My biggest regret...

[Anonymous]

Was selling my 2.2 SE e85 and trading up to a 30i e89

It was with the best of intentions that I sold my little zed and bought a fancy newer model instead but after a few weeks ownership i can't say it was a good move.

In comparison the e89 is soulless, has no character and is just a bit boring really. If I had the option to get my old car back I totally would.

My advice - don't do it!

Before:


After:

 

[ph001]

You wouldn't be the first to say that. The E89 is a lot more refined and some people find that makes it fairly uninteresting to drive in comparison to the much rawer E85.

BTW...the E85 looks lovely there!

 

[Smartbear]

Hi, you’ve got an e89 with more power than your previous e85 & they’re known for having more refinement.
What makes you say it has no character? Yours even has the much lamented n52 motive force :?
Is your new car an auto or a manual?
Rob

 

[Marlon]

. . .

BTW...the E85 looks lovely there!

Thats helping

 

[Trav]

The 3.0ltr will just make the way you drove before seem effortless. The new motor looks great. Give it a bit more 'spirited driving' in the spring and see if you have the same opinion then. You are probably missing the fact you won't feel the need to go and tinker with it.

 

[Wildfire]

I have to say a similar thing on a few occasions with vehicles. I wonder whether it's becasue the "jump" isn't as big.

I had a TVR S3, I went everywhere in it. All year. After 20k and 2 years I traded up to a modified Griffith (which I've had for around 15 years now) but it never gave me the same bang. I do think it's becasue it is more refined and you don't have to work the car as much to get the power, even though the bhp increase was the same. I went from a 85bhp Mini to a 170bhp S3 to the 270bhp Griff, it never felt as big a jump.

I've had similar with bikes. Nothing has been as good for me as moving to my 57 ZX6-R. Even though my MV is much modified.

Or maybe it's because you got tho something more expenisve and you baby it a bit more?

I do consider chopping the E86 in for an 89 as a daily, but do worry I'll miss it unless I get a 35is and I can't afford that!

Nice E85 though. Love the wheels.

 

[Anonymous]

You are probably missing the fact you won't feel the need to go and tinker with it.

This is definitely a big part of it, and also you're right about it feeling effortless now.

I think I miss the creaks and squeaks and the little oil drips. I've got a new family car so having the e85 as a toy to work on and play with was definitely a big part of the draw. Now I've got 2 solid cars that don't really require any attention.

The e89 is like a comfy pillow, but I'd rather be out in the cold enjoying the banter

 

[Smartbear]

You are probably missing the fact you won't feel the need to go and tinker with it.

This is definitely a big part of it, and also you're right about it feeling effortless now.

I think I miss the creaks and squeaks and the little oil drips. I've got a new family car so having the e85 as a toy to work on and play with was definitely a big part of the draw. Now I've got 2 solid cars that don't really require any attention.

I’ve got your solution, keep the e89 for another decade or so and when it starts to creak & squeak and develop oil leaks it will give you something to do
Rob

 

[MACK]

With E85s, especially the smaller engined cars like the 2.2 being ridiculously cheap for what you get these days, is there any possibility of buying another as a weekend car and having the E89 as the daily etc?

I've been doing a 2.5 mile commute recently so have forgone the company car and pocketed the cash, instead using the E85. I have to admit on a rainy dark wintery morning the E85 does feel a bit hardcore and at times you do ask yourself the question about getting something more comfy. But that said just one decent wintery sunny day with the roof down (even on the short commute) and any notion of chopping it vanishes. I know if I did swap it for say an E89 what I'd gain on a crappy day would be more than offset by what I'd loose on a good day.

 

[road warrior]

its strange isnt it, i have gone from a 2.0 to a 3.0 and the 2 felt cheeky and loud, and the 3 feels heavier and lardy arsed, an old style bruiser with bumps, and a creamy engine to die for.. hmm ok.. the creamy bruiser wins then.. but i am very still fond of my 2.0. which i still have cus i wouldnt give away a perfect zed moneywise at this time of year.

 

[IRD]

Was selling my 2.2 SE e85 and trading up to a 30i e89

It was with the best of intentions that I sold my little zed and bought a fancy newer model instead but after a few weeks ownership i can't say it was a good move.

In comparison the e89 is soulless, has no character and is just a bit boring really. If I had the option to get my old car back I totally would.

My advice - don't do it!

Before:
IMG_20180516_194714.jpg

After:
IMG_20181006_182305.jpg

I made a similar change from a 2.2 E85 to 3.5is back at the end of July. You’re right they are two completely different beasts. I did have some experience of owning an E89 previously. Back in 2010 I had a 2.3 MSport so I knew what to expect to some degree. The E89 is much the more comfortable of the two cars and really is a ‘GT’. Mine is is the twin clutch auto and I love it. Having said that I am an old bloke at 74 so what I want now is quite different to what I wanted in my younger days. I think too that when we look back we sometimes look through rose tinted spectacles forgetting whatever short comings existed. For instance, my car had the ‘sticky steering’ problem which I partly managed to resolve but not completely and it really detracted from my driving pleasure. Think of the enhanced comfort and better security and the increase in power which the E89 offers.It must be noticeable. However, if you are like me, once I have made my mind up I don’t like a car it doesn’t usually change. Give it a fair chance but if you don’t change your mind sell it next Spring and put it down to experience.

 

[LittleZ4]

I have to admit I took a 35i out for a spin and didn't find it as exciting. For sure it took off quicker than my e85, but there just wasn't the same level of fun involved in it. Probably partly down to it being a more refined car.

 

[Phoenixboy]

It’s definitely a more refined car.
I did a similar change from a 2.5 e85 to a 30i.
But I love the car.
The sheer grunt makes me smile, and going from an auto back to a manual makes it more involving and suits me as it’s a fun car rather than a daily.
The m sports seats make it much more comfortable.
Whilst I agree it’s effortless power, it just makes me giggle, and in sport it’s just so responsive.
It certainly draws plenty of attention, and the exhaust note under hard acceleration is awesome.
I suppose for me it’s been a learning curve, as I hadn’t driven a manual car in 4 years, so being in control of the revs is something I was not used to.
I know for a fact it has a lot more power available than I am currently using, but I explore it more every time I go out.
The engine can easily make you lazy and short shift, but you know it’s there if you need it or just fancy giving it some boot.
I love the fact it’s two cars in one.
Whilst I loved the 85, I love the benefits of it becoming a virtual coupe when the roof is up.
It also adds to the experience, because I normally only drive it twice a week, so I look forward to driving her.
It’s a lot of fun on steep hills, as it reminds me of my bikes in that you’re just pulling harder as you accelerate, rather than reaching the limits as you would on a less powerful engine.
Bring on next summer, as I only caught the tail end of the good weather this year

 

[Simon 3.2M]

Simple solution really: give it time and "drive" it!! If it still doesn't work, sell it and go back to an E85. Or failing that just buy and M!!

 

[buzyg]

Simple solution really: give it time and "drive" it!! If it still doesn't work, sell it and go back to an E85. Or failing that just buy and M!!

Sound advise. Though worth noting it is also a completely different car, to. either the standard E85/86 or any E89. :wink:

 

[Simon 3.2M]

Simple solution really: give it time and "drive" it!! If it still doesn't work, sell it and go back to an E85. Or failing that just buy and M!!

Sound advise. Though worth noting it is also a completely different car, to. either the standard E85/86 or any E89. :wink:

Exactly - the best of both worlds really and a true road rocket!!

 

[buzyg]

Simple solution really: give it time and "drive" it!! If it still doesn't work, sell it and go back to an E85. Or failing that just buy and M!!

Sound advise. Though worth noting it is also a completely different car, to. either the standard E85/86 or any E89. :wink:

Exactly - the best of both worlds really and a true road rocket!!

All sports cars this side of an Atom V8 are a compromise. Just a question of where individuals draw the line.

 

[john-e89]

You could sharpen the E89 up a bit, Eibach anti roll bars, adjustable drop links and some M3 tie bars, or go the full monty with a set of KWV3’s tuned to your liking. You’ll never have the small feeling throw it around car that the E85 is but there’s more of a car in the E89 than standard.

 

[Jembo]

Had a go in an E89 3.5is, certainly fast though I didn’t feel it had the confidence of my old 3.0... so instead I went for the one which’ll try to kill you if you’re stupid.

No regrets

 

[skelters]

Years ago I was the same 2 hours after I bought an iPhone. Realised the OS was designed by and for children and very limited compared to Android. Regretted it for two years of the contract and got shot of it early.

Maybe it's too girly for you. After all the E89 was designed by women for women after all!

Bin it and get another E85 with a bigger engine that the 2.2 you had. 2.5 SI or 3.0 SI. Z4MR?

Is it that you need to go to Specsavers as you may have eye issues if you thought it was a good looking car to begin with.

Have the neighbours complained about you lowering the tone with the clunking roof monstrosity lying around?