New-ish member says hello and potentially new owner!

[zainster]

Hi All,

I say newish, as I joined the forum a few years ago with the aim to use this site to help me find out about E85 Z4M's and maybe even end up with a nice example from here ...
That didn't happen so that was that!

Roughly a year ago I again started looking for a new car, this time it appeared to be between an R171 SLK55 AMG or a Z4M but again I didn't end up here as I wound up with an E60 M5 which I loved to bits and was such an epic car!

Fast forward and due to a change in personal circumstances I had to sell my beloved M5 but recently things have changed a little again and I find I can get a weekend car to keep me happy! So back looking at the R171 SLK55 AMG but this time against the E89 Z4 35is.

I've really started to like the Z4 35is. It appeals alot although I am slightly concerned when reading about the power being too much for the chassis as I like to have fun! although maybe I shouldn't read too much into that? I know they get mixed reviews but I do love the looks!

So fingers crossed.... I will be reading up on the 35is on here and see if that can sway me some more if I come across enthusiastic 35is owner reviews!

Thanks for reading!

 

[buzyg]

Welcome.

Week end car. Get an ///M or an Alpina.

 

[rhys4]

Good hunting.

 

[DPG]

Welcome. 35is is a great car.

Gaz is running a mapped 35is (around 400bhp) and I don't think he's had any issues.

 

[shortfuse 2]

hi and welcome I had z4m got a35is 10 months ago wouldn't go back. 35is are great strong engine and chassis love it

 

[john-e89]

Hi Zainster,

Ignore the press reviews Imo, they jump on a bandwagon then all follow like sheep, no-one daring to break away and give a real world, normal driving review. It's true the 35is cannot get near a boxster but as usual it depends what you want. Having had an M roady and a 35is my view is the M is a touch more nimble in feel but the 35is handles just as well, and is more composed, less twitchy, but just falls a bit behind in confident turn in if you like, however there's not much in it tbh, and unless you're flogging either car, in which case you're going to get very friendly with a tree, both cars can handle the power, of which there is plenty. The E89 delivers the power seamlessly, banging up through the gears with super fast changes, the DCT is superb, and the downshifts give a soundtrack that a standard M can only dream about. That said the M has a raw 'proper' gearbox that is very satisfying, even with a notchy 2nd gear, and for blasting around countryside etc it's the more fun. Both cars are equal in speed, on paper the E89 nudges it but real world I doubt you'd notice, if I had to say which is quickest i'd say 35is, but barely.

Put simply if you want a raw fun only car I'd go M, but for anything else the 35is can be a relaxed cruiser and also a bloody quick point and squirt car.

All just IMO though, plenty will disagree.

 

[Marlon]

Here's one for £12,250

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201510017422224?search-target=usedcars&postcode=dn227ns&page=1&price-to=13000&sort=default&onesearchad=used&price-from=12000&make=bmw&radius=1500&model=z4&logcode=p

Welcome BTW

 

[john-e89]

Here's one for £12,250

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201510017422224?search-target=usedcars&postcode=dn227ns&page=1&price-to=13000&sort=default&onesearchad=used&price-from=12000&make=bmw&radius=1500&model=z4&logcode=p

Welcome BTW

That's not an 'is' Marlon...

 

[Marlon]

Here's one for £12,250

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201510017422224?search-target=usedcars&postcode=dn227ns&page=1&price-to=13000&sort=default&onesearchad=used&price-from=12000&make=bmw&radius=1500&model=z4&logcode=p

Welcome BTW

That's not an 'is' Marlon...

Ah, right - so whats the difference in terms of performance/spec John?

 

[john-e89]

The 35is has 340bhp to the 'I' 305bhp, DCT standard on the 'is', an option on the 'I', slightly different bumpers and interior touches, M sport suspension standard on the 'is' and I think an option on the 'I',. Bit confusing Marlon, you have to be there mate.... :lol:

 

[Marlon]

The 35is has 340bhp to the 'I' 305bhp, DCT standard on the 'is', an option on the 'I', slightly different bumpers and interior touches, M sport suspension standard on the 'is' and I think an option on the 'I',. Bit confusing Marlon, you have to be there mate.... :lol:

Think I've got it, cheers John - 340 bhp nice

 

[zainster]

Thanks for the warm welcome chaps, much appreciated and the positive comments on the 35is, good to read!

 

[zainster]

Hi Zainster,

Ignore the press reviews Imo, they jump on a bandwagon then all follow like sheep, no-one daring to break away and give a real world, normal driving review. It's true the 35is cannot get near a boxster but as usual it depends what you want. Having had an M roady and a 35is my view is the M is a touch more nimble in feel but the 35is handles just as well, and is more composed, less twitchy, but just falls a bit behind in confident turn in if you like, however there's not much in it tbh, and unless you're flogging either car, in which case you're going to get very friendly with a tree, both cars can handle the power, of which there is plenty. The E89 delivers the power seamlessly, banging up through the gears with super fast changes, the DCT is superb, and the downshifts give a soundtrack that a standard M can only dream about. That said the M has a raw 'proper' gearbox that is very satisfying, even with a notchy 2nd gear, and for blasting around countryside etc it's the more fun. Both cars are equal in speed, on paper the E89 nudges it but real world I doubt you'd notice, if I had to say which is quickest i'd say 35is, but barely.

Put simply if you want a raw fun only car I'd go M, but for anything else the 35is can be a relaxed cruiser and also a bloody quick point and squirt car.

All just IMO though, plenty will disagree.

Thanks John really appreciate the detailed reply. Really good read and good to get something so insightful from someone who's owned one and also able to compare to an M roadster which gives me a good idea of the capabilities of the 35is.

I very much agree that once a car gets a review from one/couple of the big motoring press then the rest tend to follow suit and very few wil report against the grain.

The other thing is sometimes a particular car need more than a road test to get under your skin. Of course sometimes the press are right lol but good to read in my opinion a very fair and balanced view from an owner so thank you.

 

[Z4M-2006]

The 35is has 340bhp to the 'I' 305bhp, DCT standard on the 'is', an option on the 'I', slightly different bumpers and interior touches, M sport suspension standard on the 'is' and I think an option on the 'I',. Bit confusing Marlon, you have to be there mate.... :lol:

The "Is" is lower than the "I" by 10mm too..

Launch control

Different exhaust (louder)

Premium sound package is standard on "Is" (i think)

Individual mats,different clocks.....Different bumper and grills,mirror backs and rear diffuser...

I think you also get an extra oil cooler..

Think thats it...lol..

 

[john-e89]

Just a quick list of some differences Gaz, not meant to be every single thing...

Look at the posting time, 9.00pm on a Friday, 2 cans of strongbow then wine in and you want chapter and verse, it's a wonder I was conscious... :lol: :wink: