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      09-08-2010, 11:04 AM   #1
warden
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35is Color/Wheel Selection -- advice sought.

I'm close to pulling the trigger on a new Z4 35is, but I could use some input from those living with these cars already. As a reference point, I'm currently driving a Silverstone/Black e92 M3 riding on 19" wheels. Also, this will be a daily driver

Color: Sapphire Black/Ivory v. Space Grey/Walnut

I really like both of these combinations, although I found some of the plastic bits in walnut (such as the speaker trim on the door) to be somewhat cheesy. I suspect I'd get used to that.

This seems to be the ultimate test of livability. Black/white has to be the "hardest to keep looking its best" combo possible on this car, although I think it looks killer when clean. Space grey is at the opposite end of the spectrum.

Any comments/advice from folks living with these or similar combos day-to-day? Thanks.

Wheel size: 18" v 19"

Looking over this forum, it seems the 19" wheels that are optional for the 35is are flawed. Although they look good (and seem almost required to make the look on the black car), paying extra for a flaw seem misguided.

This would be especially the case where the ride suffers. I haven't been able to test cars outfitted with 18s and 19s back-to-back, although the 35is's that I've driven with 18s seems smoother than the M3. The 19" equipped 35is's not so much.

Any comments/experiences on this?

Thanks in advance folks. This is a very helpful forum.
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      09-08-2010, 11:20 AM   #2
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I have white nappa and it looks just like it did when new, and I don't do much to keep it that way. As far as the wheels I don't think the 326M is what people are having trouble with, unless I'm high, I think it's the 293. But you can definitely get the 18s and get some "tougher" 19s.
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      09-08-2010, 12:01 PM   #3
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Our "is" is Red/Black. Really depends on how much time you have to keeping it looking good. The black/white combo would look killer but maintinence would be a full time job. Personally I am not a fan of wood trim in a sports car. Aluminum or piano black for me.

We have the 326M 19's and don't find the ride to be bad. The negative is the run flat tires. The 326M is the optional 19" "is" wheel and there are no known problems with them at this time. The 19" 35i wheels are the problem child.
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      09-08-2010, 12:10 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Silver-Bolt View Post
The 326M is the optional 19" "is" wheel and there are no known problems with them at this time. The 19" 35i wheels are the problem child.
My reading comprehension is waning. Thanks.
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      09-08-2010, 12:14 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Silver-Bolt View Post
Personally I am not a fan of wood trim in a sports car. Aluminum or piano black for me.
I've also given serious thought to Sapphire Black or Space Grey with the new Black Nappa/Yellow Alcantara/Piano Black interior.

Too many choices with this car.
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      09-08-2010, 01:18 PM   #6
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Mine is spacegrey and black leather, I also have 19' wheels, that are awesome with THE color combo. THE car really look sporty, It took me a while to decide for it, but I dont have regrets. THE only issue comes from THE wheels and suspension combination that make THE car feeling like a kart. Only comfortable on smooth roads. Michael
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      09-08-2010, 01:53 PM   #7
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I too have Melbourne Red/ Black with 19's. Great combo, imo. I have no issues with wheels so far, but do not like the run flats as others have discussed. Car is a blast to drive and sounds great. I too went from the E92 M3 and I swear this is more fun as I could never really stretch the M3's legs. Always been a heel and toe guy but will never go back after using the DCT. Enjoy
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      09-08-2010, 01:59 PM   #8
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Hi everyone,

Long time lurker, first time poster here.

My car is black sapphire, walnut leather with dark ash trim. Here's a few photos taken on delivery day at the height of the British summer.

Have just returned from a 2400 mile jaunt down to Florence via the French Alps, and yes, the ride is a bit hard but I was never uncomfortable during the week.

This is actually my second E89, the first was another sapphire black with kansas red with aluminium trim. It looked good, but my current car gets more attention (not sure whether that's a good or bad thing though!).

Hope that helps, Matt
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      09-08-2010, 05:31 PM   #9
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NICE combo Matt!

Do you have any with the top down?
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      09-09-2010, 05:25 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alext View Post
NICE combo Matt!

Do you have any with the top down?
Hmmm, do i detect a bias?
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      09-09-2010, 05:42 AM   #11
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I think both choices will be great...

... of course my preference is for Space Grey/Walnut.

I also suggest 18" wheels. I think the performance/drivability balance workout slightly better in favor of these.

I'm sure you'll be happy with either configuration though. I picked up mine 4 months ago & the honeymoon has yet to end.
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      09-09-2010, 05:52 AM   #12
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I'm very pleased with my 18" wheels on my 35iS

Saved the money for the 19" to upgrade the stereo
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      09-09-2010, 07:50 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr Stig 2 View Post
Hmmm, do i detect a bias?
Bahahaha!!!
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      09-09-2010, 03:04 PM   #14
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Hey Alext,

Here you go, some pics from recent trip to Italy. Click thumbnails for full-size versions.







Also, here's a pic of my previous e89 with the 296 wheels.


Cheers, Matt
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      09-09-2010, 03:57 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mattberryman View Post
Hey Alext,

Here you go, some pics from recent trip to Italy. Click thumbnails for full-size versions.
Excellent combination. I think that may be it!
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      09-09-2010, 05:11 PM   #16
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Thanks for the pics Matt. Looks wicked.

The walnut on black is something special (more bias!).
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      09-09-2010, 05:29 PM   #17
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You may have read some of my posts regarding my rear wheels. I have style 296 BMW wheels (in some of my posts I made an error and called them 293). During a long US road trip my car suffered cracks in both rear wheels. One was changed in the state of Idaho (change to a new wheel took place at a designated tire shop by BMW ` BMW did not have the equipment believe it or not to change a tire at that location). Anyway, the wheel changed in Idaho I took back to Canada. During the changeout of the wheel the tire shop (not BMW) discovered 2 more hairline cracks in the other rear wheel. Once I got back to Canada BMW replaced the wheel with the 2 hairline cracks under warranty, however not the one that was changed out in Idaho.

If I had to do it again I would like you research the car a bit more before purchase, perhaps if I had done so I would have selected a better wheel or wheel size/type.

Like you I drove a M3 before with 19 inch wheels. Never had a problem. I am now in the frame of mind that 19 inch wheels and RFT is a very poor engineering design and bound to result in trouble down the road. Once my RFT are due to be changed I will keep the same wheels and go to Non-Run-Flat-Tires.

If you purchase the car then go with a better 19 wheel and change to RFT. If you lease the car then do like others did change the RFT out to NRFT then back to RFT when you return the car at lease end.

Meanwhile I avoid and blemish / pothole / manhole cover in the road like the plague.

Good luck with your purchase.
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