction

Sidewall height

External factors

Early runflat tyres as fitted to the E89 all its life were primitive designs with very hard sidewalls necessary as part of the run flat architecture…irrespective of the sidewall height they gave a very very bad ride…almost any modern non run flat will be markedly better ..some later run flat designs are better but still not as good as anon run flat..

Sidewall height

The height of the sidewall has a direct non linear impact on ride comfort..the taller the side wall the better the ride comfort…sidewall height is a function if tyre width and aspect ratio on high performance tyres…E89s need the same rolling radius on tyres whether they are 17/18/19 to preserve speedo accuracy…so 17 have mid ratio profiles on a 17” rim typically 45/40 whereas a 19’ rim has 35/30…for the same width of tyre the higher profile give greater side wall height..softer ride…the other ootion is to say change from a 35/30 profile on a 19’ to 40/35 ie same as 18” wheel…if you have different width alloys that support wide rims then that has a small impact in improving side wall height hence ride comfort..

External factors are the dampers, quality and aggressiveness of compression and rebound damping and length of suspension travel…so a long travel well damped Ohlins softly sprung will do much much better than a tired short travel original MSport spring and damper..

Obviously the type of road surfaces and the speed encountered has a major effect on the perception of ride comfort..

Finally perception based on comparative cars shape people’s views..almost any E89 is seen as softly suspended and more comfortable than E85s as they have shorter travel, typically older suspension components..

For those readings there are often contradictory statements made

This a particularly articulate and intellectually pleasing and hugely complex thesis on aspects of wheel diameter inter alia side wall sizing from which I have learned a huge amount. Thank you

 

[Mr Tidy]

Matsmith749, many thanks for your kind response,... I'm usually more conscientious than I have been in this instance; I have paid a quite substantial deposit on the car and now have a huge degree of remorse. This apart, and from your detailed response, it would seem that it would be a reasonably easy task to change the buttons to paddle shifts. No doubt it seems rather odd not to have checked the car more comprehensively,... the dealer was very well behaved such that he left me alone with the car for quite some time. He did take me out for a reasonable distance. However, I did not drive the car and was happy to be an observing passenger noting how it ran etc. Many thanks again for your kind reply.

So where is the car?

I imagine there is one pretty pissed-off Red 35is seller!