Planning an E89 for weekend fun

[Geddin]

Hi all!

New here and been digesting some great insight into the z4!

Trying to avoid making my first post something akin to “what’s the best model to buy…?” as I’ve found plenty threads of that nature!

However I am looking for an E89 mostly for weekend fun. It would be my only car, so the odd errand, but I live in a city centre, and rarely use a car.

Think I’ve settled on a 6 cylinder, but flexible on the rest. Although kinda loving the orange! (But not holding out for it given the rarity).

Given it’s just for a bit fun, and rarely used, aiming to go low end of the budget of an early model.

There seem to be quite a few with well over 100k on the clock. What’s the general consensus on the high mileage examples? The engines seem reliable in the long haul, and I’m used to running my cars well over 100k (when I was driving a lot more).

Anyway… looking forward to becoming a seasoned member (and owner)

 

[Pondy]

Hi and welcome.
You will struggle to find an E59 though. Presuming you mean E89 (2009-2016)?

Lots and lots of opinions on the different engines. The N52 engine (2.5l or 3l n/a) in the early 23i and 30i respectively seem to be very popular and fairly bulletproof.
The twin turbo N54 in the 35i and 35is is a very different animal and can be rather a 'high maintenance' mistress. It is a very good engine, though.

Then you have the 4 pot 2l N20 in three outputs from factory. Lots of opinions on this engine aswell but I think it suits the E89 well (with a bit more grunt added).

 

[Geddin]

Haha, typo fixed, thanks

The performance uplift on the 35i is tempting, but also pushed up ££ in both purchase and maintenance so kind of put off that.

The 4pot isn’t a million miles off performance wise, and do keep looking, but think I’d only end up wishing I’d gone for the straight 6.

Encouraging to hear ‘bulletproof’ on those

 

[RMB]

Don’t get a four pot.
You’re not a million miles away from Lynchy so you must consider his 35i…..

https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=148093

Oh and welcome to the forum!

 

[Geddin]

Thanks!

And that’s a nice example, but unfortunately I’m aiming to stay as far under £8k as possible

Stingey… yes

 

[MikeyH]

High and welcome to the forum, I get a lot of pleasure driving my E85, we don't normally go that far and they are fairly cheap at the moment.

 

[Pondy]

Thanks!

And that’s a nice example, but unfortunately I’m aiming to stay as far under £8k as possible

Stingey… yes

In that case you are only realistically looking at the 23i, as the 30i seems to be very popular lately (and rarer) so their prices have risen.

Whatever you decide, especially if it's an older and 'leggy' car, check the important things work properly (there are a few and many threads on the forum for advice).

 

[MarshMA10]

I bought a Cat 35i for about £7k and I can’t recommend it enough as a cheap way to have a lot of fun, with almost exactly the same user profile as yourself.

Buyer beware and all that - but - turns out Cat cars aren’t always something to be afraid of! Just a random thought that might bring a 35i (which is honestly such a riot to drive) back into your budget.

 

[Geddin]

Not a bad idea. Back in the day, maybe 20 years ago, I used to go the salvage dealers and pickup insurance write offs super cheap with only a dent in the bonnet… did you get any evidence of the damage and repairs?

 

[Mr Tidy]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

IMHO 6 cylinders is definitely the way to go, especially for higher mileage examples. The 23i and 30i both use the same N52 engine as the facelift E85/86. I've had 2 E86s with it and am on my 2nd 3 Series with one. It has done 125K now and still performs brilliantly. Others have done far more miles, including an E86 owner who posted on here recently about his 250K example!

Anyway good luck finding the right one and don't forget we like to see photos!

 

[MarshMA10]

Not a bad idea. Back in the day, maybe 20 years ago, I used to go the salvage dealers and pickup insurance write offs super cheap with only a dent in the bonnet… did you get any evidence of the damage and repairs?

In the end, yes, but I shan’t rabbit on about it again here.

Best of luck with the hunt. Look forward to your test drive impressions!