How's the 2.0l engine?

M

morganswift

Member
Hi there

Just after some advice really.

I had an E85 2.2l back in 2003 and then a E89 in 2009 - both new (well the E89 was an ex-demonstrator) and loved them both. Circumstances meant I had to hand the E89 back to BMW - a dark, dark day :) - and then I got something more 'sensible'.

But I do miss the Z4 so I'm thinking of buying another one - an older one and have a modest budget. Prices seem quite high? Are they going up? Never looked at the 2.0l model E85 before. There seem to be a lot of those available in good condition with lower mileage. How do people find them? Is the lower bhp balanced out by the lighter weight?

Cheers
Alex
 
I had a 2.0 and no, the lower bhp isn't balanced out by the lighter weight. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the car, and its poise and balance on twisty country lanes was fabulous. However, for me 150 bhp made it woefully underpowered. I've seen no evidence of prices on the rise - quite the opposite really, and now is a good time to buy. There are certainly a lot of 2 litres out there, but you should give some thought to the 3.0 6 cylinder. I don't know your budget but 4 to 5 k will get you an early 3.0i - the same budget will obviously get you a lower mileage 2.0
 
Not driven one but I would expect it to just have to be worked harder. Around 8 secs to 60 isn't massively quick but it's not terribly slow either.

I like to have power in reserve but used in anger you're in ban territory in 4th...
Why not test drive one and see for yourself?

My only concern would be some of the common issues the 4 pots seem to have.
 
I've never driven the 2.0 but I find my 2.2 hugely underpowered unfortunately. My x1 18d is far more powerful and faster.

That said it depends entirely on what you want out of a car. If you want speed an power then it's probably not for you, however if you're wanting it for the looks then it's a very able engine
 
Hmm. Thanks, that's really helpful. I did like the burble of the straight six. I'm sure the 2.0 is eager but I suspect I may be disappointed.

I remember thinking the 23i E89 automatic seemed a lot faster than the 2.2 E85 but not sure the figures would bear that out. A lot of it is perception I guess.

Also looking at the 3.0 coupe but wonder whether I'd miss the drop top.

Thanks again :)
 
morganswift said:
Hmm. Thanks, that's really helpful. I did like the burble of the straight six. I'm sure the 2.0 is eager but I suspect I may be disappointed.

I remember thinking the 23i E89 automatic seemed a lot faster than the 2.2 E85 but not sure the figures would bear that out. A lot of it is perception I guess.

Also looking at the 3.0 coupe but wonder whether I'd miss the drop top.

Thanks again :)
Click to expand...

2.2 E85 167 bhp
23i E89 201 bhp
 
Ha ha - well that would explain why it felt faster - though some of that bhp would be needed to lug around that roof. Gawd, I miss that car :D
 
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