Hello! I am in love with my 2006 3.0si...however, I've come across a 2012 sdrive35is for sale. Can anyone tell me about the 35is? Would it really be that much more speedy? What about reliability? It is 10k more than my 2006 for about the same miles. Should I stick with what I have or should I go with temptation?
2006 3.0si vs 2012 35is
- Thread starter linda88
- Start date
Only you can decide which suits you best. As others have said you need to drive both. I am on my second E85 after owning a 3.5is which I sold last Summer. The 3.5is is fast in a straight line but in my opinion is more of a GT/Cruiser. It is much more comfortable than the E85 and great for longer journeys. But it is heavier and the handling isn’t as sharp. The older car is more of an old fashioned sports car. They both have their strengths and it really depends what your priorities are as to which is the most suitable? Good luck. I hope end up with what you want. 
Thanks. The car for sale is a little over 2 hours away, otherwise I would go check it out. I'm not a serious buyer right now, but I would be if people said something like "Oh, the 35is is SO much more fun to drive!" or what if people said "The 35is is not as reliable as the 2006 3.0si." I do like the idea of the 3.5is being more comfortable. Then there is the fact that the E89 is 10 thousand more. We have the money, but it's more of a "want" than a "need" and I tend to spend too much in general.
WouterZZZZ
Member
Hi, interesting question, I drive a 2006 3.0si roadster too. Do you think a ‘real roadster’ has a fabric convertible top, not a foldable metal oister shell? Than we shake hands. Furthermore, we really like the space in the trunk, which is (too much) smaller and less easy handled in a E89. For these reasons the 3.5is will not be on our list. Maybe this helps?
While owning an e89 I've had 2 instances where luggage space was a problem:
1) While travelling to SWMBO's family for Christmas - the presents did not all fit in which inevitably caused much anger, but the roof was up so we would have been able to fit even less in an e85.
2) During a 2 week road trip through Europe. Fine for me because I pack light, but she found it very stressful trying to fit everything she wanted in, bearing in mind that most of our driving would be done with all our stuff in the boot, and it was a bit of a waste of time taking the car if we couldn't put the roof down.
Whether the e85 or e89 has the better storage really depends on the type of driving you do. If you need to put the roof down and pack all your worldly possessions in the boot, then an e89 is definitely not for you.
1) While travelling to SWMBO's family for Christmas - the presents did not all fit in which inevitably caused much anger, but the roof was up so we would have been able to fit even less in an e85.
2) During a 2 week road trip through Europe. Fine for me because I pack light, but she found it very stressful trying to fit everything she wanted in, bearing in mind that most of our driving would be done with all our stuff in the boot, and it was a bit of a waste of time taking the car if we couldn't put the roof down.
Whether the e85 or e89 has the better storage really depends on the type of driving you do. If you need to put the roof down and pack all your worldly possessions in the boot, then an e89 is definitely not for you.
linda88 said:
Well imho having had both, unless you're clawing at the walls wanting a 35is I wouldn't bother changing. You know how good a 3.0si is, do you really need anymore grunt..? Apart from the dreaded possible sticky steering and column failure the si is pretty bulletproof. With an E89 35is you have several potential big costs: Fuel pump, turbo wastegates, leaking adaptive shocks which are eye watering cost to replace, approx £600 each, folding roof problems. Yes they're more comfy, have a far nicer interior and spec, but as IRD said as standard they wallow a bit. Very nice cars though and you can do some improvements to the handling. Maybe put some comfier seats in the E85 which are rubbish, put some top quality rubber on the wheels and keep your £10k. As I said unless you're hell bent on a 35is I wouldn't change.
Scottish Borders
I’d echo John-e89 comments..not that I’ve ever had an E85 but have about 25,000 miles in the company of E85s (andE89s and the odd G29) over a 4 year period.
Whilst I’ve seen a few 35i/is been driven like old crocks and holding up others , most E85s have driven at a pace that is more than adequate for most people.
On UK A/B roads I think a 30si competently driven would at the very least keep up with a 35is and I suspect when the going got bumpy n twisty would probably show it a clean pair of heels.
I’ve got a 20i MSport and a 35is and stock the 35is was horrible..my re-mapped 20i would leave it way behind.
But..as others said an E89 cabin and ride are much more comfortable…
Again either a 30i NA if you need the 6 cylinder vibe or acre-mapped 20i if not would IMHO probably be a more satisfying and involving car
Whilst I’ve seen a few 35i/is been driven like old crocks and holding up others , most E85s have driven at a pace that is more than adequate for most people.
On UK A/B roads I think a 30si competently driven would at the very least keep up with a 35is and I suspect when the going got bumpy n twisty would probably show it a clean pair of heels.
I’ve got a 20i MSport and a 35is and stock the 35is was horrible..my re-mapped 20i would leave it way behind.
But..as others said an E89 cabin and ride are much more comfortable…
Again either a 30i NA if you need the 6 cylinder vibe or acre-mapped 20i if not would IMHO probably be a more satisfying and involving car
John E89 that is extremely helpful! Exactly what I was looking for. Now I feel better about keeping my precious 3.0si and not going "the grass is always greener" route. Someone hit my E85 about a month ago. It's getting fixed next week and then the following week, it's getting a new top! Going from beige to black, the body is Toledo Blue (well it's navy blue...I'm not sure of the exact name of the color, it just seems to match Toledo Blue from what I've seen). Everyone, I really appreciate your opinions!
North West Surrey