30i After 35is - Will I be disappointed?

N

NeilMick

Member
 Norfolk
So I'm currently looking to get back into a Z4 for the summer and am looking for something to keep for the long term as well.

As much as I loved my E86 the build quality was a major down point which my 35is addressed.

One reason to get rid of my 35is was the potential for big bills in the future.

Therefore I've been looking for a 30i Manual which I think is probably the best bet for a long term car in relation to running costs.

However slightly worried i will have been spoilt by the 35is and might be left underwhelmed, has anyone owned both that might be able to share their experience?

The E89 is down slightly on BHP compared to the 3.0si however the stats suggest acceleration is around the same, the 3.0si I found pretty much perfect most of the time, the 35is meant getting to license losing speeds relatively easily.
 
An interesting post - I'll be looking out for replies!

I also think the N52 is a sweet spot in BMW's engine range - any later and/or more powerful 6 cylinder seems to come with some potential issues. To the point that when I went looking for an E91 last year I only wanted one with an N52 (but sadly ended up buying a 325i). At least with the N52 the water pump seems to be the only common problem. :thumbsup:
 
I'm now in a manual 30i E89 after originally looking for a 35i, I also previously had a supercharged 30i (370bhp) and Z4M. I definitely don't feel shortchanged, it just needs a more noise, but the engine is so sweet and performance is spot on for road. I really enjoy revving it out without ending up at silly speeds, much like my old S2000.
 
I’ve been looking for a replacement for my 2.5 and also decided on a 3.0 E89, problem I’m having in the right spec, manual, sat nav and std suspension rather than the sport one, seems like rare as hens teeth!!
 
I guess it's just a matter of timing!

There was a manual Red 30i for sale at a garage a mile from me that I looked at for another forum member last year! I can't remember if it had Nav, but it was definitely an SE as it had the "Sport" seats rather than the "M-Sport" ones - and they were heated.

Hopefully one you like will appear soon. :thumbsup:
 
The 30i is a good choice. I love the sound of the BMW straight 6 and one of the frustrating things about having so much power on tap with a mapped 35i is that it runs through the revs so quickly. The only gear that you can hold long enough to enjoy the sound is 4th and then your moving at 100mph+

You might have quite a wait though. The E89 is rare and the 30i probably the rarest engine.
 
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