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      09-27-2009, 09:49 AM   #1
dnw
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Real world sDrive23i performance?

Hi guys, first post, be gentle

I've currently got a MY08 118d SE, with the improved engine - 143bhp and 300NM torque. I was intending on changing this for an X1 (maybe a 23d) but having now seen one in the metal its not really *that* much different to the 1er in terms of practicality. So now I'm thinking of keeping the 1er as a 'sensible' car and buying a Z4 sDrive23i as a 'toy' car .

I've never had a six cylinder before but I have got used to generous torque on the diesel which, at 300Nm, is 50Nm than the 23i even if it has 60 less horses. On paper, the Z4 specs blow the 118d away, much faster 0-60 and even 50-75 in 4th but many reviews mention having to rev it to get the best. What I'm wondering is if it will 'feel' a lot faster than the 118d or even any faster at all? I'm sure in a straight line it will, but putting the foot down on the slip road to join the motorway is really where the pull of the diesel comes in best. I'd hate to miss that.

I intend on renting one for a day to find out but would welcome the oppinions of anyone that has had one for a while before I get too serious (i.e. before I come back with a signed order form! lol)

...and don't tell me to buy the 30i/35i- I would in an instant by the other half won't allow it!
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      09-27-2009, 11:15 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dnw View Post
.......and don't tell me to buy the 30i/35i- I would in an instant by the other half won't allow it!
Won't allow it?!&%$"*

Starting from the presumtion your a guy....surely she would get as much 'joy' from the BIGGER engined car?

You're just down the road from me.....I'd be interested to hear which dealer you'll use?

Pretty sure the guys in Tun Wells on the industrial estate will let you have one for a day....if not you could try Chandlers Group.

Discounts are available too.

GL
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      09-27-2009, 02:01 PM   #3
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The only thing I would say is that the 2.5i 6 cylinder sounds terrific and has enough shove for me. Its also incredibly smooth in its power delivery. Good luck in deciding and welcome to the site.
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      09-27-2009, 05:02 PM   #4
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Re:

Well my wife has a 1 series Msport oil burner and I know which car is quicker

I wanted the 30i but I got a really good deal on the 23i, however the 23i is certainly no slouch.

Best take a drive in one as they are very VERY! different to a 118D.
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      09-28-2009, 03:17 AM   #5
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I had a 120i M sport before my Zed and there is no comparison.....the one thing i will say is that I'm only getting 26.6 miles to the gallon and my 1 series was getting 31....however, you don't but a sports car for fuel efficiency!!
This is probably because I keep putting my foot down to listen to the glorious noise it makes.
My tip is let the missus drive the 1 series, and go out in your new Zed and pull a better woman that will let you have what you want!!
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      09-28-2009, 05:29 AM   #6
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Thanks for the replies, I will definitley take an extended test drive soon!
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      09-28-2009, 06:45 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dnw View Post
Thanks for the replies, I will definitley take an extended test drive soon!

Please do so... but you have to rev the 23i!!!

If you drive it like you drive your 118d (low revs - lot of torque) you'll be very disappointed but if you let it go as high as 5-6-7000 rpm you'll be pleasantly surprised... Not only is it faster but it sounds so much better!
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      09-28-2009, 10:34 AM   #8
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I would suggest to test drive the 30i also.

Just to compare them on how they feel.

It could be that your driving style will or won't justify the extra money.

EdP
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      09-28-2009, 06:01 PM   #9
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Quote:
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I would suggest to test drive the 30i also.

Just to compare them on how they feel.

It could be that your driving style will or won't justify the extra money.

EdP
What are the engine numbers for the 20i and 30?

do they have individual throttle assemblies or a single throttle assembly?
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      09-28-2009, 06:12 PM   #10
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Buy the 35i, but before you take it home, order a 23i badge from BMW and raplace the 35i badge with the 23i badge. She'll never know.
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      09-29-2009, 09:44 AM   #11
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Tell the wifey that yes indeed, size DOES matter.
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      09-29-2009, 10:14 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BlueZ4AZ View Post
Buy the 35i, but before you take it home, order a 23i badge from BMW and raplace the 35i badge with the 23i badge. She'll never know.
Epic!!!!!!!!!
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      09-29-2009, 10:38 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by teagueAMX View Post
What are the engine numbers for the 20i and 30?

do they have individual throttle assemblies or a single throttle assembly?
N52N25 and N52B30.

These engines do not have a trottle valve, valvetronic system control the air volume.

EdP
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      09-29-2009, 01:27 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by zEdP View Post
N52N25 and N52B30.

These engines do not have a trottle valve, valvetronic system control the air volume.

EdP
Valvetronic engines DO HAVE a thottle valve JUST for idle speed control. When you depress the accelerator pedal the thottle valve switches to the wide open position and the valvetronic system takes control of the air amount entering the combustion chambers.

Besides I've heard that the throttle valve acts as a backup system in case of valvetronic failure.
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      09-30-2009, 04:43 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BlueZ4AZ View Post
Buy the 35i, but before you take it home, order a 23i badge from BMW and raplace the 35i badge with the 23i badge. She'll never know.
Haha, even better attach it with Velcro to allow for a quick swap when she's not around!
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      10-01-2009, 06:44 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by zEdP View Post
N52N25 and N52B30.
EdP
Rather N52B25 and N52B30
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      10-01-2009, 09:17 AM   #17
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Noted - Thanks.
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      11-07-2009, 07:50 AM   #18
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Thought I'd update this one as I just got back from an extended drive in a 23i.

Positives
*Much more comfortable than I expected, both seats (sports) and ride (this one was on 18s)
*Love the hill start assist break thing
*Didn't have any problems with the length/width of the bonnet or being sat so far back- like any BMW you feel totally at ease from the first press of the pedal
*Really felt solid with the roof up, a true coupe when in this mode

Negatives
*It felt too slow (for me). Without a doubt. Perhaps its my driving style but in normal mode it felt really weak and in sport mode it definitely improved, both noise and performance, but not enough. There is no kick at all, whatever the rev range (and I did try holding it longer etc). This is from a 2 year 118d (300Nm) driver used to the kick of the torque.

So, next problem is, where the hell do I find a 30i demonstrator? all the dealer allocations from last may were 23i or 35i - a manual 30i is incredibly rare!


thanks
DNW
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      11-07-2009, 09:08 AM   #19
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do you really get 60mpg on the 118d??
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      11-07-2009, 09:11 AM   #20
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do you really get 60mpg on the 118d??
No. 50-53mpg if you don't push too hard. 43mpg if you do.
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      11-07-2009, 09:14 AM   #21
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wow!
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