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23i versus 30i
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- Senior Member
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23i versus 30i
still on the search for a car - thought I would extend my criteria to include a 23i having previously making a red 30i a must have - was going to view a red 30i auto but bailed out as I really want the driving experience of a manual box - compromised a step further and went to view a 2010 space grey 23i manual - the car was absolutely mint with one owner and only 20k miles - seeing it first made me think immediately after 18 months of searching this was the " one" if I could get over the fact it wasn't red and looked virtually the same as my old E85 except a newer model - and the price was good ( £10750 ) - however when I test drove it I was completely underwhelmed - didn't have any of the punch of the 30i or my old E85 3.0 SE - whilst I knew it was a safe bet and mint I knew I wouldn't be happy with the car as a "toy" - would be a gem of a find to someone looking for a 23i but not for me
- mr wilks
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23i versus 30i
23i really need to be worked hard to get any feeling of momentum , very little mid range punch for overtaking but what can you expect from 200bhp & a heavy car still a nice drive though , i did a roadtrip around Scotland in one & wasn't underwhelmed , i just accepted what the car was & made allowances .
IF you want a high performance roadster the 23i isn't it & not sure the 3.0i will thrill you much more , maybe the turbo 2.0 will suit your needs better ?
IF you want a high performance roadster the 23i isn't it & not sure the 3.0i will thrill you much more , maybe the turbo 2.0 will suit your needs better ?
3 ZMRs
3 E89s
5 Si coupes
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997 C4
TTRS
F82 M4
MK7 Golf Gti
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3 E89s
5 Si coupes
5 Si roadsters
997 C4
TTRS
F82 M4
MK7 Golf Gti
current Bmw 6 Gran Turismo
- Nictrix
- Lifer
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23i versus 30i
We have a 23i and have owned it for 5 years next month.
We have not driven any of the other engine sizes so are quite happy with what we have. (except a short test drive in an E85 a couple of years before)
Its not the quickest but when you are not comparing it to anything else its fine and speed is not really why we bought it in the first place.
We keep looking at slightly newer 35is models but really cannot get over paying close to an additional £10k for the same car with a more powerful engine.
The problem with the 30i is that there doesnt seem to be many around.
What Mr Wilks says may be correct with the 2.0 turbo engines but we liked the smoothness of the 6 cylinder.
We have not driven any of the other engine sizes so are quite happy with what we have. (except a short test drive in an E85 a couple of years before)
Its not the quickest but when you are not comparing it to anything else its fine and speed is not really why we bought it in the first place.
We keep looking at slightly newer 35is models but really cannot get over paying close to an additional £10k for the same car with a more powerful engine.
The problem with the 30i is that there doesnt seem to be many around.
What Mr Wilks says may be correct with the 2.0 turbo engines but we liked the smoothness of the 6 cylinder.
E89 2014 35i M Sport Black with Black leather
- Smartbear
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23i versus 30i
I’ve had a couple of 3.0 zeds (e85 & e89) for me the biggest single thing the 2litre turbo is deficient in isn’t its smoothness but it’s sound.Nictrix wrote: ↑Thu Aug 02, 2018 5:51 pm We have a 23i and have owned it for 5 years next month.
We have not driven any of the other engine sizes so are quite happy with what we have. (except a short test drive in an E85 a couple of years before)
Its not the quickest but when you are not comparing it to anything else its fine and speed is not really why we bought it in the first place.
We keep looking at slightly newer 35is models but really cannot get over paying close to an additional £10k for the same car with a more powerful engine.
The problem with the 30i is that there doesnt seem to be many around.
What Mr Wilks says may be correct with the 2.0 turbo engines but we liked the smoothness of the 6 cylinder.
The turbo 4 sounds ok in its own way but it’s not a patch on the 6cylinder song, instead you get a gruff, punchy powerplant that can be tweaked to perform very well indeed.
I’ve got no regrets with my choice but I wouldn’t pretend it’s an equal in every respect.
You need to drive one to see what you think
Rob
e89 Sdrive 20i, plenty of mumbo & good economy-the thinking bears z4
e89 Sdrive 30i, this ones busted, pass me another...
e85 3.0si sold
- Zed Baron
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23i versus 30i
I was fortunate to pick up a very low mileage mint 23i over 3 years ago, for what I want it does the job. The naturally aspirated engine has been fine and sounds great. The car will be 9 yrs old this year and touch wood has only cost me oil / brake fluid changes, rear brake pads and Ive just changed the tyres. For a weekend car its not cost a lot and when its been down at the local BMW dealers it doesn't look much different to what they have on the forecourt but without the hefty price tag. Guess its down to your budget and what you plan to do with the car.
- mr wilks
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23i versus 30i
Just to make clear i wasn't slating the 23i or saying the 2.0i is a better option , just pointing out that if Op felt the car lacked any ooomph perhaps a lighter turbo powered 89 could be the mix he's after in a E89
3 ZMRs
3 E89s
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997 C4
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F82 M4
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3 E89s
5 Si coupes
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997 C4
TTRS
F82 M4
MK7 Golf Gti
current Bmw 6 Gran Turismo
- Mr Tidy
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23i versus 30i
To be honest OP it sounds to me like you've talked yourself into wanting a manual 30i - now you just need to find one!
Good luck.
Good luck.
Coupes because stunning!
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
- mr wilks
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23i versus 30i
This will still feel lethargic if you don't hammer it hard through the revs , the E89 needs some momentum to make it feel lively & a turbo ( or 2 ) will always help in that department
3 ZMRs
3 E89s
5 Si coupes
5 Si roadsters
997 C4
TTRS
F82 M4
MK7 Golf Gti
current Bmw 6 Gran Turismo
3 E89s
5 Si coupes
5 Si roadsters
997 C4
TTRS
F82 M4
MK7 Golf Gti
current Bmw 6 Gran Turismo
- Mr Tidy
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23i versus 30i
Interesting - I've never driven an E89 but I do notice the 2.5 litre N52 in my E91 only really gets going when you rev the t*ts off it!
Maybe if you want a manual straight 6 E89 the 35i is the way to go - I think you quite liked yours.
Coupes because stunning!
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
- PinkPineapple44
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23i versus 30i
Seems like you have already got your eye on the 30i...or more
My dad used to have an 2.5 N52 e90 and that thing definitely needed way more revving than my e89 30i to get a bust on.
I chose a manual 30i over the 35i (didn't bother looking at the 23i as I didn't want to downgrade in speed from my previous car) for a couple of reasons; I'm not a fan of the N54 and high power bmw turbo cars without an LSD are pants. Depends if you just want to cruise or hoon though, as the 35i will straight line pull waaay better.
My dad used to have an 2.5 N52 e90 and that thing definitely needed way more revving than my e89 30i to get a bust on.
I chose a manual 30i over the 35i (didn't bother looking at the 23i as I didn't want to downgrade in speed from my previous car) for a couple of reasons; I'm not a fan of the N54 and high power bmw turbo cars without an LSD are pants. Depends if you just want to cruise or hoon though, as the 35i will straight line pull waaay better.
- SteveSmith
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23i versus 30i
This. The engine note isn’t great. With a tweak to the exhaust it makes the usual modern 4 pot turbo pops and farts but nothing else. I’m considering trying an open cone filter to see if it helps! I’ve not used an open cone filter for a good 10 years!Smartbear wrote: ↑Thu Aug 02, 2018 6:17 pmI’ve had a couple of 3.0 zeds (e85 & e89) for me the biggest single thing the 2litre turbo is deficient in isn’t its smoothness but it’s sound.Nictrix wrote: ↑Thu Aug 02, 2018 5:51 pm We have a 23i and have owned it for 5 years next month.
We have not driven any of the other engine sizes so are quite happy with what we have. (except a short test drive in an E85 a couple of years before)
Its not the quickest but when you are not comparing it to anything else its fine and speed is not really why we bought it in the first place.
We keep looking at slightly newer 35is models but really cannot get over paying close to an additional £10k for the same car with a more powerful engine.
The problem with the 30i is that there doesnt seem to be many around.
What Mr Wilks says may be correct with the 2.0 turbo engines but we liked the smoothness of the 6 cylinder.
The turbo 4 sounds ok in its own way but it’s not a patch on the 6cylinder song, instead you get a gruff, punchy powerplant that can be tweaked to perform very well indeed.
I’ve got no regrets with my choice but I wouldn’t pretend it’s an equal in every respect.
You need to drive one to see what you think
Rob
28i M Sport - Alpine White / Canberra Beige, 19" M359’s, H&R’s / Eibachs, BMS Stage 1 - 271bhp, Front Splitter, CF Rear Lip, Alcantara Steering Wheel and Brembo 4 pots
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23i versus 30i
I have a 35iS and after coming from a naturally aspirated car I'm still getting used to the slower throttle response. When Turbo cars are on boost they are great but there is always a slight delay when compared to a naturally aspirated machine which have instant responses.
E89 S Drive 35iS
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23i versus 30i
I found the 23i lacked punch and felt under-powered for the car. It was a fine cruiser though so it all depends on what you're after, I'm very much enjoying my 35i now, it is effortless compared to the 23i and enough progressive acceleration to chase Boxsters around the Shropshire roads
2011 X3 30d MSport black, 8-speed auto, leather everything
2011 Bimmer Z4 35i diamond black, 6-speed manual, full caboodle (hibernating)
2011 Bimmer Z4 35i diamond black, 6-speed manual, full caboodle (hibernating)
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23i versus 30i
Totally agree here. I have the 2.3i, and am very happy with it. Unlike the bigger engined cars its not going to cost the earth to fix (unless the roof goes wrong), and I value my licence! Having had 2 s2000 and honda fireblades in my 40's, I was worried that I would find the 2.3i slow, but I didn't. Whilst I keep looking out for a 3.5is, I can't justify the extra cost at the moment. Maybe in a few years when its more like £5k for the same car, but until then, to me its not worth the money.Nictrix wrote: ↑Thu Aug 02, 2018 5:51 pm We have a 23i and have owned it for 5 years next month.
We have not driven any of the other engine sizes so are quite happy with what we have. (except a short test drive in an E85 a couple of years before)
Its not the quickest but when you are not comparing it to anything else its fine and speed is not really why we bought it in the first place.
We keep looking at slightly newer 35is models but really cannot get over paying close to an additional £10k for the same car with a more powerful engine.
The problem with the 30i is that there doesnt seem to be many around.
What Mr Wilks says may be correct with the 2.0 turbo engines but we liked the smoothness of the 6 cylinder.
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23i versus 30i
Don’t be TOO noisy when you finally get through the bends and knock on my window will you please.....I’ll be in a VERY deep sleep.......
M roady...OEM CSL’s, strut brace, Remus back boxes, ZHP
MR2 MK 2
E89 35i project car...mapped 365bhp, M4 stoppers & wheels, KWV3’s, H&R front ARB, M3 front arms, strut brace Eisenmann cat back race exhaust, VRSF downpipes inbound
E89 35is
G29
MR2 MK 2
E89 35i project car...mapped 365bhp, M4 stoppers & wheels, KWV3’s, H&R front ARB, M3 front arms, strut brace Eisenmann cat back race exhaust, VRSF downpipes inbound
E89 35is
G29