Which model is best?

N

n8ony

Member
 Exeter
Hi. I currently have a 2004 Z4 convertible and love it. So much so I'm thinking a new shape Z4 would be a good upgrade.

I have had a boxster, 944, 911 cab, TVR V8 etc so have had a range of sports cars.

However, having read the brochures there seems so little difference between the 2.5, 3.0 and the twin turbo. I don't screem around all day and do about 12,000 miles a year. Which do you guys think would be the best all rounder. I will be looking at a second hand low mileage example.

My current Z4 is a manual but I quite fancy an auto this time. Any advice on 6 or 7 speed versions?

Thanks, all advice welcomed.
 
30i if you want an auto. 23 is great as a manual but I think you want a few more horses for an auto. 35i has too many horses for our modern roads.

What age are you thinking of getting? If new, then also consider the forthcoming 28i 2.0 turbo with 8 speed auto 'box.
 
Now I would have said that if you want an auto get a 35i because of the double clutch, if you want a manual then the 30i is obviously the one that I would go for.

Good luck and happy hunting
 
Hello n8ony.

I am new to the Z4 experience but I thought that I’d try to help you out with your question.

I don’t scream around (much) and do less miles than you. How good is your problem though? What Z4 to choose? It’s a good problem to have!

I have had my Z4 35is for a month now. This makes me somewhat biased - but hey - maybe my viewpoint will help you decide on two turbos and a DCT!

The E89 Z4 has more than lived up to my initial expectations. Like you, I was browsing through the brochure; checking out magazines; sussing out mates opinions and lurking on this forum. So, because of this, my expectations were set high. I had a 335 before the Z4 - which was a great drive which only added to my indecision. I originally thought that a 23i would be a good choice. It’s a very nice drive and cheaper to run and insure. When I had decided than an E89 was my next new toy I spent the next few days arguing with myself about options and engines. In the end I settled on a 35is because (i) I have no self control; (ii) The incremental costs between the models gets less and less and (iii) I liked the sound of overboost.

Great things about the 35is are noise (it is superb), looks (it seems to sit a bit lower without looking daft), kit (it comes with DCT) and noise. (I know I have already mentioned noise, but the barks, yelps, pops, bangs, yowls and full on tenor howls are worth a second mention…)

The DCT seems to suit itself to any situation that I have put it in. In town it slurrs smoothly and is just as smooth as a torque converter auto. Nudge it into sport mode and it becomes sharper and faster. Put the suspension into sport mode and it seems to speed up a bit more. Shifts at full power are violent - in a good violent way. Sport + is good for occasional blasts from traffic lights as long as it is dry.

Maybe you should persuade a local forum member to take you out for a spin?

Downsides to the 35is are that it does like a drink (24mpg average in my first 2100 miles) and the insurance was noticeably more expensive than the 35i.

So, my biased opinion is…

Choose a Z4. Choose two turbos. Choose DCT. Choose a 35is for great noise. (Did I mention the noise?) Choose shares in Shell or Esso.
http://s1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc426/chutters1/Car%20photos/
 
And the 35i doesn't sound bad either! 8)

Bigest downer for me on the 35is is still that rear bumper! Just prefer the origional one. I actually think the M Sport rear bumper looks better because it has a dark coloured lower section.

Actually a 3.0i MSport may be a good buy.
 
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