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23i versus 30i

Specific discussion about the E89 2009 Z4 (sDrive35is, sDrive35i, sDrive30i, sDrive23i)
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23i versus 30i

Post by gov » Thu Aug 02, 2018 5:13 pm

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 :(

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23i versus 30i

Post by mr wilks » Thu Aug 02, 2018 5:43 pm

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 ?
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23i versus 30i

Post by Nictrix » 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

Post by Smartbear » Thu Aug 02, 2018 6:17 pm

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.
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.
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 :thumbsup:
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e89 Sdrive 20i, plenty of mumbo & good economy-the thinking bears z4
e89 Sdrive 30i, this ones busted, pass me another...
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23i versus 30i

Post by Zed Baron » Thu Aug 02, 2018 7:47 pm

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.
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23i versus 30i

Post by mr wilks » Thu Aug 02, 2018 7:55 pm

Nictrix wrote: Thu Aug 02, 2018 5:51 pm We have a 23i and have owned it for 5 years next month.
What Mr Wilks says may be correct with the 2.0 turbo engines but we liked the smoothness of the 6 cylinder.
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 :?
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23i versus 30i

Post by Mr Tidy » Thu Aug 02, 2018 7:59 pm

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. :thumbsup:
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23i versus 30i

Post by mr wilks » Thu Aug 02, 2018 8:02 pm

Mr Tidy wrote: Thu Aug 02, 2018 7:59 pm 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. :thumbsup:
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 :oops: ) will always help in that department :driving:
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23i versus 30i

Post by Mr Tidy » Thu Aug 02, 2018 8:30 pm

mr wilks wrote: Thu Aug 02, 2018 8:02 pm 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
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! :lol:

Maybe if you want a manual straight 6 E89 the 35i is the way to go - I think you quite liked yours.
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23i versus 30i

Post by PinkPineapple44 » Thu Aug 02, 2018 8:46 pm

Seems like you have already got your eye on the 30i...or more :thumbsup:

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.

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23i versus 30i

Post by SteveSmith » Thu Aug 02, 2018 10:07 pm

Smartbear wrote: Thu Aug 02, 2018 6:17 pm
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.
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.
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 :thumbsup:
Rob
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!
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23i versus 30i

Post by Hunter » Fri Aug 03, 2018 5:52 am

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.
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23i versus 30i

Post by Rathean » Fri Aug 03, 2018 6:51 am

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 :evil: :oops:
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23i versus 30i

Post by clarker63 » Fri Aug 03, 2018 8:33 am

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.
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.
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23i versus 30i

Post by john-e89 » Fri Aug 03, 2018 8:44 am

Rathean wrote: Fri Aug 03, 2018 6:51 am and enough progressive acceleration to chase Boxsters around the Shropshire roads :evil: :oops:
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....... :poke: :evil: :wink: :wink:
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