Goodbye old friend, hello new one.

[IRD]

Sold my Silver 2.2 E85 to a friend in Malta. Still with me at the moment but being shipped in the next week or two. Really enjoyed this little car.

However returned from a visit to Gloucestershire with this.View attachment 2
Ray and Helen were really welcoming and I am delighted with my new purchase. Absolutely loved the three hour drive home.

 

[Mr Tidy]

Nice change OP - I do like Melbourne Red!

And is that a 3 series I see tucked away by the garage?

 

[IRD]

Thanks Mr T. Yes that is Betty the Beast. She is a 330d M Sport Touring, bought to accommodate the dogs. I know a lot of folk are not keen on the heavy oil but she is a great drive. Mind you I dread to think how much money I’ll lose when it comes to trade in time.

 

[jabber]

Very nice

 

[Marlon]

Lovey upgrade - both Z4s however, couldn't be more different :driving:

 

[Mr Tidy]

Thanks Mr T. Yes that is Betty the Beast. She is a 330d M Sport Touring, bought to accommodate the dogs. I know a lot of folk are not keen on the heavy oil but she is a great drive. Mind you I dread to think how much money I’ll lose when it comes to trade in time.

Nice. My daily is a 325i SE Touring - thankfully I just don't do enough miles to justify heavy oil!

 

[IRD]

Thanks guys. I am thrilled to bits. Found the car on the Forum and seller Ray was just the sort of person you expect to find on here. The whole purchasing process was a pleasure. I have been a member for just over a year now and have benefitted from all sorts of help as well as enjoying the many and varied posts. Keep up the good work.

 

[buzyg]

Very mod, enjoy. :driving:

 

[Johnr32]

...next question is will it fit in the garage? the e85 looks pretty tight as it is!

 

[enzed4]

Very nice But you didn't mention whattype of E89 it is (can't tell from the pics, other than it's not an M-sport version).
And I can't believe no-one's mentioned the ///M badge on the boot yet :fuelfire: :lol:

 

[IRD]

John, it will fit in the garage. The E85 was transferred to the portable garage and the new one safely housed in it’s new home last night. It is a tight fit but OK, just!
Enzed it is 3.5 is DCT and you’re right I did expect a bit of flack over the badges. There is one on the front too! I think they were fitted not long before the car was put up for sale. :evil:

 

[paullyjay]

Nice - I do love a fluted bonnet!!

It would be great to hear your thoughts on how the 85 and 89 compare...

 

[IRD]

Nice - I do love a fluted bonnet!!

It would be great to hear your thoughts on how the 85 and 89 compare...

Hi Paul

They are as different as chalk and cheese. There is such a difference generally between the E85 and the E89 anyway. The E85 is more of a traditional sports car, light and easy to place on the road. Although prefacelift cars can be affected by the well known ‘sticky steering’ issue which can spoil driving pleasure. The E89 feels more like a grand tourer and the quality of interior fittings is a big step up from the E86. There is more of a sense of occasion each time you get into it. There is more room too although boot space is compromised by the folding hard top. Now in my 70s I was looking for a bit more comfort. The adaptive suspension on the 3.5is gives a much smoother ride than my E85 did even though this one still has the dreaded runflats.
As you can imagine the difference in performance between an E85 2.2 and the E89 3.5iS is quite dramatic. Although you pay at the pumps if make use of that performance. The exhaust note is so addictive that it is very hard not to put your foot down. I am currently getting just un 30 mpg. Whereas in the 2.2 it was usually 35 plus. I really enjoyed my year with the E85 but would I swop back to it form my new car. Not a chance in hell! I just find any excuse to take the car out even to go shopping.

 

[paullyjay]

Nice - I do love a fluted bonnet!!

It would be great to hear your thoughts on how the 85 and 89 compare...

Hi Paul

They are as different as chalk and cheese. There is such a difference generally between the E85 and the E89 anyway. The E85 is more of a traditional sports car, light and easy to place on the road. Although prefacelift cars can be affected by the well known ‘sticky steering’ issue which can spoil driving pleasure. The E89 feels more like a grand tourer and the quality of interior fittings is a big step up from the E86. There is more of a sense of occasion each time you get into it. There is more room too although boot space is compromised by the folding hard top. Now in my 70s I was looking for a bit more comfort. The adaptive suspension on the 3.5is gives a much smoother ride than my E85 did even though this one still has the dreaded runflats.
As you can imagine the difference in performance between an E85 2.2 and the E89 3.5iS is quite dramatic. Although you pay at the pumps if make use of that performance. The exhaust note is so addictive that it is very hard not to put your foot down. I am currently getting just un 30 mpg. Whereas in the 2.2 it was usually 35 plus. I really enjoyed my year with the E85 but would I swop back to it form my new car. Not a chance in hell! I just find any excuse to take the car out even to go shopping.

Thanks for you reply! I like the sound of the e89 more and more and love the look of it.... One day!

Meanwhile - I pay at the pumps every week with mine - I'm running a 3.0 as a daily...

 

[Smartbear]

Nice - I do love a fluted bonnet!!

It would be great to hear your thoughts on how the 85 and 89 compare...

Hi Paul

They are as different as chalk and cheese. There is such a difference generally between the E85 and the E89 anyway. The E85 is more of a traditional sports car, light and easy to place on the road. Although prefacelift cars can be affected by the well known ‘sticky steering’ issue which can spoil driving pleasure. The E89 feels more like a grand tourer and the quality of interior fittings is a big step up from the E86. There is more of a sense of occasion each time you get into it. There is more room too although boot space is compromised by the folding hard top. Now in my 70s I was looking for a bit more comfort. The adaptive suspension on the 3.5is gives a much smoother ride than my E85 did even though this one still has the dreaded runflats.
As you can imagine the difference in performance between an E85 2.2 and the E89 3.5iS is quite dramatic. Although you pay at the pumps if make use of that performance. The exhaust note is so addictive that it is very hard not to put your foot down. I am currently getting just un 30 mpg. Whereas in the 2.2 it was usually 35 plus. I really enjoyed my year with the E85 but would I swop back to it form my new car. Not a chance in hell! I just find any excuse to take the car out even to go shopping.

Thanks for you reply! I like the sound of the e89 more and more and love the look of it.... One day!

Meanwhile - I pay at the pumps every week with mine - I'm running a 3.0 as a daily...

Hi, you should check out the 20i e89 if running costs are a factor-they can give give good mpg & also have a low tax banding
Rob