Z4 35iS to M135i ?

[Tea Pot One]

I have had a Z4 35iS (so 340ps) for 3 months. In that time is has spent 3 weeks in the dealers during 3 visits. The supplying dealer has offered me 100% of my money back if I wish to walk away.

I am in a dilemma as though this is decent offer by the dealer the cars are thin on the ground and I would not be able to swap for another.

I either keep and try to persuade BMW to extend the warranty (which to me seems a minimum) or sell. If I sell I can likely buy a new M135i for less money per month on a PCP than I bought the 35iS for over the same period.

Will I manage a move from a Z4 35iS to an M135i with all the toys ? Having driven one it is a great little car but doesn't have the presence of the Z4.

The Z4 had a coil pack go after 4 days and has had now 2 adaptive suspension ECU's in the last 7 weeks ! Unlucky and get rid ... or stick with it and hope car is now fixed ? In it's 1st three years BMW said the car did not have a warranty claim at all.

Comments welcome.

[Tea Pot One]

Smuler said:

Corroborate it was trouble free for 3 years and if so, as you like the car, keep it but get at least 1 more year's warranty. If there is a murky past, bail and take your money: but try and find another. I'm not dissing the M135i, just generally thinking that if you are happy with a car, don't let it's flaws lead you to another.

I checked through BMW and they said the only work done prior to me having it this July was to replace a cracked alloy (not uncommon sadly) and a cracked windscreen. Nothing else apart from a service in the BMW dealer network.

Since I bought it in 3 months it's had a coil pack & plug plus 2 Adaptive suspension ECU's.

[Tea Pot One]

James P said:

I had to involve BMW GB due to the number of faults with my 2011 35iS. Everything fixed under warranty but enough was enough and this will be my first and last BMW unless the service is vastly better over the next 12 months. The dealer offered to put me into a brand new one for the same monthly cost which I refused as it would tie me in for 3 years - so they ended up paying for fourth year of warranty and gave me £500 credit at the dealers.

In your position and with the benefit of hindsight I would hand it back but would also walk away from the brand and particularly the dealer. Your dealer seems to have made a fair offer but why can they not offer you a build slot for a new one? - big discounts available You can spec a convertible M235i online now - would that be a better alternative?

Did you buy the 35iS new ?

My budget won't stretch to a new one - even at discounted rates. I paid £26K. A new 35iS is around £38K when toys are added ... not bad for £50K list but still too dear for me.

A 235i convertible would be lovely, but again, outside my price range.

Edited by Tea Pot One on Saturday 4th October 09:08

[Tea Pot One]

Thanks for the replies. I have managed to put a deposit on another 35iS ...newer than mine and with less miles. Hopefully all will go smoothly with the transfer and I will have no more issues but still have a great performing car

[Tea Pot One]

New Mineral White Z4 35iS now in drive and seems a far more 'sorted' car than my other one. I was unsure at first re the pearlescent colour but it is very striking on a Z4.

It drives with lighter steering and generally feels new - with 2500 miles as opposed to 30,000 and 2 years newer for the same price I guess that is to be expected ... but I am getting good vibes with it - lets hope my old black one was a one off !

The Professional speaker system is in a different league to the std system and the ability to put the roof up and down up to 25mph is a bonus.

Interestingly the DCT gearbox seems smoother and changes down far quicker than my old one. The only downside if there is one is that the steering on this one is a lot lighter than my 11 plate car was.

I just need the rain to hold off so I can enjoy it a bit with a few crisp winter mornings roof down

The M135i was nice but I have done the right thing sticking to a convertible. If it hadn't of been another Z4 35iS then an M235i would have been ordered I feel as opposed to an M135i.