Newbie questions, potential buyer - advice on my usage case for the Z4

[Jolltax]

Hi guys,

Full confession - although I have been lurking here for quite a while I am still only a potential owner. I am also a man in his mid-fifties! I am considering an e89 35is as a way of combining my mid-life crisis with a bit of functionality ....

I have a job which requires frequent travel to and from airports and was hoping to buy a car which combines a bit of fun but is also a capable motorway cruiser, is happy sitting in an airport car park for periods of up to 2 weeks at a time and with a boot which will accommodate a small amount of luggage. I have another car to use as a load-lugger and family vehicle, a Tesla Model S, the wife has basically claimed it as her own so I need another car for my airport travel and personal use as I won't get it back!

I am thinking an e89 35is might fit the bill very well as I think the hard top means its probably going to live OK outside and from what I have read it makes a reasonable cruiser on the motorway. I have looked at the G29, really like the car, but I feel like as a soft top it works less well sat for long periods outside, what do you think?

I would love some feedback, how do you find the e89 on the motorway, do you think it makes a reasonable long distance car?

• Based on your experience do you think it would a good choice for my usage case?

• How well does a soft-top survive outside, year-round in the UK

• With the adaptive suspension in "comfort" mode is it going to be too hard for my old bones ?

Many thanks ,

Jolltax

 

[Smartbear]

Hi, an e89 will be fine for your needs.
If you take the runflat tyres off, it will be even finer
Rob

 

[RustyZ4]

Hi Jolltax
I currently own a 28i E89, but was the proud owner of an E85, which still sits on my drive, but now in the sons hands, in terms of both cars sat outside, yes both will be fine, but the soft top does obviously take more looking after, green mould being the most obvious issue.
As a motorway cruiser the E89 its great, very relaxed, as to the comfort mode, I too am in my fifties, and it fine especially if you are running on non run flat tyres

 

[Silverstar]

Having driven my E89 long distance across continents I would say that it is a very relaxed long distance cruiser. For a more comfortable ride choose a standard model (not M Sport) with 18" wheels and ditch the run flats. This is what I have and I have no complaints about the ride comfort. Before I bought mine I test drove an M Sport model with 19" wheels and run flats and I found the ride just awful.

 

[buzyg]

Welcome to the board. I suspect the 35is will do everything you desire and more. :driving:

 

[Chippie]

Hi and welcome
I agree that e89 is more of a long distance cruiser than an all out sports car, although the 35is has plenty of power on tap when required and will return around 36mpg on the motorway,
Mine has the 19” wheels with non run flat tyres and I find the ride fine