Favorite engine?

[audioi]

Since the engine is the major difference in the models what is the best overall engine?

[paris1]

I would think you would be looking for the favorite "drivetrain" as there are four transmission possibilities. I know because I test drove 3 of the four today!

[nilfinite]

I went through the decision process between the 3 models last week. It was a tough decision and I couldn't decide even at the dealership.

I ended up deciding after ranking by priority.

Handling - N20 cars handle better due to less weight, smaller engine and engine placement. Doesn't matter unless you plan on AXing or Tracking the car.
Power - N54 is clearly faster and it comes with the buttery smooth DCT transmission to boot
Modability - N54 cars can be modded for much more power.
Price - N20 cars are cheaper and have better gas mileage.

Pick your top two and go for it!

I posted a similar article here if you are interested: http://leaseknowitall.com/2014/10/bm...s-35i-vs-35is/

[hyper1]

i have the 28i and I'm very happy with it.
I was driving a 135 before the Z4.

have fun....

[ManiacGT]

I love my N54, but its got its share of troubles. Though I've only suffered the HPFP failure (and that was before I collected it as it went on the test drive!) I now have what I think is a wastegate rattle (a tinkling/clattering noise under 50% load just as the car changes gear and the wastegate partially opens. BMW say normal of course, but I know its not as its only done it for the last few months.

I did like the handling of a 20i (n20) I tried but I didn't like the power or the noise. N54 FTW on the noise front, glorious farts bangs and pops on shifts with the DCT.

... I still can't find another car I'm willing to shell out more money to replace my 35i. I'd feel like I'm letting something special go in order to get something more generic.

[BMWZ4RIDER]

I drove in and loved in order:
35is at the BMW performance school. Needless to say it was loaded, DCT, sport suspension, and the test drive was under full track speed and driving experience. Amazing. So is the cost.
(Multiple) different 35i with DCT.
At least 1 was with performance NON run flats and the other with Bridgestone run flats and all as mentioned with DCT. On the street the performance was more then engaging and outrageous.
Last 30i with automatic- after the DCT and 300HP twin turbo putting the power to the ground this package, the 30i and automatic seems anemic.

I went with the 35i Twin turbo, DCT as the best all around engine and trans options for the street.

[paris1]

There's much to be said for the 4 cyl too. My wife and I drove one as well as the 3.0i and 3.5i yesterday. Net result was we ruled out the 3.0i which, as noted above, seems anemic and very "soft" with the old automatic. The 2.8i and 3.5i were both very entertaining, but different in character. The 4 seems much edgier and delivers its power with more of an exhaust "bark" while the 6 feels more refined (smooth) and responds to throttle input with more of a "growl". We like both the 8 speed ZF on the four and the 7 speed DCT on the six, but the shifts were noticeably faster on the latter. Because we're in the market for a CPO bargain, we're keeping our options open and will consider either the 4 or 6 for a purchase. Either one feels so much more substantial then the '06 Miata we've owned for the past 9 years!

[audioi]

Glad I asked, I won't waste my time with the 3.0

Paris1, I drove a current Miata and although it felt cart like it had absolutely no power.

[nicknaz]

I think the 30i with 6MT is interesting. I tracked an E90 328 6MT regularly in 2008-2009 and it was a lot of fun. I wouldn't expect the Z430i to be any different.

My personal preference is the 35i (N54 + DCT) combo. Great for a street car (cooling isn't an issue on the street) and like all the other N54, responds well to mods.

I also tried the 28i (n20 + 8AT) and while it was a lot of fun I personally missed the extra power of the N54

[Gunzaro]

The N52 and N54 are some of the best flat 6 engines with respect to sound and smoothness that BMW have ever made.