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      03-22-2010, 12:53 PM   #1
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Another new "iS" review... "BMW Z4 sDrive 35iS: The best Z yet"

Racer.com had a chance to review the new Z4 sDrive35iS and lauds it "The best Z yet," while showing that BMW is not about to let its roadster slip off the radar of enthusiasts seeking an alternative to the Mercedes SLK and Nissan 370Z. Check out their review inside.
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BMW Z4 sDrive 35iS: The best Z yet

When BMW launched its second-gen Z4 last year, we were disappointed to find that it had apparently abandoned its predecessor's edgy, taut feel in a bid to find more mainstream appeal. The more relaxed nature and folding hard-top roof were enough for us to question whether Munich's popular two-seater had gone soft.

We needn't have worried, because this new sDrive35iS variant shows that BMW is not about to let its roadster slip off the radar of enthusiasts seeking an alternative to the Merc SLK and Nissan 370Z. Sporting a body kit developed at BMW's M division, the sDrive35iS looks more aggressive than standard Z4s (although from now on buyers will be able to option all models with the new look). It also wears a new set of 18in. wheels that combine with a lower ride height to fill out the wheel arches more convincingly.

Rest of article here... http://www.racer.com/bmw-z4-sdrive-3...rticle/166144/
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      03-22-2010, 01:04 PM   #2
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Great find! thanks for sharing


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      03-22-2010, 02:53 PM   #3
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"Power climbs from 302 to 335hp at 5900rpm, and torque jumps from 295 to 332lb-ft at just 1500rpm." - Wrong, stock is 332hp/311tq

"At 3.362lbs, the Z4 sDrive35iS is still no lightweight, but with a power-to-weight ratio of 220hp per ton it's surprisingly quick in the right conditions." - Wrong, with driver is 3,615

"Channeling the engine's added reserves back to the rear wheels is BMW's 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. It's a little hesitant around town" - Wrong, it's smoother than auto tranny

"For added entertainment and a smoother transition when closing down hard into corners, the new gearbox also introduces a hearty blip of the throttle on downchanges." - Wrong, the current Z has a hearty blip already on downshifts

"The sDrive35iS sits 10mm lower than other Z4 models and gets beefed-up anti-roll bars with firmer springs and noticeably stiffer electronically controlled dampers." - Wrong, with the sport package you already have 10mm lower and beefed up anti roll bars with firmer springs and stiffer ddc.
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      03-22-2010, 03:43 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by memphis2012 View Post
"Power climbs from 302 to 335hp at 5900rpm, and torque jumps from 295 to 332lb-ft at just 1500rpm." - Wrong, stock is 332hp/311tq

"At 3.362lbs, the Z4 sDrive35iS is still no lightweight, but with a power-to-weight ratio of 220hp per ton it's surprisingly quick in the right conditions." - Wrong, with driver is 3,615

"Channeling the engine's added reserves back to the rear wheels is BMW's 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. It's a little hesitant around town" - Wrong, it's smoother than auto tranny

"For added entertainment and a smoother transition when closing down hard into corners, the new gearbox also introduces a hearty blip of the throttle on downchanges." - Wrong, the current Z has a hearty blip already on downshifts

"The sDrive35iS sits 10mm lower than other Z4 models and gets beefed-up anti-roll bars with firmer springs and noticeably stiffer electronically controlled dampers." - Wrong, with the sport package you already have 10mm lower and beefed up anti roll bars with firmer springs and stiffer ddc.
They make it sound like it's an all new car when it's just minor increase in engine output compared to the 35i. Are they comparing it to the first generation Z4?
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      03-22-2010, 04:02 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by memphis2012 View Post
"Power climbs from 302 to 335hp at 5900rpm, and torque jumps from 295 to 332lb-ft at just 1500rpm." - Wrong, stock is 332hp/311tq

"At 3.362lbs, the Z4 sDrive35iS is still no lightweight, but with a power-to-weight ratio of 220hp per ton it's surprisingly quick in the right conditions." - Wrong, with driver is 3,615

"Channeling the engine's added reserves back to the rear wheels is BMW's 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. It's a little hesitant around town" - Wrong, it's smoother than auto tranny

"For added entertainment and a smoother transition when closing down hard into corners, the new gearbox also introduces a hearty blip of the throttle on downchanges." - Wrong, the current Z has a hearty blip already on downshifts

"The sDrive35iS sits 10mm lower than other Z4 models and gets beefed-up anti-roll bars with firmer springs and noticeably stiffer electronically controlled dampers." - Wrong, with the sport package you already have 10mm lower and beefed up anti roll bars with firmer springs and stiffer ddc.
its I think a classic example of going over the top on the "latest, greatest". To be honest, I dont think it looks much better, and I like the original wheels either the multi spokes or the 19's. From what I understand you can add a chip to get the few extra horsepower if you really wanted it, and its a ton more money. So it really doesnt add up in my book.
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      03-22-2010, 09:57 PM   #6
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The article sounded a little bit familiar and when I got down to the bottom it has the signature:

"Greg Kable/Autocar"

Can't confirm it because Autocar/UK didn't have it readily listed but. . . it might really be just a rehash of previous press. FWIW

He must work for Autoweek as well.

Last edited by teagueAMX; 03-22-2010 at 10:09 PM..
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      03-22-2010, 10:11 PM   #7
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this one?

http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/...ve35iS/247961/
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      03-22-2010, 10:24 PM   #8
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That's the one - I thought I had read that before.

Couple of words different here or there (lbs vs kg) but it's almost word for word. Thanks for the reality check - LOL!
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      03-23-2010, 06:02 AM   #9
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Just found out that my dealer placed an order for the 35is during it's unveiling. Can't wait to test it!
Although, I hope it won't be much of an improvement over my 35i or else I'll want to replace it with the IS.


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      03-23-2010, 07:53 AM   #10
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^ I think that what BMW had in mind.

Last edited by teagueAMX; 03-23-2010 at 08:09 AM..
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      03-23-2010, 09:12 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by teagueAMX View Post
^ I think that what BMW had in mind.
yep precisely, it's just business. Very good at it.


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      03-23-2010, 10:36 AM   #12
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I cannot imagine that they really expect someone to trade in their 9 month old 35i, take a tremendous hit, and then pay even more for an iS. As stated above the upgrades are not all that and can be attained individually. Look at the Hamman ecu upgrade... 360bhp? Now that's significant. The only reason I went for the iS is the timing. I'm able to combine my upcoming honeymoon with an ED, thus saving me the difference between the 2 models. That combined with the fact that much of what I would have wanted to add comes standard on the iS made it feasible. But I assure you if I were one of the lucky ones to already own a 35, I wouldn't be looking back... particularly with spring on the horizon.
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      03-23-2010, 11:36 AM   #13
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I'm not knocking the IS, just the jurnalists that make it seem like it's a Ferrari in comparison to the 35i. but yes BMW would love if every 35i owner would turn in their car for their Is, marketing 101. that's why they do the facelifts and software updates, they know people will fall for it upgrade cars and they keep making money. all the manufacturers do that.
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      03-23-2010, 12:36 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by memphis2012 View Post
I'm not knocking the IS, just the jurnalists that make it seem like it's a Ferrari in comparison to the 35i. but yes BMW would love if every 35i owner would turn in their car for their Is, marketing 101. that's why they do the facelifts and software updates, they know people will fall for it upgrade cars and they keep making money. all the manufacturers do that.
Thanks Memphis. As I'm sure everyone here can relate with ordering something sight unseen, I'm scouring the net for info as I languish for the next 6 months awaiting pickup. So I appreciate any and all feedback as my anxiety plays out here.
Agreed, I think it's a bunch of hype right now.. But, reading between the lines, what I do find a little disconcerting is the lack of real world, hands on reviews. As this article clearly illustrates, most of what I've read so far seems to be regurgitated press junkets and/or re-hashed reviews from 2 or 3 journalists on the planet that have actually driven the car. I mean it was released as a 2010 in Europe wasn't it? Shouldn't we have some footage of something other than that of the press release?? It kinda feels like i've ordered "Z4 iS-VaporWare".....
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      03-23-2010, 12:55 PM   #15
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I think this site just had a posting meltdown...
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      03-23-2010, 07:27 PM   #16
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Although I agree entirely with everything being said, you have to admit that buying a 2 seat sports car with very limited utility (unless you consider corner carving a utility function) is an impulse buy. Some people may have spent a considerable amount of time deciding to do it, how to option it, color, etc. Let's face it, at the end of the day it's an emotional purchase.

So here comes along another one, with a little more razzmatazz, and you don't think people won't blissfully fall for it?
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      03-23-2010, 07:33 PM   #17
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Had the 3.5is been available last summer, I would have been torn been it and the standard 3.5i. I would want the best of both. The 3.5i with the Exclusive Ivory interior, but add the front bumper, stiffer suspension, and extra HP of the 3.5is. I could add most of that aftermarket if my car wasn't a lease.
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      03-24-2010, 07:36 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wraith. View Post
Thanks Memphis. As I'm sure everyone here can relate with ordering something sight unseen, I'm scouring the net for info as I languish for the next 6 months awaiting pickup. So I appreciate any and all feedback as my anxiety plays out here.
Agreed, I think it's a bunch of hype right now.. But, reading between the lines, what I do find a little disconcerting is the lack of real world, hands on reviews. As this article clearly illustrates, most of what I've read so far seems to be regurgitated press junkets and/or re-hashed reviews from 2 or 3 journalists on the planet that have actually driven the car. I mean it was released as a 2010 in Europe wasn't it? Shouldn't we have some footage of something other than that of the press release?? It kinda feels like i've ordered "Z4 iS-VaporWare".....

German magazine Auto- und Motorsport has it under review in their latest issue
I bought it

http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/h...s_1781260.html
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      03-24-2010, 08:34 AM   #19
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Didn't find the article yet but found some other cool stuff.

Now guys, I specifically ordered my Z4 with the DCT and Nav. I don't see the Nav anywhere - can someone explained to me what happened to my Nav?!!!

.
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      03-24-2010, 09:13 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by teagueAMX View Post
Didn't find the article yet but found some other cool stuff.

Now guys, I specifically ordered my Z4 with the DCT and Nav. I don't see the Nav anywhere - can someone explained to me what happened to my Nav?!!!

.



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      03-24-2010, 09:21 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by teagueAMX View Post
Didn't find the article yet but found some other cool stuff.

Now guys, I specifically ordered my Z4 with the DCT and Nav. I don't see the Nav anywhere - can someone explained to me what happened to my Nav?!!!

.
you have to press the ten buttons above and count to five before pressing the orange button with your nose, a trap door opens on the dash and a rally type map should spit out. it's a pain in the ass to read though...
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Last edited by Memphis1; 02-18-2011 at 10:14 PM..
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      03-24-2010, 11:19 AM   #22
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For what it's worth... http://www.fastestlaps.com/laptimes/4ba3e6cf0810b.html
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