Thinking of going from E85 to E89

[Smallsy99]

I am thinking of swapping out to a newer E89. But no idea how they drive in comparison. I have a 2.5 currently - want to go to the 3.0 35i.
Anyone in the Bath/Bristol willing to meet up to show me any foibles of the e89?

[ronk]

I went 3.0l E85 manual to E89 3.0 auto to 35is

A step forward each time

Would I go backwards - only if I have to!
Each of the cars i enjoyed very much but feel each subsequent car was better than the previous. Maybe it’s just me getting older?

[MarshMA10]

I went 3.0si e85 to 3.5i e89.

For me the e85 is a fun, lighter, noticeably smaller car. The e89 is heavier, much more refined, significantly more powerful, and better kit / nicer parts / shinier.

I’m still in the new ownership phase with the e89 but it’s by far the better car in my view! That being said it seems they have more problems with build quality, water ingress, reliability etc. whereas the e85 seemed pretty solid and safe.

I wouldn’t have another e85 unless looking for a cheap thrill now, I’d say.

[Dave 2 dogs]

I had a Merlot 3.0 e85 that I adored , thanks to Stuartt, who kindly met me locally and run me around in he’s e89 for half hour or so , I was completely blown away by the e89 . Wasn’t long after that I swapped it in for the current e 89 3.5i . There is absolutely nothing wrong with the e85 , and I wish I could have kept both , that said . If you do what you are suggesting, and get a run out in an e89 , I’m in no doubt you will feel the tug on the heart strings and be looking for one of your own . I’m still in love with this e89 , but have never kept a car this long. I’m still pondering the move to the m40i G29 among some other potential candidates . Maybe next year

[Johnbmwz4]

I went from an auto E85 3.0 to a 3.5i DCT then back to my old E85 3.0 (bought it back from my friend who didn’t use it much and I kind of missed it) then to a manual 3.5i E89 which I still have. Totally different beasts and driving experience. The E89 is more refined and has modern tech compared to the E85 for obvious reasons. The 3.5i E89 is extremely rapid and sounds great. I have owned 2 now and have never had any major issues with any of them. Would I go back to an E85? Definitely if I was on the lookout for a cheap , fast roadster but I imagine I will go for the G29 as my next Z4 but can’t justify the £15K extra on top of my E89 at the moment. I don’t use my E89 as an every day car so every time I get in it if feels special. The E89 looks even better as it’s getting older. I always find an excuse to go in the garage just to look at it. There are no other cars on the road that even look similar in my view and they are very rare too.

[Mr Tidy]

It sounds like they are quite different cars.

If you just feel the need for speed you could always look at an E85 Z4M!

[ronk]

It sounds like they are quite different cars.

If you just feel the need for speed you could always look at an E85 Z4M!

How does the performance of the Z4M compare with the 35is ? I suspect speed will be similar but handling of the Z4M better?

[Mr Tidy]

How does the performance of the Z4M compare with the 35is ? I suspect speed will be similar but handling of the Z4M better?

I really don't know as I've never driven an E89!

Quoted power output for an M is slightly higher but it only gets really exciting up above 5,000 rpm, whereas the twin-turbo 35i is going to have much more mid-range.

I think most people would prefer one or the other, but probably not have both on the same short-list.

[ronk]

I’ve never been In a Z4M so we’re both In the dark.
I can only suspect they are two very different cars!

[raymond.harper]

I think one of the things that would put me off the e89 is the roof. If it fails on the road there is nothing you can do to close it I believe. Electronically more complex so more to go wrong but the e89 does look nice in the right colour.

[RobbiZ4]

... that would put me off the e89 is the roof. If it fails ...

When you buy, replace the wearing parts once and there will be no failure with the roof for the next 8 to 10 years.
There is absolutely no difference with the roof to changing the engine oil, filling the petrol tank, checking the brakes after buying a used car.

If you don't, it's like driving with worn brake pads. That leads to errors very soon.

[Phoenixboy]

I went from e85 2.5 to e89 30i, so obviously noticed the step up in power.
But as has been said,the e89 is more refined and suits me better.
That said, I have half an eye on acG29, so the 89 may go at some stage.

[MikeyH]

I went for an E85 because I wanted to rekindle my love of MGs. They are proper roadsters but too uncomfortable for me on long trips, however I did have a test drive in an E89 and I was put off by the size and softer ride, it was not what I personally wanted for a weekend car. If it was my only car then yes I probably would have one or a convertible saloon car.

[pvr]

I’ve never been In a Z4M so we’re both In the dark.
I can only suspect they are two very different cars!

I had the Z4M and test drove the 35is, but for me the gearbox of the 35is was the killer. The M with the LSD was great in the mountains as well.

If I was looking for a cruiser, the E89 would work, but for a manual fun car only the E85 though. Even though I liked the look of the E89 from the front, the rear didn't work for me either.

[LeeZ4MR]

How does the performance of the Z4M compare with the 35is ? I suspect speed will be similar but handling of the Z4M better?

I really don't know as I've never driven an E89!

Quoted power output for an M is slightly higher but it only gets really exciting up above 5,000 rpm, whereas the twin-turbo 35i is going to have much more mid-range.

I think most people would prefer one or the other, but probably not have both on the same short-list.

I think that is a fair comment. Both the Z4M and the 35iS are pretty different cars as you say. One is NA and has a manual gearbox, and one is twin turbo and has a DCT, so chalk and cheese really. Both are lovely cars I reckon though.