30i v 35i

[Boyo]

After parting with my beautiful MR in the summer and a brief encounter with an immaculate MINI GP1 (currently for sale on PH's) I have decided I want to return to a ZED. I am looking at these 2 models having rules out a 35is as I would like a manual car. Other than the slight difference in performance and one being NA and the other bi-turbo, has anyone driven both and if so how did they compare please.

 

[Maniac]

Slight difference in performance!? Totally different performance more like. The 30i is fine and revs well but cannot match the torque turbo urgency of the 35i.

As ever with this question, any view is subjective and you really need to drive both and make up your own mind.

 

[Zed Five]

I've owned both. they are 'nice to drive - chalk' and 'great to drive - cheese'. Turbos all the way. A world of difference.

 

[sammyz]

I went from a M.R. to a 35I. I did consider a 3 litre n/a but in the end it had to be the 35I. I just knew that I'd regret buying a lower power model. I can remap the 35I to 360-70 bop without any mechanical changes but tbh it's rapid enough as it is so I'm in no hurry to remap.

 

[LeeZ4MR]

It boils down to how you like the power delivered, you will have to work hard for the performance in the 30i whereas the performance is on tap with the 35i.

I find the 3.0 N/A engine pretty dated if I'm honest and thirsty for the performance you get back, whereas the 35i has all the performance out of the box and can be enhanced easily if you want more.

 

[kinger]

I've driven a friends 3.0i and its a great car but you cant ignore the turbo, just look at the output figures, theyre not slight, 50bhp..
Mike

 

[mr wilks]

I've driven a friends 3.0i and its a great car but you cant ignore the turbo, just look at the output figures, theyre not slight, 50bhp..
Mike

Its not even that on paper but reality is a turbo car will always deliver its power quicker , ,simple fact is you can't really compare NA & turbo car like for like as the NA will always lack the killer blow
Horses for courses & long term ( as in 7 , 8 , 9 yrs ) i think the 3.0i E89s will be the cherry as looked after will produce very little by the way of workshop bills :wink: the twin turbos on the other hand could prove ruinous for many as the number of owners clocks up with the miles , shitty oil & thrashing from cold

 

[john-e89]

the twin turbos on the other hand could prove ruinous for many as the number of owners clocks up with the miles , sh***y oil & thrashing from cold

Hence my pampered garage queen 1 owner low mile concours tart will be the shining rose amongst the dry brown thorns and be worth a small kings ransom...

I'll pull the loss back yet so I will.... :wink: :lol:

 

[Pastry]

the twin turbos on the other hand could prove ruinous for many as the number of owners clocks up with the miles , sh***y oil & thrashing from cold

Hence my pampered garage queen 1 owner low mile concours tart will be the shining rose amongst the dry brown thorns and be worth a small kings ransom...

I'll pull the loss back yet so I will.... :wink: :lol:

Don't forget John, when it's time time for your next op, I've already got dibs on the car :wink:

 

[Smartbear]

the twin turbos on the other hand could prove ruinous for many as the number of owners clocks up with the miles , sh***y oil & thrashing from cold

Hence my pampered garage queen 1 owner low mile concours tart will be the shining rose amongst the dry brown thorns and be worth a small kings ransom...

I'll pull the loss back yet so I will.... :wink: :lol:

Don't forget John, when it's time time for your next op, I've already got dibs on the car :wink:

It wont have any wheels mate, I've already dibbed them-I just need a car now
Rob

 

[Boyo]

Many thanks for all of your thoughts which are really constructive prior to me starting the hunt. I am very much airing on the side of a 35i, however, finding a manual in one of my preferred colours is going to be interesting but then that is half the fun of changing a car. Just need to move the MINI GP on first

 

[kinger]

Good luck with your search

 

[Boyo]

I have settled on a 35i following the sale of my MINI GP. I have been looking hard for the last 3 weeks, however, the choice of manuals is pretty limited and even more so when you factor in my choice of colour, spec, mileage etc. I have always had manual cars, however, my thoughts are now coming round to a 35is. Whilst I appreciate I need to drive one, what is the consensus of opinion on the DCT box.

 

[Smartbear]

I've not used one but have read good things about the swiftness of the gear changing, I've also read they cost a kings ransom if they develop a problem :?

 

[Boyo]

I have heard they can be costly if they go wrong. I intend to go down the AUC route for peace of mind.

 

[HillWalker]

Go for the 35is if you can, worth it just for the sound with the roof down, and as at the moment your looking at the DSG box a bit anxiously you'll find when you've had the car a while it becomes the icing on a already delicious cake.