Z4s 35i whats it like to own?

[911C2S]

Hi,

Well still looking about at cars.

Does anyone here own the new Z4s 35i? Whats it like to live with? Do the run flats still drive you mad? What do you think of the DCT if you have it?

Thank you.

Tom.

[m999psw]

I have a 35i with DCT and adaptive suspension. I was looking for a new car after having a couple of TVR's but as they are no longer around I just really liked the shape of the new Z4 so bought one. I havn't had a BMW before so can't really compare it to the older one but after reading various on the Z4 forum (after purchase) they seem to have sorted most of the gripes out. I did deliberately buy one with the adaptive suspension as it gave a choice of ride. But without driving an older one I don't understand the 'ditch the runflats' as the car drives as I would expect, the majority of the time I run in sport mode as I like the firmer ride and heavier steering but its not my dailer runner.
The DCT is superb, in normal drive the gearchange through the 7 gears is very smooth. In sport the gearchanges are quicker than I can achieve in a manual but with a choice of the paddles or up down on the gear knob and it will hold in gear to the red line, and stay in/ change down for some engine breaking. With mainly fun driving it has still acheived 28 mpg on average.
For me a least its a great car a good balance between a bit of luxury and some fun.

Paul

[911C2S]

Thanks for that. I'm really quite liking the finish of the interior. I found a 3 month old one with sub 400 miles on. I might even put an offer in this weekend.

[C.HARPER]

I've had my car about 2 months and only done about 700 miles due to weather, but i went for the 6 speed manual with adaptive suspension. I find it comfortable and ok in accelerating but i'm still running it in to manufactures recommendations. Having come from a TVR Tuscan Mk1 that was reliable i wanted a modern car as close to the TVR as possible, i.e. straight 6 engine, manual box which i find very smooth, convertible and a little different. MPG i'm getting at 30 on average, and for the run flat tyres i dont find a problem. I'll be able to give a better opinion after its run in and the weather picks up. I got mine from Preston Hall in Stockton, and found the service very good and helpful. Hope this helps.

[Mr Moley]

m999psw said:

For me a least its a great car a good balance between a bit of luxury and some fun

I just picked up my new 35i on saturday with exactly this in mind. Coming out of a Cayman S I knew the handling wouldn't be as good when it came to driving at nine or ten tenths on the twisties but I wanted something a bit more wafty and a drop top.

Frankly the Z4 is quicker and rides just as well (the new runflats are so much better than the previous generations so as to be barely recognisable as such), whilst having all the toys - the nav and upgraded sound system are absolutely fantastic and leagues ahead of what I had in the porker.

It also happens to make a very nice noise indeed - especially with the DCT as it pops and burbles on the over-run - it was so loud that it actually surprised me at first, and I've owned an RS4 with a milltek exhaust!

Hopefully some help - I am definitely pleased with the change

[911C2S]

Thanks guys, exactly what I'm after. I'm going to sell my 911 and wanted something just for me. Wife now has a 4x4 for the kids so no need to have 2+2. And I wanted something cheaper to run.

I'm still tempted back into a Boxster (had 2 already) but the toys just arnt as good as BMWs. However, is there a car on the road that drives better than a 911/Boxster? Butr, I think that might not be of such high importance to me now (still thinking about it)!

I'm looking for something to run over the summer, lots of toys, great sound (I have PSE on my 911 and my god I will miss it) and some grunt.

I found a nearly new (300 miles) Z4 35is that has everything on it and the kitchen sink. Very temped but in truth I haven't driven it yet. BMW are a nightmare for test drives right now. They charge their dealers £500 to 'hire' cars if the dealer doesn't have one (this one doesn't have tax and so they will only let me drive it for 30 mis with the dealer on dealer plates). Am I wrong to think it's a bit much to expect me to buy based on a 30 mins drive? I have had DSG before and just hated it. The DCT is meant to be much better and I love the idea of paddles but I need to really drive the car to be sure I can live with it. And I had run flats on my 3ltr Z4 Coupe. I was very happy when I sold my Z4 Coupe to find my Z4M didn't have run flats or electric steering, so I want to be sure that BMW have fixed this.

Oh what to do........

[kenyon]

Just bought a brand new 35is for the wife, fully loaded with DCT. A awesome car. I use Synter Dealer in Leciester as they let me and the wife have the car all morning to try it. Sales guy is John Mills and he will look after you with no pushing for a sale. We test drove a Poker Boxster and Merc, but must say the Z4 ticked all the boxes. Personally think the Z4 handles as well as the poker and better then the merc, a much more of a drivers car especially when you have the M adaptive suspension and slap it in Sport + the whole car is great then.

Bought it in red with the white interior !!!

[C.HARPER]

I found the same problem with not been able to get a test drive, but managed a go in a 23i, did about 5 miles and thought okay i'll get one. Abeit i got the 35i due to wanting the extra power. To be honest you cannot get a proper feeling for the car until you have done a few thousand miles and its run in properly. I'm happy with it, even though its not a TVR and hasnt got the sound and attitude. End of the day its down to personal choice. Good luck what ever you decide.

[jontysafe]

Kenyon that sounds like an awesome car, let me know when you want to sell.

[911C2S]

Well, after some 'classic' BMW service I won't be buying a Z4.

I managed to get the car down to 36k (not bad for such a new car) but then they sold it before I could get a drive in it!

In a funny way the whole episode has reminded my why I love Porsche so much. Its not just the car I'm buying, its the dealers and their service. I visited my Porsche dealer this weekend (Swindon), and was treated like a real customer again. So gen 2 911 it is then.........

[NORFE]

Bought a Z4 35I DCT at the end of Jan.

The car is fully loaded with all the gizmo's.

I also own a Ferrari F430 F1 and can say I have nearly as much fun in the Z4.

Get 1 you won't be dissapointed