Issues that are in the 35iS that are not in the 35i?

[Ronin76]

Hi Everyone,

I guess the title says it all. I am looking into possibly getting a Z4 (just doing some research right now) and wanted to get an idea as far as things to look out for between the 2 models. I understand that 35iS is faster than the 35i, but does that also then come with some more issues or problems that the 35i does not have to worry about?

Thank for your time, I appreciate it.

[spyfish007]

My view is that you splitting hairs. Very little difference. Adjustable suspension, bigger brakes, an extra oil cooler, and higher burst HP are the things that stand out to me. I made zero distinction when I was searching.

[Ronin76]

Originally Posted by spyfish007

My view is that you splitting hairs. Very little difference. Adjustable suspension, bigger brakes, an extra oil cooler, and higher burst HP are the things that stand out to me. I made zero distinction when I was searching.

Cool, thank you for the response. I thought Z4 35i and the 35iS were similar to the 335i and 335iS where one had the N54 engine and the other has the N55 engine. Found out they both have the N54. Again, thanks for your response.

[KennyP]

Spyfish already beat me to it, but same basic story in longer format.

Differences are minor between 35i and 35is.
Different:
* Basically same engine, IS has different tune from factory with overboost function.
*In USA IS has bigger brakes.
*Exhaust back section is different, IS is louder? or has more sporty exhaust sound im guessing. midpipes and downpipes are the same.
*Different dials in instrument cluster with 35IS logo.
*Silver side mirrors on the IS. 35i has them in body colour.
* 35IS has different, stiffer engine mounts.

Oilcooler is a question for me. Ive seen some 35i variants on this forum without one... But 35is should definately have one. I think most 35i models have it too.. Msport trim thing maybe? Not sure.

Thats about it. Maybe im missing some minor changes but these are the biggest differences between the two. 35is comes standard with some things that were an option on 35i. M adaptive suspension for example.
35IS is DCT transmission only. 35i you could get with manual or the same DCT as an option.

You can install a simple stage 1 software tune on the 35i and make it faster than 35is. Around 360hp while 35is is 335hp or so? When tuning 35i and 35is should make similar power.

As these cars are basically the same... all the issues are the same aswell. IS isnt different enough to have any IS specific issues.

Biggest thing in my opinion are the brakes in USA. In EU 35i and 35is have same bigger brake setup but in USA for some reason 35i comes with smaller brakes. And second thing is the small cosmetic stuff. And maybe 35IS comes better equipped but that varies from car to car. You can get a highly optioned 35i aswell with all the options 35is may have standard.

[proboner]

If you don't care about getting a manual trans (which only comes with the 35i) I'd go with the 35is