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      03-19-2023, 07:06 PM   #1
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Z4 35I or 35is

Hi all,
I am looking to purchase a 35i or 35is. What year do you all recommend (most reliable)? I know service history and all are important.
Thank you,
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      03-20-2023, 02:55 PM   #2
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Lowest miles, newest, you can afford with good records.
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      03-20-2023, 03:30 PM   #3
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And if any of these things still have any manufacture warranty left on them, that would be great too. Oh, and if you want a manual, then 2014 35i.
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      03-20-2023, 05:20 PM   #4
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By 2013 most of the updates had been completed…the remaining faults remained to the end of production 2016.

I doubt there are any manufacturers warranties left after 7 years..

Most faults start to appear after 35k-50k miles have passed.

Most faults post 2013 are not age related but usage related.

It’s Russian roulette relative to failures..many low annual mileage owners may get away with little issue.

Consistent higher mileages will unearth endemic issues like failing turbos, adaptive suspension failures etc.

Unlike its other E89 siblings thr 35i /35is can have big ticket failures…caveat emperor..
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      03-20-2023, 06:31 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by B21 View Post

Unlike its other E89 siblings thr 35i /35is can have big ticket failures…caveat emperor..
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      03-20-2023, 08:22 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by B21 View Post
Unlike its other E89 siblings thr 35i /35is can have big ticket failures…caveat emperor..
The 2011-2015 28i with the N20 engine is a time bomb if the timing chain mods haven't been done. (2016s got the revised chain guides.) BMW issued an SIB providing an extended warranty on the timing chain assembly to 7 years/70k miles. Since 2015 production ended in Feb 2015, that warranty has expired. I've heard estimates of $3k-4k to have the work done.

Gerry
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      03-20-2023, 08:28 PM   #7
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So, B21, what yea/model of E89 would you recommend (if not 35i)? Thanks for the post
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      03-21-2023, 06:11 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GerryC View Post
The 2011-2015 28i with the N20 engine is a time bomb if the timing chain mods haven't been done. (2016s got the revised chain guides.) BMW issued an SIB providing an extended warranty on the timing chain assembly to 7 years/70k miles. Since 2015 production ended in Feb 2015, that warranty has expired. I've heard estimates of $3k-4k to have the work done.

Gerry
Yes the N20 pre 2015 has the camchain tensioner / guides issue..

But..

It has only one greater than 1000 usd flaw..and it doesn’t affect that many of the fleet..the 35is has at least 5 multi 1000 usd flaws many of which do happen..


Yes the N20 pre 2015 has the camchain tensioner / guides issue..it’s only a £800-£1,000 issue to resolve in the UK…did that on my 20i
The N52s have no flaws in that categorisation..
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Build thread here… https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=131886
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      03-21-2023, 06:18 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Carbanger View Post
So, B21, what yea/model of E89 would you recommend (if not 35i)? Thanks for the post
A post 2015 28i is dynamically the best E89..with a gentle re-map that’s well proven it’s as fast and better handling as a stock 35i.

That should be the most reliable version with the later updated nav/audio options..

Earlier 30i are good but now racking miles and age ..if you feel the need for a big engine in the engine bay and the need for whatever reason for 6 cylinders..

35i/35is is like a Saturn V rocket..enormous thrust and fabulous in a straight line..but wobbly around corners and an appetite for cash..

That’s the simple distillation of a complex decision process..
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Much modified 2011 Atacama Yellow 35is…previously a much modified 2012 Atacama Yellow 20i MSport
Change history here… https://www.dropbox.com/s/8h1vabklgz...0List.pdf?dl=0
Build thread here… https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=131886
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      03-21-2023, 09:12 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by B21 View Post
A post 2015 28i is dynamically the best E89..with a gentle re-map that’s well proven it’s as fast and better handling as a stock 35i.

That should be the most reliable version with the later updated nav/audio options..
I've been real happy with my 2016 28i. It handles extremely well between the better balance of the 4 cyl and the adaptive suspension.

Mine has the upgraded audio (essential in a roadster), but no nav. I look at that as one less thing to go wrong. Plus all 'connectivity' in the E89 is gone in the US since AT&T shut down their 3G network.

It's been super reliable. Other than routine maintenance, I've only had to replace tires (went with PS4 A/S non-RFT) and the battery.

I'll be a bit sorry to see it go, but I've got a new G29 M40i on order (built today!). It has all the new stuff, plus a bit more trunk space, and about 50% more hp.
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      03-21-2023, 08:57 PM   #11
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Thank you all for the input. Much appreciated.
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