35i and 35is

[new_world99]

Hello,

I know this question has been asked before but I am still confused and wonder if anyone could help me.

I have been looking for a 3L turbo charged Z4. Have not quite decided whether to go manual or DTC yet.

I was under the impression that the difference between the 35i and 35is was exactly that - manual or DTC. But looking at some of the threads on here I think I may have been mistaken. Also there is the sDrive thing - does it tell you anything about if it's manual or DTC?

On another matter, which is more a personal thing: I was quite set on getting a manual gear box, but the DTC seems to be very well rated on here. I am interested to hearing opinions from both camps.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[tomscott]

Hello,

I know this question has been asked before but I am still confused and wonder if anyone could help me.

I have been looking for a 3L turbo charged Z4. Have not quite decided whether to go manual or DTC yet.

I was under the impression that the difference between the 35i and 35is was exactly that - manual or DTC. But looking at some of the threads on here I think I may have been mistaken. Also there is the sDrive thing - does it tell you anything about if it's manual or DTC?

On another matter, which is more a personal thing: I was quite set on getting a manual gear box, but the DTC seems to be very well rated on here. I am interested to hearing opinions from both camps.

Many thanks in advance.

35IS was DCT only. 35i was available in DCT and manual. Sdrive basically means rear wheel drive and is the standard spec guise of the E89. Manual is obviously a great option but the DCT is quicker and more economical its totally down to driver preference.

Ive been down the same road as you so have a look at this thread

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=90853

I was always a manual guy had a Z4M coupe with a manual and loved it but had a go in the DCT and its a really fantastic transmission and I will use the car to commute so im going with the DCT.

 

[new_world99]

Thanks tomscott.

Incidentally I am looking at this one:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201608046500766?postcode=w120tp&sort=datedesc&radius=1500&model=Z4&make=BMW&price-to=17000&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&minimum-badge-engine-size=3.0&maximum-mileage=30000&advertising-location=at_cars&page=1

Manual. But my biggest grip is the alloy - what money are we talking about changing them to something more aesthetically acceptable? I don't understand why anyone would spec a great engined car with no sat nav, no heated seat, basic alloy and basic trim

 

[dk345]

The 35iS has more power (340 rather than 300 I believe), a louder exhaust (+10dB), DCT only, Adaptive Suspension as standard, and I believe its own rear bumper/diffuser setup.

I think there are also changes to the ECU/turbo controllers in the engine when compared to the 35i. They share the same engine, so I'm fairly certain the hardware is the same, but the 35iS gets its own engine code so they're definitely different in BMW's eyes.

Both the 35i and 35iS are 3 litre, 6 cylinder twin turbo machines. There aren't any options that are 35iS only, but you don't get the choice of a manual. I thought the 35iS was worth it

 

[Z4Rick]

I was very much on the fence about the DTC vs the manual myself, and ended up buying a car with the auto box. Boy was that the right call! I have some disability in my left leg and while something of a purist when it comes to roadsters and manual trannys, I feel this DTC is simply AWESOME. First it has 7 forward gears to take advantage of the very wide power band and the low pressure turbo. Second it shifts gears in small fractions of a second - FAR faster than any manual can be changed. (Just watch a F-1 on a in-cockpit video!) Third you can shift the DTC, (without a clutch, of course), two separate ways - stick and paddles. (The paddles are nice at higher speeds - both hands remain on the wheel!) Fourth, it allows much smoother driving in traffic and city driving. My singular complaint is it is a sequential set up - both up and down. SInce the engine breathes so effortlessly, back pressure on a downshift to slow the car is a technique that requires several gear changes to find enough resistance to be effective....so, I use the very effective brakes more than on a manual slushbox. Finally, the ability to 'tweak' the gearbox's speed and shift points with the Sport and Sport+ settings allows more flexibility than any manual I have ever seen. I am sure others here will speak of the benefits of the manual, and rightly so, I am sure, but I suspect you will be quite happy with the DTC once you drive it a bit. I know I am.

 

[Zed Five]

35iS has silver door mirrors... ... which is very important. :wink:

 

[Wondermike]

Thanks tomscott.

Incidentally I am looking at this one:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201608046500766?postcode=w120tp&sort=datedesc&radius=1500&model=Z4&make=BMW&price-to=17000&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&minimum-badge-engine-size=3.0&maximum-mileage=30000&advertising-location=at_cars&page=1

Manual. But my biggest grip is the alloy - what money are we talking about changing them to something more aesthetically acceptable? I don't understand why anyone would spec a great engined car with no sat nav, no heated seat, basic alloy and basic trim

I quite like those wheels, but non-sport seats have never been popular.

 

[john-e89]

There are much better cars than that, that's poverty spec to the extreme, it might get you into a 35i but it'll take an age to move it on come sale time, trade in will be very low. Hold out OP, better things will pop up.

Only don't be beyond help like Tomscott, the right car under your snout and you still sniff at it.... :wink:

 

[Filtermike]

I agree with Z4Rick

Sorry Zed Five - no silver mirrors on a Valencia Orange 3.5iS :thumbsdown:

 

[Z4Rick]

Thanks tomscott.

Incidentally I am looking at this one:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201608046500766?postcode=w120tp&sort=datedesc&radius=1500&model=Z4&make=BMW&price-to=17000&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&minimum-badge-engine-size=3.0&maximum-mileage=30000&advertising-location=at_cars&page=1

Manual. But my biggest grip is the alloy - what money are we talking about changing them to something more aesthetically acceptable? I don't understand why anyone would spec a great engined car with no sat nav, no heated seat, basic alloy and basic trim

I quite like those wheels, but non-sport seats have never been popular.

That car is very similar to mine, but mine is speced somewhat better, is 4 years newer and lower mileage. I also have those wheels which are incorrectly labelled at 18", (I believe). Mine are identical, but 17" and now relegated to my snow treads. ( I have new 19" wheels and tires ready for warmer weather.) And you are right those seats are for touring - I like a little more 'bucket' in my bucket seats.

 

[flybobbie]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z4-3-0-35i-M-Sport-DCT-sDrive-2dr-2010-10-Reg-1-Owner-vehicle/291905243560?_trksid=p2045573.c100033.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D38661%26meid%3D68e521ea21b44ceea7e64ba1945b10fd%26pid%3D100033%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D8%26sd%3D201529770107

Looks nice.

 

[SO8]

The DCT box is superb ... BMW manuals are quite often clunky and IMO I would not want a Z4 without it being DCT.

The 35iS is louder, quicker, more sought after ... generally just better than the 35i. I drove both and ended up buying the 35iS. The whole experience of the 35iS was in a different league.

 

[tomscott]

Thanks tomscott.

Incidentally I am looking at this one:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201608046500766?postcode=w120tp&sort=datedesc&radius=1500&model=Z4&make=BMW&price-to=17000&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&minimum-badge-engine-size=3.0&maximum-mileage=30000&advertising-location=at_cars&page=1

Manual. But my biggest grip is the alloy - what money are we talking about changing them to something more aesthetically acceptable? I don't understand why anyone would spec a great engined car with no sat nav, no heated seat, basic alloy and basic trim

Ye i have also looked at this car, but it is priced accordingly. The E89 never sold well and the 35IS equated to around 450 total units in the UK which is not particularly great. To combat this BMW were offering huge discounts on them trying to get 23i users to upgrade. With the 23s having even less spec the 35is, standard spec is desirable. Quite a few 35i and 35is you will find with poor spec. It would also put me off buying it because of resale, its been for sale for a long time and probably because it is so poorly specced but for someone who isn't too bothered its still a 35 and will be great to drive. You can also buy seats etc from breakers but for most its a bit of a farce and most would like to buy a car with the spec.

In terms of wheels you can have a look at BMWautosport
http://www.bmautosport.co.uk/showroom/index.php/z34-e89-c-51_27_194?osCsid=e863658291069970e8dce896a3d0e670

This will give you an idea there are lots of styles, wheels start at about £400 and tyres probably 400-800 depending on size and quality. I would say roughly £800-1000

I would agree on the whole with the 35-35IS argument but put into perspective that the 35i is still a quick car and the adaptive sus was an option and so was the M sport kit, the 35IS are hard to find with 35is being 3-10k less the 35i is a bit of a bargain. Also as only 450 odd 35is sold like the Z4M coupe trying to find your perfect car is an uphill climb.

 

[tomscott]

Only don't be beyond help like Tomscott, the right car under your snout and you still sniff at it.... :wink:

Not sure what that means tbh but im sure the right car at the right price will turn up.

 

[pvr]

Perhaps John is selling his 1 year old at a friendly price 8)

 

[tomscott]

Perhaps John is selling his 1 year old at a friendly price 8)

Very friendly price but 6k out of my budget, which although a lovely car is too much of a stretch.

Sorry OP to take over the thread.

 

[john-e89]

Only don't be beyond help like Tomscott, the right car under your snout and you still sniff at it.... :wink:

Not sure what that means tbh john. If your meaning the 35IS thats for sale on the forum with 60 odd thousand miles as ive said I will be doing 600-1000 miles every week just commuting. I also want to go on a few road trips or 3-4 thousand miles and in the time I want to keep the car will be in big figures and no warranty so its not really that appealing to me. I dont want a higher milage car and tbh you've been very helpful but I will buy the car that is right for me and if that means waiting then thats fine.

Just pulling your leg about mine Tom, only a bit of fun, I know it's a lot of cash to find, no offence intended.

 

[tomscott]

Only don't be beyond help like Tomscott, the right car under your snout and you still sniff at it.... :wink:

Not sure what that means tbh john. If your meaning the 35IS thats for sale on the forum with 60 odd thousand miles as ive said I will be doing 600-1000 miles every week just commuting. I also want to go on a few road trips or 3-4 thousand miles and in the time I want to keep the car will be in big figures and no warranty so its not really that appealing to me. I dont want a higher milage car and tbh you've been very helpful but I will buy the car that is right for me and if that means waiting then thats fine.

Just pulling your leg about mine Tom, only a bit of fun, I know it's a lot of cash to find, no offence intended.

No probs! Certainly if my budget stretched I would bite your hand off.

 

[new_world99]

Thanks very much for all the input. I have decided to be 'sensible' and stick with a slightly older model.

I have considering these two at present:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201609207948516?postcode=w120tp&maximum-mileage=30000&price-to=17000&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&year-from=2009&sort=datedesc&advertising-location=at_cars&minimum-badge-engine-size=3.0&make=BMW&radius=1500&model=Z4&page=1

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201608046500766?maximum-mileage=30000&price-to=17000&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&year-from=2009&sort=datedesc&postcode=w120tp&minimum-badge-engine-size=3.0&advertising-location=at_cars&make=BMW&radius=1500&model=Z4&page=1

In essence, one is a 3.0i with M-sport spec (1 previous owner), the other is a 3.5i with basic spec (4 previous owners). Both at relatively low miles, sounds like good conditions, similar price.

Again I appreciate that this would be a very personal choice, but I would like to hear your opinions and any pitfalls I should look out for.

Many thanks again!

 

[benv6]

With a 15k budget i wouldn't go for any of them, I would be patient and wait for the right car to come along and it will :wink:

As it has been mentioned already, the least you would be looking for are the sports seats. The 35i you looking at has been around for ages so there must be a reason(S) for it, overpriced - very poorly specced.

With your budget I would be aiming for a 35i at the least or a fully loaded 3.0i, And when the right car comes in with the right price you will have to move in VERY QUICKLY - Good bargains were going within 1, 2 or 3 days max when I was in the market (2 - 3 Months ago). I bought my 35i the same day it was advertised !!!