E85 to... E86 or E89

[Warming]

Hi all, currently have an E46 3.0 daily and have been considering getting back into a Z4 again, but probably as a second car

whilst my experience of the E85 3.0 was lovely, the previous owner sold it because he had a bad back, and I after a few years ownership I did begin to appreciate why, it was quite a harsh ride even after I upgraded the tyres from runflat to standard. A fun car for shorter journeys, long journeys perhaps not so much.

Just wondering how many E89 owners have driven the E85 or E86, as I'd be keen on getting either an E86 3.0si, or E89 35i

I love the idea of the 35i engine, with DCT, but not sure if it will feel too 'boaty' dynamics wise in the corners, also put off by 335i n54 reliability stories, and having to walnut blast as part and parcel of maintenance. is it that bad?


the e86 seems like a nice combination for me, and I'd probably consider getting an auto, just not sure if I'll miss not having the top down.

 

[Mr Tidy]

I'm a serial E86 owner and my 3.0Sis on run-flats did have a harsh ride. My current Coupe does too, but that's probably because it has coil-overs fitted!

My dailies in that time have been an E46 Compact, an E91 and currently an E90 all on 17" wheels and they are a bit more pliant than my Zs.

You could always try to find a 30i E89 that has the same N52 engine as the E86. I've never had an E89 but from what I have read the N54 engine in them doesn't need walnut blasting as it isn't Direct Injection - that's the N55 that got fitted to other BMWs.

But N54s can have issues with injectors and High Pressure Fuel Pumps.

Maybe an E89 30i Auto might suit you?

 

[Pondrew]

An E89 with M-sport suspension and big wheels is the complete opposite of 'boaty', TBH. More..'dentist on speed dial' kind of ride.

Not had experience with the SE suspension with smaller wheels, though.

 

[Kevin]

I've not tried an E86, but my 30i E89 is definitely not "boaty" - it's very planted. I tend to drive on country roads (single track/B-roads with lots of bends and hills) and the car works very well there. As @pondrew says, the ride on 19" runflats is very hard. Switching to 18" standard tyres worked well for me and still gives a very sharp response. My passengers still comment on how firm the suspension is, but it is much less harsh now

I've done some reasonably long journeys in it. I'd definitely prefer to take my big estate car for a motorway run from Scotland to London (more comfortable, less noisy), but that's not really what this car is for. If you're looking to go away for a weekend or tour for a week without too much luggage, then it's fine (and you can still fit in two big soft bags with the roof down, which is quite surprising).

The N54 seems to be a lot more work/expense than the N52 (30i) or N20 (28i). I'd take that into account when drawing up your shortlist.

 

[Lynchy]

Hi all, currently have an E46 3.0 daily and have been considering getting back into a Z4 again, but probably as a second car

whilst my experience of the E85 3.0 was lovely, the previous owner sold it because he had a bad back, and I after a few years ownership I did begin to appreciate why, it was quite a harsh ride even after I upgraded the tyres from runflat to standard. A fun car for shorter journeys, long journeys perhaps not so much.

Just wondering how many E89 owners have driven the E85 or E86, as I'd be keen on getting either an E86 3.0si, or E89 35i

I love the idea of the 35i engine, with DCT, but not sure if it will feel too 'boaty' dynamics wise in the corners, also put off by 335i n54 reliability stories, and having to walnut blast as part and parcel of maintenance. is it that bad?


the e86 seems like a nice combination for me, and I'd probably consider getting an auto, just not sure if I'll miss not having the top down.

I have my E89 35i Msport for sale. If you are not too far away I’d be more than happy to take you out for a drive

 

[Stuartt]

Had a 35i now got a 35is and I can assure you there is nothing boaty about them

Stuart

 

[Marcoose]

I’ve owned an E85 3.0 with OE suspension and non RF for 15 years. Now a E89 35is with KWV3 and non RF going on 4 years. Let’s get one thing out of the way: roadsters aren’t comfortable.

You can make the E89 more comfortable by running meatier and non RF tyres, less responsive suspension, and perhaps playing with the air pressure. If you don’t push on bends, it will likely not feel boaty. Still, not a car that at my advanced age I’d cross country with. My back would kill me.

 

[Argyll Andy]

Having had my first run in an E85 on Friday all I can say is chose an E89 of any flavour over it if comfort is a priority.

Also comparing a 3.0 85/6 to a 35i isn’t apples to apples. Try a 35 and you’ll buy one.

Good luck with your search

 

[matsmith749]

I've had an e85 & found it firm, but tolerable.

The e89 has been quite a lot more comfortable + lods more 'creature comforts' if that's your bag.

Regards 'boaty' - not so much boaty, as darn right dangerous if you treat it like a sports car. I've had 2 (both young, low milage cars), and if you are super aggressive then they just feel on the verge of being out of control. Do not compare with actual sports cars.

They are what they are - a pretty convertible GT type car, and they do it well.

Treat it a little more gently, keep your acceleartion in a straight line & it's just fine.

 

[coldel]

I think the general feeling is that the E85/86 is a lot more sports car than the E89 which is more GT.
From memory you are looking at a weight differential and of course rigidity in the E86 is going to be better and sharper.
It depends what your second car is for, buy the car for what you intend to use it for rather than deciding what car is best.
If you are doing more cruising then E89, if you want a lighter tighter drive then E86.
Personally I love the N52 engine, don't get hung up on endless BHP arguments, you will never be utilising all the horses 99% of the time anyway.

 

[twomorelaps]

I've recently swapped from an E85 3.0Si to an E89 28i, the 28i sounds terrible in comparison but other than that its way better for what I want from it.

As a weekend toy and for short journeys , the E85 / E86 Si would be a fun option, to live with daily / go on longer trips the E89 is better suited imho (Le Mans in the 3.0 Si was a tad arduous and were happy to get out of it, Le Mans this year in the E89 was no bother at all)

 

[Fred Smith]

I'm a serial E86 owner and my 3.0Sis on run-flats did have a harsh ride. My current Coupe does too, but that's probably because it has coil-overs fitted!

My dailies in that time have been an E46 Compact, an E91 and currently an E90 all on 17" wheels and they are a bit more pliant than my Zs.

You could always try to find a 30i E89 that has the same N52 engine as the E86. I've never had an E89 but from what I have read the N54 engine in them doesn't need walnut blasting as it isn't Direct Injection - that's the N55 that got fitted to other BMWs.

But N54s can have issues with injectors and High Pressure Fuel Pumps.

I believe the N53 and N54 engines ARE direct injection. From what little I know the short summary is "great engines, but more to go wrong than an N52".