Change of car - Insight needed

ibasniper · Post by **ibasniper** » Tue Jul 27, 2021 4:46 pm

Hi peps.

I'm thinking of changing the my e85 to a e89 35i/is. Although i know a fair bit about the E85 i know very little about the E89.

So i'm looking for advice on what to look for...known problems, issues, what spec's to look for etc. so any comments / insights would be great.

cheers

Chippie · Post by **Chippie** » Tue Jul 27, 2021 5:32 pm

To start with the 35is only comes with the DCT gearbox, which is outstanding but it you want a manual then it will have to be a 35i (also available with DCT)
Well documented problems are
High pressure fuel pumps, reports of them failing anywhere from 20000 miles
Injectors also common for leaking from around 50k to 60k
Water pumps tend to go around the 80k mark
Carbon build up to the inlet valves, needs walnut blasting from around 50k
Turbo waste gate rattle
Roof issues with micro switches/ broken wires / split hydraulic lines (common on all the e88’s

If you have a search on here and YouTube on these topics you’ll find loads of information

Hopefully it won’t put you off because the N54 is a brilliant engine and the cabin is a nice place to be.

There’s also 3 speaker option so that would be worth wile looking at if you are after a good sound system

So far with mine I did the walnut blasting at about 60k and a previous owner had a micro switch replaced, but as far as I know that’s been the only issues

Chippie · Post by **Chippie** » Tue Jul 27, 2021 5:51 pm

Another few points
The m sport 326 wheels seem to have a problem with cracking, mainly rears with the run flat tyres
And the 35is comes as standard with adaptive suspension, again reports of leaking front struts from as little as 35k miles, mine had both changed by a previous owner.
The 35is also has a sports exhaust which sounds great, don’t think the 35i does.

tiglon · Post by **tiglon** » Tue Jul 27, 2021 6:20 pm

In terms of spec, I would suggest having a look at the list of possible extras and deciding which are important to you. Most on here will say heated seats are essential, but if you're only going to put the roof down in warm weather then they really aren't important at all. My first E89 had absolutely no added extras, but it was a manual 30i which was exactly what I wanted - there wasn't a single moment when I missed iDrive, cruise control, heated seats, PDC or anything else.

My current E89 has most optional extras, but that's just because they happened to be on the first well-looked-after, sensible mileage, post-LCI, Orange 35is I came across. The only extras I would miss are the higher spec sound system (important if you want to listen to music with the roof down on the motorway) and the heated seats (I like to have the roof down any time it isn't raining).

My personal opinion is that this is the kind of car you buy with your heart not your head, so prioritise whatever spec/engine/colour that will make you smile the most (or lack of which will make you angry - i.e. PDC if you're sh!te at parking!).

They're both brilliant cars, although IMHO the manual transmission is rubbish - otherwise I would have gone for a manual 35i instead of a 35is. The DCT transmission is brilliant coupled with that engine and the 35is exhaust. If I sold the 35is and bought a 35i, I would probably have to spend a couple of grand on a new exhaust to make it as fun to drive. The 35is, I believe, also has bigger brakes and tweaked suspension that sits a bit lower than the 35i.

Silverstar · Post by **Silverstar** » Tue Jul 27, 2021 9:10 pm

tiglon wrote: ↑Tue Jul 27, 2021 6:20 pm Most on here will say heated seats are essential, but if you're only going to put the roof down in warm weather then they really aren't important at all.

In cold climates heated seats are a godsend no matter what car it is, convertible or a saloon SUV etc. Heck I even use them on odd occasions in the winter here in sunny Southern Spain. As for the other toys I always believe that a well spec car will command more value and more interest come sale time than an equivalent car (same mileage year engine etc.) without the toys.

Quite the opposite to you for me the car I bought had to have at a minimum heated sport seats, folding door mirrors, cruise, PDC, iDrive - it may be antiquated but it still works great and it's so much better looking at the car data and info on the big screen then it is on the tiny display by the speedo and on top of that you can add an Mmi box which gives you wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and brings it bang up to date.

Marcoose · Post by **Marcoose** » Wed Jul 28, 2021 6:52 am

I went from 17 years of E85 to the E89 35is. No regrets. But the E89 was disappointing in a few areas like understeering and DCT speed. You can see my ride reports.

I hear the DCT leaks. Mine is already showing signs. I wish I had comfort access and PDC. For the funzies, y’know.

Good luck with your search!

ibasniper · Post by **ibasniper** » Wed Jul 28, 2021 12:49 pm

Thanks for all the tips guys this is really helpful and just what i wanted.

All i have to do now is find the right car ( 35is that is )

Argyll Andy · Post by **Argyll Andy** » Wed Jul 28, 2021 9:56 pm

ibasniper wrote: ↑Wed Jul 28, 2021 12:49 pm Thanks for all the tips guys this is really helpful and just what i wanted.

All i have to do now is find the right car ( 35is that is )

Depending on your budget you might be able to give ronk, the push he needs and get him into a G29. You’ll not get much better or cleaner than his

Busterboo · Post by **Busterboo** » Thu Jul 29, 2021 9:14 am

ibasniper wrote: ↑Tue Jul 27, 2021 4:46 pm Hi peps.
I'm thinking of changing the my e85 to a e89 35i/is. Although i know a fair bit about the E85 i know very little about the E89.
So i'm looking for advice on what to look for...known problems, issues, what spec's to look for etc. so any comments / insights would be great.
cheers

Whichever 35iS you buy, take out BMW Insured Warranty. You'll need it.

That done, it becomes an excellent car.

ibasniper · Post by **ibasniper** » Thu Jul 29, 2021 1:16 pm

Busterboo wrote: ↑Thu Jul 29, 2021 9:14 am
ibasniper wrote: ↑Tue Jul 27, 2021 4:46 pm Hi peps.
I'm thinking of changing the my e85 to a e89 35i/is. Although i know a fair bit about the E85 i know very little about the E89.
So i'm looking for advice on what to look for...known problems, issues, what spec's to look for etc. so any comments / insights would be great.
cheers
Whichever 35iS you buy, take out BMW Insured Warranty. You'll need it.

That done, it becomes an excellent car.

Why do you say that ? have you had problems. ?

2k35is · Post by **2k35is** » Thu Jul 29, 2021 6:21 pm

Bought my 2009 35i DCT withadaptive suspension last November
Had a print out of all warranty work that it had done, summary of this
06.2011 8313 Replace rear vent
10.2012 13104 Shift quality in “D” downshift double clutch DKG too rough
07.2013 15021 Control unit electronic damper control EDC short circuit note unit replaced
05.2016 37461 Wiring harness roof module,(retractable hardtop) interruption
04.2017 51360 E*x(RHD petrol engine)positive battery terminal line repair cable
04.2017 52365 Both front shock absorbers serious fluid leak -note both replaced (EDC)
07.2017 56790 Drive cylinder, rear module RHT(retractable hardtop). Permanent failure
04.2020 68686 (main)electric coolant pump. Permanent malfunction
06.2020 70272 Rocker cover gasket leaking
Fuel injector. Permanent malfunction- note all replaced
Rear spring broken
In my ownership
06.2021 73764 Rocker cover gasket leaking(again)-replaced
Oil Leak from filter mounting
Fuel pump replaced
07.2021 74300 Both salmon relays replaced

12 year corrosion warranty
Both roof panels resprayed for small ”corrosion” on 3 corners

Possible future
Whistle/whine on turbo at low speed ( dealer claims can't hear anything said it was fuel pump)
o.s rear shock absorber leaking (reported on previous MOT's but not last year still on original damper)

Still got warranty on it so cost me £250
Would not feel comfortable at moment without warranty but once all major known faults are done will drop it.
Biggest problem I have found is poor dealer service the roof work I was without car for 3 weekends not knowing what was happening with it. Had a 2003 e46 330ci convertible before got the Z4 used independent usual faults but car never let me down and repairs all done in a day.
BUT the Z4 with adaptive suspension and super smooth DCT is an a different class and has a great forum

Busterboo · Post by **Busterboo** » Thu Jul 29, 2021 7:45 pm

ibasniper wrote: ↑Thu Jul 29, 2021 1:16 pm Why do you say that ? have you had problems. ?

Read the E89 Comprehensive problem list.

craig3.2 · Post by **craig3.2** » Sat Jan 08, 2022 11:39 pm

Argyll Andy wrote: ↑Wed Jul 28, 2021 9:56 pm
ibasniper wrote: ↑Wed Jul 28, 2021 12:49 pm Thanks for all the tips guys this is really helpful and just what i wanted.

All i have to do now is find the right car ( 35is that is )
Depending on your budget you might be able to give ronk, the push he needs and get him into a G29. You’ll not get much better or cleaner than his

Leave ronk alone, he doesn't want to get rid of his lovely e89 35is.
Have you ever seen Ron's car, Andy?
Its no surprise he doesn't want to sell it just now, and has other reasons as to wanting to not jump into a new z4.

You on commission for selling new z4s Andy, lol

Z4-forum.com

Z4-forum.com