New 2009 2010 BMW Z4 - ZPOST
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Go Back   New 2009 2010 BMW Z4 - ZPOST > BMW Z4 Forum (E89) > 2009-Current Z4 Forum (E89) General Discussion

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      09-16-2010, 01:40 PM   #1
ChuckB
Lieutenant
ChuckB's Avatar
United_States
17
Rep
448
Posts

Drives: 2020 X2 2.0i
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Hockenheim, Germany (APO)

iTrader: (0)

The 30i is not a lesser car

http://gallery.me.com/orbitator/100206

I posted this because it was bit vexing that almost all of the reviews are on the 35i/is, almost nothing on the 30i or the 23i, so finding this was immensely gratifying but can only imagine that while down on power a bit the 23i it would be real scalpel on nice twisty piece of tarmac. So all this, coupled with the wife being out of the country for a few weeks for work [WAY too much free time on my hands], so just posted something that had been in the back of my mind for a while after a lot of comments from non-Z drivers about "why not the the 35". All that said, my heart does go out to the unblessed masses who will never know the joy of driving a "Z".

Last edited by ChuckB; 09-17-2010 at 02:28 AM.. Reason: Some After Thoughts
Appreciate 0
      09-16-2010, 02:18 PM   #2
mcbeee
Lieutenant
mcbeee's Avatar
Canada
5
Rep
446
Posts

Drives: '09 Z4 s35i & '03 Z4 3.0i
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Calgary

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2003 Z4 3.0i  [5.00]
2001 Z3 3.0i  [0.00]
2009 Z4 s35i  [7.00]
Quite a glowing review....

Unfortunately most of my driving is not on twisty roads in SoCal ( I wish it was) but it is on long stretches of highway with some curves thrown in here and there to keep you awake. The raw power of the boosted twin turbo is very apparent on my kind of roads. I swapped an M3 for the E89 for the increase in HP and torque and when you throw in the great looks of the new Z it was a done deal. I have never said the 30i was a lesser car and never will, less powerful "yes" but lesser, "No".
__________________
Member ZSCCA 2009 Z4 s35i with Dinan Stage II software, Sport and Exec packages, 19" 296 rims , a stubby and mud flaps
'03 Z4 3.0i Sterling Grey (Hers)
'01 Z3 3.0i Sapphire Black, M sport package (Mine)
Appreciate 0
      09-16-2010, 03:11 PM   #3
Mr. ///M3 RD
Happy Camper
Mr. ///M3 RD's Avatar
Canada
610
Rep
7,869
Posts

Drives: C63 AMG & 280 SL on Weekends :
Join Date: May 2010
Location: GTA, Ontario - Canada

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I can only echo the words from mcbee here I came from a M3 into a 2008 Z4 3.0is then decided on the 2009 Z4 3.5i

Great Review ...

One section of our 2010 road trip took us from Las Vegas, NV to Bishop, CA this 208 mile section of our trip was very memorable we left Vegas around 2 pm did it in the late afternoon with ample stops arriving in Bishop around 8PM.

The road was one of the best maintained I've encountered during my US road trip. We took I-95, US-373, US-127 then US-190 into Bishop. Nice sharp curves, smooth road surface like glass (must have been completed a few years ago or it keeps it's excellent condition due to the temperatures, I don't know). My daughter made the comment "What a superb highway this is the TopGear boys should come here and have a go"

Any of the Z cars, no matter what engine would have had as much fun as we had, and no the Z 30i is not a lesser car at all they are all of the same family and fun to drive. Just like your average family member each has a different personality. I can say this since I did drive a Z 30is for 10 months. Would I go back to an M3 no I don't think so
__________________
Cheers, Rolf-Dieter

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
Appreciate 0
      09-16-2010, 06:26 PM   #4
Z4Andy
Private First Class
United Kingdom
10
Rep
170
Posts

Drives: Z4 Sdrive 35iS
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Belfast

iTrader: (0)

Re:

Most of the UK press seem to prefer the 23i that's available here over the rest of the range.

I suppose if you don't want all out power but just a classy sporty cruiser with guts then a 23i or 30i is the car to go for and save buckets of cash.

They are great drivers cars with great engines. I've a feeling though the 23i might be phased out for a 4 pot turbo and that might make as much power as the 30i.

Emission laws is already a big factor.

Strange how i've just traded the 23i for a 35is .

Two weeks to go. I hope.
Appreciate 0
      09-16-2010, 06:51 PM   #5
Mr. ///M3 RD
Happy Camper
Mr. ///M3 RD's Avatar
Canada
610
Rep
7,869
Posts

Drives: C63 AMG & 280 SL on Weekends :
Join Date: May 2010
Location: GTA, Ontario - Canada

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Z4Andy View Post
Most of the UK press seem to prefer the 23i that's available here over the rest of the range.

I suppose if you don't want all out power but just a classy sporty cruiser with guts then a 23i or 30i is the car to go for and save buckets of cash.

They are great drivers cars with great engines. I've a feeling though the 23i might be phased out for a 4 pot turbo and that might make as much power as the 30i.

Emission laws is already a big factor.

Strange how i've just traded the 23i for a 35is .

Two weeks to go. I hope.
Congratulation on your new purchase of the 35is

Will you pick it up in Münich and drive it back? or pick it up locally?

Whatever you do Happy Motoring
__________________
Cheers, Rolf-Dieter

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
Appreciate 0
      09-16-2010, 08:19 PM   #6
teagueAMX
Colonel
teagueAMX's Avatar
United_States
60
Rep
2,087
Posts

Drives: Some are road worthy
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: So Cal, USA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ChuckB View Post
+1

My thoughts exactly. I have a copy of that review myself.
__________________
"Political correctness is a doctrine fostered by a delusional liberal minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end".-- Unknown


Last edited by teagueAMX; 09-17-2010 at 01:27 AM..
Appreciate 0
      09-17-2010, 12:55 AM   #7
the belgian
Enlisted Member
5
Rep
39
Posts

Drives: BMW Z4 Roadster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: kilmarnock

iTrader: (0)

i drive a 2.3i as at the time i bought it, my head was also in discussion with my hart. now i wish i left my head at home and bought a 3.5 i , guess now i have to wait a few years to find outwhat a 3.5i is like . I was also thinking of selling my new z4 2.3 and change it for a year old 3.5I just not to sure if it is a wise move , i would loose about £7.000 doing this.
Appreciate 0
      09-17-2010, 03:25 AM   #8
Tamman69
Private First Class
10
Rep
119
Posts

Drives: Z4 2009 SDrive23i
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: UK

iTrader: (0)

Am sure I would have stepped up engine if I could justify the cost. Having said that I am still loving my 23i. Currently on a 4 week tour of the most mountainous country in Europe - Greece (photos when home) and can assure you that the 23i loves the bends.
Appreciate 0
      09-17-2010, 03:33 AM   #9
jannisa
Lieutenant
jannisa's Avatar
54
Rep
546
Posts

Drives: Z4 Sdrive35i
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Greece

iTrader: (0)

ChuckB a friend of mine is considering to install a quad on his 23. As you have fitted the eisenmann catback do you feel that there is a loss in torque or power or any difference regarding performance? Thanks.
Appreciate 0
      09-17-2010, 04:50 AM   #10
ipsofacto
Explorer
ipsofacto's Avatar
Switzerland
2
Rep
37
Posts

Drives: Z4 30sDrive
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Switzreland

iTrader: (0)

I never tested the S35i but my 30i gives me all what I'm looking for; heavenly pleasure ... what else?
Appreciate 0
      09-17-2010, 07:30 AM   #11
Vintage
Colonel
Vintage's Avatar
United_States
378
Rep
2,588
Posts

Drives: BMW G80 (MT), 718 Spyder
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Austin, Texas

iTrader: (0)

I would love a 30i with MT and almost no options but the sport package - but this was/is my wife's car and so I loaded it out - big motor, DCT, nav, the works.
Appreciate 0
      09-17-2010, 09:59 AM   #12
mcbeee
Lieutenant
mcbeee's Avatar
Canada
5
Rep
446
Posts

Drives: '09 Z4 s35i & '03 Z4 3.0i
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Calgary

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2003 Z4 3.0i  [5.00]
2001 Z3 3.0i  [0.00]
2009 Z4 s35i  [7.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by the belgian View Post
i drive a 2.3i as at the time i bought it, my head was also in discussion with my hart. now i wish i left my head at home and bought a 3.5 i , guess now i have to wait a few years to find outwhat a 3.5i is like . I was also thinking of selling my new z4 2.3 and change it for a year old 3.5I just not to sure if it is a wise move , i would loose about £7.000 doing this.
I drove my wifes '03 Z4 3.0i to the dealers to pick up my 35i after a service this morning. Although I do love the little '03 the new one is miles ahead so I would suggest to you that you wait a bit, then look for a good used, loaded 35i with the M suspension or a good 35is (they come fully loaded). I just have the 35i and I put the Dinan stage II in it for an extra 80 HP and a bucketful of torque. Be patient and you will love it. And the 23 or 30 does love the curves, they all do ....
__________________
Member ZSCCA 2009 Z4 s35i with Dinan Stage II software, Sport and Exec packages, 19" 296 rims , a stubby and mud flaps
'03 Z4 3.0i Sterling Grey (Hers)
'01 Z3 3.0i Sapphire Black, M sport package (Mine)
Appreciate 0
      09-17-2010, 10:40 AM   #13
lux good
Banned
24
Rep
291
Posts

Drives: Z4 sDrive 23i & Q5 2.0 TSFI
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: England

iTrader: (0)

My budget would only stretch to the 23i, but i would rather drive a 23i and pick every extra I wanted from new than a faster 1 or 3 series or a second hand Zed. I don't regret getting it at all, I love my car, you go for what you can afford.
I did test drive the 35i and it was a lot faster.....but speed isn't everything to everyone, and 15 months on since getting mine i've still got a clean licence!!!
Appreciate 0
      09-17-2010, 10:51 AM   #14
siscobmw
freude am fahren ....scheiden freude...
siscobmw's Avatar
Italy
17
Rep
299
Posts

Drives: Z4 Sdrive30i tiefseeblau
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Italy

iTrader: (0)

in italy we got a lot of 35i/is review....
and only one 30i test.....no editors wanted a 23i.....
I have a 30i and is not a lesser car.....it's really good,it's really between the 35i and the 23i , it's not a compromise, it's the most balanced e89.....I nearly did 5-600 kms on my firend 's 23i and low rev torque is not good,and the 35i is a good beast but too much for italian roads, i could have lost licence 34 times in a year, if I had bought a 35i...
then I was expecting the 35is something more ....more...mmh....i can't find the right word.....yes! i was expecting the 35i/is to be more "M-power".....a really phenomenal car the 35i(used for 200kms last year)....
I am going OT.....
anyway if you want some info about that 30i test(with data and the final verdict test, also some scans), let me know privately....
Franecsco from italy
Appreciate 0
      09-18-2010, 08:15 PM   #15
Z4Andy
Private First Class
United Kingdom
10
Rep
170
Posts

Drives: Z4 Sdrive 35iS
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Belfast

iTrader: (0)

Re:

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rolf-Dieter View Post
Congratulation on your new purchase of the 35is

Will you pick it up in Münich and drive it back? or pick it up locally?

Whatever you do Happy Motoring
Picking it up locally.

Melbourne red this time and the dealer said it might come a week early

Looking forward to the overboost
Appreciate 0
      09-18-2010, 08:57 PM   #16
cdeslandes
Captain
cdeslandes's Avatar
United_States
27
Rep
676
Posts

Drives: 2010 Z4 s35i
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Connecticut

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Having test-driven the 30i, I can testify that the engine is very good, smooth as silk with plenty of torque, and I'd be very happy with a 30i if for some reason I could not have gotten or afforded my 35i.
__________________
2010 BMW Z4 s35i
2014 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
2013 Volvo XC90
Appreciate 0
      09-19-2010, 09:49 AM   #17
ChuckB
Lieutenant
ChuckB's Avatar
United_States
17
Rep
448
Posts

Drives: 2020 X2 2.0i
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Hockenheim, Germany (APO)

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jannisa View Post
ChuckB a friend of mine is considering to install a quad on his 23. As you have fitted the eisenmann catback do you feel that there is a loss in torque or power or any difference regarding performance? Thanks.
No loss in torque, and I think I may have picked up about 10hp, more importantly there is no increase in fuel consumption and the sound is true Roadster, no Japanese high pitch sound, but a good bit of base and around 4,000 RPM you hear a sound which can only be described as ""the sound of Joy". the engine does seem to rev up a bit quicker also. Would I do it again for the same money - no question - YES...

Just add a bit, just did a trip to BMW Welt from Hockenheim, down on Friday and just got back in 30 minutes ago, 1/2 tank each way [359 km one way], most kept to 140Kph but did have a short run each way around 230 kph where traffic would allow. Very happy with the mileage from these pipes

Last edited by ChuckB; 09-19-2010 at 10:01 AM..
Appreciate 0
      09-19-2010, 12:02 PM   #18
MilitaryE89
Private First Class
United_States
7
Rep
188
Posts

Drives: 2008 328i, 2009 sDrive30i
Join Date: May 2009
Location: APO, AE

iTrader: (0)

hey whats happenin chuck...u gotta get me the name and details of who you used for putting on the exhaust. ive been wanting to do this, but looks like im gonna wait till i get back from afghanistan. you find a good filter to go with the exhaust?
Appreciate 0
      09-19-2010, 12:52 PM   #19
ChuckB
Lieutenant
ChuckB's Avatar
United_States
17
Rep
448
Posts

Drives: 2020 X2 2.0i
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Hockenheim, Germany (APO)

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by MilitaryE89 View Post
hey whats happenin chuck...u gotta get me the name and details of who you used for putting on the exhaust. ive been wanting to do this, but looks like im gonna wait till i get back from afghanistan. you find a good filter to go with the exhaust?
PM Sent
Appreciate 0
      09-20-2010, 03:02 AM   #20
Alext
Banned
No_Country
138
Rep
2,042
Posts

Drives: B M W
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Everest

iTrader: (2)

The N52 engine in the 30i sounds lovely in my opinion.
Appreciate 0
      09-20-2010, 05:32 AM   #21
Ermis
Enlisted Member
Ermis's Avatar
Greece
10
Rep
34
Posts

Drives: Z4
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Athens

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I drive 23i and the car is very well balanced. Yes, you have to rev it hard to get the most out of it but that's how you should drive a Z. I can chase more powerful cars on twisty roads and im proud of car's cornering. 35i is a great car and i would love to have one but my car feels almost perfect.
Appreciate 0
      09-20-2010, 07:58 AM   #22
bill123
Private First Class
United Kingdom
6
Rep
131
Posts

Drives: Z4 35iS
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: England

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ChuckB View Post
http://gallery.me.com/orbitator/100206

I posted this because it was bit vexing that almost all of the reviews are on the 35i/is, almost nothing on the 30i or the 23i, so finding this was immensely gratifying but can only imagine that while down on power a bit the 23i it would be real scalpel on nice twisty piece of tarmac. So all this, coupled with the wife being out of the country for a few weeks for work [WAY too much free time on my hands], so just posted something that had been in the back of my mind for a while after a lot of comments from non-Z drivers about "why not the the 35". All that said, my heart does go out to the unblessed masses who will never know the joy of driving a "Z".
Who said it was ?
__________________
35iS, Deep Sea Blue, 19" 326 alloys, etc
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:38 AM.




zpost
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST