The Z4 35i Has gone, roll on the 123d :(

[Rockford]

After upgrading from an E85 3.0i to a E89 35i DCT I thought I'd never go back but after a significant promotion at work (The plus side!) I'm now looking at annual mileage of 15,000+ and looking to purchase a first house so need all the funds I can get! So....

I've just signed on the dotted line to trade against a BMW 123d SE in Alpine White - I had heard they were "quick" but stepping out of the 35i and in to the 123d was quite a disappointment...it seems to run out of puff before the fun even starts and sounds like some sort of rural tractor. Given the rave reviews I was expecting a little more to be honest but None the less it is well spec'ed, looks the part and should return 40-50mpg and swallow up bags.

I've been in a grump all day about the trade and spent most of last night regretting it (I took a sizeable hit on depreciation to boot!).

Had my last drive in her this morning before she gets collected - couldn't even give it any due to traffic! So in short, after 3 months and 13 days of ownership I'm handing the keys over already!

Oh and for reference...........as soon as the opportunity arises it will be an F-Type V6S for the next "proper" car!

 

[Maniac]

Life just gets in the way of fun sometimes. I'm sure you'll get into the 123 eventually but I know what you mean about the 35i, its a hard one to let go. Only 3 months ownership too... ow. Still you can console yourself when watching the economy figures.

 

[tomscott]

You have to take it for what it is. Its a cracking car for a 4 cylinder diesel! I would certainly buy one! 50+ mpg and lots of mid range.

Obviously comparing it to a twin turbo 3.0 6 petrol is pretty futile.

 

[srhutch]

You have to take it for what it is. Its a cracking car for a 4 cylinder diesel! I would certainly buy one! 50+ mpg and lots of mid range.

Obviously comparing it to a twin turbo 3.0 6 petrol is pretty futile.

As above. Once you get used to it and adapt your driving style you will see the benefits or that mid range poke.

 

[Rockford]

You have to take it for what it is. Its a cracking car for a 4 cylinder diesel! I would certainly buy one! 50+ mpg and lots of mid range.

Obviously comparing it to a twin turbo 3.0 6 petrol is pretty futile.

As above. Once you get used to it and adapt your driving style you will see the benefits or that mid range poke.

I'm hoping this is it! My test drive was in heavy traffic after a day at work - had been so used to the DCT gearbox I almost stalled the damn thing pulling up to a round about.

With 204bhp and 295lbft (the same as a 35i!) I'm hoping that when I collect the car next week I'll be happy with the mid-range punch. I will report back with pics!

 

[Bad_Pritt]

I would seriously consider a remap on the 123d. You should be able to get it up to 250hp

 

[Paul c]

Had one before the Zs handled nice and was a quick car but as you say sounded like a tracter :thumbsdown: the build quality was not that great on the one i had rattles and squeaky steering which they could not seem to cure hence got shot of it but it did go

 

[hopz121]

I had one too before the Zed and im not going to lie to you, I dont miss it one bit. (2010 123d Msport in black)

It quick for a diesel but thats where it ends, its not great on fuel (for a diesel) due to gear ratios and it sounded horrific.
Also the N47 engine is like a ticking time bomb and riddled with timing chain issues. If you can i woudl get a warranty for piece of mind.

Sorry to put a downer on things just trying to give you an honest opinion.

Hopefully you will love the car but unfortunately i never did

The standard sound system is shocking i upgraded to a BMW approved aftermarket plug and play system made by alpine which was great and easy to fit.

One plus point, there is an an excellent 1 series forum (babybmw.net) which is full of great advice and they are a nice bunch of people)

 

[Paul c]

As said not great on fuel never got more than 40ishmpg out of mine

 

[TitanTim]

I had 2 118ds before the E89 and really liked thèm, the engines are slightly noisy at idle but once on the move were great with low down torque and refined at speed, you'll soon get to it. With going back to a 1er the downsides are it doesn't look as good the upside I find the drive, smoothness and handling far nicer.

Tim.

 

[R.E92]

I use mine for 14k~ a year and don't ever regret filling it up!

But if you want to divert more money to the house then it makes sense.

I had a 320d and really enjoyed it. The 123d will still be a great car.

It could be worse. You could be forced to drive an EcoBoost 1.0 Fiesta!

 

[andysat]

Had a 118d as a loaner-stunning car nearly 80 mpg!-I know its not a 123d but still.

 

[srhutch]

Had a 118d as a loaner-stunning car nearly 80 mpg!-I know its not a 123d but still.

That's why your zed didn't like you. I only get 50 out of my 118d, you must be doing 55 mph everywhere :lol:

 

[andysat]

Had a 118d as a loaner-stunning car nearly 80 mpg!-I know its not a 123d but still.

That's why your zed didn't like you. I only get 50 out of my 118d, you must be doing 55 mph everywhere :lol:

-tbh I was driving it like I stole it-it was in economy pro or something tho.

 

[fester1698]

We had a 123d msport coupe before the z4 and I quite liked driving it. Great amount of torque for overtaking and handled well but never quite liked the boston lemon interior. Hope you get those fuel fiqures as we struggled to get much more than 35mpg.

 

[Rockford]

The 123d is being delivered tomorrow morning so I'll post back with some comments once I've driven it properly. Hoping to get more thab 35mpg out of it - had sooner kept the 35i!

On the plus side ive been driving an Alfa Romeo Guilietta 1.6 JTDM (104hp) all this week so it should be a better comparison, I've become acclimatised to the diesel way of life so the 123d may feel brisk in comparison to this!

 

[hopz121]

I hope you enjoy the car mate i really do,

let us know how you get on with it

 

[Rockford]

Had a chance to have a play around and take the 123d for a short drive and I've got to say I'm quite pleased with it!

Power delivery is much more linear than a single turbo diesel and as such it benefits to rev it more - similar to a petrol engine with a smaller rev range. Performance wise it is actually pretty good, lots of shove low down and pulled smoothly up to the NSL. The ride is pretty damn firm but it feels nicely balanced and dare i say it but the steering feel is nicer than my Zed!?

After my initial dread about the change im quietly happy and itll nicely do for my 5am commute!

I'll be back in a z4 one day though!

 

[Rockford]

In case anyone stumbles on this during a search, thought I'd add that I've now had the remaped by Jason at BWChip Tune - his team were fantastic and had it up on a rolling road, (produced 201.9hp standard)

Now producing 259Bhp and 360lbft of torque and feels like a different car, very impressed and thoroughly recommended. It's still no Z35i but the map has certainly closed the gap and in gear acceleration is mighty impressive now!

 

[hopz121]

Glad your happy mate, I have heard good things about Jason in the past.

I imagine its one quick car once mapped