Z4 28i bought, love it.

Z4 28i bought, love it.

Author
Discussion

Tea Pot One

1,847 posts

228 months

Wednesday 8th July 2015
quotequote all
cerb4.5lee said:
That's good to hear that they are constantly tweaking the DCT to get the best from it, I have always enjoyed reading the reviews on the 35iS and its my favourite model but sadly I am just not a fan of DCT/Auto but don't get me wrong they are brilliant at what they do its just I like three pedals more.
Three pedals is great ... just not in BMW's IMO. I had a Z4M Roadster and got rid of it after only 9 months solely due to the awful clutch and notchy gearbox. If they made the gearbox like an MX5 or Honda S2000 then I would be in a manual smile

cerb4.5lee

30,665 posts

180 months

Wednesday 8th July 2015
quotequote all
Tea Pot One said:
cerb4.5lee said:
That's good to hear that they are constantly tweaking the DCT to get the best from it, I have always enjoyed reading the reviews on the 35iS and its my favourite model but sadly I am just not a fan of DCT/Auto but don't get me wrong they are brilliant at what they do its just I like three pedals more.
Three pedals is great ... just not in BMW's IMO. I had a Z4M Roadster and got rid of it after only 9 months solely due to the awful clutch and gearbox. If they made the gearbox like an MX5 or Honda S2000 then I would be in a manual smile
We think similar and I agree regards BMW`s manual gearboxes and I didn't like the manual at all in my Z4M Roadster and although a bit better the manual in my E92 M3 wasn't great either and its no wonder why the DCT is the most sort after gearbox that's for sure.

The manual gearbox in a 335i is supposedly pretty good and the manual in my 520d was really good I thought although it didn't suit the engine.

tonymor

1,481 posts

172 months

Wednesday 8th July 2015
quotequote all
I experienced the notchy clutch and gearbox in the e 85 zed 4 I had it was moody some days ok .
I've got a e89 zed now and that's notchy also .

bodhi

10,514 posts

229 months

Thursday 9th July 2015
quotequote all
I have the same manual box in my 125i, and I must admit, I don't really have an issue with it. It can grumble about going into 1st occasionally, and 1st to 2nd is the same as any other CDV fitted BMW, but on the move I think it's a joy, nice and direct and easy to drive smoothly.

I did have a slight clutch judder issue when it was cold and damp outside, but I suspect this was engine related, as after a full oil and plugs service, it has completely gone away. Next job is to take the CDV out, once done I expect it to be pretty much perfect.

trippy86

19 posts

147 months

Thursday 9th July 2015
quotequote all
I bought a 2008 E93 330i manual a few months ago and I gotta say I was a bit dissapointed at first with the nothcy gear shift and vague clutch feel.

About a week ago I got the clutch changed and modified (removed the restrictor of) the CDV. Feels a lot better now with the clutch feeling like its under full control of your left foot. I can now shift 1st to 2nd smoothly and heel-toe downshifts are nothing but a pleasure, coupled with the engine note from blipping the throttle.


Anyone with a manual BMW - get the CDV removed/modified and you will fall in love with the manual box again! smile


The gear shift is still a little notchy but thats something we have to get used I guess.

Esseesse

8,969 posts

208 months

Thursday 9th July 2015
quotequote all
Tengocity said:
Good to see some E89 fans.... Don't you think they're one of the most under-rated cars around?
I know a Boxster or Elise might be the sweeter handler, but as an everyday all round sports car with good looks, performance, reliability, and equipment levels, I don't think there's any that's better value for money.
I've not been in one, but like the look of the E89. Maybe one day....

Tea Pot One

1,847 posts

228 months

Thursday 9th July 2015
quotequote all
E89 looks stunning ... but then I am biased biggrin

Sticks.

8,755 posts

251 months

Friday 10th July 2015
quotequote all
I really must get around to changing my E85 to one of these*. Thanks for the useful points. I have to say I prefer the auto box to the DSG in my Audi, which is similar to the DCT, I imagine - great full on, clumsy the rest of the time.

I'm not sure I'd go for a 4 pot turbo over a 6 cylinder, but looking at the performance of the 28, it's not so clear cut. And an auto would be my preference. Is there back to back comparison online or if you've had both, is there anything else to consider?

Thanks, Nick




Keep both, given the (lack of) value of the E85, as it's on 23k - what I need more garage space smile

JonV8V

7,229 posts

124 months

Friday 10th July 2015
quotequote all
My wife has the DCT in her Z4. I have the latest 8 speed auto in my 6. The DCT is absolutely fine in full auto mode when driving and on occasions better than the slush box. There's certainly no nodding dog going on even at full bore, thats really only a symptom of the single clutch automated manuals.

The only time the DCT lets itself down is the time to go into reverse which can feel like an age at times.