Looking for an E89

[1rvy]

Hi just joined, so hello!

After looking at Boxsters and scaring myself stupid about the high engine failure rate on the older cars I'm now looking for a Z4.
I've come across a well specced E89, 2012 28i M Sport auto with decent miles and within budget.
What are peoples thoughts on the 28i N20 engine, is it worth the slight increase in price over the 20i (which I believe is exactly the same unit with a different tune).

I've currently got an M235 with the N55 engine so I know I'm going to miss the straight size sound track but the N20 seems to be a good unit without stretching to the cost of the 35i/35is.
Looking at around the £12k mark so if anyone know of anything...

[Smartbear]

Hi, the 28i comes with slightly larger front brakes than the 20i, although there’s nothing wrong with the smaller brakes.
As you say, the engines are mechanically identical but I’m not sure if the auto box is an option on the 20i?
The n20 engined zeds have been on sale since 2011, cheap tax & good economy are obvious benefits when it comes to running costs
Rob

[Pbondar]

Hi, the 28i comes with slightly larger front brakes than the 20i, although there’s nothing wrong with the smaller brakes.
As you say, the engines are mechanically identical but I’m not sure if the auto box is an option on the 20i?
The n20 engined zeds have been on sale since 2011, cheap tax & good economy are obvious benefits when it comes to running costs
Rob
[/quote
The same excellent ZF 8HP45 unit was available on all 18i/20i/28i models from the start of the N20 engine Z4 E89s run till finish..

[1rvy]

Thanks for the feedback, the ZF is great, same box in my 235i. I like the idea of the upgraded brakes on the 28i, I suppose if I wanted even more umph I could throw a JB4 on it.
I took it out for a test drive today, those RF tyres are atrocious, dealer was making a point of saying its got new Bridgestones and I told him they'd be one of the first things I'd get rid of.
Anything to look out for on these or are they are bomb proof as you'd expect a Beemer to be at that age?

[Yorkie Z]

Have you checked out the fourm cars for sale. Try this one

viewtopic.php?f=41&t=107699

[greg81]

I might have a 30i.coming up for sale very shortly

[Phoenixboy]

I might have a 30i.coming up for sale very shortly

[greg81]

I might have a 30i.coming up for sale very shortly

I know

[Yorkie Z]

I might have a 30i.coming up for sale very shortly

M/// time

[1rvy]

Thanks for the DMs but I'm not allowed to reply yet due to only just joining

[Smartbear]

Thanks for the DMs but I'm not allowed to reply yet due to only just joining

I think you need 5 posts before you can send/receive PM’s
Not sure about DM’s, I think you can buy their boots from anywhere?
Rob

[1rvy]

[JimsZ]

Loving my 28i, three years approximately now(into 4th) and it just eats miles for breakfast, does nearly 40mpg (38.7 and that’s not being frugal) the only issue as you have already identified is the Runflat tyres, check ALL the wheels out for signs of cracking and IMO use it as a bargaining point if they are on the car. Don’t shy away from any with aftermarket wheels and non runflat tyres, they have probably already dealt with the issue

[1rvy]

Great to hear positives of 28i ownership, I'd be very tempted to ditch the 19" 5 spoke alloys and RFs and go with a nice set of 28" BBS CH-Rs with none RF. Might have to see how funds are in January if I get the Z I'm looking at.

[greg81]

go with a nice set of 28" BBS CH-Rs with none RF.

They might look a bit odd to be honest