Thinking of going from E85 to E89
- Thread starter Smallsy99
- Start date
I went 3.0si e85 to 3.5i e89.
For me the e85 is a fun, lighter, noticeably smaller car. The e89 is heavier, much more refined, significantly more powerful, and better kit / nicer parts / shinier.
I’m still in the new ownership phase with the e89 but it’s by far the better car in my view! That being said it seems they have more problems with build quality, water ingress, reliability etc. whereas the e85 seemed pretty solid and safe.
I wouldn’t have another e85 unless looking for a cheap thrill now, I’d say.
For me the e85 is a fun, lighter, noticeably smaller car. The e89 is heavier, much more refined, significantly more powerful, and better kit / nicer parts / shinier.
I’m still in the new ownership phase with the e89 but it’s by far the better car in my view! That being said it seems they have more problems with build quality, water ingress, reliability etc. whereas the e85 seemed pretty solid and safe.
I wouldn’t have another e85 unless looking for a cheap thrill now, I’d say.
Dave 2 dogs
Senior member
I had a Merlot 3.0 e85 that I adored , thanks to Stuartt, who kindly met me locally and run me around in he’s e89 for half hour or so , I was completely blown away by the e89 . Wasn’t long after that I swapped it in for the current e 89 3.5i . There is absolutely nothing wrong with the e85 , and I wish I could have kept both , that said . If you do what you are suggesting, and get a run out in an e89 , I’m in no doubt you will feel the tug on the heart strings and be looking for one of your own . I’m still in love with this e89 , but have never kept a car this long. I’m still pondering the move to the m40i G29 among some other potential candidates . Maybe next year 
I went from an auto E85 3.0 to a 3.5i DCT then back to my old E85 3.0 (bought it back from my friend who didn’t use it much and I kind of missed it) then to a manual 3.5i E89 which I still have. Totally different beasts and driving experience. The E89 is more refined and has modern tech compared to the E85 for obvious reasons. The 3.5i E89 is extremely rapid and sounds great. I have owned 2 now and have never had any major issues with any of them. Would I go back to an E85? Definitely if I was on the lookout for a cheap , fast roadster but I imagine I will go for the G29 as my next Z4 but can’t justify the £15K extra on top of my E89 at the moment. I don’t use my E89 as an every day car so every time I get in it if feels special. The E89 looks even better as it’s getting older. I always find an excuse to go in the garage just to look at it. There are no other cars on the road that even look similar in my view and they are very rare too.
ronk said:
I really don't know as I've never driven an E89!
Quoted power output for an M is slightly higher but it only gets really exciting up above 5,000 rpm, whereas the twin-turbo 35i is going to have much more mid-range.
I think most people would prefer one or the other, but probably not have both on the same short-list.
raymond.harper
Senior member
I think one of the things that would put me off the e89 is the roof. If it fails on the road there is nothing you can do to close it I believe. Electronically more complex so more to go wrong but the e89 does look nice in the right colour.
When you buy, replace the wearing parts once and there will be no failure with the roof for the next 8 to 10 years.raymond.harper said:
There is absolutely no difference with the roof to changing the engine oil, filling the petrol tank, checking the brakes after buying a used car.
If you don't, it's like driving with worn brake pads. That leads to errors very soon. :wink:
I went from e85 2.5 to e89 30i, so obviously noticed the step up in power.
But as has been said,the e89 is more refined and suits me better.
That said, I have half an eye on acG29, so the 89 may go at some stage.
But as has been said,the e89 is more refined and suits me better.
That said, I have half an eye on acG29, so the 89 may go at some stage.
I went for an E85 because I wanted to rekindle my love of MGs. They are proper roadsters but too uncomfortable for me on long trips, however I did have a test drive in an E89 and I was put off by the size and softer ride, it was not what I personally wanted for a weekend car. If it was my only car then yes I probably would have one or a convertible saloon car. 
ronk said:
I had the Z4M and test drove the 35is, but for me the gearbox of the 35is was the killer. The M with the LSD was great in the mountains as well.
If I was looking for a cruiser, the E89 would work, but for a manual fun car only the E85 though. Even though I liked the look of the E89 from the front, the rear didn't work for me either.
I always felt like that about the DCT in the 35iS as well. However I've now lived with the F82 M4 for 2.5 years/21k miles, so I have grown to really like the DCT now though. I think the DCT is a good match to the twin turbo engine...I reckon that I should get my coat now to be fair!pvr said:
Is this for a weekend toy or a daily driver?
The E89 30i is (IMHO) the sweet spot for the E89. It would feel noticeably quicker than your current 2.5 E85, and still be reliable in terms of the engine. As a daily either this, or a remapped N20 (with the cam chain/follower sorted), would be a good choice and the B12 suspension kit makes a big difference to how the car feels on the road.
For me, if it’s a weekend toy car, E85 all the way. A 3.0Si is going to feel a world apart from your 2.5 in performance terms. Again, a suspension refresh but with standard O.E. Shocks will make a massive difference to how the car feels.
The E89 30i is (IMHO) the sweet spot for the E89. It would feel noticeably quicker than your current 2.5 E85, and still be reliable in terms of the engine. As a daily either this, or a remapped N20 (with the cam chain/follower sorted), would be a good choice and the B12 suspension kit makes a big difference to how the car feels on the road.
For me, if it’s a weekend toy car, E85 all the way. A 3.0Si is going to feel a world apart from your 2.5 in performance terms. Again, a suspension refresh but with standard O.E. Shocks will make a massive difference to how the car feels.
I have an e89 3.0 auto m sport and a Z4MC. Also a m240i which has the same engine as the G29 m40i (and similar in nature to the 3.5i). They are all completely different. I would use my E89 as a daily but I certainly wouldn’t the ZM. The E89 has a nice enough engine and chassis but in comparison to the other two it’s revvy and slightly hard work. The chassis is competent but dull. It makes a good cruiser but it’s not really sports car feeling. To drive it’s rather a non event in my view. However it looks fantastic and getting better by the day so it’s not going to be sold anytime soon (and it’s used predominantly in Spain). The M240 has a cracking motor - I can’t fault it - full of pull but can do 40 mpg if you drive sensibly on motorways. So I assume the 3.5 is similar. As a later BMW the 240 and the g29 are more modern, refined, appear better built, and are very easy to live with. Like the G29 the 240 handles pretty well but agsin it’s a little inert. The ZM though is a step back in time and although more powerful and with stiffer suspension it’s probs ly got the characteristics of all other E85/6. It’s a sports car, much more of an event to drive, you have to drive it and it’s hard work. Hence why it wouldn’t be my choice for a daily. I also worry about it more as it’s older and needs a little tlc. If I had to give them all up I would plump for a G29 M40 as it’s reasonably good looking, and good usable chassis and motor and it’s nice inside. If you are happy with a cruiser rather than a sports car then an e89 is a good choice but it’s still a cruiser
I have an e89 3.0 auto m sport and a Z4MC. Also a m240i which has the same engine as the G29 m40i (and similar in nature to the 3.5i). They are all completely different. I would use my E89 as a daily but I certainly wouldn’t the ZM. The E89 has a nice enough engine and chassis but in comparison to the other two it’s revvy and slightly hard work. The chassis is competent but dull. It makes a good cruiser but it’s not really sports car feeling. To drive it’s rather a non event in my view. However it looks fantastic and getting better by the day so it’s not going to be sold anytime soon (and it’s used predominantly in Spain). The M240 has a cracking motor - I can’t fault it - full of pull but can do 40 mpg if you drive sensibly on motorways. So I assume the 3.5 is similar. As a later BMW the 240 and the g29 are more modern, refined, appear better built, and are very easy to live with. Like the G29 the 240 handles pretty well but agsin it’s a little inert. The ZM though is a step back in time and although more powerful and with stiffer suspension it’s probs ly got the characteristics of all other E85/6. It’s a sports car, much more of an event to drive, you have to drive it and it’s hard work. Hence why it wouldn’t be my choice for a daily. I also worry about it more as it’s older and needs a little tlc. If I had to give them all up I would plump for a G29 M40 as it’s reasonably good looking, and good usable chassis and motor and it’s nice inside. If you are happy with a cruiser rather than a sports car then an e89 is a good choice but it’s still a cruiser