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

[Chris_D]

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?

I drove a z3 (2.8) years before i decided on buying a z4. It was a loner from a bmw dealer while my e36 coupe was in for a service II. I liked it. Ofc I took advantage and ragged the @rse out of it to see what it was capable of and even though it shares that questionable rear z axle from the E30 I thought it had bags of character. The E85 expands on that character both from a driving perspective and as a ‘roadster’ package which is why I chose to buy one over an E89.

 

[skelters]

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

The E85/86 is a 17 year old design now....

The e85 was actually designed in 1998 - 1999. With the design finalized in 2000 prior to being unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 2002.

2003 models were on sale late 2002 in USA.