E89 Z4 sDrive 35i vs F20 M135i
Discussion
Slightly odd comparison perhaps but I've decided I'd like a recent-ish small 6-cylinder BMW as my next car, and have limited it down to these two. Practicality isn't really a concern so the 1er would be a 3-dr if I go that route. Would go for the Automatic 'box with whichever I pick. Otherwise not really fussed on spec as long as it has Nav.
I haven't driven either, how are they likely to compare on the road? On paper the Z4 looks more special and benefits from the DCT, but does the M135i's lighter weight make it more fun to drive
I haven't driven either, how are they likely to compare on the road? On paper the Z4 looks more special and benefits from the DCT, but does the M135i's lighter weight make it more fun to drive
I'm biased but I'd go Z4 every time.
I pitted Z4 against M135i earlier in the year and actually ended up with a Z4 23i (2.5i I6) rather than the bigger lump. I'm not saying the engine is perfect, but beautiful sound and more than enough poke for 90% of what I do with it. But all that's to say, 200bhp might not seem like much in today's world, but it more than adequately pushes the Z4 along which I think shows how light the Zed is.
Plus the Zed is far more involving than any 1er I've driven and I can't help but gawp at it every time I open the garage door or return to it after a day at work and flip the lid open. The Zed always feels like a special place to be; gets admiring glances wherever it goes, looks a LOT more expensive than it in fact is and sounds beautiful.
Sometimes it's less about power and more about the overall package. Clearly power is no obstacle if you're going for the 35i but if you want a special car, the Zed is certainly leagues ahead of the M135i IMO.
I pitted Z4 against M135i earlier in the year and actually ended up with a Z4 23i (2.5i I6) rather than the bigger lump. I'm not saying the engine is perfect, but beautiful sound and more than enough poke for 90% of what I do with it. But all that's to say, 200bhp might not seem like much in today's world, but it more than adequately pushes the Z4 along which I think shows how light the Zed is.
Plus the Zed is far more involving than any 1er I've driven and I can't help but gawp at it every time I open the garage door or return to it after a day at work and flip the lid open. The Zed always feels like a special place to be; gets admiring glances wherever it goes, looks a LOT more expensive than it in fact is and sounds beautiful.
Sometimes it's less about power and more about the overall package. Clearly power is no obstacle if you're going for the 35i but if you want a special car, the Zed is certainly leagues ahead of the M135i IMO.
FWIW I am on the Z4 Forum pretty often (I have an E86 Coupe).
I don't have detailed knowledge of E89s, but there is a 35i and a 35iS, the difference being mostly that the 35iS is DCT only and it has 335 bhp instead of 302 in the 35i which could be manual or DCT (but as you want DCT that isn't an issue). Although they both share the same engine fundamentally, and no doubt could be mapped for more!
But 35iS also has different suspension which could be ordered as an M-Sport option on the 35i.
Might be worth a bit more research before you decide!
Hope you enjoy whatever you go for!
I don't have detailed knowledge of E89s, but there is a 35i and a 35iS, the difference being mostly that the 35iS is DCT only and it has 335 bhp instead of 302 in the 35i which could be manual or DCT (but as you want DCT that isn't an issue). Although they both share the same engine fundamentally, and no doubt could be mapped for more!
But 35iS also has different suspension which could be ordered as an M-Sport option on the 35i.
Might be worth a bit more research before you decide!
Hope you enjoy whatever you go for!
I'm slightly bias having a z4 35i DCT - but I've seen some m135i's ripping about and the exhaust sounds note is not that great (it's clearer and higher pitched, not as loud/burbles/dragster lower down).
Plus roof down, you get to hear more from the beautiful engine and exhaust.
I know the z4 35i has the flaps in exhaust, maybe an m135i with bmw sports exhaust fitted would make up for it?
As for looks, it's a no-brainer. My wife runs a 1 series and it's super practical - horses for courses.
My view was z4 for now as no dependents and only other time I can entertain this type of car would be nearer retirement (as i can't imagine kids/wife would be happy with my weekend toy for myself). If I was planning on having a family sooner, then that would've swayed my thinking.
Plus roof down, you get to hear more from the beautiful engine and exhaust.
I know the z4 35i has the flaps in exhaust, maybe an m135i with bmw sports exhaust fitted would make up for it?
As for looks, it's a no-brainer. My wife runs a 1 series and it's super practical - horses for courses.
My view was z4 for now as no dependents and only other time I can entertain this type of car would be nearer retirement (as i can't imagine kids/wife would be happy with my weekend toy for myself). If I was planning on having a family sooner, then that would've swayed my thinking.
Edited by BimmerRossay on Friday 22 July 12:52
Edited by BimmerRossay on Friday 22 July 12:52
I'll chip in as another Z4 35i (DCT) owner and say that it's got to be the more fun option. I've test driven an M235i Coupe and came very close to putting down a deposit but it just does not have quite the same appeal as a convertible. For the very few times that I need a boot and extra seats I just use the O/H's car.
The M135i is certainly a good hatchback but at the end of the day is just that, a hatchback - while it may be quicker than the Z4 in some respects (the e89 is not renowned for knife edge handling) it wouldn't be enough to beat the roof down motoring and sensation of sitting practically over the rear wheels!
The M135i is certainly a good hatchback but at the end of the day is just that, a hatchback - while it may be quicker than the Z4 in some respects (the e89 is not renowned for knife edge handling) it wouldn't be enough to beat the roof down motoring and sensation of sitting practically over the rear wheels!
BimmerRossay said:
My view was z4 for now as no dependents and only other time I can entertain this type of car would be nearer retirement (as i can't imagine kids/wife would be happy with my weekend toy for myself).
Good thinking. I bought my Z4 for me as a station car but you'd never believe the grief I get from the wife about having an impractical car given there's us two and a 3.5yr old! Doesn't seem to matter that she has an X3 - to her, both cars should be Family friendly!Anyway, the Zed is sticking around for the foreseeable but definitely easier to do sans Kids.
As someone who owns neither.
Z4 allll day long.
Better to look at outside
Better to look at inside
Roof comes off
(so)Better to listen to
You don't need rear seats so why carry them around
There wasn't a Z4 1.4d to dilute the 'image' and reduce the 'wow' factor
you'd hope better residuals?? dunno...but the "walking towards/away in the car park" factor is a massive win for the Z
Z4 allll day long.
Better to look at outside
Better to look at inside
Roof comes off
(so)Better to listen to
You don't need rear seats so why carry them around
There wasn't a Z4 1.4d to dilute the 'image' and reduce the 'wow' factor
you'd hope better residuals?? dunno...but the "walking towards/away in the car park" factor is a massive win for the Z
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