E89 owners... was there any particular reason not going for an E85?

[IRD]

I have had two E85s and am on my second E89 now. They are just totally different beasts. The E85 is generally lighter and more nimble. The driving experience is more primitive in my opinion. The suspension is very firm and poor road surfaces make your teeth rattle. The E89 was a step forward in looks and comfort but is more of a a GT cruiser. My first one was the 3.5is which was great in a straight line but the big heavy engine made handling less enjoyable on twisty roads. I now have a re-mapped 2 litre which I bought from Pondrew. It handles much better than the 3.5is but I really do miss that lovely growl from the straight six engine when you start it up.
Another factor in choosing, I think, is age. As we grow older many of us look for a little more comfort and it becomes a higher priority.

[Argyll Andy]

E85 is much smaller in the cabin, and I'm 6'2 and not built for speed so an E89 it was. Saying that the G29 is a step up to both

[flybobbie]

Simple, the hard top roof.
Fed up scrapping bird poo out of MGTF hood.

[simnew]

Leaving aside any driving differences, E89 has a much better interior, better hood up / winter driving capability and wider selection of engines. Main downsides of E89, increased complexity and potential costs to rectify, still crashy ride, more complex engines may need more maintenance

[Gwest44]

I think they are both great cars but I prefer the looks of the E89 over the E85 and I love the versatility the folding metal roof affords and the quality and comfort of the interior.

Another big draw for me is value and although there are still plenty of bargains available across the range, as the cars age value tends to erode with good examples commanding a premium. At the moment I think the sweet spot is definitely the E89

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[Deepseaskateboard]

I purchased an E86 Z4 coupe and within 10 mins of me owning it, the engine self destructed. I’m talking literally 10 mins driving from the dealership when this happened.
It was a lovely montego blue with white/grey interior.

After that whole thing, I decided to get a much newer Z4.
I purchased my e89 in 2016 and didn't look back.
I didn't want a convertible originally, but now I will always have to have one in the garage.
Still like the looks of the coupe though.

[Mr Tidy]

Wow, you were unlucky with your E86 given that some on here have got theirs to 200K miles!

[Deepseaskateboard]

Wow, you were unlucky with your E86 given that some on here have got theirs to 200K miles!

The engine block actually cracked!

[sars]

My first zed was an 18 month old 2006 e85 in Phoenix Yellow 2.5Si and it is in my top three cars and one that I regret selling. Had lot's of issues with road noise and tramlining but it was a glorious drive and so much fun. I had so many compliments, people would wave or give thumbs up every day. I traded it in for a brand new Audi A4 2.0 Tdi cabriolet, worst decision I've ever made and in late 2009 ordered a 3.0 E89 which was delivered in 2010. They were very different cars, I think I preferred the looks of the e89, it was more comfortable (I was doing 20,000 miles a year) and quieter but it had lost some fun along the way. I had that one for another two years.

I'm now on my fourth zed, the G29 captures both the fun of the e85 and the comfort of the e89, I would say that I prefer the front profile of the e89 but adore the g29 from every other angle apart from the front.

I would list what is important for you in your car, if its driving enjoyment then the e85, if it's everyday usability with some fun then the e89, good luck

[srhutch]

Chalk and cheese. We have both in our household my ///M and my daughters E89 2.3i M Sport. I’ve told her I’d buy it for a daily if she sold it. Much more refined than the E85. ///M not going anywhere though, that’s her inheritance as she won’t let me sell it.

[javis20]

Hard top roof and comfort. I have the sport seats.

Btw, my son had the E85. Excellent car. Just a matter of preference.

[Boyo]

All Z4's have their own merits. The best one I owned and the only one I regret selling was my E85 MR.

[RAYK47]

A couple of reasons i chose an E89 over the E85. Mainly i liked the looks of the E89 more, particularly the hard top roof. Secondly it was newer so i felt it would have have a longer life and better options.

However i have really grown to love the look of the E85 now, but still love my E89.

[Sgr74]

I love my e89 but I miss the e85. The new one is obviously more spacious and comfortable but I miss the simplicity of the old dog. I think it’s a more fun driving experience.