First off I'm 73 and not entirely functional so take this into account when I say :-
1. I sold the M because I had difficulty exiting it without a pull and
2. I loathed the gear change which was actually worse than the original E-type.
3. I also loathed the black paintwork which is usually reserved for transport to the grave but it was all I could find at the time.
4. The front end went light under max acceleration on uneven roads.
5. My insurance company fled at any mention of improving matters.
Off we went to my local dealer's sales day where :-
1. I sat in and exited the e89 without help
2. I much preferred the automatic 'hardtop' to the farce of my wife and I struggling with the separate variety
So I went looking and found a 35i at 21k at Stratstones- a company to be avoided if the Leeds Crew are anything to go by. Bought it and discovered :-
1. IT was a car I could use and enjoy summer and winter.
2. the cockpit was a pleasure compared with the M - great feeling of space and vastly more comfortable (electric sports seats)
3. The ride was vastly better(same 18" wheels). I chose standard suspension.
4. I have completely changed my opinion of run flats. The car arrived with Bridgestone's crubber but it handles very well on our wet and greasy B-roads at marginally safe speeds despite only having 3mm on the front. I had as much fun as in the Lotus Elan+2 I built some 45 years ago.
5. Straight line performance feels close to the M but I don't go around challenging traffic light tarts.
6. the DCT gearchange is an absolute pleasure compared with the M's cogbox.
7. Top down virtually no wind. I was out today at 10 C and felt cocooned.
So, for those of you concerned about the upgrade, I suggest have no fear because BMW are slowly getting a grip on this machine.
1. I sold the M because I had difficulty exiting it without a pull and
2. I loathed the gear change which was actually worse than the original E-type.
3. I also loathed the black paintwork which is usually reserved for transport to the grave but it was all I could find at the time.
4. The front end went light under max acceleration on uneven roads.
5. My insurance company fled at any mention of improving matters.
Off we went to my local dealer's sales day where :-
1. I sat in and exited the e89 without help
2. I much preferred the automatic 'hardtop' to the farce of my wife and I struggling with the separate variety
So I went looking and found a 35i at 21k at Stratstones- a company to be avoided if the Leeds Crew are anything to go by. Bought it and discovered :-
1. IT was a car I could use and enjoy summer and winter.
2. the cockpit was a pleasure compared with the M - great feeling of space and vastly more comfortable (electric sports seats)
3. The ride was vastly better(same 18" wheels). I chose standard suspension.
4. I have completely changed my opinion of run flats. The car arrived with Bridgestone's crubber but it handles very well on our wet and greasy B-roads at marginally safe speeds despite only having 3mm on the front. I had as much fun as in the Lotus Elan+2 I built some 45 years ago.
5. Straight line performance feels close to the M but I don't go around challenging traffic light tarts.
6. the DCT gearchange is an absolute pleasure compared with the M's cogbox.
7. Top down virtually no wind. I was out today at 10 C and felt cocooned.
So, for those of you concerned about the upgrade, I suggest have no fear because BMW are slowly getting a grip on this machine.
oke: 
expect the new cars do that for you and look roomier.
