Need some help and suggestion on Z4 35is

Land_Shark · 12-20-2010, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueZ4AZ

I am not 100% satisfied with the base stereo, but like most, do not regret not getting the upgraded audio. The majority of us consciously elected not to pay for what was considered to be an overpriced option, in our opinion. Personally, I found better things to do with $1900, so no regrets. If I had to do it all over again, I'd make the same decision.

So, it is a matter of choice for everyone.

+1

persian54 · 12-20-2010, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Land_Shark

Your car shifting is a little strange to me... From E93 335i to Z4 to an E93 M3...
Why did you go through the Z4 ??
I am moving from the E93 to the Z4... I am not sure if I will make the move again to an E93 M3...Emm...

When we lemoned my 335i, I needed a car

and at the time, the lease on an e93 M3 was $1200/ month

yeah not going to do that

My mom has wanted the Z4 since it came out.. but we were stuck with her SLK until next year when her lease finishes

I found a Z4 35i loaded with everything but prem sound and PDC (Sad.. and weird) but only for $650/month tax included, and all he wanted was the $548 BMW transfer fee.
I couldn't say no to $550 down, $650/month for a 63k car
Plus I'd only have it until my mom's SLK lease finished and then she would have the Z4

I was able to get positive equity trading her SLK into BMW as well as getting a 847/month lease on an e93 M3

Hence why I went from the Z4 to the M3 in a matter of about 2 months; the Z4 was never intended to be 'my' car, just a substitute.

The Z4 is a great car... but a 2 seater is too small for me.

When I'm older and have a family, I will most likely have the 2 seater hard top vert along side my family sedan; I just can't do it as my primary DD

tranquility · 12-20-2010, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by why13

How is the wind management in the car with top down, windows up and the back net/glass installed? is it very drafty or serene like in the 650 convertible?

It depends on how high you like your seat. If you have it down low enough, there is minimal draft. It's my 1st convertible, so I have nothing else to compare it to, unfortunately.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueZ4AZ

I am not 100% satisfied with the base stereo, but like most, do not regret not getting the upgraded audio. The majority of us consciously elected not to pay for what was considered to be an overpriced option, in our opinion. Personally, I found better things to do with $1900, so no regrets. If I had to do it all over again, I'd make the same decision.

So, it is a matter of choice for everyone.

I guess so, although just from what I read on this forum, some ppl regretted it. I elected to get it not because of the better stereo but because in Canada it's packaged with other stuff (i.e. 'Exec pkg'): what I really wanted was the wind deflector from that pkg, so the upgraded stereo just came along for the ride lol.

However, I can relate a little bit, re nav. I elected not getting it not because it was an added cost but it wasn't worth it for what one got, esp since the aftermarket portables are more powerful.

For our cars, it's not really about cost savings, as if we can't afford $1-2K more on a >$70K car.

persian54 · 12-20-2010, 01:48 PM

wind draft to me is unbearable with a wind deflector

with a wind deflector is was good

tranquility · 12-20-2010, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by persian54

wind draft to me is unbearable with a wind deflector

with a wind deflector is was good

Yup, wind deflector makes a BIG diff...that's why I had to have it.

Land_Shark · 12-20-2010, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by persian54

When we lemoned my 335i, I needed a car

and at the time, the lease on an e93 M3 was $1200/ month

yeah not going to do that

My mom has wanted the Z4 since it came out.. but we were stuck with her SLK until next year when her lease finishes

I found a Z4 35i loaded with everything but prem sound and PDC (Sad.. and weird) but only for $650/month tax included, and all he wanted was the $548 BMW transfer fee.
I couldn't say no to $550 down, $650/month for a 63k car
Plus I'd only have it until my mom's SLK lease finished and then she would have the Z4

I was able to get positive equity trading her SLK into BMW as well as getting a 847/month lease on an e93 M3

Hence why I went from the Z4 to the M3 in a matter of about 2 months; the Z4 was never intended to be 'my' car, just a substitute.

The Z4 is a great car... but a 2 seater is too small for me.

When I'm older and have a family, I will most likely have the 2 seater hard top vert along side my family sedan; I just can't do it as my primary DD

Makes all the sense to me now ;-) Thanks!

Drjoeb · 12-20-2010, 10:20 PM

I have a 2011 35i
1) Can the paddles be changed to behave like in m3, left for downshift and right for downshift?
Not sure, but you do get used to them pretty quick.

2) Hifi audio worth it?
I have a regular stereo. It's ok better would have been nice, but if I was to do it again yes I'd get the upgrade.

3) Ride on 19" wheels in Sport
One of the First things I noticed was the harsh ride. Getting rid of the RFT soon as the sun comes back.

4) White exterior with red interior vs space grey and red interior
Hmm too light for me. Might look great day one but hoes it going to wear. I wouldn't doubt that the dies from clothes will eventually make their way into the leather. Happened to me with light tan leather. Now I always do black leather.

tranquility · 12-20-2010, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drjoeb

4) White exterior with red interior vs space grey and red interior
Hmm too light for me. Might look great day one but hoes it going to wear. I wouldn't doubt that the dies from clothes will eventually make their way into the leather. Happened to me with light tan leather. Now I always do black leather.

There is absolutely no color transfer between the coral red interior and my clothes.

Land_Shark · 12-21-2010, 01:01 AM

Drjoeb, There are a lot of products in the market nowadays that will protect your Kanzas leather from color fastening/UV/even dust free, etc...
That shouldn't be a reason for not buying a lighter color...
I had the Ivory Napa on my E93, 3 years later sold the car, you won't tell that the seats were 3 yrs old.. And I've got a ((Monster)) kid of 2 yrs...

juhap · 12-21-2010, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tranquility

There is absolutely no color transfer between the coral red interior and my clothes.

And even if there were, there's a solution for that too

BlueZ4AZ · 12-21-2010, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tranquility

I guess so, although just from what I read on this forum, some ppl regretted it. I elected to get it not because of the better stereo but because in Canada it's packaged with other stuff..

However, I can relate a little bit, re nav. I elected not getting it not because it was an added cost but it wasn't worth it for what one got, esp since the aftermarket portables are more powerful.

For our cars, it's not really about cost savings, as if we can't afford $1-2K more on a >$70K car.

Correct, it is an individuals own decision on just about every option/package. One needs to decide if it is worth the money or it it is a good enough "value".

My point was to let the OP know not to base his decision on whether to get the Upgraded Audio on how many people did/did not regret getting it. It should be based on his own perceived value.

tranquility · 12-21-2010, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueZ4AZ

Correct, it is an individuals own decision on just about every option/package. One needs to decide if it is worth the money or it it is a good enough "value".

My point was to let the OP know not to base his decision on whether to get the Upgraded Audio on how many people did/did not regret getting it. It should be based on his own perceived value.

Sure, s/he can do whatever s/he wants but of course s/he's asking for other ppl's opinion and there does seem to be quite a few ppl giving opinions on the std stereo. Best thing OP can do now is try both the std and premium stereos and decide for her/himself, since s/he obviously thinks this topic merits discussion and lots of ppl have opined on same.

BlueZ4AZ · 12-21-2010, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tranquility

Sure, s/he can do whatever s/he wants but of course s/he's asking for other ppl's opinion and there does seem to be quite a few ppl giving opinions on the std stereo. Best thing OP can do now is try both the std and premium stereos and decide for her/himself, since s/he obviously thinks this topic merits discussion and lots of ppl have opined on same.

Correct, it is a well talked about subject, some of us have given less than stellar opinions on the standard audio. My initial comment was only to add that there are very few if any of us that have actually "regretted" not getting the upgraded audio, since the alternative was to pay more than what we believed the upgraded audio was worth. The idea being simply to alert the OP not to conclude that this is a "get it or regret it" type of upgrade.

Yes. Everyone ought to compare the 2, look at the pricing and decide for themselves.

tranquility · 12-21-2010, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueZ4AZ

Correct, it is a well talked about subject, some of us have given less than stellar opinions on the standard audio. My initial comment was only to add that there are very few if any of us that have actually "regretted" not getting the upgraded audio, since the alternative was to pay more than what we believed the upgraded audio was worth. The idea being simply to alert the OP not to conclude that this is a "get it or regret it" type of upgrade.

Yes. Everyone ought to compare the 2, look at the pricing and decide for themselves.

Agreed, OP has enough info on this topic to decide by now. Peace.

Vintage · 12-21-2010, 07:31 PM

yes, the Premium Audio upgrade costs too much but I willingly ordered it because I love loud music while driving fast with the top down AND if you do not go with the overpriced factory upgrade then it is very difficult to upgrade later (plus, it must cost a bunch for a quality aftermarket install); that is my logic on this issue in short, be that as it may

Silver-Bolt · 12-21-2010, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VintageBMW

yes, the Premium Audio upgrade costs too much but I willingly ordered it because I love loud music while driving fast with the top down AND if you do not go with the overpriced factory upgrade then it is very difficult to upgrade later (plus, it must cost a bunch for a quality aftermarket install); that is my logic on this issue in short, be that as it may

My reasoning exactly. Over priced but needed one way or another.

Land_Shark · 12-21-2010, 09:36 PM

Maybe an off topic question, but still related to sound system...
If you have an iDrive installed, can you still use an aftermarket radio unit??

teagueAMX · 12-21-2010, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Land_Shark

Maybe an off topic question, but still related to sound system...
If you have an iDrive installed, can you still use an aftermarket radio unit??

I've talked with a guy with username Patrys from Poland but works with 3 series/M3 forum folks doing factory equipment retrofits and knows these systems very well. I've asked him to drop by and give us the 411 on what he does for people that are either trying to install a factory system or interface with a factory head unit with aftermarket gear.

Hopefully he'll drop by in the next day or two.

Land_Shark · 12-22-2010, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teagueAMX

I've talked with a guy with username Patrys from Poland but works with 3 series/M3 forum folks doing factory equipment retrofits and knows these systems very well. I've asked him to drop by and give us the 411 on what he does for people that are either trying to install a factory system or interface with a factory head unit with aftermarket gear.

Hopefully he'll drop by in the next day or two.

Great teagueAMX, keep us in the loop, plz...

Vintage · 12-22-2010, 09:33 AM

asking a guy from Poland (I am of Polish descent) how to modify the stereo highlights the need to just suck it up and order the overpriced Premium Audio

teagueAMX · 12-22-2010, 10:03 AM

+1

Three factors working against doing a great aftermarket gear install. Space in a two seat sports car is very sparse, BMWs head unit and iDrive. The bitch is that BMW components (electronics, speakers, amps, etc) are cheaply made and the same ballpark as GM puts out.

Has anybody ever gotten a quote from a dealer to do a Professional system with Nav install. I imagine it's really expensive.

tranquility · 12-22-2010, 12:05 PM

OT>
Whatever happened to Blaupunkt in its dealings w/ BMW? Many years ago they used to proudly display their name on stereos in BMW cars, now it's just "BMW Professional" or whatever. I assume that BMW stereos are still made by that company? How come they supposed lost their 'prestige' and no longer put their name on the stereo?

12-20-2010, 01:48 PM	#26
persian54 Lieutenant General 923 Rep 15,818 Posts Drives: M760/G83M4 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: The Valley, SoCal iTrader: (298)	wind draft to me is unbearable with a wind deflector with a wind deflector is was good __________________ From E93 335i to E89 Z4 to E93 M3/E89 Z4 to E350/SL550
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12-20-2010, 10:20 PM	#29
Drjoeb Private 3 Rep 89 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Freehold NJ iTrader: (0)	I have a 2011 35i 1) Can the paddles be changed to behave like in m3, left for downshift and right for downshift? Not sure, but you do get used to them pretty quick. 2) Hifi audio worth it? I have a regular stereo. It's ok better would have been nice, but if I was to do it again yes I'd get the upgrade. 3) Ride on 19" wheels in Sport One of the First things I noticed was the harsh ride. Getting rid of the RFT soon as the sun comes back. 4) White exterior with red interior vs space grey and red interior Hmm too light for me. Might look great day one but hoes it going to wear. I wouldn't doubt that the dies from clothes will eventually make their way into the leather. Happened to me with light tan leather. Now I always do black leather.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-21-2010, 01:01 AM	#31
Land_Shark In The Flesh 23 Rep 600 Posts Drives: Z4 sDrive 35i Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Hong Kong iTrader: (0)	Drjoeb, There are a lot of products in the market nowadays that will protect your Kanzas leather from color fastening/UV/even dust free, etc... That shouldn't be a reason for not buying a lighter color... I had the Ivory Napa on my E93, 3 years later sold the car, you won't tell that the seats were 3 yrs old.. And I've got a ((Monster)) kid of 2 yrs...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-21-2010, 07:31 PM	#37
Vintage Colonel 379 Rep 2,588 Posts Drives: BMW G80 (MT), 718 Spyder Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Austin, Texas iTrader: (0)	yes, the Premium Audio upgrade costs too much but I willingly ordered it because I love loud music while driving fast with the top down AND if you do not go with the overpriced factory upgrade then it is very difficult to upgrade later (plus, it must cost a bunch for a quality aftermarket install); that is my logic on this issue in short, be that as it may
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-21-2010, 09:36 PM	#39
Land_Shark In The Flesh 23 Rep 600 Posts Drives: Z4 sDrive 35i Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Hong Kong iTrader: (0)	Maybe an off topic question, but still related to sound system... If you have an iDrive installed, can you still use an aftermarket radio unit??
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12-22-2010, 09:33 AM	#42
Vintage Colonel 379 Rep 2,588 Posts Drives: BMW G80 (MT), 718 Spyder Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Austin, Texas iTrader: (0)	asking a guy from Poland (I am of Polish descent) how to modify the stereo highlights the need to just suck it up and order the overpriced Premium Audio
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12-22-2010, 10:03 AM	#43
teagueAMX Colonel 62 Rep 2,087 Posts Drives: Some are road worthy Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: So Cal, USA iTrader: (0)	+1 Three factors working against doing a great aftermarket gear install. Space in a two seat sports car is very sparse, BMWs head unit and iDrive. The bitch is that BMW components (electronics, speakers, amps, etc) are cheaply made and the same ballpark as GM puts out. Has anybody ever gotten a quote from a dealer to do a Professional system with Nav install. I imagine it's really expensive. __________________ "Political correctness is a doctrine fostered by a delusional liberal minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end".-- Unknown
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12-22-2010, 12:05 PM	#44
tranquility sportscars only 3244 Rep 3,195 Posts Drives: 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Montréal iTrader: (0)	OT> Whatever happened to Blaupunkt in its dealings w/ BMW? Many years ago they used to proudly display their name on stereos in BMW cars, now it's just "BMW Professional" or whatever. I assume that BMW stereos are still made by that company? How come they supposed lost their 'prestige' and no longer put their name on the stereo?
	Appreciate 0 Quote