Newbie to BMW world E89 V E85

[Dayvee]

Not had BMWs for many, many years have been more into American muscle cars cars , Iam looking for a E89 6 cylinder car as i like the idea of a steel top, but reading the problems with the roofs and other things , would I be better of going for a late model E85 instead ? , do the later cars drive better than the E85 as I have not drove an E89 yet !!

Iam a hands on bloke so not scared to work on them , but are the earlier cars less prone to faults than the E89 especially in the electrical department , your advises appreciated cheers Dave

[enuff_zed]

I'd say you should try both first.
Regardless of mechanical issues etc, the two models are quite different. The E85 is a much more raw, sporty car, whereas the E89 is more comfortable, but can still hustle along: more of a fast tourer.
It will boil down to what sort of driver you are and what you want from the experience.

[Ole gits rule]

Well firstly, hello and welcome.

The e89 does not have that many issues with the roof - nobody comes on here and says hey my roof has never gone wrong, it is invariably people always looking for a solution to an issue and the vast majority of e89 owners are no where near this website.

As enuff said you should drive them both but best way to describe them is the e85 is more of a point and squirt car while the e89 is more of a GT.

The e89 cabin is a better place to be but get an I6 and both great cars and just depends on what you want to use the car for - if its a weekend toy then either is fine, everyday car then the e89 is the way to go.

[Mr Tidy]

I can't offer any ownership experience as I've only had E86s.

But it may be worth bearing in mind that early 6 cylinder E85s had the M54 engine like the E46 3 Series.

Then in 2006 there was a facelift and they got the N52 engine like the E9* 3 Series that has an electric water pump. It will die at some point, usually instantly, and a new one costs around £250 - so long as you don't buy it from BMW!

6 cylinder E89s (other than the 35i and 35is with turbos) used the same engine but E89s also have an electronic handbrake which seems to cause problems now and again.

Anyway enjoy the search.

[Z450]

I would echo the mentioned points. Both cars can have roof issues.

As for driving the E89 is more refined feels slightly heavier, so makes it feel more of a GT than out right sports car.

The E85 feels lighter to drive and a bit sharper so has a more sportier feel.

Both great cars, the E89 feels more modern, although the E85 in my opinion has aged well.

I think you would be happy with either!

[Zed Baron]

Hi, the roof on the E89 like the bonnet and the wings is aluminium (keeps weight down). I've had a six cylinder E89 for 7 years now (12 years old this year) and its been great. In that time the only thing thats broke was a rear spring. Still looks and feels new, amazing car

[JamesClements]

Same as above e89 is more of a grand tourer, dare I say a bit more refined, if I was daily driving a Zed it would be my preference. Still great fun to chuck around on the twisty' s and the later N54 35/35is models are genuinely fats and have potential for big power

That being said, as a sports car the e85 is brilliant, the fact that the interior is somewhat spartan is part of the appeal for me (although a cup holder would be nice ). They are reasonably straightforward to work on as well, I do general maintenance, servicing, brakes etc. myself with quite basic tools and limited experience. I think both generations a great cars

[tiglon]

I've had an e85 and 2 e89's. The e85 was cheap and had not been looked after - had issues with the roof and the engine. The e89's were both at the higher end of their respective price ranges and I've had zero problems with either (yet!). Like any car, buy one that's been cared for and you'll probably be fine for reliability (as long as you have sensible expectations relative to your engine choice).

e85 = less refined but potentially more exciting (depending on engine choices)
e89 = more luxurious and much nicer at 7am on a Monday morning in November

I wouldn't want to live with an e85 as a daily driver, but I'd definitely have another (with 2 extra cylinders) as a weekend toy.

Drive both and make up your own mind, then buy one in the best condition you can afford.

[buzyg]

Welcome to the board. It's all been said above. The two models are quite distinct. The e85 is older has less tech and creature comforts and goes around corners in a different way, one that appeals to me, but may not to others. So you need to track down one of each, with similar engines and take a test drive in each.

[Zedebee]

That being said, as a sports car the e85 is brilliant, the fact that the interior is somewhat spartan is part of the appeal for me (although a cup holder would be nice ).

Just get one. Decent OEM copies are less than £30 on fleabay and easy to fit.

[JamesClements]

That being said, as a sports car the e85 is brilliant, the fact that the interior is somewhat spartan is part of the appeal for me (although a cup holder would be nice ).

Just get one. Decent OEM copies are less than £30 on fleabay and easy to fit.

Cheers Ill have a look into that

[Dayvee]

Thanks for all your advice lads much appreciated

[Dayvee]

Yes can see what you mean between the 2 cars now after some test drives , thanks again for your help Jury still out will see what comes up !!

[enuff_zed]

Yes can see what you mean between the 2 cars now after some test drives , thanks again for your help Jury still out will see what comes up !!

Glad you took the advice, or you would always have wondered if you did the right thing.
Good luck with your search, whichever way you decide to go.

[Argyll Andy]

Yes can see what you mean between the 2 cars now after some test drives , thanks again for your help Jury still out will see what comes up !!

After all your drives Dayvee, what ideally are you hoping comes up?