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

eBrooker · Post by **eBrooker** » Fri Jun 20, 2025 2:53 am

Wondering whether there's any specific reasons or a common theme why E89 owners opted not to get an E85... was there any particular reason why you did not go for an E85? Was it just the hard top vs soft top... or something else?

Marcoose · Post by **Marcoose** » Fri Jun 20, 2025 4:04 am

I came from an E85. Bigger is better. Except for whippies.

eBrooker · Post by **eBrooker** » Fri Jun 20, 2025 4:46 am

Better in what way Marcoose? : p

ARCS · Post by **ARCS** » Fri Jun 20, 2025 5:22 am

My last zed was an e85. I've always loved the look of an e89, so that's why I went for one this time round.

john-e89 · Post by **john-e89** » Fri Jun 20, 2025 6:19 am

I like both for different reasons hence currently got two of each….which is a bit silly admittedly…

Pondrew · Post by **Pondrew** » Fri Jun 20, 2025 11:35 am

Yeah....the E85 is fugly and the E89 is not!

Zed Baron · Post by **Zed Baron** » Fri Jun 20, 2025 12:32 pm

I remember seeing an E89 for the first time just after the launch and stopping to look at it drive past, beautiful car. There are not too many convertibles that look good with the roof down or up, now 16 years old these cars still look modern and fresh. When the G29 came out I thought what an ugly car, BMW couldn't improve on the E89 and I loved mine. I now have a G29, maybe my tastes have changed as I've got older but there's something about the more brutalist design that really appeals.

James35i · Post by **James35i** » Fri Jun 20, 2025 12:58 pm

eBrooker wrote: Fri Jun 20, 2025 2:53 am Wondering whether there's any specific reasons or a common theme why E89 owners opted not to get an E85... was there any particular reason why you did not go for an E85? Was it just the hard top vs soft top... or something else?

I think both look fantastic, but there is just something about the E89 that hits all the right notes for me. That, and the 3L twin-turbo sitting up front, yeah, that probably helped make the decision.

MikeyH · Post by **MikeyH** » Fri Jun 20, 2025 1:01 pm

Pondrew the E85 is not 'fugly' it is 'charming' whereas the E89 is too 'nice' and although it was to 'die for' when it came out, it is now a bit of boring looking car with an overly long bonnet.

Plus that metal roof is a pig and expensive to sort out. However as always it's only my opinion and each to their own. The E85 is a roadster and is quite crashy over bumps, the E89 is more comfy but when I test drove one I came away thinking it was just a 2 seater saloon car with a hopelessly small boot. Plus I wanted the M54 engine with a dipstick.

Bombur · Post by **Bombur** » Fri Jun 20, 2025 2:54 pm

Always liked the E89 over the e85. I do love an E86 though but wanted a convertible as my Z3 was in hospital (since survived). Ideally I would have a E86 and either a Z3 or E89.

B21 · Post by **B21** » Fri Jun 20, 2025 2:56 pm

When I started looking for a ‘toy’ my first test drive was in an E85 being a well nourished tele tubby I just found the cockpit too tight for me..

The E89 seems to be that bit roomier as a cockpit..

The E85s are a bit more analogue than the E89s..no bad thing necessarily

Although they ride differently their A-B capability or track pace is very similar…the G29 is much better in both aspects..

Obviously E85s are now ageing and seem to need some fettling with that..

The E89 roof is fiendishly complex and post purchase a few people rue that

I spend a lot of time in mixed company trips with E85s /E86 /E89 / G29 and they all rub along fine..

The G29 stands out as it’s much more capable and competent ..but it’s bigger and styling opinions are more polarised..

Each to their own..

Avityesboy · Post by **Avityesboy** » Sat Jun 21, 2025 3:11 am

Prettier car IMO and the 35i Manual such a beast.

jenniferlouise · Post by **jenniferlouise** » Sat Jun 21, 2025 8:21 am

As stated by others; each to their own. I guess for some age/miles will support an 89. And whilst it carries the same badge, it’s a completely different design (not least being two cars - 85&86 - in one)

For those interested, the 89 gets a ‘living with’ spread in the July/Aug edition 35 of Classic.Retro.Modern… in all good newsagents (and to buy online) shortly

therealmc · Post by **therealmc** » Sat Jun 21, 2025 10:54 am

It’s the looks of a E89 that did it me both inside and out. Yes the roof problems have been a costly frustration (I thought a brand new soft top on my previous Mk1 MX5 was expensive at the time) but I’m still happy.

BeardyJon · Post by **BeardyJon** » Sat Jun 21, 2025 11:29 am

I traded up from an E85 because the E85 was too small for me. I wanted more room and comfort. I think the E89 is better looking too.

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