Found one! ...Ruby Black roadster 3.0si manual

[green_ghost]

Update: Thanks for all the help on the search, finally found a lovely well cared for 3.0si Manual in Ruby Black. Already had to clean it! Looking forward to a post lock down meet up. Some things to to tidy up and fix, so will post over in the E85 section cheers Adam


Hi all,
Just signed up to the forum, and having a good read up on some of the posts in here - really helpful info
I'm looking to buy a Z4, not yet 100% fixed on the engine/spec options - and also a bit on the fence between the E85 / E89 models.
The pricing even considering it's winter is a bit wild at present, seen some really low priced E89 models come up.
However I do feel the itch for a E85 with the 3.0 engine (don't know why mid-life crisis? )- need to do some more reading up though on how this really stacks up to the other engine options. I'll keep an eye on the For Sale section and the usual spots, and hoping I can find one in time for some spring driving!
Cheers
Adam

 

[Smartbear]

Hi all,
Just signed up to the forum, and having a good read up on some of the posts in here - really helpful info
I'm looking to buy a Z4, not yet 100% fixed on the engine/spec options - and also a bit on the fence between the E85 / E89 models.
The pricing even considering it's winter is a bit wild at present, seen some really low priced E89 models come up.
However I do feel the itch for a E85 with the 3.0 engine (don't know why mid-life crisis? )- need to do some more reading up though on how this really stacks up to the other engine options. I'll keep an eye on the For Sale section and the usual spots, and hoping I can find one in time for some spring driving!
Cheers
Adam

Hi, it’s possible to buy an e89 with the same 3.0 n52 engine that’s used in the later e85 models
Rob

 

[Ole gits rule]

Hi Adam,

Welcome to the forum, e85 and e89 both great cars, e85 more of a drivers car, the e89 is a great cruiser which can be used as a drivers car.

The e89 is a more comfortable place to be with a better cabin - straight 6 engines sound great but the turbo cars have an appeal of their own but tend to be a little more expensive although the 18i can be remapped quite easily to increase power but spec can be miserly so a 20i maybe the best option from the 4 pots.

The e89 highline models throws in some extra toys, my msport variant has drive / PDC / lighting / storage etc.

The one important bit of kit is heated seats - really a blessing in the winter especially if you want to drive with the top down on crisp mornings.

Guess it all depends on wether or not the car will be a daily driver, if so then go for the e89 IMHO

Good luck with the search

 

[green_ghost]

Hi, it’s possible to buy an e89 with the same 3.0 n52 engine that’s used in the later e85 models
Rob

Hi Rob,
Thanks for quick feedback, some more reading up needed here for me - didn't know that

 

[green_ghost]

Hi Adam,

Welcome to the forum, e85 and e89 both great cars, e85 more of a drivers car, the e89 is a great cruiser which can be used as a drivers car.

The e89 is a more comfortable place to be with a better cabin - straight 6 engines sound great but the turbo cars have an appeal of their own but tend to be a little more expensive although the 18i can be remapped quite easily to increase power but spec can be miserly so a 20i maybe the best option from the 4 pots.

The e89 highline models throws in some extra toys, my msport variant has drive / PDC / lighting / storage etc.

The one important bit of kit is heated seats - really a blessing in the winter especially if you want to drive with the top down on crisp mornings.

Guess it all depends on wether or not the car will be a daily driver, if so then go for the e89 IMHO

Good luck with the search

Hi, Cheers for the info here, and quick help. It wouldn't be my daily drive (use either my Alfa 159 or the wife's X5, or in 10yrs my 924 resto :roll: ) - but that said - the points you made on the E89 are in my mind - particularly the cabin indeed is a very tempting place to be in. Pricing does come into it though - some superb E85 cars in the sold section I've looked at - really cherished, looked after and maintained - and quite below £5K which I think is brilliant value for money. Thinking time is needed.

 

[Ole gits rule]

I came from an Alf 939 spider (had three of them) into the Zed and they are different cars both with their plus and minus points.

The cabin is definitely a big plus - I also like the hardtop as I don't have a garage.

You are right but also some e89 appearing at £6k, Gwest44 has just bought one at around that price point (looks a decent car), they will start to rise in price in the next few weeks but still plenty available at £8k right now on Ebay.

 

[green_ghost]

Like the 939 Spider , plus the Brera S Prodrive was on the list before I had the 159.
I also had a 916 Alfa Spider, for about 8 yrs until last year but let it go - loved it and the styling - but wanted to focus on my Porsche 924 resto.
I wasn't planning changing my Alfa 159, but the wife sold a horsebox, picked up an older E53 3.0d X5 as a tow car for a horse trailer at Christmas- and suddenly all the family love the X5. Great car for the family, and a brilliant drive. So now we have a family car again, suddenly the chance to look at a not so practical car for me has turned up.
After a good look this afternoon, I think it's maybe a facelift E85 - 2.5si Sport or 3.0si Sport - the look/spec in these is great and the sports seats have sold it for me. But after dinner and a glass of wine - the E86 coupe is really growing on me as well - I'd better put the wine down!

 

[Ole gits rule]

The 939 is a cracking car as long as it is in petrol, the diesel is not that great - I love the Brera and 159 but we have two practical cars so wanted something fun.

The Is facelift seems a great car from what I have read - Good luck with the search

 

[buzyg]

Welcome to the forum. I always liked the 159, alas MrsG hated the off set number plate so Alfas were out.

The E85 is where the most fun is.. :wink:

 

[Nanu]

Welcome. As you will read each to their own. If you have an E85 you will hear they are the best, (A drivers car whatever they are) will often be quoted. If like me you have an e89, I will tell you they are the dogs B***ocks. I have driven both versions of the 3.0 engines, manual and auto and I know which I think is a "drivers" car. Others will no doubt differ.
Suggest if you get the chance before you buy anything is to drive both and as many engine variants as you can. You will soon find out which you like and which you don't. What toys you want and those you can do without. Then it will only depend on the depth of your pockets.
Good hunting

 

[Mr Tidy]

After a good look this afternoon, I think it's maybe a facelift E85 - 2.5si Sport or 3.0si Sport - the look/spec in these is great and the sports seats have sold it for me. But after dinner and a glass of wine - the E86 coupe is really growing on me as well - I'd better put the wine down!

First off welcome to the forum.

For me it could only be an E86 because I love how they look, but I realise others prefer to have the option of roof down driving.

I know what you mean about the wine influence - I think we've all been there. Carry on and you may well end up with a Z4M! :lol:

Whatever you decide I hope you find the right one, and don't forget we like to see photos.

 

[green_ghost]

Thanks everyone for the feedback, lots to think on - I'll keep an eye on the for sale section as well. Had a good search on the forum, lots of great content to be found

 

[mr.tourette]

Welcome buddy, im sure with a bit of research you will end up with a fine zed

 

[green_ghost]

So after much searching , I plan to take a look at this on Sat - I spotted a post that this may have come from a forum member?
3.0si Sport, with a detailed history. This is at 104K miles- any recommendations of items to look out for ?

 

[M340]

So after much searching , I plan to take a look at this on Sat - I spotted a post that this may have come from a forum member?
3.0si Sport, with a detailed history. This is at 104K miles- any recommendations of items to look out for ?
s-l1600.jpg

Not sure on that one mate. Go and have a look and report back as I’m curious! It’s popped up a few times on here and it’s hanging around...but good 3.0Si roadsters are like hens teeth and that ones cheap. think the guys here said they’ve seen a few Z4s for sale in front of that house? Might be fine though, just approach with caution.

The E89 is a great car - more refined, more of a cruiser, better interior, better long distance. Far more modern all round. As a daily, it’s going to be better. But depends what you’re looking for.

The E85/86 IMO are getting old enough now to hit modern classic status and prices appear to be firming up. But less refined and of course going to need a bit more love on the maintenance.

So horses for courses...

 

[green_ghost]

So after much searching , I plan to take a look at this on Sat - I spotted a post that this may have come from a forum member?
3.0si Sport, with a detailed history. This is at 104K miles- any recommendations of items to look out for ?
s-l1600.jpg

Not sure on that one mate. Go and have a look and report back as I’m curious! It’s popped up a few times on here and it’s hanging around...but good 3.0Si roadsters are like hens teeth and that ones cheap. think the guys here said they’ve seen a few Z4s for sale in front of that house? Might be fine though, just approach with caution.

The E89 is a great car - more refined, more of a cruiser, better interior, better long distance. Far more modern all round. As a daily, it’s going to be better. But depends what you’re looking for.

The E85/86 IMO are getting old enough now to hit modern classic status and prices appear to be firming up. But less refined and of course going to need a bit more love on the maintenance.

So horses for courses...

Thanks, good to have another view, and bear this in mind

 

[Chris_D]

So after much searching , I plan to take a look at this on Sat - I spotted a post that this may have come from a forum member?
3.0si Sport, with a detailed history. This is at 104K miles- any recommendations of items to look out for ?
s-l1600.jpg

Not sure on that one mate. Go and have a look and report back as I’m curious! It’s popped up a few times on here and it’s hanging around...but good 3.0Si roadsters are like hens teeth and that ones cheap. think the guys here said they’ve seen a few Z4s for sale in front of that house? Might be fine though, just approach with caution.

The E89 is a great car - more refined, more of a cruiser, better interior, better long distance. Far more modern all round. As a daily, it’s going to be better. But depends what you’re looking for.

The E85/86 IMO are getting old enough now to hit modern classic status and prices appear to be firming up. But less refined and of course going to need a bit more love on the maintenance.

So horses for courses...

I agree, but I think you're missing out on some important context.
I drove both models when I was looking as I was open to what I thought back then would be a newer/better model E89 and a step forward from the E85. It is, in most respects, a step forward but NOT in character.
The E85 is a roadster in the true sense and handles as such. The E89 has less of a 'roadster' character because of those step-change improvements in comfort, that naff metal folding roof, the fact that it feels like a much bigger car and also it's more feminine aesthetic and that's the reason I chose an E85 over an E89. They're like chalk and cheese in my opinion.
If a wanted to buy another Z4 I'd still choose an E85. The G29, while eminently capable is just another step in the wrong direction by BMW I'm afraid. Controversial to say around here maybe but it's just my POV.

But make sure you test both models with similar power and a manual gearbox.

 

[M340]

I agree, but I think you're missing out on some important context.

I think we’re saying the same thing?

The E85/86 is a 17 year old design now and the newest ones are 12 years old. Had one back then too...it’s ancient compared to modern standards and it’s a different ownership proposition.

The E89 shifted the Z4 away from Boxster and towards SLK. It’s a good car but not one I’d buy, as is the G29. BUT if someone is using it as their sole car, day in and day out, I can see the merits of something with a few more creature comforts.

 

[M340]

OP did you check it out? It’s back on eBay

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z4-3-0-SI-SPORT-MANUAL-265-bhp-/284170375707?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292

 

[Gwest44]

So after much searching , I plan to take a look at this on Sat - I spotted a post that this may have come from a forum member?
3.0si Sport, with a detailed history. This is at 104K miles- any recommendations of items to look out for ?
s-l1600.jpg

Not sure on that one mate. Go and have a look and report back as I’m curious! It’s popped up a few times on here and it’s hanging around...but good 3.0Si roadsters are like hens teeth and that ones cheap. think the guys here said they’ve seen a few Z4s for sale in front of that house? Might be fine though, just approach with caution.

The E89 is a great car - more refined, more of a cruiser, better interior, better long distance. Far more modern all round. As a daily, it’s going to be better. But depends what you’re looking for.

The E85/86 IMO are getting old enough now to hit modern classic status and prices appear to be firming up. But less refined and of course going to need a bit more love on the maintenance.

So horses for courses...

I agree, but I think you're missing out on some important context.
I drove both models when I was looking as I was open to what I thought back then would be a newer/better model E89 and a step forward from the E85. It is, in most respects, a step forward but NOT in character.
The E85 is a roadster in the true sense and handles as such. The E89 has less of a 'roadster' character because of those step-change improvements in comfort, that naff metal folding roof, the fact that it feels like a much bigger car and also it's more feminine aesthetic and that's the reason I chose an E85 over an E89. They're like chalk and cheese in my opinion.
If a wanted to buy another Z4 I'd still choose an E85. The G29, while eminently capable is just another step in the wrong direction by BMW I'm afraid. Controversial to say around here maybe but it's just my POV.

But make sure you test both models with similar power and a manual gearbox.

Out of interest did you compare the Z3 against the E85?