Hello all.... pondering an E89

[Wardy5]

Hi all - nice to be here.

The E89 recently came onto my radar, as I might fancy a change from my current weekend runabout (MX-5 Mk3.5 with the foldable roof). I like the practicality and all-year round use of a foldable top, plus the car lives outside. I'd be looking for a change mainly for something different under the bonnet, so I guess that leaves me with a manual 23i and 30i I'm thinking - budget won't stretch to a 35i / is

I'll continue to search the forum and try not to ask any daft questions, or those that have been asked before. On that note, are there any E89 buying guides on here, just so I'm sighted on any common issues?

Cheers,
Steve

 

[enuff_zed]

Welcome Steve, don't forget the N20 engines: 18i, 20i and 28i.
Only 4-pots so the sound isn't quite right, but all three are the same engine with different maps and can all achieve 260-280bhp with a little tweak.

 

[Wardy5]

Thanks. Main issue for discounting the 4-pots is I have one of those at the moment in the MX-5. So wanting something different.

Plus I daily an F31 330d, so would be quite nice to have a matching pair of 6s! One petrol, one diesel...

 

[Mr Tidy]

Welcome to the forum Steve.

I don't know if anyone has compiled a buyers guide for the E89, but I did find this thread about E89 problems:- https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=32132

It might be worth spending a bit of time looking through the E89 Problems pages too.

 

[Wardy5]

Thanks Mr Tidy. The Problems sub forum is where I've started

 

[buzyg]

Welcome to the forum Steve. Any pics of your Mx5. I love them to bits.

 

[Wardy5]

As you've asked.... I didn't want to court controversy by posting about alternative manufacturers!

It's been relatively well fettled, so I'm not afraid about making any mods & improvements....

2009 2.0 NC2/Mk3.5 facelift, originally SE spec.

Tein Flex Z coilovers, Proline UX100 wheels, decat manifold plus corresponding tune being the main bits.

 

[Nick177]

Don’t discount the 28i 4 pot N20. I’ve recently changed from a 6 pot 3.0si to a 28i. The 28i was designed to replace the 6 pots. It has more or less the same performance but with much better mpg. The only thing that’s missing is the sonorous 6 pot sound.

 

[tiglon]

Looks like a great car, I bet it's a lot of fun.

Having a straight six out front is a wonderful experience, but are you prepared for the very different handling attributes compared to the Mazda?

I would suggest budgeting for some chassis upgrades, especially if you go for an 23i/30i with SE suspension.

 

[Wardy5]

...The only thing that’s missing is the sonorous 6 pot sound.

That's the snag really. Tricky one, but I'm keeping all the engine options in the search at the moment!

 

[Wardy5]

Having a straight six out front is a wonderful experience, but are you prepared for the very different handling attributes compared to the Mazda?

I would suggest budgeting for some chassis upgrades, especially if you go for an 23i/30i with SE suspension.

Oh yes, that's part of the fun really - experiencing different approaches and setups.

As for upgrades, are there any particular favourites in the chassis/suspension departments? With previous BMs (and my current daily) I tend to change the setup anyway, even if it was an MSport. So a 'base spec/non MSport wouldn't be a particular negative for me. Plus they tend to come with smaller wheels which I tend to prefer.

 

[tiglon]

Having a straight six out front is a wonderful experience, but are you prepared for the very different handling attributes compared to the Mazda?

I would suggest budgeting for some chassis upgrades, especially if you go for an 23i/30i with SE suspension.

Oh yes, that's part of the fun really - experiencing different approaches and setups.

As for upgrades, are there any particular favourites in the chassis/suspension departments? With previous BMs (and my current daily) I tend to change the setup anyway, even if it was an MSport. So a 'base spec/non MSport wouldn't be a particular negative for me. Plus they tend to come with smaller wheels which I tend to prefer.

Bilstein B12 sound like the best value, but I didn't modify my 30i so I'm not the best person to advise.

The 4 pots are, objectively, better engines than the 6 pots. However, if you just wanted a more powerful 4 pot I suspect you'd take your MX5 to BBR instead, and keep the better handling.

 

[Wardy5]

Thanks, I hear what you're saying. I think I'll go test a few examples with the different engine options, and take it from there.

As for other MX-5 improvements, I don't really want to take it any further performance wise, which would be a turbo or supercharger upgrade. And I wouldn't goto BBR either, but that's a whole different story!

 

[Mr Tidy]

Thanks, I hear what you're saying. I think I'll go test a few examples with the different engine options, and take it from there.

That's probably the best starting point.

A straight 6 is one of the unique features of the Z4, but as I really wanted an E86 for how they look it was also the only engine option!

I know the 4 cylinder turbos have their fans though so there'd be no harm trying one.

 

[Wardy5]

Having now tried examples of both the 20i and 23i, I don't think I'm any further forward :lol:

As I like different characteristics of both the 23i (noise, responsiveness, smoothness). I thought the 20i drove well with a good turbo response and a good torquey delivery, with better economy and the lower tax band. I also tend to modify my cars, so the potential to add some performance to the 20i easily didn't pass me by!

On the N20 engines, would you say it's a good idea to have the chain tensioners replaced as a matter of course? Good preventative maintenance?

Cheers,
Steve

 

[Pondrew]

Having now tried examples of both the 20i and 23i, I don't think I'm any further forward :lol:

As I like different characteristics of both the 23i (noise, responsiveness, smoothness). I thought the 20i drove well with a good turbo response and a good torquey delivery, with better economy and the lower tax band. I also tend to modify my cars, so the potential to add some performance to the 20i easily didn't pass me by!

On the N20 engines, would you say it's a good idea to have the chain tensioners replaced as a matter of course? Good preventative maintenance?

Cheers,
Steve

The N20 (18, 20 or 28) with a cheap and simple remap really does transform the car into a quick and powerful thing.
The 23i and 30i may be good but there is nowhere to go really with the n/a N52 engines so you get what you get.

Just be aware that the E89 is not an equivalent of an MX5. Much more of a cruiser than a 'sportscar'.

As for the infamous cam chain debate....nearly as many opinions as which tyres are best! :lol:

 

[Wardy5]

Thanks for the input - plenty to continue to ponder!

Oh yes, as mentioned above, I'm not expecting it to directly replace the '5 from a driving perspective.

The tyre comment gives me some great context, thank-you - enough said :wink:

 

[warmasice]

As others have said, a remapped 20i (or any 4 pot) will bring a huge smile to your face. You won't be wishing for more power or torque as you'll have plenty.