In The Market

[Tycoon]

Hi Guys,

I currently own an E85 & I'm looking to upgrade to the E89.

Which models should I look at getting & what are the common problems to look out for when viewing potential vehicles?
Looking for the lowdown info & what to stay away from.

Thanks guys

[clarker63]

look at the common problems on this site. you'll get plenty ideas of the issues that the e89 has (not that there's many!). Opinions are varied here on which one is best, but obviously the 3.5is is the one everyone raves about.

[Marlon]

Welcome along, you'll have to help us out a little - the e89 choices are staggering! and IMO there's no specific model to 'stay away from'

[Mr Tidy]

E89 probably offers as many choices as the E85 (albeit slightly different) but if want a manual you need to stop at 35i because 3 pedals weren't an option on the 35iS!

I hope you manage to work out which one you want, and then find one!

[SteveSmith]

So many different options and I don’t think any are wrong.

Do you want the 6 cylinder noise and a tighter budget? If so, a 23i is going to be perfect!

Don’t mind spending more? 30i

Want better economy and and the facelift? 4 cylinder turbos might be for you. (Then there’s the debate of which one to get as you can effectively remap an 18i / 20i to more than the 28i)

Want the 3.0 turbo and manual - 35i

Want the most powerful one with an auto - 35iS

[huytonman]

Look out for faulty roof mechanisms, try opening and closing the roof a number of times with any potential purchase, not a major fix generally but labour costs can be high. If you go for 19” wheels these suffer from cracked rims, only way to check is to get it up on ramps, can be welded cheaply enough. Finally adaptive dampers can leak, expensive to fix. The dct oil seals can leak. But thats it as far as im concerned.
As for which one.. got to be the 35iS! like the one im selling ie with a full bmw service history and bmw warranty. As said earlier though no manual box on the S but try a dct in sport mode if you have reservations.
Plenty of choice, personally I would get one from here if I could, very good chance of buying from an enthusiast with all the benefits that this brings rather than from a casual owner who may not treat the car with respect.

[buzyg]

Welcome to the forum. Plenty of choice out there with he E89. What do you use your Zed for? Weekend toy, daily driver? What sort of budget? Loads of knowledge here on the forum. Good hunting.

[Tycoon]

Thank you so much for the enlightened & valuable information guys, much appreciated

I definitely have allot to consider.
I'm thinking that I would test drive a few different models to get a feel for the difference in power & driveability then I'm sure the right one will speak to me.

[Mr Tidy]

You also probably need to take into account your starting point - if your E85 is a 3.0i test driving a 23si may be a disappointment!

Good luck finding the model that suits you best - and once you have, don't forget the photos.

[Tycoon]

Hi guys,

Just a quick update.

I test drove a 2012 20iM auto, enjoyed the ride, but wasn't wow'd by performance although I didn't get to change to sport mode setting.
Very comfortable drive all round, but a bit harsh at times with 19" wheels as expected.

Then drove a 2012 28iM auto with all the bells & whistles & was more impressed with the performance & handling in both comfort & sport modes.

Torn between whether to go for the 28iM, or hold out for a 30iM / 35iS

[sticky]

Bigger is better

[Smartbear]

Hi guys,

Just a quick update.

I test drove a 2012 20iM auto, enjoyed the ride, but wasn't wow'd by performance although I didn't get to change to sport mode setting.
Very comfortable drive all round, but a bit harsh at times with 19" wheels as expected.

Then drove a 2012 28iM auto with all the bells & whistles & was more impressed with the performance & handling in both comfort & sport modes.

Torn between whether to go for the 28iM, or hold out for a 30iM / 35iS

Don’t forget you can map the 20i to make more power than the 28i.
Rob

[srhutch]

Hi guys,

Just a quick update.

I test drove a 2012 20iM auto, enjoyed the ride, but wasn't wow'd by performance although I didn't get to change to sport mode setting.
Very comfortable drive all round, but a bit harsh at times with 19" wheels as expected.

Then drove a 2012 28iM auto with all the bells & whistles & was more impressed with the performance & handling in both comfort & sport modes.

Torn between whether to go for the 28iM, or hold out for a 30iM / 35iS

Don’t forget you can map the 20i to make more power than the 28i.
Rob

What can the 28i be mapped to though, or are they the same engine so both have the same max output.

[Smartbear]

Hi guys,

Just a quick update.

I test drove a 2012 20iM auto, enjoyed the ride, but wasn't wow'd by performance although I didn't get to change to sport mode setting.
Very comfortable drive all round, but a bit harsh at times with 19" wheels as expected.

Then drove a 2012 28iM auto with all the bells & whistles & was more impressed with the performance & handling in both comfort & sport modes.

Torn between whether to go for the 28iM, or hold out for a 30iM / 35iS

Don’t forget you can map the 20i to make more power than the 28i.
Rob

What can the 28i be mapped to though, or are they the same engine so both have the same max output.

The engine & turbo is the same through the range, although for reasons unknown the 28i seems to go a little higher
Rob

[sunnydays]

Hi guys,

Just a quick update.

I test drove a 2012 20iM auto, enjoyed the ride, but wasn't wow'd by performance although I didn't get to change to sport mode setting.
Very comfortable drive all round, but a bit harsh at times with 19" wheels as expected.

Then drove a 2012 28iM auto with all the bells & whistles & was more impressed with the performance & handling in both comfort & sport modes.

Torn between whether to go for the 28iM, or hold out for a 30iM / 35iS

My 35is is for sale in the classifieds