Returning member: Looking at E85 3.0Ls

[MattYorkshire]

Hi all,

I used to be a member on here years ago (had 3 x E85 Z4s in the past).

I’ll be looking for an E89 in the new year when my current car goes back.

I’m looking at the E89 23 with the 2.5 engine. Having had 3 x 4 cylinder Z4s in the past I need to up this to a six this time. I’m presuming the NA 2.5 will be more reliable and nicer to drive than the 4 cylinder cars…?

I’d appreciate any advice on this and things to look for on the E89 and things to consider.



Thanks,

Matt.

 

[B21]

23i is a good choice..I don’t know the earlier E85 4 cylinder..the N52 23i is pretty bombproof bar the usual,leaking gasket syndrome ..

Also the 23i doesn’t stress the chassis much compared to the say the 35is with 200kg more weight and 100+ bhp..

Most 23i are relatively poorly specified in terms of goodies.,whether it matters to you or not?

A lot on the market so good buys to be had in the £5k-£7k area..

Compared to an E85 4 cylinder I think you’ll find the acceleration satisfactory…it does benefit from being spun up through the revs..it’s 30i sister has much more mid range grunt..

 

[MattYorkshire]

Thanks for that!

Being able to connect via Bluetooth for calls and music is a biggy for the Mrs… it this standard on all E89s or do you need a idrive car with the screen and rotary dial?

 

[Fady]

Thanks for that!

Being able to connect via Bluetooth for calls and music is a biggy for the Mrs… it this standard on all E89s or do you need a idrive car with the screen and rotary dial?

Don't believe it came as standard but was a separate (lesser) option apart from iDrive.

I always think that the best starting point is to get your nose inside a brochure or two to see what options there were then you can decide what is and what isn't a showstopper before you go down the road of considering condition, service history etc. of a particular car.

Here's a link to a BMW Auto Catalog Archive that has a good smattering of Z4 brochures. Unfortunately there are no UK-specific pre-2012 ones but the US ones will be a fair approximation as to what options were available.

There are that many cars on the used market that it should be possible to be picky enough to select something that ticks the relevant boxes depending on how far you opt to cast your net. That might also entail a degree of flexibility as regards engine choice but again obviously entirely up to you. Alternative is then having to retrofit stuff but there is definitely sufficient info on the forum to cover this if you are into car DIY!

 

[B21]

Thanks for that!

Being able to connect via Bluetooth for calls and music is a biggy for the Mrs… it this standard on all E89s or do you need a idrive car with the screen and rotary dial?

Basic telephone Bluetooth was I think on all models ..extended Bluetooth to play music etc was an option that few 23i had..there are ways around it but given the choice available you may be able to find one with extended Bluetooth…again idrive was pretty rare as well..but some do exist…

An after market android head unit would probably be best to address both needs..

All IMHO

Here are some UK options…not all were available on the 23i

If you get the VIN number it’s easy to work out what options were fitted when built

 

[raymond.harper]

Examine the wiring and the piping to the roof on the E89

 

[MattYorkshire]

Wow thanks for the great info!

Ouch that roof repair :?

 

[Zed Baron]

Bluetooth wasn't standard on the early 23i's, (even with cars fitted with iDrive not a guarantee that it has bluetooth). From memory, iDrive was a £2600 option. I'm sure Anubiszed will be along soon to tell you what are your best options

 

[Mr Tidy]

You'd definitely notice an increase in performance with a 23i compared to 4 cylinder E85s.

But as B21 said most 23is didn't have too many options as they were the base model at the time although the N52 engine is a real gem and loves to rev.

30i models seem few and far between but have noticeably more grunt and are more likely to have a higher spec. but tend to cost more as a result!

Good luck finding the right one.

 

[Ole gits rule]

I would look for a 23i Msport highline, it had more options fitted as it was the runout model for the 23i, mine was really well spec'd car.

 

[B21]

Bluetooth wasn't standard on the early 23i's, (even with cars fitted with iDrive not a guarantee that it has bluetooth). From memory, iDrive was a £2600 option. I'm sure Anubiszed will be along soon to tell you what are your best options

You’re correct .,even basic Bluetooth wasn’t guaranteed to be fitted in 2009….maybe in later model years it was…

Here’s the 2009 UK price list..everything is an optional extra… :tumbleweed: :rofl: :headbang:

https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/united-kingdom/article/attachment/T0068454EN_GB/101331

 

[CliveN]

Yes echo what has been said before - get a msport highline as this had connectivity and other stuff added on as a run out package. Nets you a later 2011 model too.

 

[Zed Baron]

Dont know what your budget is Matt, prices are all over the place, from £4.5 for high mileage to £12.5k low mileage (mainly dealers). Looking out the window with the snow falling, best time to buy one

 

[Zed Baron]

Here’s the 2009 UK price list..everything is an optional extra… :tumbleweed: :rofl: :headbang:

Thats interesting Peter, so, my old E89 with the extras came to £37955 back in 2009 and a base G29 20i today would cost £45865 :rofl:

 

[flybobbie]

I know my 23i with idrive (no bt) and sport seats, 17 inch wheels and nothing else was £29,000 in 2009.

 

[MattYorkshire]

So to update this, I have changed my mind and will be reverting to type and heading in the direction of another E85.

Must be 3.0 this time, not messing around with a four banger.

 

[B21]

So to update this, I have changed my mind and will be reverting to type and heading in the direction of another E85.

Must be 3.0 this time, not messing around with a four banger.

May I ask why?

 

[MattYorkshire]

I think I just prefer the styling of the E85 and the hard top roof seems to have some rather expensive repair bills associated.

 

[B21]

I think I just prefer the styling of the E85 and the hard top roof seems to have some rather expensive repair bills associated.

Good reasons IMHO! :rofl:

 

[Mr Tidy]

So to update this, I have changed my mind and will be reverting to type and heading in the direction of another E85.

Must be 3.0 this time, not messing around with a four banger.

That sounds like a good plan if you liked your previous E85s, but you'll notice a big difference in a 3 litre!

You might even find a facelift with the fabulous N52 engine, it will be a bit newer and if it's a Sport model you'll get the highly desirable M-Sport seats.

Anyway good luck finding the right one.