E89 Engine Choice

A

AndyS

Member
 Gloucestershire
Hello All,
I'm looking to change my current 2004 2.5 E85 for an E89, hopefully somewhere around a 2011 plate.
Unfortunately there aren't many used examples locally to go and try so I was after opinions on where to start engine wise before I travel too far.
I generally drive fairly sedately although I do enjoy the occasional blast.
The performance of my current 2.5 is more than enough for me and looking at the figures, I think both the sDrive 20i and 23i would be quick enough but one is a 4 pot, the other is a 6 pot.
How much does that affect the sound of it or how smooth it is?
Which would you go for?
Is there anything else I should look for spec wise?
I realise there is no right or wrong answer and opinions will vary but reasons for a particular choice would be good to help me decide where to start looking.
Thanks for your help.
Andy
 
Oh this is so massively personal, no doubt there will be very polarised responses, but hopefully not flaming.

I would say if cost is an issue, look at the 20i and 30i. 18i and 23i IMHO are underpowered (23i has better bhp than the 20i but you really need to rag it, the 20i being turbo has much better grunt/torque low down making it more efficient and usable), I know that will offend some, but that's my opinion so there. If you can stretch a bit further, look at the 28i and 35i or even 35is if you can't help yourself. The best sound is from the six cyls, again IMHO, so 30i and up, but by far the twin exhaust on the 35i/35is if you want a sound that will almost embarrass you. The 4 cyls are smooth, but the 6cyls are super smooth, its the reason BMW still make them.

As for other options, again massively personal but the essential one is heated seats, just so you can enjoy the roof down as much as possible without feeling cold. All the other options are simply nice to have, there are lots of them too.

Let the differing opinions begin..... :)
 
I can't really offer much as I've only driven a 3.5iS which was lovely. What I did get a go in was a 328 and if the engine is the same, it's awesome.
 
Hi Andy,

Peformance wise there is very little in it between the 2.0 4cyl turbo and the 2.3 6cyl, I would say the 2.0 is slightly quicker, has more torque and MPG is supposed to be better, however the 6cyl does sound smoother but didn't feel particularly fast. If looking at these two engines specifically it really boils down to whether you prefer a 6cyl naturally aspirated or a 4cyl blown. The N20 4cyl is a decent alrounder but I just find it too unrefined and subsequently dissapointing for a supposidly premium brand. I would go with the M Sport spec and you have more refinements and goodies but the ride suffers slightly.

Tim.
 
M Sport gives refinements and goodies? (M sport = different steering wheel, bumpers and silver trim plus 10mm lower springs)
 
Maniac said:
M Sport gives refinements and goodies? (M sport = different steering wheel, bumpers and silver trim plus 10mm lower springs)
Click to expand...

IMHO M Sport steering wheel is much nicer, carbon trim looks cool over standard silver trim which is a bit plain, nicer seats, Xenons (unsure if these are standard on non M Sport), plus M Sport bumpers look better, all add over standard spec = goodies :)

Tim.
 
Xenons are standard on all e89s. I'll give you the seats, they are better, but IMHO the rest of the M sport spec is just for looks and has little to no impact IMHO so I would not limit my search to just M sport cars as they're dearer to buy and you could use that money to get a better engine if that's what you want.
 
Maniac said:
Xenons are standard on all e89s. I'll give you the seats, they are better, but IMHO the rest of the M sport spec is just for looks and has little to no impact IMHO so I would not limit my search to just M sport cars as they're dearer to buy and you could use that money to get a better engine if that's what you want.
Click to expand...

I imagine most buyers go for an E89 for its looks over anything else :wink:

Tim.
 
I wonder how long until someone arrives and says that the M Coupe (E86 3.2) is the best option? :fuelfire: Happens in almost every other thread :roll:

Anyways, back on topic. I think as you've mentioned that you mainly drive sedately the 2.0i 4 pot turbo will give best economy and will "feel" quicker than the 6 cylinder due to the torque surge as the turbo spools up. With the 2.5 litre 6 pot, you need to really use the rev range to extract performance, which won't suit a more leisurely driving style.

Indeed the 6 pot is smooth, and I loved mine. But for the OPs circumstances I would recommend the 4 pot.

I also completely agree with Tim about the M sport spec.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Strangely I quite fancy having a go in an non M Sport spec car as I've often wondered if the general ride is alot better. If you read What Cars summary is does say to avoid M Sport Models as the ride is ruined :|

Tim.
 
My first zed was a 2.5 Si and it seemed really quick, I test drove a 2.3 e89 with 19" wheels and almost went with a diesel TT because it was as quick but more comfortable. However sanity prevailed and I ended up with the 3.0 e89 on 17" wheels and it was a significant improvement. The 3.0 is one of the finest engine I've ever had, lots of low rev grunt can give, when desired a very easy drive which pulls well at 30 mph in 5th.

One of the reasons I did not get another was the 4 pot turbo, anytime someone advertises that they pipe fake sound through the speakers to make it sound better isn't off to a good start IMHO

3.0 M Sport :thumbsup:
 
I tried the four pot and then the six - simply put they are a world apart - the four smacks of down sizing and that just didnt do it. they have to pipe in sounds to disguise the fact that they are dead in terms of sound. Also that turbo effect does somewhat make for a different feel as it comes on song. But its only 156 for the base and 184 for the next one. Thats a lot less than 205hp. And it really doesnt have that silken feel that the six gives. Also looking under the bonnet it looks like its pretty much empty to tell you the truth.
 
ruggedscot said:
I tried the four pot and then the six - simply put they are a world apart - the four smacks of down sizing and that just didnt do it. they have to pipe in sounds to disguise the fact that they are dead in terms of sound. Also that turbo effect does somewhat make for a different feel as it comes on song. But its only 156 for the base and 184 for the next one. Thats a lot less than 205hp. And it really doesnt have that silken feel that the six gives. Also looking under the bonnet it looks like its pretty much empty to tell you the truth.
Click to expand...

There is little in it between the 2.0 and and 2.3, however BMWs aim was to produce a 4cyl which gave improved performance, fuel economy and emmisions than the 6cyl which it achieved. Its personal preference whether one preferes a 4cyl or 6cyl. Both have their plus and minus points.

I doubt your average owner even looks under the bonnet, going by a poll that found most BMW owners think their car is front wheel drive :lol:

Tim.
 
Thank you all for the responses so far.
So, to check my understanding of everything thus far.....
The 2.0 generally feels more lively but isn't quite as smooth as a 6 pot and doesn't sound as good.
The 2.3, being a 6 pot sounds better, is silky smooth but requires more effort/revs to provoke a reaction.
I'm curious about the comments of 'piping' sound in to cover the lack of noise with the 4 pots - is that right?
I take it comments about the 2.0 engine in terms of smoothness and sound would equally apply to the 2.8.
Standard / M Sport spec seems to be down to personal choice but other than heated seats nothing else that's essential.
I was pleased to see xenon is standard on E89s coming from an E85 with candles, sorry, halogen lights.
In the real world, how much difference would the 3.0 make compared to say, the 2.3 in terms of fuel/insurance/servicing?

Thanks again,
Andy
 
I had the 23i manual for three years and swapped to the 20i auto and the 20i is far better in my opinion. The 23i was juddery when pulling away when cold and felt a little nose heavy in the corners. The 20i has more grunt and feels more nimble in the bends.
As for the sound I honestly can't tell the difference really, in fact when the 20i is started up it has a lovely growl and a nice burble in sport mode on the overrun. And as for piping sound through the speakers, are you sure??? nothing comes out of mine!!

M Sport means you get sport seats too, which is a must. I had standard seats on my first one (as M Sport wasnt available) and they were shite. The standard plastic dash trim is crap too, but most have the aluminium (or silver carbon if you have M sport).
 
I prefer the 6 pot, which is why I haven't been tempted to upgrade to the facelift models.

My 23i is nice, but now, all things considered, I wish I went for the 30i. But being as it was an ex demo, I went for what was available that had my preferred options.

When I upgrade, it'll be a toss between a 35i and the 35iS.
 
I had a 23 for a couple of years, then a 28 for the last year.

Not an awful load of difference, the 28 feels a tad livelier and better on economy.

As regards the Msport option, it's a must to me. It makes the difference between an average car and a sports car. Just do a A-B comparison through your local friendly dealer and you'll see!
 
sars said:
My first zed was a 2.5 Si and it seemed really quick, I test drove a 2.3 e89 with 19" wheels and almost went with a diesel TT because it was as quick but more comfortable. However sanity prevailed and I ended up with the 3.0 e89 on 17" wheels and it was a significant improvement. The 3.0 is one of the finest engine I've ever had, lots of low rev grunt can give, when desired a very easy drive which pulls well at 30 mph in 5th.

One of the reasons I did not get another was the 4 pot turbo, anytime someone advertises that they pipe fake sound through the speakers to make it sound better isn't off to a good start IMHO

3.0 M Sport :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

SARS - I love it when you talk like that. :wink:
 
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