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      07-29-2015, 08:54 PM   #1
techno10
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Get an is?

So I have a 2003 bmw z4 3.0.. it's a fun car to drive around on back roads, etc.. I really like the styling too. That said my initial plan was to upgrade the 3.0 to make it a little more fun (also for something to do).

So on my list was supercharger, maybe seats (if I could find some z4m ones for sale), suspension and rear diff upgrade. Rather than go that route and maybe lose some of the reliability (and spend nearly 8 to 10k in upgrades that I'd never be able to reclaim) I was thinking of upgrading to a sdrive35i, minimum.. It would be a used one with with 30k+ miles on it and most likely out of CPO (wouldn't be a daily driver anyways). For reference I also have a 2011 335i xdrive sedan.. I replaced the suspension on that with K&W v1's (I couldn't believe the suspension BMW released that car with, felt like a boat).

So the ultimate question is should I try to find an IS if I will most likely want to upgrade suspension anyways? I've read a few forum topics aready stating people ditching the adaptive M suspension.. Also I'm almost 100% sure I'd go with FMIC+COBB AP as the first upgrade so the IS power is kind of not worth it as well?? I could always upgrade to an M steering wheel down the road (I think they are worth the money).

So me being ok with some sort of coil-overs, FMIC and tune is there any real reason to strive for a sdrive35is over a normal sdrive35i? (Also 1 way or another I think I'm getting those 19" m type wheels regardless somehow).

thanks,
Mike

Last edited by techno10; 07-29-2015 at 09:02 PM..
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      07-31-2015, 09:50 AM   #2
Dejablue
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Get an IS?

I vote yes.
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      07-31-2015, 12:23 PM   #3
VailM3
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it is simple...if you want a a manual go 35i, if not get opt for a 35iS
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      07-31-2015, 03:27 PM   #4
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I went from a 2006 3.0i to a 2015 35is and all I can say is GO FOR IT!!

The only thing I miss is the better trunk space in the e85.
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      08-02-2015, 10:29 AM   #5
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3 series with awd dont have the sport suspension setup

If you are modding, it is the same
N54 so i guess it boils down to the deal you are able to get on 35i vs 35is
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      08-03-2015, 07:05 PM   #6
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I think the older 35i didn't have the additional oil cooler. That's a plus with the 35is. The overboost function is mute if you get a protune through Wedge, which I highly recommend.

Performance wise you can make 35i just as fast, if not quicker. Aesthetic wise I do like the little interior trim upgrades.

Either way is a win...
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      08-14-2015, 02:11 PM   #7
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I wouldn't go turbo but that's just me.

FWIW it has been a while since BMW stopped selling Z4 35i with stick shift in the US. You can still get the 28i in manual.

I'm tempted to say we should just trade. Would love to have a manual non-turbo i6.
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      08-14-2015, 04:37 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Squddie View Post
I wouldn't go turbo but that's just me.
? reliability concerns?

I had an N52 equipped E90 328 6MT, loved the car, but it was like a big 4dr miata..straight up momentum car at the track

If I was going to go non turbo roadster for "feel/experience" I think Boxster S or ND miata is the winner...
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      08-17-2015, 09:29 PM   #9
techno10
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I know the 335 xdrive I got even though had a "sport" package the suspension wasn't going to be anything great.. but after driving the 335 for over a month I really honestly thought they missed the mark.. The car rode very high and I couldn't feel the road through the suspension at all. I just think it could have been better from the factory. I got the K&W v1's and to me that's how the car should have felt from the factory (without the coilover option).. Just my opinion too. I guess I should have explained myself a little more.

That said I'm not having much luck finding a sdrive35i or sdrive35is for the budget I had in mind.. plus I would either need to trade my car in OR sell it first (2003 z4 3.0). Hell I haven't even found one to test drive yet! I guess most people are out driving them! I'd like to stay under 35k for a used one..

Mike




Quote:
Originally Posted by nicknaz View Post
3 series with awd dont have the sport suspension setup

If you are modding, it is the same
N54 so i guess it boils down to the deal you are able to get on 35i vs 35is
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      08-18-2015, 02:31 AM   #10
nicknaz
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Quote:
Originally Posted by techno10 View Post
I know the 335 xdrive I got even though had a "sport" package the suspension wasn't going to be anything great.. but after driving the 335 for over a month I really honestly thought they missed the mark.. The car rode very high and I couldn't feel the road through the suspension at all. I just think it could have been better from the factory. I got the K&W v1's and to me that's how the car should have felt from the factory (without the coilover option).. Just my opinion too. I guess I should have explained myself a little more.

That said I'm not having much luck finding a sdrive35i or sdrive35is for the budget I had in mind.. plus I would either need to trade my car in OR sell it first (2003 z4 3.0). Hell I haven't even found one to test drive yet! I guess most people are out driving them! I'd like to stay under 35k for a used one..

Mike
Agreed on the 3 series xdrive cars. Needs mods for sure due to lack of sport suspension from the factory

I looked on the bmw cpo site quickly and seems like z4 35i can be had for that price and I think there are some in the forum classifieds for that price too. Good luck!!
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