E85/6 compared to chimaera. Any views?
- Thread starter Sawman
- Start date
I had a chimera 400 for 3 years up to 2015 and loved it, it's something special. I didn't have many issues with it despite all the scare stories. Having said that I had it looked after at a local specialist and only used it as a weekend car. Last week I brought my first Z4 an E85 and so far I'm loving it. Both are fabulous to drive but quite different. The Z4 feels more refined and I feel happier using it as an every day drive.
North West Surrey
I've never had a TVR, only E86s so can't help you on your dilemma.
But from what you say about the chunky wheel I'm guessing you may have driven a Sport model with the M-Sport wheel.
SE models came with a steering wheel with a slimmer rim (but didn't have the M-Sport suspension or desirable M-Sport seats as standard).
Good luck deciding.
But from what you say about the chunky wheel I'm guessing you may have driven a Sport model with the M-Sport wheel.
SE models came with a steering wheel with a slimmer rim (but didn't have the M-Sport suspension or desirable M-Sport seats as standard).
Good luck deciding.
No tax problems (previous Legacy Spec B owner here).Sawman said:
Sport button adds a bit more oomph but there’s enough go in it without that 95% of the time. Handy for short burst overtakes etc.
I changed the chunky M Sport wheel in mine for the thinner SE wheel from a very low mileage car. Much better
I always loved the sound an presence of a TVR, but only came close once to emptying my wallet on one, always beautiful to behold that resembles a super model and simerly unreliable and will let you down and empty your wallet simultaneously. :wink:
a340driver
Member
I had a similar quandary looking at c£17K cars back in 2011 and went Z4M. I looked at several TVR's and they were all essentially projects.
I still own the Z4M and it's been very low maintenance. I have an F82 M4 and always tend to take the Z4M especially if the sun is out.
I still own the Z4M and it's been very low maintenance. I have an F82 M4 and always tend to take the Z4M especially if the sun is out.
Holy thread resurrection…..
So i bought a chimaera and loved it for 6 years, i wasnt really planning to sell it but someone asked how much and matched my answer, so off it went on a flatbed to a new life last summer.
So now may be the time for a straight six, only ever had one in a jeep xj before. I think i am looking at E85. Can I ask how adjustable the drivers seat is, as err indoors is only just over 5 foot??
So i bought a chimaera and loved it for 6 years, i wasnt really planning to sell it but someone asked how much and matched my answer, so off it went on a flatbed to a new life last summer.
So now may be the time for a straight six, only ever had one in a jeep xj before. I think i am looking at E85. Can I ask how adjustable the drivers seat is, as err indoors is only just over 5 foot??
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Steviejay01
Member
I would say legroom is also a lot tighter in the chim, I was gonna buy one before buying my second E86, I found the driver's side slightly more cramped in the footwell and my 6ft5 son couldn't even get in the passenger side because of the length of his legs lol
Outriggers and underside rot are the other biggest worry and fit and finish are not always the best.
That said if you accept that and want to just own a TVR and absorb the drive and noise, the fit and finish will be the lest of your worries.
I love the Z4 coupe though it's just that long hood and rear end, roof lines it's a pretty car, surely a classic in a few more years
Outriggers and underside rot are the other biggest worry and fit and finish are not always the best.
That said if you accept that and want to just own a TVR and absorb the drive and noise, the fit and finish will be the lest of your worries.
I love the Z4 coupe though it's just that long hood and rear end, roof lines it's a pretty car, surely a classic in a few more years
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Nice coupe steve,
You are right about space in the chim’ - my lad struggled to fit in the passenger seat as the footwell is so short ( due to the battery position)
The tvr was reliable for me over 6 years and about 25k miles
The E85 seems to be great value at present so seems a good time to jump in
You are right about space in the chim’ - my lad struggled to fit in the passenger seat as the footwell is so short ( due to the battery position)
The tvr was reliable for me over 6 years and about 25k miles
The E85 seems to be great value at present so seems a good time to jump in
Steviejay01
Member
Yeah that's exactly it with the battery.
I even thought about re locating the battery in the boot to enable him to be part of the fun but ultimately it was the coupe and build quality of the Z4 that pulled be back, then got offered the one I have and never looked back.
Touch wood it's had zero issues and I absolutely love it still which is super rare for me.
I've owned over 45 cars in 30 years of driving and I've had literally all kinds from jap sports cars imports, kit cars caterham style, vx220 turbo and coupes of all sorts pickups motorbikes but this E86 for me feels right now at 49 yrs old.
Reliable and slippery lol
Love it.
Northampton
I have an e86 3.0 and a Chim supercharged 4 litre(300 odd bhp at the wheels), total different animals. I have spent time and money getting the Chim reliable, but as I get older it is always in the back of my mind that it could fail me without warning, probably without justification.
