E86 compared to E89

L

Leadfoot Z

Member
Hi all,

I would like your opinions if you have owned both an E86 3.0si and a E89 35is.

Im keeping the E86 Coupe regardless - she's my baby! but I may get a second newer Z next summer. A comparison of the following would be great:

Performance
Handling
Comfort
Gearbox options - my Coupe is Steptronic.
Desirable spec

Thanks
 
I have been lucky enough to own all the best Z models IMHO

Including the 2 you mention and both incarnation of the M car...

The 35is is a superb car, fast, frugal and visually stunning...

Performance... Very quick, even more so whe mapped ...not even comparable to 3.0 E86..

Handling... Not as pointy and twitchy as the E86, but with the EDC function the E89 can still corner fast and flat... You can feel there is more car around you... People say it's more of a GT suspension set up.. I can't really agree with that..

Comfort..
Again not comparable... Much better all round.. Seats, ergonomics and suspension in a different league..

Gearbox options..

You don't have any... DCT only in 35is .. And the better for it... Superb gearbox

Desirable options..

It's personal but I wouldn't buy one without nav.. The screen is integral to a majority of the functions in the car..

Upgraded audio
Media pack
Comfort pack
Heated seats
Heated steering wheel
Folding mirrors
Extended storage
Extended lighting

I'm sure there are more
 
I have an e86 3.0si, and a 335i (slightly mapped).
The performance of the 3.0si is "ok"

But the 335i is an animal, and would give m3's and amg 6.3's a hard time.

That engine in a lighter body must be a blast to drive. Mine's the n55 but I believe the e89 35is is an n54 which is also highly tunable.

I've also owned a z4mc, and the 335i is quicker (well mine is).
 
Interesting to read. Sometimes I wonder if cars are getting too fast! Daft as it may sound, I've got a 3.0Si Coupe (with a remap, allegedly), I've had a few cars I'd consider to be quick - 300 bhp 350Z, 240 bhp MR2 Turbo, Integra Type-R, the latter was only 197 bhp and even that was silly quick on the road. My Z4 feels rapid to me, not super fast, but I can't imagine a situation on the road where I'd really need more? Despite that, most modern hot hatches are faster. Its mental!

Don't get me wrong though I'm no E89 hater, I'd consider it in the future, it looks a bloody good car. In some ways the best of all worlds. Despite all of the above, I'd probably still get a 35is remapped, because why not :lol:
 
I know what you mean TameRacingDriver - I haven't yet felt my E86 was under-powered!

But if I did want more I would rather go E86M than E89 35iS - just not a fan of remapping and upping boost! IMHO you might as well get a Golf Gti/Leon Cupra/Civic Type R if you follow that route...........!
 
Z4M-2006 said:
I have been lucky enough to own all the best Z models IMHO

Including the 2 you mention and both incarnation of the M car...

The 35is is a superb car, fast, frugal and visually stunning...

Performance... Very quick, even more so whe mapped ...not even comparable to 3.0 E86..

Handling... Not as pointy and twitchy as the E86, but with the EDC function the E89 can still corner fast and flat... You can feel there is more car around you... People say it's more of a GT suspension set up.. I can't really agree with that..

Comfort..
Again not comparable... Much better all round.. Seats, ergonomics and suspension in a different league..

Gearbox options..

You don't have any... DCT only in 35is .. And the better for it... Superb gearbox

Desirable options..

It's personal but I wouldn't buy one without nav.. The screen is integral to a majority of the functions in the car..

Upgraded audio
Media pack
Comfort pack
Heated seats
Heated steering wheel
Folding mirrors
Extended storage
Extended lighting

I'm sure there are more
Click to expand...
What a great review. I also have had e86 manuel & 35is I would totally agree on everything you've said,put it better than I would have.
Imo 35is is a perfect package nice gt ! Car as they say. But in sports+ mode it's a fantastic sports car. The only thing I would add is the only criticism is the rfts. I changed them to mpss tyres & it sorted out the car out.
I drove my old e86 a few weeks ago & wish I hadn't :( wasn't the way I remembered it.
Think it may be me used to all the the new tech & more importantly the exhaust note. Hope that's helped :thumbsup:
 
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