Anyone else there with a car configured like mine, BMW won't tell me :(

[john-e89]

The E89 is not, a sports car, end of. It's a GT cruiser, especially the 35i and 35is, albeit a very nice one. The steering is lacking in feel, it's heavy, and it simply isn't as nimble as an E85 for e.g. So suggesting a manual gearbox in an E98 in the same scentence as Ferrari, is a very strange comparison imho. A manual in a Ferrari is very desirable, for obvious reasons. If you want exciting sports car driving an E89 35i or is is a poor choice.

Interesting comments John. Would you take an E85 3.0si over an E89 35i / is ?

Tough question Marlon. The E89 is flawed imo, but it's so comfortable and smooth, far above an E85, plenty powerful above 250bhp too, the E85 3.0si is a cheaper but more engaging car, I loved the one I had. But I think the 35i or is nicks it, simply because of comfort and they're just about good enough, in the real world, especially with adaptive suspension, to bridge the gap to the E85 if money isn't in the equation. If I had to sell up though I would be ecstatic with an 3.0si, they are a probably the best Zed 4 to have pound for pound.

[Ewazix]

Opinion.jpg

[sunnydays]

Yes, you're right. The car that is at the top of this page....must be wrong color as it is same config as mine. Oh, and I guess the press car used chosen by BMW was the wrong color as well. Lord knows you wouldn't want a "resale red" sports car with a twin turbo six and a manual gearbox.

http://www.bmwblog.com/2009/05/12/luxis ... sdrive35i/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bBjmtiInYk

http://jalopnik.com/5243469/2009-bmw-z4-first-drive

http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a12754/4317247/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nmwIw90HNY

They had many press cars in different colours. Just because the above reviewers were provided a red one does not prove anything. Additionally only 1 of those links is crimson red.... the rest are melbourne red. Your whole premise of value for your car is that it has a manual gear shifter, news flash the Z4 E89 is a comfortable GT cruiser. Its suited to the auto. You act as if your car is a Cayman R lol.

Additionally not understanding how you 'calculated' there is only 1 of yours despite BMW stating up to 28. Even if there is only 1 isnt that more telling of the crappy options that were chosen for it? Lol.....

If the Z4 was to appreciate im pretty sure it would be the 35is (prices are pretty stable due to low supply), and not your poverty spec 35i.

I don't know why I bother here when certain folks make their ignorance self-evident. To correct you, BMW said there are 28 E89 Z4 in Crimson Red with the Exclusive Ivory Leather interior. This includes the automatic transmission and the manual gearbox. BMW has also stated that 86% of the Sdrive35i were automatic gearboxes and only 14% were manual gearboxes. So how do you come up with "1 of yours despite BMW stating up to 28" when the math would indicate less than four cars produced including mine?

I know you have a limited perspective but fact is performance cars with manual gearboxes are commanding a premium over the automatic gearboxes....as we inch now further toward autonomous cars. I guess you don't follow the Ferrari, Lamborghini or other such markets? Cars with a stick and paddles are showing cars with the stick doing much better than paddles. Not just the rare ones like the 575, Super America, 599 but even common cars such 430, Gallardo, Murci, etc., are all showing manual gearboxes are worth more. Have you not seen what happened to Porsches most recent "manual gearbox only" cars, the (Boxster Spyder and 911R)....they are commanding prices higher than their original sticker prices. Wonder why that is.....Manual Gearbox!

Some folks actually like to drive and that means involving our left leg and our right arm, clutch and shifter.

Now I see though why in the UK they call these cars hairdresser cars.

Still, I'm sure your car has the same features as my "poverty spec" E89, with the Cold Weather Package, the Premium Package, the Sport Package with the Adaptive M Suspension and increased top speed, the Comfort Access Keyless Entry, the 19" wheels, Navigation and of course, minus the over $2,000 Ivory leather option, etc.

I've no doubt yours is not a hairdresser car and so you've upped the boost on your twin turbo 6. Are you running the JB4? I'm sure you'll be getting nearly 500 hp given your quality of gas and higher octane availability. I hear driveablity is better with the manual or has that improved now?

Too bad you don't have the manual gearbox though so you can really take full advantage of the "sport" aspect of the Z4.

What brake upgrades have you done? Brembo or BMW?

I've just purchased a staggered set of forged lightweight wheels. Can't wait for the new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S to arrive. Hopefully the 255 19" fronts will work with the 295/20" rears fitment-wise.

I find it amusing that you have now changed your numbers from 86% auto on N54 based cars, to now specifically 86% 35i. I suggest you go back and read your own posts.

Additionally cars like the Boxster Spyder, Cayman R were low production special editions so they were likely to appreciate. They have not appreciated just because its a 'manual', there are many other reasons why, IE the fact its a porsche limited edition for a start.

Yes your 35i is poverty spec with that colour combination, reallity is people will just think 'he couldnt afford the 35is'. Your car is not the flag ship so why anyone would care if its manual or not is laughable. Its like the difference between an M3 and a 335i. Sure they are close in practice, but one is much more desirable than the other.

Additionally for someone who claims to know so much about car investment, why an earth would you modify the car from stock if you are so obsessed with its value?

[sunnydays]

So OP, did you ever find out the number from BMW?

[Ewazix]

No, just no! The big V has been silent for 12 months please don't prod this one back to life

[bob4333]

.............................................. reallity is people will just think 'he couldnt afford the 35is'.

You're wide of mark here my friend.

I wanted a 35is for all the good reasons other people buy them, was there with the cash in my mitt, but "no sir, you can't have a 35is with a manual 'box" and "no, BMW won't build you a special order" (Sytner Solihull, Aug 2014).

So a 35i it was - because a manual 'box was my choice. I don't actually care whether people think I copped out because I 'couldnt afford the 35is'. I got the car I wanted - and that's what it's all about.

[z4all]

ah man...we're back.

[Jembo]

Bookmarked just in case

[mad4slalom]

Crimson red is a different colour to melbourne red and imola red.
Lots of cars have a manual 6 speed gearbox with twin turbo, the model of car usually is the 35i, which yours must be, but this can be had with an auto gearbox too.
The top of the range 35is however is auto only.
Your car will be one of a kind though with a few expensive options, shame its not got the smokers package with the cover over the tray at the front of the centre console.

used to love the imola red 11 on my z3MR! In sun it was a lovely pinky red but as the sun went down it turned a lovely almost maroon

[sunnydays]

Hi OP, did you ever make any progress on this? How many are there?

[scootr]

I too can't find a car exactly like mine with a small scratch on the qtr panel and Mc Donalds wrapper on the floor
I'm sorry, mate. I'll show myself out...

[mcbutler]

Its Carmine red, same as my 35i and same wheels. I noted its manual and apparently no parking sensors!!

[Ouroux71]

Quite beautiful. I won't split hairs on the colour. I don't like red normally but that car could change my view. A devil to keep clean inside - no big gulp drink and burgers in there....... Just teasing...

[sunnydays]

Wonder if OP ever got the number?

[BeardyJon]

Whyyyyyy are we bringing this old mess back to life?