What do you think of your 20i's
- Thread starter Dave1971
- Start date
Tom, the debate about the lack of an M-model is a different question and one I would agree with you on as you know.
I don't think though that you could realistically make a case for a mainstream manufacturer like BMW making a niche model like the Z4 without some volume sales to make it all worthwhile. The simple fact is to achieve that they need some lower emission, higher MPG cars in the range as well as the high-performers.
I'm going out on a limb here - I don't think the 35/35is sounds that great at all and I've driven a couple too so I am speaking from experience. It's not a patch on an M or Alpina because it's got a nasty turbo which ruins the noise.
I don't think though that you could realistically make a case for a mainstream manufacturer like BMW making a niche model like the Z4 without some volume sales to make it all worthwhile. The simple fact is to achieve that they need some lower emission, higher MPG cars in the range as well as the high-performers.
I'm going out on a limb here - I don't think the 35/35is sounds that great at all and I've driven a couple too so I am speaking from experience. It's not a patch on an M or Alpina because it's got a nasty turbo which ruins the noise.
It's an interesting discussion this, I have always personally liked more power & bigger engines but its not always for everyone people have different expectations or priorities with cars.
When I first got my z4m I had a little bit of fun with a 2.0i zed & to be fair I had to work quite hard to get in front I was struggling to get the power down & the 2.0i is lighter as a car & engine & didn't have any issues it looked nice & nimble & in this case less was very nearly more.
When I first got my z4m I had a little bit of fun with a 2.0i zed & to be fair I had to work quite hard to get in front I was struggling to get the power down & the 2.0i is lighter as a car & engine & didn't have any issues it looked nice & nimble & in this case less was very nearly more.
I dont think the Z4 is a niche product, its a main state in the BMW brand. The Ms are more niche, which is probably why they didn't make them.
I dont know what socketr has done to his but it did sound really good. Not like the rasp of the M but thats hard to beat really.
I dont know what socketr has done to his but it did sound really good. Not like the rasp of the M but thats hard to beat really.
You buy what you can afford and I'm sure that if we all had enough cash most of us would buy the 35is rather than the2.8i or the 2.0i.....but then for that money you can get a nice Porka with a few toys.
If there's a deal on the 2.8i and it's in your budget, then go for that if not the 2.0i will not be a bad buy at all.
I've had the 2.3i 6 cylinder and I now have the 4 pot and both are fun to drive, maybe not as fast as Toms old M but you will enjoy it I guarentee!
Tom, you are very entitled to your opinion but it's the way that you say it that winds people up, these are people's pride and joys so don't be so rude (I've learnt for my mistakes and had to do a lot of groveling to make it up to a certain person).
Things don't always come across to people as you might think when you type it rather than say it! You have a really lovely car (in my top 3 on here) but don't 'dis' our e89's no matter what engine.
If there's a deal on the 2.8i and it's in your budget, then go for that if not the 2.0i will not be a bad buy at all.
I've had the 2.3i 6 cylinder and I now have the 4 pot and both are fun to drive, maybe not as fast as Toms old M but you will enjoy it I guarentee!
Tom, you are very entitled to your opinion but it's the way that you say it that winds people up, these are people's pride and joys so don't be so rude (I've learnt for my mistakes and had to do a lot of groveling to make it up to a certain person).
Things don't always come across to people as you might think when you type it rather than say it! You have a really lovely car (in my top 3 on here) but don't 'dis' our e89's no matter what engine.
tomscott said:
Oh but it is. They sell in minuscule numbers compared to most of their other ranges.
I dont know why you take it so personally. Im not having a go at the E89, just the engine choice.
Your entitled to your opinion and your choice of engine, but at a price of 34k regardless of dealer contribution, I think its insane.
The old M, its not that its fast, its the way it goes, sounds, looks and how it makes you feel. The S54 that is its appeal. Have a go in one and I guarantee you would want to chop in for one, maybe not for everyday but I dont use it everyday thats why I have the mini.
I have had a go in one, because when I bought my M a 3 year old one was in the same bracket. There was no contest what so ever, regardless if its older.
Your entitled to your opinion and your choice of engine, but at a price of 34k regardless of dealer contribution, I think its insane.
The old M, its not that its fast, its the way it goes, sounds, looks and how it makes you feel. The S54 that is its appeal. Have a go in one and I guarantee you would want to chop in for one, maybe not for everyday but I dont use it everyday thats why I have the mini.
I have had a go in one, because when I bought my M a 3 year old one was in the same bracket. There was no contest what so ever, regardless if its older.
I had thought my earlier post on why my choices are what they are would have cleared things up a bit. So unless one of you kind people is going to help me out with the running costs then what you believe I should have and what I can have are not the same thing, and quite immaterial.Yes I know it's a public forum and we all have our opinions but my question was what do YOU think of YOUR 20i and I really would appreciate the thoughts of those people.
Dave1971 said:
True.. its easy to get off topic in here.. my apologies. Having driven one on a test drive, the car was fine, didn't feel underpowered (but is by no means powerful) and the lightness at the front over my car improved the handling a touch. You won't be disappointed coming from the e85 2.2. I'm sure those living with them will pipe up shortly.
Dave1971 said:
Dave, if you go for the 2.0M Sport you will have a car that performs more than adequately, reasonably economical to run, I don't know what the tax difference if between the models, looks great, hopefully you will get a good dealer contribution on this model and you won't feel like an engine snob
If you have more cash to waste, sorry I mean spend then go for the larger engine in whatever guise :wink:
Tim.
Dave1971 said:
I did answer your question......
'If there's a deal on the 2.8i and it's in your budget, then go for that if not the 2.0i will not be a bad buy at all.
I've had the 2.3i 6 cylinder and I now have the 4 pot and both are fun to drive.'
......running costs - no difference as someone else said!!
Dave1971 said:
My two cents...
Being thorough, when I was looking for my zed I test drove:
E85: 2, 2.5, 3
E86 obviously
E89: 23i, 35i and the 20i albeit after I bought my car.
I ended up with the coupe because it was the car I always wanted (and cheaper insurance etc). I spent a long time considering the E89 (23i), and it came down to that or the coupe. Ultimately I decided the extra money for the E89 (most of which would disappear in depreciation) was better spent on nice holidays etc.
I will most likely switch to an E89 in the next couple of years... but with the compromise that it'll probably be the smaller engine.
I test drove the 20i about a month after I got my coupe and I was quite impressed by it in terms of economy and performance. For me a convertible is about cruising and as an everyday driver therefore the added economy is worth more than the drop in performance. It still moves when you put your foot down.
Personally quite like the 20i and I don't think you'd be disappointed.
Thanks for all your coments guys and girls. I've just taken the car back to the dealers after they kindly let me have it for the weekend. I have to say overall I was impressed with it, given that I'm looking at it as a DD it's slightly softer more grown up feel is just what I'm looking for.Although it's not kick you in the pants quick coming from a humble 2.2 it's enough and certainly good enough for my needs if not my wants.
Even though mine is getting a bit long in the tooth and has 90k on the clock it still felt good to drive when I got back in her but the harsh ride is starting to get on my nerves a bit, thats a bit harsh, its as much to do with the shocking state of our roads as it is the car. Sadly they arn't going to fix the roads so I'll have to change the car.
Watch this space for pics .
Even though mine is getting a bit long in the tooth and has 90k on the clock it still felt good to drive when I got back in her but the harsh ride is starting to get on my nerves a bit, thats a bit harsh, its as much to do with the shocking state of our roads as it is the car. Sadly they arn't going to fix the roads so I'll have to change the car.
Watch this space for pics
.