Shopping for a G29

[Zed Baron]

So, my E89 has awoken from its SORN and after passing its MOT (now in its 9th year of ownership with me), I decided it's time for a change. I went to look at a G29 30i (BMW approved), this one had the comfort and the Msport pro package. I must admit it felt a very familiar place to be after the E89, but I was disappointed that it didn't seem to have more 'whistles and bells'. Looking at a 2019 G29 brochure I thought that the parking reverse feature was standard, not even a reverse camera on this one! (when I got back I saw that the brochure I had was for Australia!). Yes, I know the 30i has now been deleted from the range and they seem to be thin on the ground, so, is there a tremendous different between that and the 20i and what (if available) are the best packages to look out for?

 

[jenniferlouise]

Sorry I’ve no opinion or intelligence to contribute but will be watching with interest at where you decide to go with this… I shall be waking our E89 up next month for ‘her’ MoT

 

[ori]

So, my E89 has awoken from its SORN and after passing its MOT (now in its 9th year of ownership with me), I decided it's time for a change. I went to look at a G29 30i (BMW approved), this one had the comfort and the Msport pro package. I must admit it felt a very familiar place to be after the E89, but I was disappointed that it didn't seem to have more 'whistles and bells'. Looking at a 2019 G29 brochure I thought that the parking reverse feature was standard, not even a reverse camera on this one! (when I got back I saw that the brochure I had was for Australia!). Yes, I know the 30i has now been deleted from the range and they seem to be thin on the ground, so, is there a tremendous different between that and the 20i and what (if available) are the best packages to look out for?

Are you set on a 30i? The m40i comes with more options, but even they I would want the tech pack, comfort, black, and driver assistance packs.

If it’s toys on the car then look for a car with all the packs added.

I loved my E89, but I really do prefer my G29.

 

[Zed Baron]

I don't think I could justify owning a M40i, the dealership had both setup for me to drive but I said the temptation on the M40i would be too much for me I think the 30i would be the sweet spot for me, performance/ maintenance /cost wise (this is coming out of my piggy bank), seemed to be quick enough, we have recently gone down from 4 cars to just two and we've just bought a new small car and I'm meant to be getting rid of the E89 for what would be deemed a sensible car! Someone wasn't pleased yesterday to find out that I was driving in another, quote 'stupid car'

 

[Scubaregs]

I don't think I could justify owning a M40i, the dealership had both setup for me to drive but I said the temptation on the M40i would be too much for me I think the 30i would be the sweet spot for me, performance/ maintenance /cost wise (this is coming out of my piggy bank), seemed to be quick enough, we have recently gone down from 4 cars to just two and we've just bought a new small car and I'm meant to be getting rid of the E89 for what would be deemed a sensible car! Someone wasn't pleased yesterday to find out that I was driving in another, quote 'stupid car'

Pretty much my thought process when buying mine, why pay for more power if you won't use it and have higher ownership coss?

Of course, I have the S1000r....... :evil:

 

[Nanu]

I don't think I could justify owning a M40i, the dealership had both setup for me to drive but I said the temptation on the M40i would be too much for me I think the 30i would be the sweet spot for me, performance/ maintenance /cost wise (this is coming out of my piggy bank), seemed to be quick enough, we have recently gone down from 4 cars to just two and we've just bought a new small car and I'm meant to be getting rid of the E89 for what would be deemed a sensible car! Someone wasn't pleased yesterday to find out that I was driving in another, quote 'stupid car'

Pretty much my thought process when buying mine, why pay for more power if you won't use it and have higher ownership coss?

Of course, I have the S1000r....... :evil:

My thoughts also re buying my M30i (in the best colour of course).

Although if someone offered me a stupid price for such a rare beast I may put the proceeds towards an M40i as my final sports car, if STMBO allowed.

 

[Hut man]

I don't think I could justify owning a M40i, the dealership had both setup for me to drive but I said the temptation on the M40i would be too much for me I think the 30i would be the sweet spot for me, performance/ maintenance /cost wise (this is coming out of my piggy bank), seemed to be quick enough, we have recently gone down from 4 cars to just two and we've just bought a new small car and I'm meant to be getting rid of the E89 for what would be deemed a sensible car! Someone wasn't pleased yesterday to find out that I was driving in another, quote 'stupid car'

Pretty much my thought process when buying mine, why pay for more power if you won't use it and have higher ownership coss?

Of course, I have the S1000r....... :evil:

My thoughts also re buying my M30i (in the best colour of course).

Although if someone offered me a stupid price for such a rare beast I may put the proceeds towards an M40i as my final sports car, if STMBO allowed.

Yeah, all of the above was what I went through, still ended up with M40 though, I managed to get one with the packs I was after and four and a half years left on the service pack, so hopefully it’ll not be high on the maintenance front.
There’s not a huge choice in the central belt either.
Happy hunting

 

[Mr Tidy]

Just bite the bullet and get boyos' stunning Nightfire M40i - you know it makes sense! :wink:

I've never known anyone complain about having too much power. :lol:

 

[Zed Baron]

Thanks for the advice, the search continues....

 

[Boyo]

Just bite the bullet and get boyos' stunning Nightfire M40i - you know it makes sense! :wink:

I've never known anyone complain about having too much power. :lol:

 

[dr_john]

I’m on my second 20i, plenty enough power for me.

The one optional pack I specced on each car was the tech pack, which includes Harmon Kardon sound system, Head Up Display, and parking assistant, the latter includes reverse view camera.

 

[Scubaregs]

Just bite the bullet and get boyos' stunning Nightfire M40i - you know it makes sense! :wink:

I've never known anyone complain about having too much power. :lol:

I bet you buy the extra large soft drink at the cinema, but only drink a third of it. 8)

Agreed, no one complains about too much power, but paying for it and never using it is a bit silly.

 

[Nick177]

I owned a 30i about 4 years ago.Before I bought it I test drove a 20i and found it under powered.The 30i is a good compromise, more than enough power and good petrol wise. The only downside is of course the sound. I purchased the 30i new and sold it 18 months later as I was offered £1500 less than I bought it for. That was during the crazy Covid time when dealers were desperate for stock.

 

[Zed Baron]

I test drove a 20i and found it under powered.

Thats good to know that you felt the 20i underpowered, this happened when I bought my E89, tons of 23i's about but hardly any 30i's! I did see a BMW Assured one advertised that fitted the brief, but it had just sold.

 

[jenniferlouise]

Looks like you’re making progress… pleased to see this topic hasn’t descended into chastening anyone who might consider a Tesla getting excited for you

 

[Hut man]

Where are you based Zed? Arnold Clark Kirkcaldy had a Mat grey 30i when I was looking about a month ago, it was a demonstrator with low miles but not sure of the spec, I didn’t know the 30i was discontinued at the time, but had decided to look for a M40 so didn’t follow it up.