2015 Z4 sDrive35i no manual option?? =(

[Slmarcus]

I am planning to join the Z4 family later this year and was just on the bmwusa site and noticed that there is no configuration option to get a manual transmission with the 2015 Z4 sDrive35i! Has anybody heard that this was happening or is this possibly a glitch on the site?

[mbetoni]

Holy Schmoly. I just downloaded the brochure and noticed a few things:

1. They're now selling the 2015 model - at least that's what the brochure is for.
2. Indeed, the six-speed manual is now ONLY available on the 28i. The 7-speed DCT is now standard on both the 35i and 35is.

Those who are looking for a 35i with a stick, now's your chance to scour dealer lots and find an already built 2014 (and perhaps score a good deal along the way, though the time of year is against you). Those who were hoping to order a new 35i with a stick appear SooL.

UPDATE: Also, the configurator now features the Sparkling Brown Metallic with Ivory White Burnt Sienna interior package as a selectable option. There may be other minor tweaks in there as well.

[Slmarcus]

That is a bummer. I have been going back and forth between 28i and 35i, but it looks like I no longer have a choice since I DEFINITELY want the manual. Also, I will be doing ED on whatever I get so no option to scour for a '14. A bit disappointed but from what I have heard the N20 in the E89 should still be a lot of fun.

[Slmarcus]

Originally Posted by mbetoni

UPDATE: Also, the configurator now features the Sparkling Brown Metallic with Ivory White Burnt Sienna interior package as a selectable option. There may be other minor tweaks in there as well.

Yeah I noticed that Canyon Brown interior is gone now. I actually quite liked the Canyon Brown especially with my color of choice - Mineral Gray.

The configurator also has an option for the "individual contrasting hardtop" which I think is pretty slick though it doesn't give you an option on the color. I thought they offered silver or black. On a Mineral Gray build it is only showing silver...

[mbetoni]

Originally Posted by slmarkymark

The configurator also has an option for the "individual contrasting hardtop" which I think is pretty slick though it doesn't give you an option on the color. I thought they offered silver or black. On a Mineral Gray build it is only showing silver...

Actually, this was an option beginning with the 2014 model year, though it previously wasn't in the configurator. As the site notes, you have to ask your dealer to code it when you order, and the options are limited. The top only comes in black or silver, and what color top you get depends on the exterior color you choose - in other words, mineral gray, deep sea blue and black sapphire all get the silver top, while mineral white, hyper orange and melbourne red all get black, hence the 'contrasting' hard top. It doesn't seem clear if it's available on the new (and seemingly gorgeous) sparkling brown, but as that seems like part of a complete package along with the interior, I'd kinda doubt it.

Finally, FWIW, I've seen a photo of a DSB car w/ contrasting silver roof and white interior: very nautical, and VERY beautiful.

[Slmarcus]

Where did you get the 2015 brochure? I just downloaded the brochure and it was still the 2014 version.

[nicknaz]

Also, it looks like style 326M 19" wheels are now only available on the 35is

Is it just me or does it feel like BMW has "given up" on the E89?

We are only getting color changes and rebundling of existing options. No new convenience or functionality.

[Gpwheels]

Expect something new for 2016, maybe 2017 at the latest. The e89 is the oldest model in the bmw line so it stands to reason that it's the next remodel. Just a guess

[Vintage]

it may be the oldest, but still the best looking by far

[mbetoni]

Originally Posted by slmarkymark

Where did you get the 2015 brochure? I just downloaded the brochure and it was still the 2014 version.

From the BMWUSA.com site

[mbetoni]

Originally Posted by slmarkymark

That is a bummer. I have been going back and forth between 28i and 35i, but it looks like I no longer have a choice since I DEFINITELY want the manual. Also, I will be doing ED on whatever I get so no option to scour for a '14. A bit disappointed but from what I have heard the N20 in the E89 should still be a lot of fun.

Just out of curiosity, have you driven the DCT? I came from 15 years of manual driving and two previous E85s, and I don't miss the stick at all now that I have the DCT. It really is that much fun.

Don't discount it until you drive it, I was converted at M School in Spartanburg.

[mbetoni]

Originally Posted by Gpwheels

Expect something new for 2016, maybe 2017 at the latest. The e89 is the oldest model in the bmw line so it stands to reason that it's the next remodel. Just a guess

2017 at the earliest (model year). All modern BMWs follow the 6 year life cycle, 3 years initial launch and 3 years post-LCI. 2014 was the LCI year, so '15s and '16s should be relatively similar with various colors/options/possibly engines. It was the same for the E85.

Also, this month's Roundel mentioned the next Z4 ( if it's called that) being a joint Toyota-BMW venture that will incorporate some type of KERS-derived hybrid system, with the engine and chassis produced by BMW. Even if our cars are turbo, they may be the last gasoline (only) motivated roadsters we see from BMW for a long time.

[Slmarcus]

Originally Posted by mbetoni

Just out of curiosity, have you driven the DCT? I came from 15 years of manual driving and two previous E85s, and I don't miss the stick at all now that I have the DCT. It really is that much fun.

Don't discount it until you drive it, I was converted at M School in Spartanburg.

Yes, I drove a buddy's 135i convertible with DCT several times and it was a hoot. The shifts were ridiculous fast and the exhaust pops were exhilarating. I just still prefer a manual. Plus it's a nice side bonus that the wife can't drive one so I get to keep it to myself ;-)

[persian54]

Originally Posted by slmarkymark

Yes, I drove a buddy's 135i convertible with DCT several times and it was a hoot. The shifts were ridiculous fast and the exhaust pops were exhilarating. I just still prefer a manual. Plus it's a nice side bonus that the wife can't drive one so I get to keep it to myself ;-)

I've driven the 135 with DCT, owned 2 e89 35i with DCT, and an E93 M3 with MDCT.

The 135 DCT is the worse IMHO. My time behind it was not much, about ~700 miles, but nonetheless it wasn't as good as the other DCTs I've owned. The car was also heavily modded (~450wtq, 430whp, FBO with meth), so power was definitely there and the transmission was GREAT, just not as great.

So I advise that you go test drive the Z4 with DCT for a better comparison.

the MDCT on my M3 was, by far, the best out of all of them though. It's the number 1 thing I miss now that I have switched to Mercedes (I have a SL now)

[airmarc]

Originally Posted by mbetoni

2017 at the earliest (model year). All modern BMWs follow the 6 year life cycle, 3 years initial launch and 3 years post-LCI. 2014 was the LCI year, so '15s and '16s should be relatively similar with various colors/options/possibly engines. It was the same for the E85.

Also, this month's Roundel mentioned the next Z4 ( if it's called that) being a joint Toyota-BMW venture that will incorporate some type of KERS-derived hybrid system, with the engine and chassis produced by BMW. Even if our cars are turbo, they may be the last gasoline (only) motivated roadsters we see from BMW for a long time.

Not sure if I am reading this correct? A 6 year life cycle? The car has been in production since 2009. The LCI was actually introduced last year. If thats the case Z4 Production would stop this or next year, latest. Thats actually in line with the launch o of the BMW/Toyota hybrid, according to what I am seeing/reading online.....

[Asbjorn]

Originally Posted by Gpwheels

Expect something new for 2016, maybe 2017 at the latest. The e89 is the oldest model in the bmw line so it stands to reason that it's the next remodel. Just a guess

I think the current 7-series is older, but it doesn't matter. We already know the next Z4 is called the Z5, and that it won't be as beautiful as the Z4. Because it is technically impossible for a German company to better the design of the Z4. Fact.

I believe the Toyota-Bimmer is more of a Z3-type-of-segment roadster.

[mbetoni]

Originally Posted by airmarc

Not sure if I am reading this correct? A 6 year life cycle? The car has been in production since 2009. The LCI was actually introduced last year. If thats the case Z4 Production would stop this or next year, latest. Thats actually in line with the launch o of the BMW/Toyota hybrid, according to what I am seeing/reading online.....

You are reading it correctly, but BWM's marketing team has tricked you - ha. The E89 has been in production since 2009, however, the E89 cars produced in 2009 were for model year 2010 - the first model year of the E89. There was no Z4 produced for the 2009 model year, the last E85 was model year 2008. BMW skipped the 2009 model year and introduced the 2010 E89 Z4 in 2009. So, model year 2010 through model year 2016 is the full model life, with 2010 until 2013 as the initial cars and 2014 through 2016 being the LCI models. This is how BMW treats all of its modern cars.

It stands to reason that there will be no model year 2017 Z4, and BMW will introduce the next car in 2017 as the new 2018 G(XX) Z(maybe 4, 5, 2, who knows).

Update: Somehow I missed this article, which has info about what's coming (albeit rumors).

[Slmarcus]

Well despite the possible upcoming refresh/replacement of the Z4 (and actually partially BECAUSE of what it may become with the refresh/replacement) I am still going to stick with getting a 2015 later this year =)

[mbetoni]

Originally Posted by persian54

. So I advise that you go test drive the Z4 with DCT for a better comparison.

the MDCT on my M3 was, by far, the best out of all of them though. It's the number 1 thing I miss now that I have switched to Mercedes (I have a SL now)

+5 to this, also having driven all three. The "M-DCT" (as BMW calls it) in the E9X M3 IS the best, due to it's programmability. It is mechanically the same transmission in our Z4s, with different software controlling it. When I test drove the Z435is with DCT, I felt it was close enough for my non-track purposes to leave me very happy. I also agree that I was not impressed/didn't love the DCT in the 135is - and this was verified by another close associate who drove all three of the same cars. The DCT in the Z435is is just a total joy.

Note: I have not driven the 35i with DCT, but I do know it is also mechanically the same box as the 35is. Far as I'm aware, the driveline difference between the two (notice I'm leaving cosmetics, brakes, etc out) is tuning/mapping and not much else. I don't THINK the DCT software is any different in the two, but you'd need a 35i DCT owner whose driven the 35is (or vice versa) as well to verify. I have not. The 35is also has a model-specific exhaust note/behavior tune which just marries beautifully to the engine/transmission. First time my wife rode in it she exclaimed "Is this car always going to be this ANGRY??". I replied, "Yes. Yes he is." with an ear to ear mischievous smile.

[Gpwheels]

Originally Posted by mbetoni

You are reading it correctly, but BWM's marketing team has tricked you - ha. The E89 has been in production since 2009, however, the E89 cars produced in 2009 were for model year 2010 - the first model year of the E89. There was no Z4 produced for the 2009 model year, the last E85 was model year 2008. BMW skipped the 2009 model year and introduced the 2010 E89 Z4 in 2009. So, model year 2010 through model year 2016 is the full model life, with 2010 until 2013 as the initial cars and 2014 through 2016 being the LCI models. This is how BMW treats all of its modern cars.

It stands to reason that there will be no model year 2017 Z4, and BMW will introduce the next car in 2017 as the new 2018 G(XX) Z(maybe 4, 5, 2, who knows).

Update: Somehow I missed this article, which has info about what's coming (albeit rumors).

I drive a 2009 Z4 and that's how it's registered. I could check the manufacture date, but I don't think BMW skipped a year

[nicknaz]

Interesting discussion on the DCT gearboxes.

Guys, can you elaborate on the 135 vs Z435 DCT differences? I drove a 135i DCT recently and didn't have any immediate objections. That might be because I drive my Z435 in "manual" mode exclusively and did the same with the 135

As for the Z5 rumormill, check out this other thread where the BMW rep who frequents our forum posted some info

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=883003

[Vintage]

2009 was the first e89 model year in the USA