2009 Z4 35i - Will my idea work ?

[LancerG]

Hi Guys

I won't go in to depth over my decision that led me to a z4 at the moment but will this work........

I buy a Z4 (new shape) 35i with a manual gearbox, then remap the turbo's to gain extra power. I was thinking of this as i prefer manual boxes to the flappy padel that is the only option on the 35is 2010 model.

So is the manual gearbox in the 35i strong enough to take up to 400 horses ?
Are the small twin turbo's mappable to more than 8psi, or do i need to fit bigger turbo's ?

Am I barking up the wrong tree with this model as im concerned its heavy ? I'm really looking for a modern day Z4M or as that car was described a modern day TVR.

Is the old shape 2008 Z4M a better drive ?

Thanks for your help folks

[ManiacGT]

Is the Z4M a better drive. In coupe form, yes, by miles. Can you enhance the e89 without too much trouble. Yes, but it will never be an M. The e89 is a nice handling car despite what the journos would have you believe. But, its a daily car, its not track focussed. If you want track level handling, then look at the e86/M coupe.

All IMHO of course, having owned quite a few Z's now...

[LancerG]

So in just a few minutes more research ..... I think your right, the heavier softer safer 4 is not for me, shame.
I reckon im better off buying a 2007/2008 Z4M Coupe

SO why is the coupe so much better than the roadster ? the suspension is changed and the rack is sharper, anything else ?

[ManiacGT]

One word... Rigidity. The coupe shell is super rigid and makes handling very precise indeed. The roadster is good, the coupe that bit better IMHO

Bear in mind, the M will be a nice car BUT will cost more to run, service and insure. It also has a more track focussed ride (read on rough roads, quite uncomfortable) so you need to be aware of that if you plan on using it daily.

But from your post, its all about power and handling, neither of which you really get to use on the road these days so I guess you'll be tracking it, so the Z4M is the way to go for the best in that, its just not quite as liveable daily as the e89 I feel.

Edited by ManiacGT on Monday 19th May 22:00

[LancerG]

Thanks for the quick replies

I live in Devon, where we are priviledged to have less traffic jams and plenty of flowing A roads with good overtaking places. I do alot of runs with a local group, pretty quick road drives.
Track - I use a mates 325 track car as we can abuse it more.

I have an evo8MR at the mo, 400hp & 370lb/ft, very very grippy (beyond belief in the wet) and mates have GTR's and Nobles. This will be a weekend toy for under 20k so I can live with firm ride and compromises, ive looked at Caterhams, so comfort isnt at the top of my list.
A V8 M3 is a bit too "daily driver" for me, if you see where im coming from, just too many of them used as daily cars and not special enough to stand out n a crowd

However, those roads make handling and power quite important, my old XKR just didnt work on these roads as you had to wind up the V8 too far in the revs to get to access the power.

[InductionRoar]

LancerG said:

However, those roads make handling and power quite important, my old XKR just didnt work on these roads as you had to wind up the V8 too far in the revs to get to access the power.

Nice situation to be in and it sounds like you have access to some quality motors.

The S54 rewards revs so you may find the same problem as you report with the XKR. It is always good fun trying though...

[bennyboysvuk]

I had a Z4MR and thoroughly enjoyed slithering around in it. Handling-wise, it's a bit snatchier than an E46 M3 when it does slide, but it's far from difficult to control.

In the dry it grips well and you can feel the individual axles load up and then slide when they get to their limits.

In the wet it really comes alive and 3rd gear powerslides are part of the fun.

Finally, with the hood up, you can hear the exhaust and engine quite clearly. With the hood down, you mainly get buffeting and screaming S54 noise, rather than exhaust noise which does get a bit drowned out by the buffeting.

I enjoyed my Z4MR hugely, the newer Z4 seems very relaxed and cruisy by comparison.

[LancerG]

Thanks very much guys

[Crackie]

Z4 35i weighs the same as a 4 door 335i ; the weight from the folding room must be high up too. The N54/N55 engines in *35is make plenty of power when mapped, they do all their best work low down in the rev range which could be good for you but they certainly lack the top end drama of an S54.

Alternatively if you're feeling brave you could fit 3" downpipes, FMIC and then fit a Birds B4 package; it should get you something similar to this Schnitzer but with another 50 or so horsepower. http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/2600...

You mentioned having to wind up your XKR to access the power; is this kind of low down power delivery what you're looking for ? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyFmcreA6Kk

Z4M all day long unless you get the Quaife diff and Hartge springs.

Edited by Crackie on Wednesday 21st May 07:47