Undecided 🤷‍♀️

[Phoenixboy]

Considering changing my E89 30i manual 2009 for a newer Z.
Assuming the funds allow, do I go newer E89 2015/16 meaning 4 pot 20i or 28i, or look at G29 20i or 30i, don’t think I can stretch to M40i.
G29 will likely be 2019/2020.
I have a test drive booked in a G29 20i tomorrow,
which I hope will help regarding changing from E89 to G29, and being the 20i, will hopefully tell me if I need to go 30i.
Thoughts and opinions, especially from those that have done the same would be good.
My hesitation with a newer E89 is purely down to going from a 6 pot to a 4 pot, not power , but the overall driving characteristics.

 

[matsmith749]

I'm torn on the g29 models.

I prefer the looks of the smaller e89, and the interior which is unlike any other BMW model.

I like the tech of the g29, but it's getting bigger & the indside just looks like any other modern BMW.

Engine choice never worried me - I'm sure they have something to suit every perspective whichever way you choose.

Not sure you will gain much by going from a 2009 to a 2016 model with similar engine - only tiny tweaks really, will feel like much the same car. For that reason I would change engine, get something for your money

 

[Nictrix]

Theres a nice looking 63 plate 35is in the for sale section on here

 

[Pkrs1]

I prefer the str8 6 version

 

[Marcoose]

I'd go for either a nicely spec'd and/or upgraded 2016 (or '2017') E89 or a 2019 G29. Reason being that either would be nicely discounted from MSRP.

 

[mr wilks]

Considering changing my E89 30i manual 2009 for a newer Z.
Assuming the funds allow, do I go newer E89 2015/16 meaning 4 pot 20i or 28i, or look at G29 20i or 30i, don’t think I can stretch to M40i.
G29 will likely be 2019/2020.
I have a test drive booked in a G29 20i tomorrow,
which I hope will help regarding changing from E89 to G29, and being the 20i, will hopefully tell me if I need to go 30i.
Thoughts and opinions, especially from those that have done the same would be good.
My hesitation with a newer E89 is purely down to going from a 6 pot to a 4 pot, not power , but the overall driving characteristics.

In the G29 much like the E89 20i V 28i isn't the 20i & 30i the same basic car with different map ?

 

[Phoenixboy]

Considering changing my E89 30i manual 2009 for a newer Z.
Assuming the funds allow, do I go newer E89 2015/16 meaning 4 pot 20i or 28i, or look at G29 20i or 30i, don’t think I can stretch to M40i.
G29 will likely be 2019/2020.
I have a test drive booked in a G29 20i tomorrow,
which I hope will help regarding changing from E89 to G29, and being the 20i, will hopefully tell me if I need to go 30i.
Thoughts and opinions, especially from those that have done the same would be good.
My hesitation with a newer E89 is purely down to going from a 6 pot to a 4 pot, not power , but the overall driving characteristics.

In the G29 much like the E89 20i V 28i isn't the 20i & 30i the same basic car with different map ?

Yes, I believe so, so I guess it could be mapped to the same level as the 30i outside of warranty period.
Not sure if there are other differences.

 

[paddy wright]

I think you’d be disappointed to get the ‘same car’ but with a less enjoyable engine. If you’re making a change I’d say it has to be the G29 to really feel you have got a new car.

 

[Silverstar]

I think you’d be disappointed to get the ‘same car’ but with a less enjoyable engine. If you’re making a change I’d say it has to be the G29 to really feel you have got a new car.

+1

For the OP, If you can go for the newer car, especially if you are only considering the 4 pots in either variant. Not only do you get a car that actually feels and looks newer but you get a far more reliable engine in the B48 compared to the N20.

Personally though I'd wait a bit or get an older (2017) G29 M40i, you just can't beat the inline 6.

 

[Phoenixboy]

I think you’d be disappointed to get the ‘same car’ but with a less enjoyable engine. If you’re making a change I’d say it has to be the G29 to really feel you have got a new car.

+1

For the OP, If you can go for the newer car, especially if you are only considering the 4 pots in either variant. Not only do you get a car that actually feels and looks newer but you get a far more reliable engine in the B48 compared to the N20.

Personally though I'd wait a bit or get an older (2017) G29 M40i, you just can't beat the inline 6.

They came out in 2019, but prices are coming down on early ones, especially with higher mileage.
Who knows what may be available come the end of the summer.

 

[Pondy]

Yes, I believe so, so I guess it could be mapped to the same level as the 30i outside of warranty period.
Not sure if there are other differences.

99% sure the B48 20i and 30i are identical mechanically (same as all the N20s were).

If it were me (and I have been looking a bit), I would go G29 20i and get it mapped. For some reason, which I don't know, all of the aftermarket remaps seem to only take the power to 30i figures from what I've seen.

I haven't driven a G29 yet, but the two generations newer technology and looks makes so much sense. Only downside is the soft top for me; I would worry about leaving it outside.

I didn't like the looks of the G29 at first (too G series corporate), but they have grown on me and quite like them now.

 

[Phoenixboy]

Yes, I believe so, so I guess it could be mapped to the same level as the 30i outside of warranty period.
Not sure if there are other differences.

99% sure the B48 20i and 30i are identical mechanically (same as all the N20s were).

If it were me (and I have been looking a bit), I would go G29 20i and get it mapped. For some reason, which I don't know, all of the aftermarket remaps seem to only take the power to 30i figures from what I've seen.

I haven't driven a G29 yet, but the two generations newer technology and looks makes so much sense. Only downside is the soft top for me; I would worry about leaving it outside.

I didn't like the looks of the G29 at first (too G series corporate), but they have grown on me and quite like them now.

Took a 20i out earlier.
Drives well, very smooth and modern, needed to drive in sport , but would benefit from a remap to bring it up to 30i performance, obviously outside of warranty.

 

[Phoenixboy]

Yes, I believe so, so I guess it could be mapped to the same level as the 30i outside of warranty period.
Not sure if there are other differences.

99% sure the B48 20i and 30i are identical mechanically (same as all the N20s were).

If it were me (and I have been looking a bit), I would go G29 20i and get it mapped. For some reason, which I don't know, all of the aftermarket remaps seem to only take the power to 30i figures from what I've seen.

I haven't driven a G29 yet, but the two generations newer technology and looks makes so much sense. Only downside is the soft top for me; I would worry about leaving it outside.

I didn't like the looks of the G29 at first (too G series corporate), but they have grown on me and quite like them now.

Took a 20i out earlier.
Drives well, very smooth and modern, needed to drive in sport , but would benefit from a remap to bring it up to 30i performance, obviously outside of warranty.

I agree regarding the soft top, but with the right protection on it, and regular cleaning it should be ok.

 

[Scubaregs]

I've had two MR2 Roadsters over 12 years, a 718 Boxster for three years and my G29 for over two years. All have sat outside through Scottish winters with minimal soft top maintenance. In fact the 718 and the G29 have had nothing done to the soft tops. Keep them clean and it's all they really need.

 

[Phoenixboy]

Yes, I believe so, so I guess it could be mapped to the same level as the 30i outside of warranty period.
Not sure if there are other differences.

99% sure the B48 20i and 30i are identical mechanically (same as all the N20s were).

If it were me (and I have been looking a bit), I would go G29 20i and get it mapped. For some reason, which I don't know, all of the aftermarket remaps seem to only take the power to 30i figures from what I've seen.

I haven't driven a G29 yet, but the two generations newer technology and looks makes so much sense. Only downside is the soft top for me; I would worry about leaving it outside.

I didn't like the looks of the G29 at first (too G series corporate), but they have grown on me and quite like them now.

the issue with remapping the 20i to 30i performance is the warranty.
it will invalidate the approved used warranty, and you would not be able to extend that warranty if you re map at the end of the approved used warrant, so 30i looks to be the preferred option....

 

[Pondy]

the issue with remapping the 20i to 30i performance is the warranty.
it will invalidate the approved used warranty, and you would not be able to extend that warranty if you re map at the end of the approved used warrant, so 30i looks to be the preferred option....

I suppose it depends what your priorities are and how much you want to pay for 'peace of mind'.

The G29 generally, whichever engine, does seem to be pretty reliable. I haven't noticed any threads on here talking about major issues at all so far. Stones in brake guards don't really count!

A quick look at prices shows a £5,000 difference between an early 20i and 30i with similar mileage. Add in the used car warranty costs, guessing at £1,000 per year (plus any excess)?

A remap is £300-400. Gives you £5,500 in the first year which could go towards any out of warranty work, if required. Chances are it won't be needed so you will have saved over £7,000 in three years. Add to that you can get routine work done at an independent, so saving lots more. Another bonus is you won't have to deal with a BMW dealership, who are not the best IMO, apart from when it comes to extracting cash from your pocket. That they are experts at!

 

[Phoenixboy]

the issue with remapping the 20i to 30i performance is the warranty.
it will invalidate the approved used warranty, and you would not be able to extend that warranty if you re map at the end of the approved used warrant, so 30i looks to be the preferred option....

I suppose it depends what your priorities are and how much you want to pay for 'peace of mind'.

The G29 generally, whichever engine, does seem to be pretty reliable. I haven't noticed any threads on here talking about major issues at all so far. Stones in brake guards don't really count!

A quick look at prices shows a £5,000 difference between an early 20i and 30i with similar mileage. Add in the used car warranty costs, guessing at £1,000 per year (plus any excess)?

A remap is £300-400. Gives you £5,500 in the first year which could go towards any out of warranty work, if required. Chances are it won't be needed so you will have saved over £7,000 in three years. Add to that you can get routine work done at an independent, so saving lots more. Another bonus is you won't have to deal with a BMW dealership, who are not the best IMO, apart from when it comes to extracting cash from your pocket. That they are experts at!

As you say, minor issues in the early days out of production, but overall seem pretty reliable.
Will come down to price spec and availability at the end of the day.
would favour a 30i if i can pick one up at a not significant premium above a 20i,as i would prefer a Bmw warranty for piece of mind.
The warranty is not too bad price wise, so its a preferred option for me.
Bmw will not entertain a warranty on a remapped car...

 

[Pondy]

Bmw will not entertain a warranty on a remapped car...

No, but they will on their own (or AC Schnitzer) remaps which are unsurprisingly VERY expensive. :roll:

Keep us posted on what you decide to do. I, for one, am interested!

 

[Phoenixboy]

Bmw will not entertain a warranty on a remapped car...

No, but they will on their own (or AC Schnitzer) remaps which are unsurprisingly VERY expensive. :roll:

Keep us posted on what you decide to do. I, for one, am interested!

will do mate....

 

[Mr Tidy]

As has been said I wouldn't consider swapping an E89 30i for a newer 4 cylinder E89. But a 35i or 35is might be a different matter, although they do seem to have some issues sadly.

Still it looks like you have decided upon a G29, ideally a 30i so you can have the BMW warranty, which makes sense. It may also be easier to find a 30i with a good spec than a 20i as buyers oy entry-level models in any range often don't tick too much on the options list!

Anyway good luck finding your next Z4.

And don't forget we'll want photos. :lol: