Buying help!

[B21]

MSport had by default..

Sports seats
MSport inlay on the cill
MSport steering wheel
MSport front and rear bumpers
10mm lower / stiffer springs

Give or take a badge that’s it..

A 35is only came in one version which defacto had MSport detailing..albeit some of it was specfic to the 35is..

If you think a N20 engine is a risky proposition then stay well clear of any 35i/35is..

 

[Zeddy28]

If you think a N20 engine is a risky proposition then stay well clear of any 35i/35is..

I’m confused.com. I thought the 35is used the N54. And the 35i is an n55?!

Are you saying these have issues too?

 

[Pondy]

I’m confused.com. I thought the 35is used the N54. And the 35i is an n55?!

35i and 35is both had the same N54 just with different engine tunes. No N55 ever put into a Z4.
Older 30i and 23i both used the N52 n/a 6 pot.
The N54 can be rather....let's say....an expensive mistress. When they go wrong, they go expensive wrong.

Two versions of E89. M sport and SE. SE has different bumpers, softer suspension and as described above.

 

[Zeddy28]

I’m confused.com. I thought the 35is used the N54. And the 35i is an n55?!

35i and 35is both had the same N54 just with different engine tunes. No N55 ever put into a Z4.
The N54 can be rather....let's say....an expensive mistress. When they go wrong, they go expensive wrong.

Two versions of E89. M sport and SE. SE has different bumpers, softer suspension and as described above.

Okay. So just don’t buy a Z4 then?!

Do not want an n20. Told cam chain issues. I currently have a 2.8 Z3 straigh 6. Some oil leaks but nothing other that this.

What should I be buying then??? Most reliable?

 

[Fady]

I’m confused.com. I thought the 35is used the N54. And the 35i is an n55?!

35i and 35is both had the same N54 just with different engine tunes. No N55 ever put into a Z4.
The N54 can be rather....let's say....an expensive mistress. When they go wrong, they go expensive wrong.

Two versions of E89. M sport and SE. SE has different bumpers, softer suspension and as described above.

Okay. So just don’t buy a Z4 then?!

Do not want an n20. Told cam chain issues. I currently have a 2.8 Z3 straigh 6. Some oil leaks but nothing other that this.

What should I be buying then??? Most reliable?

With all due respect - surely that is a decision only you alone can make? My own advice would be simply to stop fretting so much about something that may never happen! All cars have inherent issues and forums are probably the worst place to perpetuate them. 99% of Z4 owners likely have never been here ever and just enjoy their cars as ignorance is bliss. Plus - there is so many more things to go wrong besides the engine alone.

You could always get a brand spanking new G29 then you will have everything covered. Other than that, you just decide exactly which engine you want and narrow your search down to something well maintained, documented service history that ticks all the boxes in respect of options. Also you can find answers as regards car specs by doing a Google search for the particular model year as all the brochures are available on line and once you have isolated a particular car you can then do a VIN check to confirm the options it has.

Best of luck!

 

[Zeddy28]

I agree, my choice but would appreciate some advice.

I was under the impression having read lots of articles and stuff on here and other forums that the n20 has cam chain issues and the others are much more reliable. Hence, this latest advice has thrown me, to stay away from the 35i and 35is.

I’m not going to get a consensus, but what is the general feeling on the engine types? Like I say, I have Z3 and do like the straight 6.

Thank you again all.

 

[B21]

I agree, my choice but would appreciate some advice.

I was under the impression having read lots of articles and stuff on here and other forums that the n20 has cam chain issues and the others are much more reliable. Hence, this latest advice has thrown me, to stay away from the 35i and 35is.

I’m not going to get a consensus, but what is the general feeling on the engine types? Like I say, I have Z3 and do like the straight 6.

Thank you again all.

Intrinsic engine reliability then the N20 in a post 2015 E89 by newness and addressing the cam chain issue

N52 in the 23i and 30i follow up..

Then the pre 2015 N20 in the 18i/20i/28i by a short distance..

A distant last is any 35i/35is with the N54

 

[Zeddy28]

I agree, my choice but would appreciate some advice.

I was under the impression having read lots of articles and stuff on here and other forums that the n20 has cam chain issues and the others are much more reliable. Hence, this latest advice has thrown me, to stay away from the 35i and 35is.

I’m not going to get a consensus, but what is the general feeling on the engine types? Like I say, I have Z3 and do like the straight 6.

Thank you again all.

Intrinsic engine reliability then the N20 in a post 2015 E89 by newness and addressing the cam chain issue

N52 in the 23i and 30i follow up..

Then the pre 2015 N20 in the 18i/20i/28i by a short distance..

A distant last is any 35i/35is with the N54

Okay, so you are saying the LEAST reliable is the n54? And a post 2015 N20 the best?

Sorry, just to clarify. Thank you!

 

[Pondy]

The nearest engine to your M52 in the Z3, will be the N52 in the 23i or 30i. They are considered 'bulletproof'. 23is are abundant used but the 30i seems to be becoming very desirable (cos it's more powerful, not many sold and doesn't have any of the issues of the N20 or N54).

I have a 3 litre Z3 with the M54 engine if you want it. Low miles, no rust, in pieces!

 

[Zeddy28]

The nearest engine to your M52 in the Z3, will be the N52 in the 23i or 30i. They are considered 'bulletproof'. 23is are abundant used but the 30i seems to be becoming very desirable (cos it's more powerful, not many sold and doesn't have any of the issues of the N20 or N54).

I have a 3 litre Z3 with the M54 engine if you want it. Low miles, no rust, in pieces!

Thanks for the offer! I will take the sills if you like?! :lol:

Thanks for that advice, appreciate it. My Z3 is currently undergoing surgery too. Both rear suspension arms that BMW wanted £1700 each for. :x

I love the car, and it’s in good nic, but think it’s time for something new….if I can find it. I know a bit about Z3’s but not much about 4’s.

I have no facility to do any work myself so want something as reliable as possible. Sounds like the N52 is what I’m after, which I currently have ZERO of on my shortlist from Autotrader. Time to rethink methinks.

Thank you again!

 

[Zeddy28]

Ps. Here’s the Z3…it’s a 2.8. Had the M style mirrors fitted when I had a re-spray years ago.

 

[Pondy]

Thanks for the offer! I will take the sills if you like?!

Sold them (for very good money)!

I have no facility to do any work myself so want something as reliable as possible. Sounds like the N52 is what I’m after, which I currently have ZERO of on my shortlist from Autotrader. Time to rethink methinks.

If you look at 23is they are generally cheaper than the others; A) because they are all early cars (pre 2012), B) were 'entry level' when new and C) there are quite a few to choose from.

Good luck with your search!

 

[Pondy]

Ps. Here’s the Z3…it’s a 2.8. Had the M style mirrors fitted when I had a re-spray years ago.

Groovy.
Here's my gorgeous 'free litre'

 

[Beerman]

I test drove a 23i. I was underwhelmed with the performance. It didn't feel like 200bhp. It sounded better than I thought it would.

I'm really annoyed with the seller. After promising the wheels were not welded and as new condition they were not. The wheels were cracked and welded.

The roof also didn't function correctly. It closed with a big thump on first test. After that the roof either kept sticking with the rear window segment being stuck above the roof, or if it did close the car was still throwing up an error.

 

[Zeddy28]

I test drove a 23i. I was underwhelmed with the performance. It didn't feel like 200bhp. It sounded better than I thought it would.

I'm really annoyed with the seller. After promising the wheels were not welded and as new condition they were not. The wheels were cracked and welded.

The roof also didn't function correctly. It closed with a big thump on first test. After that the roof either kept sticking with the rear window segment being stuck above the roof, or if it did close the car was still throwing up an error.

You didn’t buy it though? How did you know the wheels were welded?

 

[True-Blue]

I test drove a 23i. I was underwhelmed with the performance. It didn't feel like 200bhp. It sounded better than I thought it would.

I'm really annoyed with the seller. After promising the wheels were not welded and as new condition they were not. The wheels were cracked and welded.

The roof also didn't function correctly. It closed with a big thump on first test. After that the roof either kept sticking with the rear window segment being stuck above the roof, or if it did close the car was still throwing up an error.

Did you put it in sports mode and did you use all of the rev range?

Not as fast as the 30i but plenty capable, needs to be driven more like an S2000 than a Z4… lower torque, but likes revs.

 

[Beerman]

I test drove a 23i. I was underwhelmed with the performance. It didn't feel like 200bhp. It sounded better than I thought it would.

I'm really annoyed with the seller. After promising the wheels were not welded and as new condition they were not. The wheels were cracked and welded.

The roof also didn't function correctly. It closed with a big thump on first test. After that the roof either kept sticking with the rear window segment being stuck above the roof, or if it did close the car was still throwing up an error.

You didn’t buy it though? How did you know the wheels were welded?

I didn't buy it. The car had too many faults and fell well short of the seller's description. A few things I could address, but I don't know anything about these roofs. I was worried it could be a big bill.

The welds are obvious to see.

 

[Pondy]

but I don't know anything about these roofs.

Not many people do!

 

[Beerman]

but I don't know anything about these roofs.

Not many people do!

Are they really that complicated and troublesome?

The car had too many issues and I had to walk, but if I knew the roof wasn't a major job I could maybe factor that in.

Is there obvious symptoms that highlight obvious faults, or is everything potentially an expensive fix?

 

[Pondy]

Are they really that complicated and troublesome?

The car had too many issues and I had to walk, but if I knew the roof wasn't a major job I could maybe factor that in.

Is there obvious symptoms that highlight obvious faults, or is everything potentially and expensive fix?

They are complex, yes, and you see a lot of faults on here regarding roofs. But you would, as this is where people come for help.
Problem seems to be that dealers and indies don't know how to fix faults with roofs (I think the pages were missing in the BMW technical given to dealers!), so they just start throwing parts at them, which soon racks up costs.

Most faults I have seen regarding E89 roofs are microswitch related which are easy and cheap to fix yourself. There is a LOT of information on here regarding finding faults and fixing them.

I am on my second E89 and had to change two microswitches on the last one. Cost £32.00 and two hours on the drive. So far, the E89 roofs have been good to me.

But it is not sensible IMHO to buy a car with any existing roof problem, as it could be expensive sorting it out (but could be cheap).