hi all, new lurker..

Scirl

Member
hi there,
Wanted to start a proper search for a Z4 e89 (but nervous about committing :)) .. Had a MX5 1.6 before, loved it, but didn't always miss having only 2 seats, however... I think I am having an early enough mid-life crisis and want something fun again :)

Trying to review to understand the pluses and minuses of the different models..

Hoping to go for a e89 convertible version, and seem to be looking towards the 28i model based on it seeming to be the quickest 4 cylinder 2 litre. Not sure if I should let costs prevent me from looking at the 23i or higher thou :) .. apart from that, I guess manual is the way to go?

I looked at an orion silver 30s and was a bit sorry to see it sold, but I wasn't mad about the colour. (in hindsight, now its gone, I realised I liked the colour :) ... so like most colours, but personally probably not looking for red, white or yellow).

maybe I'll update with a yellow 3.5 hardtop in a few months :)
 
Hi Scirl

Welcome.
Add a budget figure and the many sets of eyes here will I am sure assist and confuse you re choices. At the end of the day take all the advice and then purchase what YOU like.

:)
 
Welcome along. All E89s are convertible - they all have folding hardtops.
This may help with all the engine choices:
E89 stats.JPG
 
thanks both! that's for the chart also..
After posting I noticed I made mistake of saying 'hardtop' when the correct term should be 'coupe'...
("maybe I'll update with a yellow 3.5 'coupe' in a few months")

Budget about 11-12k I guess.
 
Hi and welcome :thumbsup: - as said; publish a wish list and budget and you might well be pointed towards something - possibly a known and cared for forum car.

E85 roadster
E86 Coupe
E89 folding hard top
 
Just in case there is any confusion as Crazy Harry points out the E89 has a folding hard top,
 

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Welcome to the madhouse! :thumbsup:

As others have said, which one you look for depends on budget and what you want from the car.

If you want the quickest 4 cylinder turbo then it's a 28i, but if you prefer to hear a naturally aspirated straight 6 then it's a 30i.

If you like the idea of maximum grunt and don't mind a turbo 6 then it's a 35i or 35is - but if it has to be manual it's 35i only.

Good luck finding the right one, and when you have don't forget we like photos. :lol:
 
Autotrader lists ‘m sport’ as a variant, alongside say 20i, 23i, etc. But a search there finds car with different horsepower. Is m sport a separate classification?
 
Welcome, check everything works then go for a run on a poor road surface ( won't be hard to find ) to check for rattles from roof and suspension noise. :driving:
 
Scirl said:
Autotrader lists ‘m sport’ as a variant, alongside say 20i, 23i, etc. But a search there finds car with different horsepower. Is m sport a separate classification?

Msport varients give you sports seats and slightly diffent front and rear styling plus msport suspension no extra power E89 that is
 
Welcome. Remember that once you've got all the advice, this is totally a heart over mind decision. Buy whatever floats your boat. And post loads of pictures. Quite a few cars that are advertised are known to this forum, so feel free to run anything by us. :driving:
 
thanks all !!
Regards the Mx5... well, they are nice, but the Z4 just seems nicer :) (I don't know much about the new one to be honest)..
Pics.. yes, if I get one for sure...
Two lovely looking cars above.. great wheels on the silver e85/6 and lovely red & white combo in the e89...
 
Hi Scirl Sent you a PM re my E89 I am getting close to selling check it out and let me know if interested.
 
I won't post a 'wanted' until I'm sure what I want, so not to waste anyone's time, but I think its a 28i

Would anyone think this is good, bad or indifferent?
https://www.kineticautosales.co.uk/used-cars/bmw-z4-2-0-28i-m-sport-sdrive-2dr-camberley-201810161550523
 
Scirl said:
I won't post a 'wanted' until I'm sure what I want, so not to waste anyone's time, but I think its a 28i

Would anyone think this is good, bad or indifferent?
https://www.kineticautosales.co.uk/used-cars/bmw-z4-2-0-28i-m-sport-sdrive-2dr-camberley-201810161550523

Hi seems like a good price for the spec, only thing is the relatively high mileage for a N20 engine...it’s well documented that the 6 pot engines generally go on forever...150k+ miles (give or take plugs, turbos, injectors, coils, fuel pumps, water pumps)..

Not sure the N20 has such a reputation, not that I’ve heard of many N20s breaking down..

One thing that will allow you to open up your search criteria is that for approx £400 you can re-map a 20I or 18i to match or exceed the BHP of the 28i.

Apart from a marginal change in front brake disc size 330mm vs 300mm that’s the only difference between a same age 28i and 20i, options spec excepted..
 
thanks Pbondar, that's interesting to hear about the re-mapping... so if you match the bhp, you can get more or less the same 0-60 speed in the 20i once re-mapped? That can increase then options I guess!

ps - what's a whippy?
 
Scirl said:
thanks Pbondar, that's interesting to hear about the re-mapping... so if you match the bhp, you can get more or less the same 0-60 speed in the 20i once re-mapped? That can increase then options I guess!

ps - what's a whippy?

The ariel / FM antenna

To predict your next question... a 'Stubby's' a short ariel about 10cm long
 
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