30i or 35i ??

[Chippie]

I think the old saying is true about it is more fun driving a slow car fast versus driving a fast car slow. Still the NA 3.0 is no slouch in sport mode.

You are quite correct too much power can be dangerous and great fun can be had going slowler at all he limits of a car, although it’s nice to be able to use the extra power now and again, having once lost the back end (all be it on black ice) of a caterham style kit car, it does make me very aware not to push the 35is too hard on the damp windy bits

 

[Rassi]

I had the N52 in an E86 and now the N54 in the E89 - the N52 is a very sweet and linear engine, but the N54 is a beast! I would argue that it has the legs on the S65 V8 in 95 % of street driving scenarios, coupled with the DCT it really is brutal and this is stock - I have not had any expense yet, but I like the character of the N54 very much, that it can be driven on torque and enjoying the easy access to the reserves, while wound up it is a very very quick car.

 

[scootr]

I would love to try the N54 with a real stick shift - Pretty sure that I would then HAVE TO HAVE one :roll:
I watched a long video of the side by side N52 and N54 tear down explaining every change made to improve the N54 for the turbo application.
These are both great motors.
I do love me a stick shifter though and I never found the right combination of colors and features in a 35i while I was shopping. Still happy after all these beers

 

[stijohnny]

Slightly wide eyed at a ‘North of 400bhp’ 35i on standard suspension

The 35i is a whole other world away from the 30i. Remapped they can easily go north of 400bhp, and they really feel very very quick. As mentioned running costs can be a little high, but if you can afford it, its a no brainer. a ‘North of 400bhp’ 35i on standard suspension..... Straight line duties only then....!! :lol:

Cheap enough to add a set of the much superior Eibach springs and H&R ARBs, then stick in a Quaife LSD, that should help to keep the power in check...

 

[mcbutler]

Slightly wide eyed at a ‘North of 400bhp’ 35i on standard suspension

The 35i is a whole other world away from the 30i. Remapped they can easily go north of 400bhp, and they really feel very very quick. As mentioned running costs can be a little high, but if you can afford it, its a no brainer. a ‘North of 400bhp’ 35i on standard suspension..... Straight line duties only then....!! :lol:

Cheap enough to add a set of the much superior Eibach springs and H&R ARBs, then stick in a Quaife LSD, that should help to keep the power in check...

The N54 is good for a max of around 700BHP according to 'N54 Tuners' on stock internals, its an incredble engine.

 

[sammyz]

I've had my 35I for three years. Tuned to 380 bhp allegedly. Goes like stink, great car.
Done 16k in that time, now on 46k.
Washer pump failed last year. That's it so far.
I expect a big bill or two eventually but find a good one, and given the relatively low prices you will not regret it.