E85 to E89 - can't decide :-(

[enzed4]

I'm currently looking at moving to an E89, but not sure the pros outweigh the cons right now. Keep changing my mind, so perhaps some outside views might help.
The facts are:
I would be going from a 2008 E85, 2.5si sport, 31,700mi to a 2009 E89, 3.0i, 40,389mi
My E85 has the auto, the E89 is a manual.
Both are black, the E89 has red leather interior, the E85 has the black M-sport interior, MFSW etc.
E89 has no PDC, E85 does, but it's probably not a deal-breaker.
Both have sat nav, looks like the E89 doesn't have Bluetooth music streaming (I don't think that was available until later years?). The E89 is a UK import like my E85, so doesn't have the shitty Japanese-import non-functioning sat nav like most that come into the country.
I finally have my 224 wheels (arrived today) so they could go on either vehicle.
The E89 is in 'used' condition, with a ton of stone chips on the bonnet and front spoiler, a little bolster wear (to be expected), and a strangely worn steering wheel (owner's a builder, could be anything on his hands did this).
Pics of the E89:






Anyone think keeping the E85 is a better option? I know it's history for at least the last 5 years in my ownership, and I've replaced the soft top motor and fixed the DSC pump, fitted new mtec rotors, Gaptech RCH+ and so on... but am I just thinking of holding on because it's all I know?

 

[wonkydonkey]

Have you spent much time driving a 3.0 manual E89? You already know what the two cars look like, and you've pointed out various differences between them (plus there will of course be some money involved)...but how does the driving compare? You'll know how your car drives, so is it possible to get half an hour in a 3.0 manual E89 with the same seats as the car you're looking at? Even better, could you ask to take that particular car out for a decent run? If you jump straight from your car into the E89 and then back again, it might help you to decide.

 

[Crazy Harry]

Almost sounds like you've found a load of little problems with the E89 and want talking out of it. I can't give you any informed decision based on the performance of the two as I've never driven an E89 in any form. For me though the drive would have to be far superior to justify what might be more money on a car that's done more miles (and its not like the difference between 130,00 and 140,000 where we would say its about maintenance not miles!) and you don't know what other niggles it has mechanically - if the stone chips and wheel have been left what else has?

That said its a newer model but it won't be current for long with a new Z4 just around the corner. If the drive doesn't blow you away I'd stick to my known low mileage car. Spend any cash you would have spent to make the purchase of the E89 on keeping it really well maintained (or petrol ) You're already sat on what will become a very sort after car - a well maintained low mileage classic

 

[brillomaster]

I'm confused... why do you want to move to an E89? what do you perceive that it will do better than an E85?

 

[Number5]

I've got both and basically, to sum it up, The E85 is a point & squirt go-kart that handles bends firmly, (i.e a sports car), the E89 is a comfortable top down Sports Cruiser, that is too big to throw about and ask too much of, (unless it's top spec with upgraded suspension and extra horses)

 

[Smartbear]

I've got both and basically, to sum it up, The E85 is a point & squirt go-kart that handles bends firmly, (i.e a sports car), the E89 is a comfortable top down Sports Cruiser, that is too big to throw about and ask too much of, (unless it's top spec with upgraded suspension and extra horses)

Don’t agree with the too big comment, it’s only about 2 inches longer so there’s not much in it size wise.
I also think the 2.0i cars handle better than the larger engined variants due to being inherently better balanced with less weight over the nose.
Cabin & ride are more refined on the e89 in my opinion though :?
Rob

 

[IRD]

I have just changed to an E89 from an E85. They are very different. The E85 is more of a true sports car as No. 5 says. It is lighter, feels more compact and is easier to place on the road. The E89 is definitely more of a GT. The interior is a big step up from the E85. There is much more of a sense of occasion each time I get into the car and it is more comfortable especially on longer runs. Mine has the adaptive suspension and although on runflats the ride is much smoother than the E85. It really depends what is important to you and what your priorities are. I was seeking more comfort and more refinement which the E89 provides. I definitely wouldn’t change back to the E85.

 

[chrisgreen]

in terms of the 'faults' with the e89 - a £30 leather dye from bespoke leathering and a hairdryer will will sort out the seat bolster and some £15 leather gliptone cleaner will sort out steering wheel. so i wouldn't let that influence your decision too much.

Although if the above two things are signs of neglect - then might be more alarming things hidden.

 

[Monkeydonkeyratmagic]

Just buy an ESS kit for the e85. Faster than any E89 and none of the problems.

 

[enzed4]

Have you spent much time driving a 3.0 manual E89? You already know what the two cars look like, and you've pointed out various differences between them (plus there will of course be some money involved)...but how does the driving compare? You'll know how your car drives, so is it possible to get half an hour in a 3.0 manual E89 with the same seats as the car you're looking at? Even better, could you ask to take that particular car out for a decent run? If you jump straight from your car into the E89 and then back again, it might help you to decide.

I took the E89 for a test drive for about half an hour, with the owner sat next to me. Didn't really get a true feel for it (I think you need to own it for a while for that), it was very nice - didn't blow me away, but that's not what I was looking for.

I'm confused... why do you want to move to an E89? what do you perceive that it will do better than an E85?

Newer style, newer tech, less common on the roads as there are a lot fewer at the moment. An itch to have something different? More power - although the difference from 218 to 254HP may not be huge, it feels more powerful, and a non-turbo straight six also appeals. I like the idea of the folding hard top; I don't like the idea of fixing the folding hard top if it breaks... and I like the idea of the 6 speed manual.

in terms of the 'faults' with the e89 - a £30 leather dye from bespoke leathering and a hairdryer will will sort out the seat bolster and some £15 leather gliptone cleaner will sort out steering wheel. so i wouldn't let that influence your decision too much.

Although if the above two things are signs of neglect - then might be more alarming things hidden.

I would sum it up as an 'honest' car. The owner has not splashed out on keeping it as good looking as most of us on this forum would, ie, the stone chips, a few small dents, and a dusty engine bay. But he has a bunch of receipts for work done over his ownership which I think is about 5 years, and says it has been well maintained with services.

Some good comments, thanks. I think if I have to be honest with myself, perhaps it's just a case of wanting 'the next big thing' or wanting it because it's there and I can have it if I want it. But will I have as much fun as the E85? I don't know unless I buy the E89 and find out for myself. I could then spend the rest of my time on the forum waxing lyrical over how great the E85 was and how much I miss it... :roll:

 

[buzyg]

Higher miles, signs of not being loved and you really do not sound convinced you want it. Resist the urge , walk on by this one. The car you really want is still out there waiting. :wink:

 

[Yorkie Z]

Put the roof down on a E89 then have a look in the boot. You won't be going away for the weekend with the roof down

 

[Smartbear]

Put the roof down on a E89 then have a look in the boot. You won't be going away for the weekend with the roof down

We’ve just come back from a week away with my e89, no problem using the fitted luggage & still having the roof down
Rob

 

[Mr Tidy]

But will I have as much fun as the E85? I don't know unless I buy the E89 and find out for myself. I could then spend the rest of my time on the forum waxing lyrical over how great the E85 was and how much I miss it...

I've only had E86s so can't offer an opinion, but would running both for a couple of months be an option? At least then you would know for sure!

 

[enzed4]

But will I have as much fun as the E85? I don't know unless I buy the E89 and find out for myself. I could then spend the rest of my time on the forum waxing lyrical over how great the E85 was and how much I miss it...

I've only had E86s so can't offer an opinion, but would running both for a couple of months be an option? At least then you would know for sure!

Yes I would have both, but one has to go. And selling them this time of year is even harder than it usually is in the small market I'm in.
I think I'm doing a good job of talking myself out of it (not my intention when I started )

 

[Steve S]

From one Antipodean to another, I've owned my 6-speed manual E89 35i for 14 months now after originally looking at the E85M. Having driven both, I don't have a moment of regret. The latter model is comfortably larger and more refined with all the modern bells and whistles, which earned massive Brownie points from the wife who now actually enjoys accompanying me in the car - even occasionally with the roof down :roll: . The 35i with a chip upgrade has just as much (or more) stick than an E85M and it has a glorious exhaust note.
Admittedly, the E85 is more nimble and responsive, but there's a couple of other toys in the shed that give me the occasional hillclimb or circuit sprint fix.

 

[enzed4]

From one Antipodean to another, I've owned my 6-speed manual E89 35i for 14 months now after originally looking at the E85M. Having driven both, I don't have a moment of regret. The latter model is comfortably larger and more refined with all the modern bells and whistles, which earned massive Brownie points from the wife who now actually enjoys accompanying me in the car - even occasionally with the roof down :roll: . The 35i with a chip upgrade has just as much (or more) stick than an E85M and it has a glorious exhaust note.
Admittedly, the E85 is more nimble and responsive, but there's a couple of other toys in the shed that give me the occasional hillclimb or circuit sprint fix.

Interesting counterpoints. The power can't really be pushed as it's a non-turbo, but it's more than the 2.5si has anyway. I did feel the sense of 'occasion' a lot more in the E89 cabin.