The right Z4 E89

N

Neil_87

Member
Hello,

Very excited about the my pending Z4 purchase, but I am not yet quite sure of all the differences so I am hoping you guys can help.....

What is the best model? From what I have read the 35is is the most focused and the fastest, which is what I want.

Is the 35i worth investigating? I believe this is a single turbo rather than a twin, is the engine different also or do they both use the same 3.0 straight 6?

The 35is comes only with the double clutch auto, which as a massive petrol head I am not yet sure about as I have always wanted manuals for the driving experience....?

Anything else to be aware of?

Thanks
Neil :driving:
 
Both use the same 3.0 straight 6. If you can afford the extra pounds why not go for the top of the tree and get the 35is - I believe the double clutch auto is sublime :driving:
 
Following the sale of my MR, I was of the same mind set as you and was sure I wanted a manual 35i. At the beginning of the year I test drove a manual 35i back to back with a 35is at a BMW dealers and I was instantly hooked on the DCT. I finally managed to find exactly the right spec 35is in April at Cooper BMW Norwich and I am absolutely delighted with the driving experience.
 
I've not tried 35iS, but my 35i DCT is plenty for me.
Plenty of scope to get it mapped to similar levels as iS if that's what floats your boat, but I'm happy as-is. Adaptive suspension etc. not so simple.
 
Waited months for a 35i manual to come up (only 22 manuals were delivered to Aust) . Plenty of 35is were available, but as a tragic petrolhead, it had to be the manual. Wouldn't change it for an auto in a fit.
:driving:
 
Thanks for the responses above guys, it seems that it is personal preference between the auto and manual then. I will test drive both and see which one I like best....

Didn't know both models have twin turbos... So does only the 35is come with the adaptive suspension, is the consensus on here generally in favor of the adaptive suspension or is the drive better without?


I have previously owned quite a few cars, but this will be by far the best quality car. I have owned previously a range of cars from a Mazda Rx7 to and MR2 Turbo to a Focus RS to an S2000......
 
I had the adaptive suspension as a option on my 35i (not sure if i comes as standard on the 35is) thought it was excellent but apparently expensive to replace if it goes wrong :?
 
I never drove a 35i, but after thinking I was a die hard fan of a manual, a drive in an iS and I was sold on the DCT. It also wins in the rarity sweepstakes, with 436 or so models in the UK. In addition to the adaptive suspension, it has the silver wing mirrors which I think makes it look all the more special.

I've owned mine just seven months and I love it.
 
The 35i could be ordered with either manual or DCT box, standard or adaptive dampers. That and the 35is share the same dual turbo straight 6, the 35is having a higher level of tuning. Imho the adaptive is well worth having, it gives good flexibility, you can really feel the difference when it's active or not, the downside being, as said, the cost of new dampers should they leak., circa £1600 for two new front units that are apparently all but impossible to buy from non dealerships. As ever you pays your money...

The DCT is a superb box, 7 speed, very very quick changes in paddle or sequential lever manual, if a semi auto, manually operated, whatever you want to call it, box is what you want it's hard to see how it would disappoint. It cannot however, match a proper foot operated clutch manual box, if that's what you really like. As always you need to try both.

Let us know your thoughts when you've decided if you will. :thumbsup:
 
Interesting responses, I'm excited to try both as at the moment I can't imagine not having a manual, sadly the autos I have driven have felt lazy and are always in the wrong gear.

I've not found anything yet on the market, hopefully something will come up soon.
 
You should really try out an auto the box in my 2 series is fantastic and is by no means lazy unless of course you mean that your left leg isn't getting any exercise
 
jabber said:
You should really try out an auto the box in my 2 series is fantastic and is by no means lazy unless of course you mean that your left leg isn't getting any exercise
Click to expand...


If that's the same 'box that's in our 335xd then I would agree - it's a very quick change and i would say it's as good as the dct in the z4 - well, almost!
Although you'd be hard pushed to make any complaints.
 
ronk said:
jabber said:
You should really try out an auto the box in my 2 series is fantastic and is by no means lazy unless of course you mean that your left leg isn't getting any exercise
Click to expand...


If that's the same 'box that's in our 335xd then I would agree - it's a very quick change and i would say it's as good as the dct in the z4 - well, almost!
Although you'd be hard pushed to make any complaints.
Click to expand...

I assume it is 7 speed very smooth seamless changes
 
Yes - the changes aren't as quire as harsh in the torque converter box but they are fast and sharp - especially so in sport mode.

The biggest hoot you can have is to use the box in launch control mode - find a straight bit of traffic free road - set the system - then hang on.
A pal demonstrated this in his 330 xd an I've been in many fast cars in my life but this was scarey quick - one strong relentless push in the back - like a aeroplane take off.
Let the nay sayers of auto boxes beat that with their pudding stirrers :rofl:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom