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E89 owners... was there any particular reason not going for an E85?

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eBrooker

Member
Wondering whether there's any specific reasons or a common theme why E89 owners opted not to get an E85... was there any particular reason why you did not go for an E85? Was it just the hard top vs soft top... or something else?
 
My last zed was an e85. I've always loved the look of an e89, so that's why I went for one this time round.
 
I remember seeing an E89 for the first time just after the launch and stopping to look at it drive past, beautiful car. There are not too many convertibles that look good with the roof down or up, now 16 years old these cars still look modern and fresh. When the G29 came out I thought what an ugly car, BMW couldn't improve on the E89 and I loved mine. I now have a G29, maybe my tastes have changed as I've got older but there's something about the more brutalist design that really appeals.
 
eBrooker said:
Wondering whether there's any specific reasons or a common theme why E89 owners opted not to get an E85... was there any particular reason why you did not go for an E85? Was it just the hard top vs soft top... or something else?
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I think both look fantastic, but there is just something about the E89 that hits all the right notes for me. That, and the 3L twin-turbo sitting up front, yeah, that probably helped make the decision. :wink:
 
Pondrew the E85 is not 'fugly' it is 'charming' whereas the E89 is too 'nice' and although it was to 'die for' when it came out, it is now a bit of boring looking car with an overly long bonnet. :poke: Plus that metal roof is a pig and expensive to sort out. However as always it's only my opinion and each to their own. The E85 is a roadster and is quite crashy over bumps, the E89 is more comfy but when I test drove one I came away thinking it was just a 2 seater saloon car with a hopelessly small boot. Plus I wanted the M54 engine with a dipstick. :thumbsup:
 
Always liked the E89 over the e85. I do love an E86 though but wanted a convertible as my Z3 was in hospital (since survived). Ideally I would have a E86 and either a Z3 or E89.
 
When I started looking for a ‘toy’ my first test drive was in an E85 being a well nourished tele tubby I just found the cockpit too tight for me..

The E89 seems to be that bit roomier as a cockpit..

The E85s are a bit more analogue than the E89s..no bad thing necessarily

Although they ride differently their A-B capability or track pace is very similar…the G29 is much better in both aspects..

Obviously E85s are now ageing and seem to need some fettling with that..

The E89 roof is fiendishly complex and post purchase a few people rue that

I spend a lot of time in mixed company trips with E85s /E86 /E89 / G29 and they all rub along fine..

The G29 stands out as it’s much more capable and competent ..but it’s bigger and styling opinions are more polarised..

Each to their own..
 
As stated by others; each to their own. I guess for some age/miles will support an 89. And whilst it carries the same badge, it’s a completely different design (not least being two cars - 85&86 - in one)

For those interested, the 89 gets a ‘living with’ spread in the July/Aug edition 35 of Classic.Retro.Modern… in all good newsagents (and to buy online) shortly 😉
 
It’s the looks of a E89 that did it me both inside and out. Yes the roof problems have been a costly frustration (I thought a brand new soft top on my previous Mk1 MX5 was expensive at the time) but I’m still happy.
 
I traded up from an E85 because the E85 was too small for me. I wanted more room and comfort. I think the E89 is better looking too.
 
I have had two E85s and am on my second E89 now. They are just totally different beasts. The E85 is generally lighter and more nimble. The driving experience is more primitive in my opinion. The suspension is very firm and poor road surfaces make your teeth rattle. The E89 was a step forward in looks and comfort but is more of a a GT cruiser. My first one was the 3.5is which was great in a straight line but the big heavy engine made handling less enjoyable on twisty roads. I now have a re-mapped 2 litre which I bought from Pondrew. It handles much better than the 3.5is but I really do miss that lovely growl from the straight six engine when you start it up.
Another factor in choosing, I think, is age. As we grow older many of us look for a little more comfort and it becomes a higher priority.
 
E85 is much smaller in the cabin, and I'm 6'2 and not built for speed :wink: so an E89 it was. Saying that the G29 is a step up to both :poke: :rofl:
 
Leaving aside any driving differences, E89 has a much better interior, better hood up / winter driving capability and wider selection of engines. Main downsides of E89, increased complexity and potential costs to rectify, still crashy ride, more complex engines may need more maintenance
 
I think they are both great cars but I prefer the looks of the E89 over the E85 and I love the versatility the folding metal roof affords and the quality and comfort of the interior.

Another big draw for me is value and although there are still plenty of bargains available across the range, as the cars age value tends to erode with good examples commanding a premium. At the moment I think the sweet spot is definitely the E89 :thumbsup:

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