23i vs 30i vs 35i

M

MattHall91

Member
 Cheshire
I'm potentially returning to the fold in the new year and as much as I liked my E86, they're looking a bit too dated for me now.

Having a quick look at AutoTrader shows there isn't a huge difference in price between these 3 models, albeit in varying specifications/trims. From current and past owners, what would you say the best value E89 is?

Already I'm thinking the 23i just won't have enough go most of the time (I've yet to drive one). Will be testing some nearer the time, this is just me pondering when I should be working!
 
The only time less power/torque is better is when it has snowed :D

....good luck with the search, I had a 30i, it was great same fuel economy as the 23i but you got more equipment as standard and I thought resale would be better as it was going to be rarer.
 
FWIW I found the 23i under-powered in all but Sport mode. Pulling away in normal felt like it was towing a caravan, so sluggish although it was a lot of fun when you got the revs up and it became engaging. For summer days out with your better half it was a great choice, but it always felt a bit short of breath.

The 35i is a completely different beast. It's a very refined grand tourer with effortless over-taking and pulling away. You can tootle about in it on commutes at 30+ mpg, but put your foot down and you'll be eating Boxsters for breakfast :poke: 8)

The oem chassis copes with the 300+ bhp well, so much more fun than my previous motors :thumbsup:

Both of these are manual boxes, not tried the DCT.
 
I don't mind having to work the engine but I think it would seem a bit disappointing driving the newer model than I used to have, yet it is slower. I know speed isn't everything but you know :roll:

I would always choose manual as it will be a weekend car. Auto is great at the moment for daily driving but it's always cold/numb when you fancy a blast on a sunny B road.
 
I tried a E89 23i and found it a bit sluggish compared with the E85 3.0i. but you have to consider that's probably down to the extra weight of the metal folding roof at 150-180kg I guess.

I went for the E85 3.0i manly due to the budget too at the time, but looking to trade up soon to a E89 which for me would have to be the 35i at least :)
 
There are so many of these threads all over the internet. There are only opinions and they mean little in the end because it's about what you personally want from a car.

Therefore my singular piece of advice is drive them all and then decide what suits you best.
 
It's interesting to note that some of the early reviews of the vehicle, certainly UK reviewers felt that the 23i was more engaging possibly because you have to work the engine. Whereas they felt the 35i had too much power, sort of paying over the odds for power not needed.
If I were looking again I would go 30i, if you can find one, doesn't seem many.
At least lots of 23i to choose from.
Does anyone know the long term reliability of turbo engines.
 
Have you thought of a 28i Matt? A 4 pot as the 23i but with 245 bhp and 350nm as opposed to 200 odd bhp and 240nm torque in the 23i, more power and torque with no weight penalty. There's some very very nice white ones around right now, good spec too. Worth a thought surely?
 
john-e89 said:
Have you thought of a 28i Matt? A 4 pot as the 23i but with 245 bhp and 350nm as opposed to 200 odd bhp and 240nm torque in the 23i, more power and torque with no weight penalty. There's some very very nice white ones around right now, good spec too. Worth a thought surely?
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I have indeed thought about them, John. It comes down to the usual 4 pot vs 6 pot noise though. Not the end of the world, but considering it would be more of a fun car, wouldn't want it to disappoint. I can't argue with the figures though. I'll have a look where they are in terms of pricing.
 
john-e89 said:
Have you thought of a 28i Matt? A 4 pot as the 23i but with 245 bhp
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The 23i is not a 4 pot, its a 6 cylinder just like the 30i but it does have less bhp than the 28i.
 
Would think the 3.0 is the best allrounder...

If you can afford to,i would get the 35i.....Much better and shoves the E89 along at a great pace. Very frugal and cheap to tax and insure.

Why wouldnt you ?
 
I have the 23 and love it.

Yes it's not as powerful as the 35, but then Its probably a different budget and in all honesty i'd have probably bought the boxster s instead of the 35 as I preferred the handling on that.

As someone said above, drive em all, see what you prefer and what you can get for your budget. It's all a personal choice and only you know how you'll be driving it on a regular basis.
 
As Maniac says it's down to personal choice in the end and never mind what others think. For my twopenneth, drive them all and then ignore everything and go for the biggest and best you can afford. Good hunting
 
I have had an E89 2.3 then got the 2.8 now on the 3.5iS - depends what YOU want 2.3 is a normally aspirated straight six - lovely sound but not much pull - the 2.8 lots of pull 125 Kg lighter sound missing - 3.5iS full on but I can only get mid 20s mpg but the sound is fantastic :thumbsup:
 
shortfuse 2 said:
35is every time far better all rounder ,
saying that I have just bought Porsche 997 turbo different car all together
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It would only ever be the 35i, not is. Yes turbo is a different ball game.
 
Not really a fair comparison :? you get what you pay for & if all 3 were identical at the same £ then only a fool would choose the 23i or 30i
That said there is more than enough enjoyment to be had from a 23i :wink: & £ for £ they offer can offer much better value by comparison to a 35i or Is .
So as ever you pay your money & take your choice , i would have to throw at least £7k onto mine to get from my 23i to a 35i & as a low use weekender that aint gonna happen
Do try them all out , those calling the 23i a slouch must not have driven it to its capacity :roll: last Sunday on a run mine was the least powered car but its enough to keep ahead , ask Marlon :P
The 35i & Is drivers will never get that far with theirs as they would be in the field i suspect :D
 
Nanu said:
As Maniac says it's down to personal choice in the end and never mind what others think. For my twopenneth, drive them all and then ignore everything and go for the biggest and best you can afford. Good hunting
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Sound advice! :lol:
 
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