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05-07-2013, 05:23 PM | #1 |
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2011 35i to 2011 35is non-obvious mechanical differences?
I recently changed from a 2011 35i to a 2011 35is. I am aware of the obvious cosmetic differences and the tuning and spec differences between the two. My question is, what other non-obvious changes are there? For instance, the steering on the 35is feels much stiffer in normal mode like the 35i feels in sport or sport+ mode. When you put it in sport mode the 35is's steering gets even more stiff. Also, the suspension feels stiffer in normal mode but not like the 35i would in sport mode. Is this normal? What other changes are there? What other things were changed?
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05-07-2013, 07:03 PM | #2 |
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You are probably one of the best people to answer that.
A lot of people here will claim there isn't much difference other than a mild tune, exhaust, and some m badges Does your 35is actually say "normal" as opposed to "comfort"? and are the wheel sizes the same? Post up some more comparisons and congrats on the purchase |
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05-07-2013, 07:29 PM | #3 | |
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BTW, there is NO difference in "M" badges when the 35i is optioned to include the M-Sport package (standard on the 35is). |
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05-07-2013, 08:00 PM | #4 | |
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By the way, thanks for the congratulations. |
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05-08-2013, 02:56 AM | #6 |
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Drives: '11 Z4 35is & '11 535xi GT
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The tune may affect more than the engine though as I can see the parts are identical for the suspension and direction from RealOEM.
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05-08-2013, 03:20 AM | #7 |
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The steering feel is surely different. They tuned the parameters of the electronic steering system so that already in normal mode it is more "sporty" / less "comfortable". How they did it exactly we don't know of course, but it is all about software programming. If they wanted to, they could have "easily" changed the parameters of the adaptive suspension, engine and DCT as well. We know for sure that they played with the engine parameters to increase the POWER.
There are however no known mechanical differences to these systems, so as Nicknaz said you could be the first to find out! The N54(T) used in many BMWs has been updated over the years (search the forum), but the 35i/35is brakes are the same outside the US. And based on realoem only the mufflers of the exhaust system are different between the 35i and 35is. Congratz on your new Z4, and please tell us more about the differences! Last edited by Asbjorn; 05-08-2013 at 03:27 AM.. |
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05-08-2013, 11:19 AM | #9 |
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Something wrong here. BMW is not likely to produce different sets of 35i/35is vehicles for different markets (besides the obvious LH/RH drive). Therefore, either you are mistaken that brakes are the same between the two models, or BMW has made a change to ALL 35i/35is models, equipping them with the same brakes. Simple either/or proposition.
So, what is your evidence that there is no difference in brakes between the 35i/35is as supplied to your market? Where did you hear this? Where did you see this? How can someone else verify your assertion? Thanks in advance. Last edited by williakz; 05-08-2013 at 12:26 PM.. |
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05-08-2013, 11:53 AM | #10 | |
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Since we're talking about brakes here and not engine, transmissions or anything else that is core to the car, it doesn't seem implausible given the changes that they already put in place to comply with the varying requirements in specific countries. Its not as simple as right side wheel vs. left. From what I understand, there's also a storage cubby on the drivers side under the light controls that they have in Europe but not in the US. |
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05-08-2013, 11:57 AM | #11 |
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Yes it did. The first z4 had every package except comfort access, PDC, and upgraded audio. The reason that I got the specific new IS is because it is the same color scheme (white/ivory white) and has every package/option available including the cold weather package, premium audio package, adaptive high beams, alarm, cd changer, PDC, comfort access, BMW apps, etc.
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05-08-2013, 12:09 PM | #12 | |
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05-08-2013, 12:18 PM | #13 |
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05-08-2013, 12:33 PM | #14 |
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Yup, brakes, exhaust, and ECU tuning are the real differences (besides $5,300) between the 35i and the 35is. Using parts sites like realoem, I ball-parked the model cost difference due to brakes and exhaust to be less than $400 in total. With a reasonably priced tuning program that clones the one in the 35is, the 35i could become a pretty compelling choice. Minor differences in brakes and exhaust, but same performance for a $5,000 discount. Sounds good to me. Get on it, ESS!
BTW, Asbjorn's contention still requires evidence be produced. There is ample evidence that the brake systems are different (see above). Where is the evidence that they are the same in the Asian market or anywhere else? Anybody know? |
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05-08-2013, 01:33 PM | #15 | |
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DCT Increased Top Speed Limiter Adaptive M Suspension Premium Audio Bodywork M Badging Etc. |
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05-08-2013, 01:50 PM | #16 | |
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Don't take my word for it, though. Go to the BMW website for your country and use its Build Your Own configurator to build two cars. One, a 35is and the second, a 35i with all the options needed to make it equivalent to the 35is. The price difference between the two cars will be approx. $5,300. Try it! |
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05-08-2013, 02:15 PM | #17 | |
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05-08-2013, 02:48 PM | #18 | |
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05-08-2013, 02:51 PM | #19 |
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Correct our 2009 35i has the same size brakes as the 35is
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05-08-2013, 03:53 PM | #20 | |
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A quick visual inspection of a US market 35i and 35is side by side will confirm this and as others have done, looking on realoem is another check. I was disappointed when I first learned about this (who wants to have smaller brake rotors after all ) but the reality from my experience is the car's cooling equipment deficiency is more of a barrier to extended hard driving than the smaller brakes OP, interesting minor point is my 2012 35i has the default driving mode labeled "comfort" instead of "normal" in your 35is |
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05-08-2013, 04:34 PM | #21 |
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Wrong again. I am calculating the "appropriate" or "reasonable" or "expected" discount between the two models. I come up with a $400 difference in component pricing (+ ECU tune) versus a $5,300 list price difference. While willing to accept a "lesser" car ($400 worth of inferiority), I would like the opportunity to bring the ECU software maps to equality. Perhaps someday this will occur...
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05-08-2013, 04:40 PM | #22 |
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