35is Vs E85 "M" Z4

[sunnydays]

Hey all,

So I was just at the local BMW dealers and was speaking to one of the guys their about the rarity of the E89 35is and the values of the E85 M Z4. We got on to the topic of Nurburgring times for the 35is and why BMW never ran this track officially.

He stated that BMW did not want a non 'M' car to beat the official 'M' version from the last generation, and that in reallity the 35is would spank the Z4M around the nurburgring even though it weighs more and was not designed by the M team. He further went on to say that the Z4 E89 is one of the best chassis BMW has for a sports car and would outhandle the majority of the 'M' range to this day etc.....

My question is what are your guys thoughts on this? I see the Z4M clocking fast times around the ring. What do you guys think the 35is could run? Why is the Z4M held in such high regard, or is it simply the fact that it is an 'M' that gives it the status it has?

Thanks

[stevespg]

I have tried both.

The engine in the 35is is fantastic... however I prefer the feel of the M chassis and steering.

I had the choice and chose the M based purely on how it felt to drive.

It's gonna be very personal though.... no real right or wrong answers here...

[Fishy Dave]

It sounds like salesman bullshit to me! BMW and other manufacturers love to quote how the new model has improved over the old one, whether that be features, comfort, economy or performance. http://www.bmwblog.com/2015/10/13/bmw-m ... an-e92-m3/
The E89 was targeted at a slightly different buyer, with a softer edge, despite that if it had beaten the Z4M time it would have been subtly mentioned in the press pack, after all BMW had nothing to lose, the E85/86 was by then out of production. Comparing standard car to standard car I'm sure it would be close, but the E85 was lighter with a touch more bhp but less torque. I think the chassis would just make the difference in favour of the M, but then I'm biased.

[stevespg]

I'd love a v8 or v10 ZMR though....

[Z4M-2006]

I have had both....

The 35is is a lot easier to drive quickly than the Z4M...

And its quicker and has more torque,so i think on a long track the 35is would probably have the legs on the M car..

[mmm-five]

Strange that I've never seen an e89 at the Ring

[Z4M-2006]

Have a look on youtube..

Plenty on there

[buzyg]

The day I meet someone with a 35IS that's prepared to push that hard I guess I'll find out. Spent around 40 miles stuck to the bumper of an M140i, on Sunday's PH run. Z4M had it covered everywhere. Do wish he had let me past. Wanted to try and follow the Nobel up front, love those Ford engines.

[mmm-five]

Have a look on youtube..

Plenty on there

Quick look shows them to be anywhere between 9 & 10 minute laps, but can't find a SportAuto or Evo 'official' lap.

Although I meant, in a sarcastic way, that I've never been overtaken by one - but I can't remember seeing one there in person.

See plenty of 135/235 and they seem to be quick enough, but probably less 'GT' oriented than the Z4 - although I suppose it's relatively easy to remap turbo cars.

[Z4M-2006]

It is...

They go to 400 bhp easily...

The Z4M and a stock 35is are a good match... The M is more nimble and the 35is faster on the straighter bits.

Mine just had a simple map and was much quicker than an M,it would keep with my friends M4 everywhere... Much to his suprise ..

[stevespg]

I recently took the z4m up the new top gear favourite road in Pyrenees...

"Nimble" is a very apt phrase... was an absolute hoot, felt very quick in the tightest twisties, very sure footed....

Normally come back from a car hoon with a list of upgrades....just parked the M in the garage with no desire to tweek at all... was pretty perfect

[john-e89]

The two are very evenly matched, there's really not much in it. The difference comes in feel. The M feeling more nimble mainly due to weight, and a little more steering feel, neither have this in bucket loads like an MX5 or Boxster however. The M has more drama, it's engine is louder and more theatrical, it'll dart around whereas the 35 lurches, the M with the gearchange we all know about, it's rawness whereas the 35is is serene, except the exhaust, which is way and above the M's. The M can't hold the 35 in a drag race, no throttle lift needed and changes so quick coupled with more torque gives the 35 the advantage despite its weight, it also feels stronger with relentless pull.

Around the twisties the M feels faster, but in reality with a 35 on quality non runflat rubber and in sport mode the speedo's read the same. I think you'd need to track them to pull them apart, and round the ring, which I can only go by having watched lots of laps in various cars as I've never driven it, I'd say the 35is would edge it, around Monaco say, the M would probably nick it.

They are both quick fun cars with plenty of shove, one being a weekend blaster, the other a far more comfy GT car. But for sheer fun, the M takes it by a fair margin.

[Wrs]

Enjoyed your comparison John . You have pleasure of owning both!

[Maniac]

Not driven the M but I don't think the e89 chassis is anything to shout about, esp the 6 cyls as the engine while powerful is also very heavy and harms steering/handling badly. My C class handles better but the e89 does have the torque and sound drama.

[flimper]

Have driven both, albeit only a test drive in the 35is. In a drag race the 35is would win as it's so much easier to get off the line. Around a track I'd be surprised if the M wasn't quicker. One a GT car, one an animal.