Z4 sDrive35iS Roadsters
Is there a buyers guide anywhere? I'm so confused by all the options and trim.
Any advice on what I should insist on to get the best feel for the car. Most important parts are that it's automatic and it handles as best as it can.
Never came across a buyers guide when I was shopping for mine, but I can offer some help with regards to options if you're interested.
If you're looking for a 35iS then you get by default:
- DCT Gearbox (no manual offered)
- Adaptive Suspension
- Sports Exhaust (another 30dB over a 35i I believe)
- 40 BHP over a 35i
- M Sport
- Extended lighting
If you're after the best "feel" for the car then I'd say any 35iS will do, they didn't offer any options other than adaptive suspension on the Z4 that made any difference to the way it drove. I'd recommend either buying one without runflats or replacing them, as mine was noticeably quieter, comfier, softer and more planted on F1 AS3s that the run flats it came with.
You will find the odd 35iS that came with 18" wheels. I personally find those wheels hideous and the entire car sits much better on the 19" 326Ms. Ride will be more comfortable on the smaller wheels though.
Extras I'd recommend:
- Professional Navigation. Even if you don't want nav, this also gives you iDrive which makes the entire car a nicer place to be.
- Advanced Loudspeaker (the top end audio offering). The standard one in the Z4 really is shocking. If you're not that in to music (and by that I mean really don't care) then maybe leave it or find the middle ground business audio. But the advanced is really the one to go for.
- Comfort pack. Gives you heated seats, parking sensors and a wind deflector. Would really recommend all three, especially the wind deflector. Really makes a difference with the roof down.
- Folding mirrors. Optional extra, think they're worth holding out for as they're quite common (may even have been part of the comfort pack).
- Cruise. If not a daily driver then perhaps you can forget this one. Annoying it wasn't standard.
Extras I don't think are worth holding out for:
- Heating steering wheel. Lovely. Rare
- Adaptive Headlights. Nice gimmick, not too smart. Only turn when you turn corners, no beam splitting. Had this on mine, was a novelty really.
- High beam assistant. Nice gimmick, not too smart. Early revision of the system. Slow. No beam splitting. Often confused by shiny street furniture. Had this on mine, turned it off.
- Through load storage bag - hole in the boot that comes into the cabin. Comes with bag for skis. Only useful if you want it.
- Extended leather. Rare. Gives you a leather dash and more leather on the doors.
Incredibly rare options:
- TV
- Lumbar support.
- Comfort access.
The 35iS is well kitted out as stock. Only came in M-Sport trim, electrically operated memory sports seats as standard, nicer body kit, 35iS specific rear diffuser, louder exhaust, anthracite headlining, extended lighting (ambient lighting - actually quite nice), auto dimming and heated mirrors, nicer mats.
Mid-2013 is the LCI. Gives you newer white headlights, chrome side indicators, better looking plastic inside. Also a revised rear headlight to stop water ingress. All LCIs will come with DAB, most pre-LCI will too.
I loved my LCI 35iS. It was a great balance of effortless power and decent chuck-ability when you wanted a hoon. Thought the DCT was fantastic, used mine for a 40 mile a day commute but could also have fun in it. Did 2500 miles around Europe over two weeks, didn't break a sweat. Body didn't ache.
Car was reliable enough, but would still recommend a warranty. Had the the glovebox arm replaced and turbo wastegates seen to using my new car warranty. If adaptive suspension shocks go then the internet rumour is £1k a pop (and only sourced through BMW), but I've only seen one or two 2011 models with this problem.
Really regret rolling mine.
Any questions let me know.
. If you want the ultimate of a BMW series then it has to be the M.
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