Thinking of selling the 135i and getting a Z4 sDrive3.0

[x97Melbourne]

Hello Z4 Friends,

Well...the "3 year club" topic has gotten me thinking it's almost time to let my 135i go. As we all know the twin turbo has maintenance issues and I have no desire to keep my car out of warranty. I have looked at a BMW extended warranty and that is going to run approx $2900 for a 3-yr-plan with a $50 deductible per visit. And....it's almost time to replace tires again at a cost of approx $1400+. So it's gonna cost me ~$4300 just to keep the car.

I am strongly considering selling my car (myself -- not a trade in). And, I have already spoken to a broker who can find me a 2011 used Z4 - sDrive3.0. (255 HP version). 0-60 in 5.6 seconds -- similar to my 135i CV. Gets 28 MPG highway -- much but better than me!!!

http://www.bmwusa.com/standard/conte...i/default.aspx

So....the point of my topic.....has anyone driven both the current-model Z4 sDrive3.0 and 135i?? The BMW dealership in St Petersburg does not have any Z4s (new or used) and have no immediate plans to get one in stock. They say they are hard to get as the factory location just changed. And....to make matters worse....they tell me that they do not even order manual trans Z4s!!!! The only want to get a manual is to order one. WOW -- can't even test drive it!!!

Let me know what you think of the Z4 as a daily driver (this will be my only car) ??? Will I think this car is "too small?" Will I be disappointed if this is my only car???
THANKS.....all comments welcome!!!!

[richard in NC]

I test drove a 30i 6MT and a 35i DCT. That was 2 years ago but I still recall differences and impressions. The 30i was a great car, fun to drive, good balance, etc. It would be only lacking in power if you are used to a lot more. It won't have the mid range torque of the 35i or the real kick in the back but it is fun to wind out. I liked the manual, it seemed better than the M5 & 650i manuals that I had. But I like the DCT for the ease in traffic, and the paddles are great on real twisties such as the Tail of the Dragon.

As far as a daily driver, it is fine and even the 35i is reasonably economical around town if not driven too hard. But I do have the option to drive an X5. You may tire of the stiff ride if you have a ton of bumpy roads, especially with the 19s. I've only driven a 135i at the Performance Center so I can't really compare them. Ditching the RFTs would help but forget a spare. You'll need an M Mobility kit or something.

Also, cargo space is limited. I was challenged to get a 24x36 picture frame home once. Not in the trunk, even top up. Also if going on a road trip with a passenger, you'll need to pack light. And probably no top down until at the destination. But by myself I did a 1600 mile trip and enjoyed the whole drive.

[tranquility]

I never drove the 1-series but have the 35i and it is my only car so it is my DD (it's even a solid car to drive for Toronto winters...not that it matters for you since you live in FL). Depends on what you consider good cargo space but for my wife and I, it is more than adequate for grocery runs and the usual, reg errands, unless you want to buy huge furniture.

I test drove the 30i and thought that there was better value for me to pay the small $ difference to get the 35i. There is a noticeable pwr increase and I thought that it was worth it.

I personally would have liked the Z4 to be even smaller!

GL on your search.

[Jay60642]

Just got my Z4 last month and still in love. The 255hp feels a lot faster than the 230hp of my 328i. In sport mode, I do not miss my 6MT at all, especially in Chicago traffic.

It is my daily driver and when I need to buy bulky things (like a case of wine), with the top up, there is plenty if cargo space.

There is a dealer near Chicago with 9 left, including demos. Bet they would love to clear them out.

[skier219]

s30i with 6MT is a fun, sweet ride. Makes a great daily driver for me. On days when I need to haul people/cargo, or the weather is iffy in winter, I drive an SUV. If you don't have requirements like that, then I can see the Z4 being a fine everyday car.

[marcw]

I was just on a 4800 miles road trip with my wife and the top down 90% of the time. We fit enough clothes in the trunk to last for 10 days. We bought two small suitcases from Costco. They are the Kirkland 22" carry-on type. They fit perfectly in the trunk while still being able to put the partition down. We ended up doing laundry at a laundromat in Decatour Alabama and spent a few hilarious hours with the owner who is an avid Top Gear fan.

Originally Posted by richard in NC

Also if going on a road trip with a passenger, you'll need to pack light. And probably no top down until at the destination.

[Jordanpryce]

Coming from a 328ix I love my Z4 3.0. The motor is night an day better. Can't explain why, but it is WAY much more fun to drive. I don't miss the extra room.

[ZheHbKa]

u might miss the turbos

[ridin135]

You will miss the power especially if your one is tuned

[x97Melbourne]

Originally Posted by ridin135

You will miss the power especially if your one is tuned

No...I'm not a tuner and not into "mods." 300 HP was plenty for me!
I am thinking 255HP will be enough.... just gotta find one to test drive! )

[fisherman]

Originally Posted by x97Melbourne

No...I'm not a tuner and not into "mods." 300 HP was plenty for me!
I am thinking 255HP will be enough.... just gotta find one to test drive! )

255 HP will be plenty for the average driver. When I was buying, I test drove the 2011 30i and the 2011 35i. Although there is no doubt the 35 is more powerful, I actually liked the 30 better. Transmission ( auto vs DCT ) seemed smoother, and no HPFP to deal with down the road.
Make sure you test drive the 30 with the Sport setting, in addition to the normal setting. The shift points are lower, and it makes the car much more fun to drive. I use this setting 90% of the time now. Speed is plenty fast for me, as our roads are patrolled pretty heavy.
Good luck !

[sDrive35i]

Honestly, it's not the best daily driver. Not much room in the trunk, only 2 seats, and the MPG isn't too efficient (although I have the 35i). I'd keep the 135i for it's back seats, but if you want some fun, the Z4 for sure

[BlueZ4AZ]

Why not tell the broker you will need to test drive any 30i he finds for you, before you will be able to make the decision on whether to purchase that car or not?

That seems like a reasonable request for anyone looking to spend $30 something thousand dollars on a used car.

[rufless]

I just replaced my 2008 135i convertible with a 2011 Z4 35i (both leased). I also test drove a Z4 30i, but it felt sluggish next to the 135i so I went with the 35i instead. When I got the 135i, I also test drove a 128i, and from my recollection the difference between the 128i and 135i was similar to the difference between the Z4 30i and 35i.

I'm not suggesting that the Z4 30i is actually sluggish -- far from it. It just might feel that way after the 135i. I used to lease a 2006 Z4 30si which had a 255hp 3.0 engine like this current 30si. I didn't think that was sluggish, but the bar has been raised by the 135i :-)

I've only had the new Z4 for 10 days, so I can't comment yet on how it does as a daily driver. There's definitely more road noise than there was in the 135i (top up or down).

You should definitely wait until you can test drive the car you want.

[ring007]

It will feel significantly smaller; (1) because it is; (2) the driving position is much different than a typical BMW. The Z4 has a long nose (no surprise, right), and the view out of the car is much different than a 4 seater; and (3) the car sits lower than the 135i (I believe). However once the top is down you forget about 1-3 above
My recommendation: try it before you buy it. Or better yet with the current lease deals, keep your current car and lease a Z4 for a 2 year test drive!