Return to Z4 (maybe) Need your help

J

johnturcotte2000

Member
Hello,

A few years ago I sold my 08 Si and have regretted it ever since. I now have an 01 Boxster S which is enjoyable. I recently found a 2011 Sdrive 35iS with 47k miles. I absolutely love it and want to buy it. With that said, I am nervous as to overall reliability. The car is overpriced at $32k but it's pretty well loaded.

My 08 was very reliable, no issues whatsoever. My worry it to pay a premium for the iS and get jammed up.
The car has had waterpump and thermostat replaced and has consistent service history.

Please share your thoughts and experiences.
Thank you!
 
Hey, John. I bought a 35is going on 2 years. So far so good. Just minor stuff. But if owning a BMW is not for the faint of heart, add more bravery for a 35is. Folk on the forum say that when it goes wrong, it’s a doozy. There are loads of threads comparing the 35is with other models.

For example, folk say the DCT is prone to leaking, and it costs a pretty penny to fix. Same for suspension and rooftop. I’m keeping my fingers crossed and bracing for impact.

How often was the oil changed on the one you’re looking?
 
Who knows what problems you could or couldn’t have, other common problems are injectors, ideally they should have been changed to the latest index 12, oil leaks also tend to be a problem from the sump, oil cooler, DCT sump also weeps, turbo waste gate rattle, although probably not at 47k, adaptive shocks/dampers are known to fail at anywhere from 30k miles, I’d advise getting a good independent inspection on the vehicle and go from there.
 
I appreciate the feedback. I owned an 08 Si and it was flawless.. we also have an 18 330 xdrive which 40k, zero issues... I've considered other more reliable sport cars like a corvette, but this 35is is sensational! My Boxster has also been very reliable, but an 05S is similar money to an 11 35IS... not sure what to do..
 
I appreciate the feedback. I owned an 08 Si and it was flawless.. we also have an 18 330 xdrive which 40k, zero issues... I've considered other more reliable sport cars like a corvette, but this 35is is sensational! My Boxster has also been very reliable, but an 05S is similar money to an 11 35IS... not sure what to do..
 
I appreciate the feedback. I owned an 08 Si and it was flawless.. we also have an 18 330 xdrive with 40k, zero issues... I've considered other more reliable sport cars like a corvette, but this 35is is sensational! My 02 BoxsterS has also been very reliable, but an 05 Boxster S is similar money to an 11 35IS... not sure what to do..
 
I would ONLY buy another N54 engined car if it had a cast-iron mechanical warranty, especially at that mileage TBH.
40-50k seems to be the sweet spot for things to start to go wrong, if they are going to go wrong. There will be many that go on forever with no real issues, but there are an awful lot that don't.

My N54 car (not an E89) had two turbos, HPFP, six injectors, six coil packs all replaced by 32k miles. :o

Still a great engine when it works properly!
 
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