E89 BMW Z4 sDrive23i vs sDrive35i

[@LifeOfTuners]

In my opinion, I'd never by the n54, they just have unlimited issues (I'm sure there are a handful of unicorns out there). But that n52 is so damn bullet proof, and quite nice for an NA engine

[@LifeOfTuners]

I personally don't like how turbo BMWs sound, they sound like a generic inline 6 sound, unlike another it turbos which sound godly, and that n52 with an intake, mhm that sounds nice

[@17t135i]

The appeal with the N54 is how much power they can make for little money, with hybrid turbos and some bolt ons they can make an easy 600hp, of course there are trade offs.

[@sonof69star]

NA N52 is one of the best engines ever produced in the automotive history. One of the best sounding engines of all time. The turbo charged N54 and N55, just too many horror stories out there. The BMW 335 community would know if they are not in denial. Just too many blown engines. All new BMWs today screwed not only in design language but also in the sound department.

[@LifeOfTuners]

@@17t135i yeah for sure, they can definitely be built up to make some big power cheap as

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah definitely

[@lukaszg74]

Buy 30i best of both worlds. With different exhaust plus a remap you will have 280 bhp , plenty enough for that car

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah very true. Unfortunately we don't get the 30i here

[@PetrSTRansky]

Almost destroyed my feelings to my 23i. But as you said its cheaper and still fun... a lot of fun. Also twisty roads of Europe 200 hp is enough to get me into truble 😉

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah nah it's still awesome

[@martyboyle9066]

With a stage 1 tune and or an exhaust upgrade I'd imagine the 2.5 would be right up there. Ditch the autos on both manual for life.

[@samsoum28]

I definitely go with the 23i, its more fun to drive and controllable

[@ProjectH4x]

I don't know how it works on other European countries... But at the one I live in, a 3000cc pays more yearly taxes than a house, and you can't (shouldn't) even take a dump in the car! Better go with the 23 😅

[@simontist]

​@@martyboyle9066 if you're tuning, the N54 is an absolute beast

[@The_Noticer.]

I like the silver rims much better though, dont get the black rim aesthetic at all..

[@KiwiCarLife]

Fair enough, they are Z4M wheels which helps. I bought the car with the black wheels already

[@The_Noticer.]

@@KiwiCarLife yeah but maybe putting back into the OEM color will make it look better. Also if you decide to sell it on, better re-sale value with the OEM color probs.

[@Aquve]

strongly agree, black rims are trash

[@The_Noticer.]

@@Aquve loved the skit M539 restorations did on this in his second-last video :D

[@medowatcher]

I actually love the black wheels esp if you paint the top with oem quality paint in black. Or tint the windows black.

[@martyboyle9066]

Drove the 20i and the 23i couldn't imagine an auto though I mean when you can get it with a manual. I prefer the character of Naturally aspirated 2.5l over the 2.0l turbo as well but I never was a crazy turbo fan.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah I’d agree a manual is a better option. Hard to come by here

[@divinehatred6021]

N54B 3.0 can be easily tuned for over 500 hp. Thats why it has all rights to exist.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah they’ve got a lot of potential

[@MultiCutaway]

Yip. Mine is a white/red 28i(48 000km) My brother have a silver/black 35is. Best cars ever! 👍💌🇿🇦

[@KiwiCarLife]

Nice!

[@ProductofNZ]

I read somewhere that the higher the BMW engine number, the more problems :D

[@KiwiCarLife]

Lol, not the case with the b58. But s63, S65 and s85 absolutely

[@tolrem]

I recommend watching "The Car Ninja" on YT.Very educational as the guy is a BMW specialist.Apparently their V8s are extra bad news. As the saying goes "If you can't afford a new BMW,then you definitely can't afford a used one."

[@markmcgrath9098]

If the engine code starts with N then that means NO GO! DON’T GO THERE! All the M and S code were pretty good. Yes the S65/85 engines have design faults that cause them to chew up rod bearings but they are still effing epic engines.

[@KiwiCarLife]

@@markmcgrath9098 disagree the n52 is one of bmw's best and most reliable powerplants

[@markmcgrath9098]

@@KiwiCarLife as a hard n fast rule, everything after the M motors and their S variants was plasticrap. Even the later M54, which are bloody top motors, had too much plastic. Plasticcrap infected the M62 V8 as well with plastic timing chain guides. When they work, the N turbo motors are beastly powerful, if slightly dull (imho) sounding. Gotta love that. Truth is like them all, just disappointed that they seemed to sacrifice decent build and reliability for economic returns.

[@flybobbie1449]

Fitted throttle adapter to my 23i. Wouldn't drive without it now.

[@KiwiCarLife]

@@flybobbie1449 I really don’t get those throttle adapters aye, they just turn it into a light switch with no control or modulation. But if you like it then that’s good!

[@flybobbie1449]

@@KiwiCarLife Well have you tried one on the Z4?

[@flybobbie1449]

I wanted the lighter steering of normal mode, but more throttle response of sport mode. The adapter solved that problem for me.

[@KiwiCarLife]

@@flybobbie1449 ohhh right yeah makes sense

[@bobbyrolando5719]

Curious if the kiwi cars are different than the American ones... I had a 2011 z4 and the N52 was a 3.0L not a 2.5L, is it just produced differently for different countries?

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yep in Japan they only got 2.0t, 2.5 and 3.0tt. US got the detuned 3.0L n/a

[@mbwilding]

I just bought my second 35is, first one got wreaked in a 14 car pile up. I bought an M6 (v10) in the meantime, but had to get another 35is because when you power mod that N54...oh man. Now the M6 never leaves the garage.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Awesome man! Yeah the N54 is such an epic engine

[@JoshuaKabatay]

is it true that it's hard to maintain a bmw in new zealand? like when you get broken parts it will take ages to fix? i really want bmw but i might choose toyota as the safest option.

[@KiwiCarLife]

There are a few horror stories, but if you get an N/A I6, you're unlikely to have many issues. I4's, turbo 6's and V8's are very hit or miss. Some are surprisingly reliable, others are nightmares. Best to stick to the N/A 6 for safety: anything ending in 23i, 25i, 28i or 30i. They're all great engines

[@Krezo200]

How come you didnt pay much for your z4 if i may ask

[@KiwiCarLife]

Because it was really rough when I bought it and I fixed it up. It looks heaps better in the video

[@Krezo200]

@@KiwiCarLife okay 🤙 Why did you sell it?

[@michaelscurr9046]

My 1 M costs me a bit but I don’t care.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah that's it aye. Driving experience is worth it

[@1000RRJuggernaut]

You bought less problems that for sure, and Turbo charged car cant have better sound then NA engine, no chance!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Ohh it definitely does haha

[@padourek]

I changed my 30i to 35i (not S) this year and the sound is absolutely different. 35i in low revs sounds like American muscle, in hi revs turns into screaming Ferrari. The power in low revs is much better. No need to downshift when overtaking. And in highs and 200 kmh when press the pedal, you still feel the thrust.

[@R4TH2277]

I'm in a 240i currently as I love it, but I love it abit too much. I get too tempted to drive like an asshole and thinking of a downgrade. After watching this video I think the z4 23i is the car for me. Thanks for the information!

[@KiwiCarLife]

All good! Haha yeah the 23i was good. Can't get into too much trouble but was still fun

[@peterscheffer4521]

Got the 2011 35is. With new oilthermostate, Wagner intercooler, walnutblast (after 220...km) and tuning, now at 410BHP and 619nm. Had 348bhp and 619nm after the mentioned 220.000km, no too bad. Natural aspirated is not as powerful but for sure as much, and maybe even more, engaging. Thanks for your joyful review!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Impressive man!

[@17t135i]

N54 Power, if only they were not an endless money pit, but I do have a lot of fun with mine.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Ageee

[@medowatcher]

How much are you paying for gas? Or is there maintenance issues??

[@17t135i]

​@medowatcher well, n54 engine has some known issues, one being injectors, it took then 12 revisions to get them right, most cars out there don't have these index 12 injectors and they pretty much all go bad, currently $4700 nzd replace all 6 injectors.

[@shixtr]

At that start of the video, I didn’t recall you had an atrocious rear spoiler……nek minit, oh railings 🤭😂

[@KiwiCarLife]

What's not to like? It's only tiny

[@shixtr]

😜

[@amirlandarani8196]

personaly would have gone with the n52b30

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah same, that's like the perfect engine but unfortunately they aren't sold here

[@vintagetrk]

I have a 2010 Z4 35I and absolutely love it. Mine is stock and it is a car that is way before it's time. I love the hard top convertible. I love the M sport grill on the one you drove.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Oh yeah mate the 35i is glorious

[@love200sx]

Take MHD ans it's another car 🥰

[@vintagetrk]

@@love200sx whats MHD sorry for my BMW Newbie ignorance.

[@love200sx]

@@vintagetrk it s APK for tune your car i have now 80HP more

[@vintagetrk]

@@love200sx Plenty happy with my cars stock HP I'm more into making it reliable. I live where the roads are twisty. 302 hp is plent of power. I am putting on analuminum charge pipe and performing regular maintenance but my ride only has 57k on the clock. So I'm in good shape.

[@snggarageeng]

i love metallic roof on them ! New Z4 is too wide

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah it's good aye

[@williamxchau]

Nice review! Looks like you are genuinely having a bit of fun and makes me want one too! Thanks

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thanks yep they’re really fun cars

[@sonof69star]

I drove the E89 35is with my friend on his S2K. We raced a fun drag race. The 35is raped the S2K. I mean, it completely destroyed the S2K. 35is has about 30hp more than then 35i. It is a serious BMW monster roadster. Can be tuned to more than 400hp easily.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah the S2 wouldn’t have stood a chance against a Z4 35i

[@donoconnor4204]

Great video with bags of enthusiasm and energy!!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thanks man

[@samsoum28]

You should have tried the 23i before the 35i to make a fair comparison. I mean sure after the 35i test-drive you won't enjoy the 23i as its obviously a downgrade.

[@KiwiCarLife]

I own the 23i so trust me I've driven it plenty of times before this video

[@oscarkabowski8413]

When are you lining these two hair dresser cars up with the CL9? 😂😂😂

[@KiwiCarLife]

Oh gosh

[@187producedit]

4:40 tell me u didn’t know the e89 z4 spins in 2nd without telling me u didn’t know 😂

[@KiwiCarLife]

Haha yep it’s got some power!

[@what_is_my_name_RK195]

The 35i M sport is using 7 speed DCT gearbox, 30i is 6 speed ZF

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yes

[@steliofrasco3455]

Both amazing, looks for my first one will start with the N52

[@KiwiCarLife]

Good idea

[@160pipa]

the best combo is the n55 with the zf auto, bulletproof as hell

[@KiwiCarLife]

Agree, but the n54 sounds better

[@petrcrhak2927]

Hello, are the cars both before LCI? or only on the black z4 are white bulbs used instead of yellow in the lights? thanks for the reply

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yep both pre lci

[@saaaleeeh]

Hey man! I am considering to buy a 23i or 35i both for actually similar price and kilometer, ( around 50.000) I am thinking of which of these both are more reliable so I don’t have the chance to need to invest into it for issues in future, because I might keep the car for a long time, what is your thinking about? Oh and the 23i is manual and the 35i automatic, I guess manual might be more gentle and suistanable for the car/ engine/ transmission. Would be cool to get some advice, thank you!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Manual 23i will definitely be more reliable

[@saaaleeeh]

@@KiwiCarLife thanks for the quick response!!:))

[@kashmimi]

So how do I make my 28i turn into a 35i? ( I’m a beginner car person ) I should’ve bought the 35i, I was scared it would be more maintenance since I am using it as a daily

[@KiwiCarLife]

You can’t short of engine swapping. The 28i has an N52 N/A 3.0L I6 with 6 speed auto. The 35i has an N54 twin turbo 3.0L I6 with 7 speed DCT. They’re very different

[@kashmimi]

@@KiwiCarLife I see! Okay thank you, I will just make her look cute 😄

[@StealthyyyHD]

Nothing beats Barra turbo

[@KiwiCarLife]

Lumpen engine it is

[@StealthyyyHD]

@@KiwiCarLife get a F6 typhoon, 330 kw I think standard

[@KiwiCarLife]

@@StealthyyyHD wow is that all

[@StealthyyyHD]

@@KiwiCarLife stock block can handle 2000 HP if that isn't enough 🤣

[@StealthyyyHD]

@@KiwiCarLife iron block over engineered bigger turbo, bigger fuel system easy 1000 HP without opening motor up

[@tgshark1]

its sad seeing these stock, ill pay the e89 some justice and build a street wideboy single turbo beaut in the next year or so

[@KiwiCarLife]

Goodness I’d rather have a stock one thanks

[@tgshark1]

pros and cons to you purists, you are the people i buy the cars from so keep em clean for me, check out the Z4 GT3 Judd v8s if you havent already@@KiwiCarLife

[@clivemorgan3319]

And both no better that the face lift 2.0 turbo

[@KiwiCarLife]

I would strongly disagree haha

[@LukeAddison]

I'm buying a Z4 sDrive23i this week. After watching this video, I really want the 35i though.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Hmm yeah it's a tradeoff between price and reliability

[@luisgriffiths2714]

I have had the 2.0s as I remember, good fun, but I now have the 35is. I only had a hydraulic issue with the roof on the 2.0, a pipe filled. BMW repaired it at a reduced price. No other problems other than that, so don’t be put off by some of the comments. The N54 engine is as bullet proof as anything out there. Cost of service through BMM on the N54 is only a little more than the 2.0. I took the 35is to Le Mans in July, 10 hours each way, shared driving, very comfortable and great fun to drive with enough space for weekend luggage. In short get the N54 35is. Enjoy

[@tkbass01]

I will keep my 2008 Z4 M Roaster with the 6 speed MT.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Good choice. My favorite bmw

[@duncanhone9370]

Love my 35i they are awesome. Great review.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Mmmm yeah I’d really like one

[@lathaminfrance]

Manual 23i is way better

[@KiwiCarLife]

Slow

[@HongWong-qr8xn]

miss my e89 30i

[@KiwiCarLife]

Mmmm that’s the one I wanted

[@bvc100]

Gotta get myself one. Regardless which😍

[@KiwiCarLife]

Would definitely recommend!

[@bvc100]

@@KiwiCarLife found quite a good 23. Currently in process of buying it. Wish me luck!

[@bvc100]

@@KiwiCarLife secured the car. And boy, it is worth it.😍

[@amaya34]

N54 rules!!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yuuuurs

[@philedwards5747]

Word of the day "infamatessisbly" - love it 😆

[@KiwiCarLife]

Hahah absolutely no idea where I got that from - probably top gear

[@apollobrahz8942]

First?

[@NowIknowCh]

Give this man a cookie

[@KiwiCarLife]

I shall