I thought I was done but...

[coldel]

...having sold my second E85/86 looking for the next ownership experience I have gone round the houses and ended up with a Z4 in my shortlist!

I have a few other cars in mind such as a 987 Porsche, possibly a 650i, or something a bit left field and french like an RCZ R or Megane 250 Cup. But I do think the E89 would be a different ownership experience to the E85 and E86 that came before it. But I am back to novice levels of knowledge again.

I am browsing the How to list, but cannot locate a buyers guide unfortunately.

One of the questions is do I go for a 4 pot or 6 pot i.e. an 18/20/28i or the 35i.

From what I can see the 2.0 litre is an identical engine across the three, but the remap options on them show different outcomes in terms of peak power, which seems odd. And even odder that BMW could charge significantly more for a car which the only difference is a map and some bigger brakes

Or do I go for a leggier 35i? I got the budget for one, but its obviously a smaller purchase group size vs the 2 litre which has 100+ cars in my price range.

Thoughts?

 

[B21]

The eternal question!-

On the 18i/20i/28i the re-maps depend on who is doing it, how they do it, how close to the edge they want to push it..

All 3 engines are identical..but..the DME version is different in each case which governs the base power..

Later N20 had an electronic controlled waste gate (EWG) rather than pneumatic (PWG) and I think at the same time had the uprated HPFP that gave more headroom when tuning..so later ones could generate more power /torque than earlier ones more safely..

If going for strong numbers a properly logged dyno tune is prudent.

35i is a different animal..however a well tuned 20i would show a clean pair of heels on a country road to a stock 35i

Obviously a 35i can be seriously tuned..

Very different creatures..

I miss my tuned 20i..it was a very comfortable and capable car without the fuss, expense and drama of the N54..

We do lots of multi day runs here with tuned N20s and 35i etc plus the 23i and others so on the one hand they are all E89s, on the other and very different characteristics

 

[coldel]

Thanks man, yes all makes sense. I am not chasing numbers, I would literally add a map as well because you can and its pound for pound a great way to add performance. I do still enjoy the shove in the back grand prix traffic light as much as the next person lol

 

[coldel]

Must admit, I am attracted to the DCT in the 35i, living in London it would be a godsend!

 

[B21]

Must admit, I am attracted to the DCT in the 35i, living in London it would be a godsend!

IMHO the stock ZF8HP auto box on the N20 is a better box than the DCT stock on the N54..with some s/w mods the DCT box is better than it was stock but for everyday use the Zf8HP is great...easpecially in traffic..

 

[B21]

Thanks man, yes all makes sense. I am not chasing numbers, I would literally add a map as well because you can and its pound for pound a great way to add performance. I do still enjoy the shove in the back grand prix traffic light as much as the next person lol

A decent re-map transforms the N20...given that warranties are now largely irrelevant on N20 E89s the only issue IMHO is the insurance one...

Even a 28i would benefit from a re-map..

 

[Nictrix]

Don't forget that there are 2 engines that you haven't mentioned that kinda slot between the 2.0 litre 4 pots and the 3.0 litre turbo , the 23i and 30i which are 2.5 litre and 3.0 litre 6 cylinder engines without turbos.

 

[Beerman]

You were looking for an RCZ R before. Good ones are even thinner on the ground now.

The E89 has the retractable roof which sets it apart, but it's nowhere near as good to drive as the RCZ R or Megane.

 

[buzyg]

I love much about the RCZ R. Looks good goes well. Not practical for the tip run or fun on a sunny day at 40mph on the moors though. Maybe as a third car it works.

 

[Beerman]

I love much about the RCZ R. Looks good goes well. Not practical for the tip run or fun on a sunny day at 40mph on the moors though. Maybe as a third car it works.

The R actually has quite a big boot.

I'd also guarantee it would surprise most people just how fast and fun they are on the road.

The cost of the Alcon brakes is eye-watering.

 

[Pondrew]

The cost of the Alcon brakes is eye-watering.

The reason why I discounted a 308 GTi a while ago. That was a very poor choice by Peugeot IMO. They are stupid money to replace.
They are Peugeots not Lambos. :roll:

 

[coldel]

I heard that they were working with Godspeed on the forum to try and get replicas made up cheaper. No idea how that went.
But yes, stupid decision, over engineered for what the car needed.

 

[Beerman]

The cost of the Alcon brakes is eye-watering.

The reason why I discounted a 308 GTi a while ago. That was a very poor choice by Peugeot IMO. They are stupid money to replace.
They are Peugeots not Lambos. :roll:

They are brilliant brakes though. I rebuilt my calipers with stainless pistons and put blue stuff pads in my RCZ R. You are into serious cars before the braking performance is matched.

Pick the wrong R and the brake costs are huge.

"Cheap" discs are £600 and genuine discs are over £1000. The pistons seize in the caliper. If you don't replace them and force them back into the caliper they will seize.

Discs, pads and calipers could be a £3000 bill.

 

[coldel]

Its why a few 60k milers are up for sale now at knock down prices, as the brakes are too expensive to replace.

Again ridiculous decision, I have owned faster cars with less braking and they stopped very well for what was needed.

 

[Beerman]

Its why a few 60k milers are up for sale now at knock down prices, as the brakes are too expensive to replace.

Again ridiculous decision, I have owned faster cars with less braking and they stopped very well for what was needed.

I think there is only one R up for sale at the moment and if is a Cat S write off. It is also badly repaired with the wrong parts.

I agree it is what puts people off. It is also why most go up for sale. The bill is too big when you buy the wrong car or don't address the pistons after the first set of pads.

If you are able to do the maintenance yourself at the right time then only the discs are expensive.

With the brakes and the LSD they are quick cars. Quicker than people realise.

 

[buzyg]

I love much about the RCZ R. Looks good goes well. Not practical for the tip run or fun on a sunny day at 40mph on the moors though. Maybe as a third car it works.

The R actually has quite a big boot.

I'd also guarantee it would surprise most people just how fast and fun they are on the road.

The cost of the Alcon brakes is eye-watering.

Think you mist my point. There is a 40mph speed limit on Dartmoor, on fantastic open roads. So you need a car that is slow and fun. :driving:

 

[Mr Tidy]

Discs, pads and calipers could be a £3000 bill.

Well that makes me feel a bit better after paying about £1,200 for new front discs, calipers and pads on my MC!

 

[coldel]

It is a shame because they look brilliant and Peugeot properly nailed what a FWD car should drive like.
Wish they made more than 300 of them for the UK!

I was looking at 987.2 Caymans last night

 

[Hb1]

The 987.2 is a peach. I would love another! The .2 has a nicer interior and is lovely to drive.

Photo of mine below.

 

[coldel]

Yes, I appreciate that IMS RMS BS can all be rectified on the 987.1 but feels a better package overall with the 987.2