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Hi from potential new E89 owner

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AnotherJason

Member
Hi Folks

Im looking to buy my first roadster over this winter and I'm leaning quite heavily towards an E89. I'm here to do my research and hone in on a spec that's right for me. Im a reformed car nut that's fallen off the wagon again. I'm in my late 40's and got other cars for the day to day duties. Im after something for Sunday mornings, events and road trips. (i've no interest in doing more trackdays). i think a manual 3.0l might be a good bet. i'm telling myself that i won't modify it, but strangely that never seems to be the case for long.

Thanks in advance for your help with questions
Jason
 
Hi Jason, I’m on my 2nd E89. They are great cars. They have both been 3.5i versions. my first one was DCT and now I have a manual. I personally prefer the manual for the Sunday morning blasts but they are quite rare in the 3.5i variant as most have the DCT gearbox. I think there should be a few more manual 3L out there. What’s your budget?
 
thanks John, I'm telling myself no point spending over £10k for something that won't get a huge amount of use. after a couple of days of scouring auto trader, i'm starting to realise that it might be a bit of a wait to find the right car as a manual, but that's non negotiable. the choice is quite slim for 3.0l and 3.5i. I'm getting seriously tempted by the Havana brown colour, so not impossible i would end up in a nice 2.5. Would be interested to know how different they drive in the real world. My gut is telling me to leave aside a couple of grand for new suspension bushes / dampers, and a bit of TLC
 
Welcome to the forum Jason. :thumbsup:

I've had the 3 litre N52 engine that the 30i models have and it's a real gem. So good I now have a manual 330i daily with the same engine!

The only issues they tend to frequently suffer from are oil leaks from the cam-cover and oil filter housing gaskets and an electric water pump that will at some point die, causing overheating within a mile. New ones aren't cheap at around £300, but if it hasn't been replaced some owners fit a new one to avoid being stranded as it always happens at an inconvenient time!

The 23i has the same engine just as a smaller 2.5 version, but I think the 35i also has an electric water pump and they can suffer from injector, high pressure fuel pump and turbo issues as well.

There don't seem to be many 30i or manual 35i cars around though.

Some 35i cars had the optional adaptive suspension that seems to be expensive to replace so you might want to avoid those, but given that most early E89s are getting on a bit now age a suspension refresh and 4 wheel alignment would probably feel like a big improvement.

Anyway good luck tracking down the right one.
 
A1669439-B7B5-41DC-9D53-22EEE56E6D84.jpegMy first E89 was in Havana Brown. I loved that colour. I sold it to my friend who still has the car. It was a very high spec model and even had a TV function which is extremely rare in these cars
 
Mr Tidy said:
Pondrew said:
Thought about religion?
More reliable than any BMW and just as quick to take your money!
Click to expand...

Not much fun though! :(
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Being a devout atheist, I would agree. But, as they say, don't knock it 'till you've tried it. I went to church once, but burst into flames so haven't been back.
 
Welcome and good luck with your search.
We've had a e89 for over 3 years and it's been fabulous without any issues, BUT...my personal opinion is any convertible should be garaged or protected from the rain especially in old age to help prevent moisture related issues.
 
TOMGREEN413 said:
Welcome and good luck with your search.
We've had a e89 for over 3 years and it's been fabulous without any issues, BUT...my personal opinion is any convertible should be garaged or protected from the rain especially in old age to help prevent moisture related issues.
Click to expand...

Thanks Tom.
It won't be garaged unfortunately, but will get a good car cover at least inbetween uses. spent 2 weeks staring at auto trader and getting very itchy trigger fingers, but need to hold on for the right spec to pop up
 
If your able to hold out, it is worth it. Took me 4 month's to find the right colour and spec'
Well worth it as has been a goodun the last 5 years. Travelled 250 Mile's to pick it up also, unseen. 8)
 
N4LLY said:
If your able to hold out, it is worth it. Took me 4 month's to find the right colour and spec'
Well worth it as has been a goodun the last 5 years. Travelled 250 Mile's to pick it up also, unseen. 8)
Click to expand...

i have been tempted by a Valencia orange car i might go to look at. I think it looks great, but its the polar opposite of the much more conservative or subtle spec i was originally thinking was more appropriate. i'm guessing you get a lot of attention in your Valencia car?
 
AnotherJason said:
N4LLY said:
If your able to hold out, it is worth it. Took me 4 month's to find the right colour and spec'
Well worth it as has been a goodun the last 5 years. Travelled 250 Mile's to pick it up also, unseen. 8)
Click to expand...

i have been tempted by a Valencia orange car i might go to look at. I think it looks great, but its the polar opposite of the much more conservative or subtle spec i was originally thinking was more appropriate. i'm guessing you get a lot of attention in your Valencia car?
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I too have a VO one. I'm quite the opposite tbh; would not want a conservative roadster; but each to their own. That said, mine only seems to get attention from me, as I keep looking back at it. :D
 
TOMGREEN413 said:
Good luck looking, definitely b worth the wait......why colour n spec are you looking for?
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SO....Havana Brown, Black Leather, 3.0 Manual, Non M Sport
I really like the Havana Brown, but it seems that its almost exclusively with the 2.5L motor and white / cream interior. i will probably have more luck with 2nd choice Grey
 
AnotherJason said:
SO....Havana Brown, Black Leather, 3.0 Manual, Non M Sport
I really like the Havana Brown, but it seems that its almost exclusively with the 2.5L motor and white / cream interior. i will probably have more luck with 2nd choice Grey
Click to expand...
I think they dropped Havana quite early on (as no-one bought them cos they are BROWN). Allegros should be brown, not E89s! :wink:
VO is a great colour, but then white suits the E89 extremely well IMHO, as it really shows off the swage lines. Deep Sea Blue is also a really nice colour when clean.

Parking sensors (factory), heated seats and cruise are desirable options and will help it's resale value. If you want an SE spec try and find one with M-sport seats, as they are much comfier.
 
Welcome to the forum, a lot of knowledgeable people here (I am NOT one of them).

I am also looking for my first Z and hopefully I have found it. Looking at at a 35i today which will hopefully be coming home with me. Definitely do not rush, it's difficult bit to as you see all these for sale, but definitely look for the exact spec you want before committing.
 
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