No worries, I'm still keeping the Z. You may have seen my past threads on a new daily, I was considering anything from a Golf R to E90 M3 CPO and everything in between but I ultimately settled on a 2013 135is. I was able to scoop up a new one for over 14% below MSRP after negotiations, incentives and rebates.
Car is loaded with Premium, Technology, M-sport, DCT, heated front seats and HK surround. I couldn't stop smiling on my way home, the Le Mans blue is really impressive (way better than it shows in pictures). I didn't even take the car past 3000 rpms and I had no problem picking up speed when merging on the freeway.
First impressions (after 20 miles)...
1) The run flats aren't as bad as I remember and this was coming home on I-95 crossing the GWB into NJ.
2) The exhaust sound is intoxicating. I can see how some think the drone might get tiresome over time but I don't mind it at all
3) NO lag which is a pleasant surprise! When I test drove my friend's 135is DCT few weeks ago, I was shocked at the throttle response lag, especially when trying to merge onto a highway. That car was an early build so not sure if there's been a software update but there is no lag whatsoever. Press gas, car moves.
4) The "I-drive" or whatever this last iteration is called is more intuitive but still not great. I'll have to play around with it some more
5) Car is perfect size for a modern day sport coupe. The back seats are still usable, overall visibility is good and the seats provide good side and lumbar support (my factory M-sport seats on the Z4 were terrible in that regard).
6) Brakes are very smooth and linear. On the 335i I drove couple years ago, I was surprised how sensitive the brakes were. The slightest touch would grab hard. On the Z, it was the opposite. You would really have to apply pressure to get the initial deceleration. This is right in the middle, very linear and smooth, not overly touchy/sensitive.
Out with the old
In with the ONE
and the Z of course
Factory exhaust note
PPK installed at VDC
