Changing to new Z - concerns

Z

Zed Five

Senior member
Hi,

i'm changing my Z4 coupe later this year (it's just that time) - possibly for a new shape Z4.

I've had a string of Zed's since 1998 (it's my daily drive - a long commute).

Maybe controversial, but i'm starting to think that the 35i is a 'dead bmw' :poke:

- due to the new engine and more robust single turbo engine taking over. Turbos are ALWAYS a timebomb and WILL GO at some point. The replacement of the older engine worries me and will maybe force me to the later built car (since I probably won't change until autumn anyway).

There is however a glut of 'unwanted' (at current prices anyway) 35i cars in the BMW system. I reckon that super negiotions (discounts) are there to be had. - I NEVER pay full price for anything :wink:

hmmm, tricky call. What's are your views? :cry:
 
Hi,

I guess model year '12 will get the new 3.0 single turbo engine. I do believe that the 25i will also be replaced by a 4 cylinder turbo engine.

What E86 model do you drive? If you drive a 3.0si, the sDrive30i is a great replacement. It is 100kg heavier but because of the higher gear ratios my 30i pulled a '07 30si coupe away on the high way. The difference was not that big (one car length within 10-15 seconds). With the 30i you won't have any turbo worries and a very responsive and proven engine like your E86 has. Don't forget about the 35i fuel consumption (daily drive - a long commute).

EdP
 
As I already own a 35i I can't say I really see a disadvantage and as for fuel consumption I average 30mpg on relatively short drives........ :)
 
If you have concerns about the twin turbo becoming obsolete, go for the 3.0........it's still surprisingly quick. As the previous owner of a 335i coupe I can vouch for that.
 
If your that concerned I'd wait!

Very happy with my purchase and that twin turbo engine is fantastic! You may find the single turbo has come about due to emission changes in the near future.

Turbo's will wear out but so will other parts of the engine. I think you will find that modern turbos are miles away from the likes of the Escort turbo I used to own, and they didn't go wrong much! And who said the single turbo would be more robust? Time will tell on that one, not sales speak! :wink:

Don't buy anything new these days! :wink:

Only yesterday did someone stop me in a petrol station who had a 5 Series to say he thought it was a fantastic car and if he didn'nt need the extra seats, he'd have one! :P
 
Someone with 335i said turbo chargers are very expensive to fix/replace (£2k plus). Does sDrive35i share the same engine with 335i?
 
Zed Five said:
There is however a glut of 'unwanted' (at current prices anyway) 35i cars in the BMW system. I reckon that super negiotions (discounts) are there to be had. - I NEVER pay full price for anything :wink:

hmmm, tricky call. What's are your views? :cry:
Click to expand...
Wouldn't be too sure about a glut, or the prices either. A few manual launch cars have hung around for a while but if you check regularly you'll see that most cars are moving on pretty quickly, and the prices are high too.

If you aren't doing anything for a while like you say, the 35is launch cars should bring down the prices of everything else.
 
I have an 09 s35i, twin turbo .. If the turbo's blow up, it's covered by the warranty. If you buy one used , get a certified one from BMW, and it's covered by the warranty for at least another 3 years. Or longer if you buy extended. We aren't talking about getting a used 03 Coupe and having to repair an M engine here. These vehicles are new, four years from now we can worry about warranty and turbos.

If you want one .... get one. :driving: Zed's are an emotional purchase, they are hot looking, fast and fun to drive. 8)
Logic would have us all driving 3 cylinder diesels at 40kmh. :thumbsdown:
 
Thanks for all the replies folks.

I'm replacing a 3.0si coupe sport.

- my thoughts 'expanded' a little:

1. 30i sdrive - (why less bhp than my current car?). I really like the simplicity of the 3.0 with no turbos (my last 4 zeds have been 3.0), but don't want LESS power.

2. 35i sdrive - like more power, price and runninmg costs no problem. - just don't 'like' the fact that it's being replaced just so soon, probably due to combination of emissions and (maybe) the twin turbos. Yes it will be covered by warranty for 3 years, but i'd just rather not have the hassle. Usually when they take an apparently great set up and change it, it's because of a problem somewhere?

3. I will certainly wait to hear feedback on the new set up (single turbo) before buying.

You'll be the first to know what I get :wink:


I guess it's all just down to personal 'value balance' - i.e. if I end up with a high spec 35i for just over £30k in a few months time then 'nagging thoughts' will be overridden :thumbsup:
 
Breaker said:
You may find the single turbo has come about due to emission changes in the near future.
Click to expand...

I'm told that is the main reason to install a single turbo by my DP

What is the point of waiting until the new engine comes out? in say, middle of next year, it will not make our cars bodywork any different and that is the main thing at least our cars will look the same :thumbsup:

You can wait forever.

Buy now I say, I'm waiting for my iS to be delivered and cannot wait :driving:
 
30i sdrive - (why less bhp than my current car?). I really like the simplicity of the 3.0 with no turbos (my last 4 zeds have been 3.0), but don't want LESS power.
Click to expand...

The power difference is negligible. But not the 95kg extra weight. Because of the a higher gear ratios the feel of acceleation is great. I drove both models (3.0si/30i) and I do believe the E89 feels faster in the 1st gear. The E89 has in every gear :evil: more torque :evil: on the rear wheels than the E86 has. See the links:

PDF of 3.0si (RED) vs 30i (BLUE) http://www.zroadster.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=74126&d=1243280157

Here is the original German post: http://www.zroadster.com/forum/bmw_z4_-_der_neue_e89/63013-rad_drehmoment_z4m_s54_vs_sdrive_35i.html

EdP
 
Kryton said:
Breaker said:
You may find the single turbo has come about due to emission changes in the near future.
Click to expand...

I'm told that is the main reason to install a single turbo by my DP

What is the point of waiting until the new engine comes out? in say, middle of next year, it will not make our cars bodywork any different and that is the main thing at least our cars will look the same :thumbsup:

You can wait forever.

Buy now I say, I'm waiting for my iS to be delivered and cannot wait :driving:
Click to expand...

Also Twin turbo sounds better than just turbo down the pub! The twin turbo will always sound faster! :P

Joking aside you will probably find that a single turbo will have a quieter exhaust also. I was quite suprised how loud the 35i was when I first heard it start up and tick over! The missus says it sounds like a V8 when I pull away in the morning to work! :D
 
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