Toying with the idea of an e89

[original guvnor]

So the Z3M uses the same engine as the Z4M right? And surely the 3 is lighter, so can I assume it's faster...?!

The Z3M had 321bhp I think, so about 17 down on the Z4M. I don't think there was much difference in weight. IIRC it was circa 1400kg.

If that's correct then power to weight ratios are almost identical 229 z3M and 228 z4m.

Hence why performance figures are virtually identical.

 

[Woody]

Ok nice one, thanks OG. Learn something new everyday

 

[Breaker]

Neither of them can read it seems.

Who cares!

 

[mason storm]

Well test drive a s drive 3i while having my car serviced, not the best experience , first off the battery was dead, the car was an auto which made me realise it needs to be a manual, then afterwards the roof wouldn't work, not inspiring much confidence.

The car was nice inside but would want a more powerful engine as its heavier than my coupe, would be interested in trying. 35 of 28 to see what the difference is

 

[LeeZ4MR]

Does the roof ever work on a E89 when stu went to test drive a 35iS the roof didn't work on that one either! I have to say that the E89 is such a gorgeous machine to look at in my eyes & I could easily be tempted into one

 

[dario]

the downside is the electric steering, it doesn't communicate like the e85/86 with play in dead centre.

I disagree strongly about the steering. The E85 steering is/was terrible for feel and feedback. it always felt wooden and vague to say the least.

The E89 trounces the E85 in steering quality and feel, let alone ride quality.

I loved my E85 for 8 years, but would not go back. I always thought that the M/// Z4 steering was the best of all 3 cars

 

[TitanTim]

Does the roof ever work on a E89 when stu went to test drive a 35iS the roof didn't work on that one either! I have to say that the E89 is such a gorgeous machine to look at in my eyes & I could easily be tempted into one

I suspect being a demo, time of year and the fact it's a roadster, low battery charge is the culprit. Roof probs are a rare occurrence :wink:

Tim.

 

[ronk]

Generally each iteration of a car just gets better and has more toys!

I'm another one on the list of E85 and now E89 who wouldnt swap. I think it was sars who said " still a z4 - just grown up"

 

[LeeZ4MR]

Does the roof ever work on a E89 when stu went to test drive a 35iS the roof didn't work on that one either! I have to say that the E89 is such a gorgeous machine to look at in my eyes & I could easily be tempted into one

I suspect being a demo, time of year and the fact it's a roadster, low battery charge is the culprit. Roof probs are a rare occurrence :wink:

Tim.

Cheers Tim I can see me in a E89 in the future

 

[sars]

the downside is the electric steering, it doesn't communicate like the e85/86 with play in dead centre.

I disagree strongly about the steering. The E85 steering is/was terrible for feel and feedback. it always felt wooden and vague to say the least.

I strongly suggest that 70% of the forum users would disagree with that statement

The E89 trounces the E85 in steering quality and feel, let alone ride quality.

Having had a e85, i much preferred the steering on that to the e89, hell I prefer the steering on my Merc to the e89.

 

[lux]

[/quote] I strongly suggest that 70% of the forum users would disagree with that statement.[/quote]

I 'strongly' suggest that 70% of forum users haven't driven both.....I haven't so I can't comment, however dario has therefore can!

 

[TitanTim]

the downside is the electric steering, it doesn't communicate like the e85/86 with play in dead centre.

I disagree strongly about the steering. The E85 steering is/was terrible for feel and feedback. it always felt wooden and vague to say the least.

I strongly suggest that 70% of the forum users would disagree with that statement

The E89 trounces the E85 in steering quality and feel, let alone ride quality.

Having had a e85, i much preferred the steering on that to the e89, hell I prefer the steering on my Merc to the e89.

It's a good job the Merc has half decent steering, its some barge it has to haul about :?

Tim.

 

[dario]

I strongly suggest that 70% of the forum users would disagree with that statement.[/quote]

I 'strongly' suggest that 70% of forum users haven't driven both.....I haven't so I can't comment, however dario has therefore can! [/quote]

Cool! I like being defended!

And indeed i have driven both and did lots of things to my Z4 to try and make it all feel better. I also drove lots of miles in my E85.

I did try an 2.3 E89 when it first came out and took it to scotland with a load of Z4 and Z3 driving buddies. I passed the keys around and all that drove that demonstrator down our own personal test track were surprised at the overall drive and pace that you could get up without being worried about the ditch finder suspension and steering.

Since then, it was only a matter of time before i changed to the E89 as my weekend ride.

 

[sars]

It's a good job the Merc has half decent steering, its some barge it has to haul about :?

Tim.

I've nearly completed 5,000 miles in her and for something that does weigh 100 kg short of 2 tonnes it certainly goes well enough, admittedly it does not feel as nimble as the zed, but I have to say overall it's in a different league in terms of quality, ride, comfort, noise and plain drive ability.

and as for the engine, it makes a wonderful deep throaty roar when you press on, like some lazy big V8.

 

[chasBMW]

I have also owned both (well a z4mc) and I would say that in the e89 sport+ mode the steering feel is equal but the suspension has then firmed up so much the ride is pretty bad , at least on the roads round my way

 

[Stuart Truman]

I've driven the Alpina, which has the E85 electronic power steering, an E89 3.5iS on a fairly long test drive and now own IMmie.

I'd say the E89 steering is heavier than the E85 Alpina but gave no greater levels of feedback (most of the test drive in sport mode on a mix of A roads and motorways with a smaller amount around town in traffic). The M is heavier and with greater feedback which is probably better when pressing on around the twisties.

Once again it will come down to the type of driving you will be doing in your car as to which works best for you. The E89 was nice, and if they'd accepted my offer I'd have been the owner of one by now. As a mix of performance and drive-ability that car was hard to beat. The M that I eventually bought is a more overt sports car with all the pros and cons that go with it.