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04-22-2013, 02:53 PM | #1 |
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PICS added - Newly purchased 11 Z4 35is initial driving impressions
Just purchased a new to me 2011 Z4 35is. The 35is is Melbourne Red with the extended walnut interior. Came with Comfort Access, Navigation, Premium Stereo, Lumbar, heated seats, etc... It's certified with 24xxx miles. After putting 2k miles it driving it home, I have some initial driving impressions that might interest some.
To put my thoughts in context, need to provide some background. First, this is my 5th BMW. I've owned two E46 3 series, one E53 X5 and most recently a modified E46 M3. I've wrenched on all of them and have some understanding of the BMW marque. I sold the M3 prior to my Afghanistan deployment and having returned last Monday, treated myself to the 35is. First, the drive back home was fantastic. The N54T is as advertised providing power and gobs of torque on demand. I would say that though the power is quick to respond, the S54 of the M3 felt more responsive. Maybe this is just a function of normal aspiration when compared to forced induction. The power of the N54T is linear and that low end torque, which non-modded S54 owners lack, is intoxicating. No longer do I have to keep my RPMs over 3500 to get the kick in the pants we all love. Handling was respectable as well. The comfort setting on the suspension was a little bouncy but switching to sport mode helped. Steering was good as well providing adequate feedback. In both these areas though, the E46 M3 was better hands down. The M3 always felt precise and the 35is not as much. This is probably an unfair comparison as the 35is is just not an M car, but it is worth noting for those looking for an impartial comparison. Braking was very good. The cabin fit and polish was hands down awesome and much improved over the E46. Well done BMW. Navigation and all Idrive functionality was intuitive for me and I feel very comfortable having just been introduced to it on Friday. Love the walnut leather interior with beautiful contrast with the black leather. The extended leather was a bonus and nicely compliments the dash and visors. Now I understand all the complaints about run-flats. My M3 was lowered on coilovers with 19in after market wheels. The ride was low, tight and stiff. The 35is takes that to a new level with noise to boot. I think the stiffness of the run-flat sidewalls added to the fairly firm rubber compounded by a low sitting position equals a loud cabin noise with top up. Keep in mind this is on our nations highways which in some states are in better condition than others. Using bluetooth became difficult as folks on the other end were complaining of road noise through the microphone! I didn't mind it so much, but for those that want a leisurely cruise, this might bug you. LOVE the exhaust note. Nice burble and sound. Had the Active Autowerks exhaust on the M3 and this 35is stock exhaust is better. No plans to change it... ever. That's all I can think of now. I'm sure I'll form more impressions as I enjoy the vert over the summer. Am moving from the east coast to San Diego next month and plan to be top down 80% of the year. SOCAL here I come. Pictures to follow.
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Last edited by SWO Daddy; 04-30-2013 at 02:34 PM.. |
04-22-2013, 03:48 PM | #4 |
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Congrads! Glad you are enjoying the ride! and welcome to the Z4 family.
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04-22-2013, 04:17 PM | #5 |
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2011 M3 Coupe TRADED [7.34] 1987 BMW 535is [1.00] Cars from the Past [6.50] The ///M3 Engine S65 [9.59] |
Congratulations ... and thanks for your service
Melbourne Red with the extended walnut interior is a great combination ... enjoy!
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Life will take us to some interesting places, fortunately The ///M3 will too with a many of us know this very well, now my C6.3 AMG with 487 HP does it too ---> Click here for some good stuff I found |
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04-22-2013, 04:49 PM | #6 |
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Thanks for the comparison with the e46 m3... I have a similar setup albeit with a lesser engine (23i M sport) on 326M run flats... I agree with your opinion on the steering - I've had an e36 and 2x e46 and they were far sharper. Most definitely to do with the electric steering. At first I found the sensation really strange on long sweeping curves but I think I've just accepted it now.. There is a reason why they don't fit electric steering to ///M cars...
Also the run flats, 19" wheel combo here in the uk is quite terrible.. Pot holes galore meaning you have to constantly scan the road surface ahead and avoid while also constantly switching between sport and normal mode because I like the throttle mapping and steering weight in sport mode but don't like the stiffer suspension setting.. I wish it was configurable like the ///M cars. You will get used to it and as you say the torque will mean you'll be able to access more of the performance more of the time.. Once you're in the sun with the roof down, there's now denying it - a Melbourne Red Zed is the place to be |
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04-22-2013, 07:39 PM | #8 |
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1st and foremost. Thank you for your service.
Now congrats on the new Z. Enjoy and send some pic's.
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2009 BMW Z4 35i/SMG/DCT/Premium,Cold, Sound PK/Com Acc/Ash/PDC/Wind Deflector/Smoked Reflectors/Red Calipers/Cl Mask/M Series Grill/6000K LED's/De-Badged/M Pedals/CF Mirrors-Engine Cover/Stubby/20% Tint/H8 LED's/LCI Side Markers/Sniper Sprint Spoiler/VMR V710/H&R Sport Springs/KN.
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04-22-2013, 08:16 PM | #9 |
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thank you for your service
Now lets see some pictures |
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04-22-2013, 11:40 PM | #10 |
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Sounds like my impressions of my 2011 35iS. I suggest two things as they will greatly improve, road noise, comfort, handling and your want for a bit more drama from the exhaust. These 2 mods make the Z4 what it really should have been out of the box.
1. Michelin PSS 2. Golf tee mod I have done both on my 11 35iS and make the world of difference. Last edited by VailM3; 04-23-2013 at 01:56 AM.. |
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04-24-2013, 10:51 PM | #11 |
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Welcome home.
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04-26-2013, 07:39 AM | #12 |
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golf t mod for even better exhaust note
congrats!
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04-30-2013, 03:52 PM | #14 |
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Very Nice machine.
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2009 BMW Z4 35i/SMG/DCT/Premium,Cold, Sound PK/Com Acc/Ash/PDC/Wind Deflector/Smoked Reflectors/Red Calipers/Cl Mask/M Series Grill/6000K LED's/De-Badged/M Pedals/CF Mirrors-Engine Cover/Stubby/20% Tint/H8 LED's/LCI Side Markers/Sniper Sprint Spoiler/VMR V710/H&R Sport Springs/KN.
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05-02-2013, 02:01 AM | #19 |
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Thanks for the review! She's a beauty
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05-02-2013, 03:34 PM | #21 |
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05-23-2013, 01:48 PM | #22 |
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I came from an e36 m3 to the z4iS (before I sold it last year) and would have to agree with you on several points:
1. handling - its not that great of a handling bmw. even in sport plus mode, it's not bad but its not great 2. steering feel - honestly I think this is the biggest drawback of new bmws (and specifically the z4). The steering feel is too numb with the electronic steering system. 3. power delivery - gobs and gobs of torque, but there is a slight throttle response lag. even more noticable with the dct when moving at slow speeds. 4. interior - best BMW interior, especially with the extended leather package. mine had the ivory white nappa which was unbelievably gorgeous. glad you're enjoying the car, the color combo is beautiful. |
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