Z4 335i(300 bhp+) dct or 2.8 turbo (245 bhp) 8 speed auto
Discussion
Looking to change my 2003 330ci 6 speed m sport convertible and currently looking at a Z4 as a replacement.
Its got to be an auto and decide that the 6 speed auto was a bit old hat for a modern sport car so had decided that it had to be the 7 speed DCT which is only available on the 35i and 35iS. Although I really don't need 300+ bhp, the 330cis 230 is more than adequate for me and love the 6 pot noise in the 330. Mpg for 35i appears to be similar to 330 (late twentys or low 30's).
Hadn't realized that when car was facelifted in 2012 that the 2.0 engines (inc 2.8) model got the 8 speed auto so would meet my auto requirements BUT its only a 4 pot engine. The large spread in prices between the 2 isn't a problem but what to phers think of them to drive. Anyone moved from the DCT to 8 speed auto. 2.8 model has more power(245/) and a lot more torque than the 330.
Thoughts welcome including things to look for on either model
Its got to be an auto and decide that the 6 speed auto was a bit old hat for a modern sport car so had decided that it had to be the 7 speed DCT which is only available on the 35i and 35iS. Although I really don't need 300+ bhp, the 330cis 230 is more than adequate for me and love the 6 pot noise in the 330. Mpg for 35i appears to be similar to 330 (late twentys or low 30's).
Hadn't realized that when car was facelifted in 2012 that the 2.0 engines (inc 2.8) model got the 8 speed auto so would meet my auto requirements BUT its only a 4 pot engine. The large spread in prices between the 2 isn't a problem but what to phers think of them to drive. Anyone moved from the DCT to 8 speed auto. 2.8 model has more power(245/) and a lot more torque than the 330.
Thoughts welcome including things to look for on either model
I had the 28i Z4 but it was a manual.
My view.......go for the 35is if you can. The 28i was fine but it wasn't blisteringly quick by any means and you'll always regret not having that bigger engine.
I loved the Z4 but it felt more like a long journey tourer than a 'sports' car. It felt quite big, heavy and a bit unwieldy and wasn't something that gave me the urge to go on back road blasts as that wasn't where it was the most comfortable.
My view.......go for the 35is if you can. The 28i was fine but it wasn't blisteringly quick by any means and you'll always regret not having that bigger engine.
I loved the Z4 but it felt more like a long journey tourer than a 'sports' car. It felt quite big, heavy and a bit unwieldy and wasn't something that gave me the urge to go on back road blasts as that wasn't where it was the most comfortable.
I think you need to drive both - the two engines are almost as different in character and delivery as the two gearboxes! The ZF 8-speed is a very impressive 'box, but it remains a torque converter and if you're after a truly involving drive it doesn't quite compete with a DCT as found in the 35is.
I have a 35iS and have averaged 21.5 mpg since getting it just over a year ago. That said I use it mainly for town / short journeys so it is only just getting warm a lot of the time. On a run I have seen 34mpg average but no more than that. If you use it on longer runs I would expect 26-27mpg is a realistic level.
As for the 28i with the 8 speed box ... well, I have not driven it, but that gearbox is amazing and in an M135i it to me is better than the DCT I have in my 35iS. It changes quicker on kickdown and is really smooth. The only thing with the 28i is the lack of 3L straight six noise. The sports exhaust which is standard on the 35iS is awesome.
As for the 28i with the 8 speed box ... well, I have not driven it, but that gearbox is amazing and in an M135i it to me is better than the DCT I have in my 35iS. It changes quicker on kickdown and is really smooth. The only thing with the 28i is the lack of 3L straight six noise. The sports exhaust which is standard on the 35iS is awesome.
twokcc said:
Looking to change my 2003 330ci 6 speed m sport convertible and currently looking at a Z4 as a replacement.
Its got to be an auto and decide that the 6 speed auto was a bit old hat for a modern sport car so had decided that it had to be the 7 speed DCT which is only available on the 35i and 35iS. Although I really don't need 300+ bhp, the 330cis 230 is more than adequate for me and love the 6 pot noise in the 330. Mpg for 35i appears to be similar to 330 (late twentys or low 30's).
Hadn't realized that when car was facelifted in 2012 that the 2.0 engines (inc 2.8) model got the 8 speed auto so would meet my auto requirements BUT its only a 4 pot engine. The large spread in prices between the 2 isn't a problem but what to phers think of them to drive. Anyone moved from the DCT to 8 speed auto. 2.8 model has more power(245/) and a lot more torque than the 330.
Thoughts welcome including things to look for on either model
You keep putting a '.' between the 2 and the 8? You do know its a 2.0 litre, not a 2.8?Its got to be an auto and decide that the 6 speed auto was a bit old hat for a modern sport car so had decided that it had to be the 7 speed DCT which is only available on the 35i and 35iS. Although I really don't need 300+ bhp, the 330cis 230 is more than adequate for me and love the 6 pot noise in the 330. Mpg for 35i appears to be similar to 330 (late twentys or low 30's).
Hadn't realized that when car was facelifted in 2012 that the 2.0 engines (inc 2.8) model got the 8 speed auto so would meet my auto requirements BUT its only a 4 pot engine. The large spread in prices between the 2 isn't a problem but what to phers think of them to drive. Anyone moved from the DCT to 8 speed auto. 2.8 model has more power(245/) and a lot more torque than the 330.
Thoughts welcome including things to look for on either model
We'd the SDrive20i variant. Probably fractionally underpowered, but they have managed to dial in quite a bit of personality and a decent sound into it. I'd imagine the SDrive28i resolves the power problem.
Also, the 35i variant wont sound as good as your current 330Ci - forced induction removes some of that glorious straight six note.
Edited by daemon on Sunday 22 November 11:45
I have a 28 first auto I've liked and manual control in sport mode at least is pretty instant and seamless.
I do short journeys as well similar to the chap in the 35 i would guess and i get 29 mpg and about 37 on a run sat at 80ish.
Did test the 35is and it is impressive for speed but i have other cars for that, and have never really struggled to overtake in the 28 sometimes put it into sport mode if a shortish gap.
I bought this to replace a lotus europa and acceleration wise theres not too much difference mainly due to seamless shifts
I do short journeys as well similar to the chap in the 35 i would guess and i get 29 mpg and about 37 on a run sat at 80ish.
Did test the 35is and it is impressive for speed but i have other cars for that, and have never really struggled to overtake in the 28 sometimes put it into sport mode if a shortish gap.
I bought this to replace a lotus europa and acceleration wise theres not too much difference mainly due to seamless shifts
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