what next after an E89

[Nick9one1]

I've had my E89 for 5 years, and covered about 40k miles. While I still enjoy it I'm ready for a change and wondering what to buy next.
I hardly cover many miles now I work from home (2500 miles in the last year). So fuel economy isn't important to me.

I have a budget of about 20k, would prefer to stay with BMW as I think the brand has the best aftermarket support forums. and has the widest amount of 3rd party modifications such as coding, MHD, Xdelete etc. although I will consider other brands. Number of seats isn't important. I'd like it to be quick, so minimum straight 6 petrol (N55, S55 etc.)

The M4 immediately jumped out to me as I like the shape, it's a generation newer than the z4 (F > E), and has the S55 with 425bhp, and will remap to well over 500.


The Jag F-type can be picked up for under 20k now, but only the 3.0 V6 - I think I'd regret not getting the V8.


M6 - slightly over budget but S63 twin-turbo V8 engine with 552 bhp

Thoughts? suggestions?

 

[tiglon]

The M4 would be tempting for me, but are they high mileage at that price?

I would agree that a non-V8 F-Type would cause a bit of regret.

Early M2's are only a little over £20k now, and probably more fun than an M4/6.

Anything with a B58 will be easily upped to 400+ bhp. Maybe a 240i/140i/440i?

Aston Martin DB7 and DB9 are in the very low £20k's.

Ford Mustang GT?

 

[tomscott]

110k on the M4, they are known to have a few expensive issues so as long as your happy to expect some issues then it looks like a good option.

The M4 is probably quite similar to the E89 but with a lot more power. To me they are lightning fast but I think that's also a downfall because it's hard to take advantage of much of the car on the road. Almost too quick.

F-type love them but the small amount of storage puts me off.

What about a 981 Boxster S if you looking at that kind of milage?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312184897038?sort=price-asc&advertising-location=at_cars&aggregatedTrim=981%20S&make=Porsche&model=Boxster&postcode=m30%207hl&price-to=25000&fromsra

 

[Nick9one1]

thanks, some interesting suggestions.

There are a few M4's at 50-80k miles ~ 19k.
Hadn't realised the DB9 was down to 20k now.
Gen 3 Boxter is nice, prefer the Cayman, but similar prices.

The granturismo is pretty cheap now. This is the one with the Ferrari F136 engine jointly developed by Ferrari and Maserati. Also used in the F430 and F458

 

[fatbaldboy]

+1 for the Boxster if you can creep over your 20k budget

110k on the M4, they are known to have a few expensive issues so as long as your happy to expect some issues then it looks like a good option.

The M4 is probably quite similar to the E89 but with a lot more power. To me they are lightning fast but I think that's also a downfall because it's hard to take advantage of much of the car on the road. Almost too quick.

F-type love them but the small amount of storage puts me off.

What about a 981 Boxster S if you looking at that kind of milage?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312184897038?sort=price-asc&advertising-location=at_cars&aggregatedTrim=981%20S&make=Porsche&model=Boxster&postcode=m30%207hl&price-to=25000&fromsra

 

[Pondrew]

I love threads like this!
Having extensively researched nearly all of the options above (except the Maserati, cos I'm not mental)...here are my thoughts....
F82 M4s are now cheap for a reason..they are generally abused. High milers are not worth considering IMHO, you will probably need very expensive repairs very soon. They have a habit of 'crank walk' when not treated with kid gloves. Very common fault.

F type Jag....terribly made and always need something (look at the forums).

F12/13 M6. I would love one...but they are also cheap for a reason..the S63 is not the best (the turbos get too hot and melt). They are also massive cars and weigh around 2 tonnes (the vert is more). You will never use the performance and if you do it will end badly!

Maserati....just NO! Unless you have double the purchase price to spend on repairs every year.

DB9....same as the Maserati TBH. You can't get them serviced or repaired anywhere except very 'specialist' garages that charge a fortune. Astons are not for 'ordinary' people with ordinary wallets.

If you want a BM, look at the F32/F33 440i. 330bhp and 500nm out of the box, B58 engine which is not a demanding mistress; and if you go pre-2018 you can get the MPPSK kit which gives 360bhp and 550nm (warranted by BMW) and an exhaust note to die for! They also have a normal ZF8 gearbox, not the jerky horrible twin clutch thing.

Otherwise maybe look at a B9 Audi RS4 (or even S4). 4.2 litre n/a V8 and one of the most purposeful looking cars on the road IMHO. With the best made interior of any car IMO.

Or, as said, a Boxster or Cayman, but those are not cheap to look after, either!

 

[Nick9one1]

I agree with the servicing and maintenance concerns on the Astons and Maserati. I also tend to do all that myself. On the z4 I've replaced and coded injectors, waterpump, steering rack motor, turbo flaps, rocker cover etc. I always buy top quality parts and still save a fortune. I keep all the receipts and write in the service book myself. Doing this on an exotic marque would definitely put a dent in the resale value.

I assumed the 440i was n55 but can now see that would be the 435i. MHD supports the b58 which is a bonus.
There is also the 435d that comes at quite a discount. With a remap it can produce 420hp and 800nm of torque. Nearly all are xdrive so should be able to put the power down very effectively even in the wet. But, it's a diesel.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311093803214

 

[Pondrew]

There is also the 435d that comes at quite a discount. With a remap it can produce 420hp and 800nm of torque. Nearly all are xdrive so should be able to put the power down very effectively even in the wet. But, it's a diesel.

But a diesel with a DPF is not a good bet if doing low miles/ short journeys. The DPF can clog up pretty quickly; then it's a big expense and doesn't do the engine much good.

B58 all the way! They are great engines; reliable, powerful, and sound nice too (especially with the M power exhaust). Makes a standard M sound like a washing machine.

 

[B21]

If it’s a convertible then having ‘lived’ with others with F types I’d be very happy with V6 F type..

It’s like Jaguar looked at the 35is and made a better one.

If I could revisit my 20i to 35is move then I’d have gone for a V6 F type..

The only negative for me is the unknown of the community.,especially the touring as that’s a big part for me..

I’d only wish you could disable that stupid over snarly exhaust..very chavy..

M3 yesterday’s child..Porsche..Groucho Marx had wise words on the matter..

But heh..great time to choose any of some very splendid toys…

 

[Pondrew]

Ford Mustang GT?

Great cars, ruined by Ford making them for about £5. I seriously looked at buying one this year. Every one I looked at (2017 and 2018 models) had rust on the body panels, especially the wheel arches. They make 1980s Lancias look well made!

 

[Ole gits rule]

Like Pondy, threads like these are great but everyone has a different opinion and I love the Jag and M4.

I sold my e89 and bought a low mileage M4 cab as I needed an auto and 4 seats for the grandkids, if I only needed two may have gone for a 35iS or the Jag.

The M4 can have issues with the crank hub, however, this is mainly cars that are tuned and then abused - had mine since April done 3K miles and zero issues and yes you can't exploit the power as its too much for the road so maybe the 440i is close enough but I always want the best of everything.

Decent looking M4 cab - assuming you want to retain a bit of open air motoring - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312024498995?sort=relevance&advertising-location=at_cars&body-type=Convertible&make=BMW&model=M4&postcode=np45xf&price-from=16000&price-to=22500&fromsra

With a 20k budget, add a bit and some negotiating may bring a G29 into play - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309272419694?sort=relevance&advertising-location=at_cars&body-type=Convertible&make=&postcode=np45xf&price-from=16000&price-to=22500&fromsra

Plenty of C-Class cabs out there and Audi A5 or even a TTS although wont be everyones cup of tea but all about options

 

[Meds]

If you want a BM, look at the F32/F33 440i. 330bhp and 500nm out of the box, B58 engine which is not a demanding mistress; and if you go pre-2018 you can get the MPPSK kit which gives 360bhp and 550nm (warranted by BMW) and an exhaust note to die for! They also have a normal ZF8 gearbox, not the jerky horrible twin clutch thing.

B58 all the way! They are great engines; reliable, powerful, and sound nice too (especially with the M power exhaust). Makes a standard M sound like a washing machine.

I can vouch for that. Our F31 touring is a 340i with MPPSK.. It's fantastic in every way apart from pure involvement.
The 440i will feel a little more special being the coupe, and a convertible with that MPPSK exhaust, oh my!
They can very easily by upgraded for power or handling enhancements for little money and effort.
The optional digital dash lifts the interior loads. The B58 engine really is a peach and is already in the 'sought after' BMW engine list .

 

[Pondrew]

and a convertible with that MPPSK exhaust, oh my!

Especially in a multi-storey car park with the roof down!

 

[Meds]

^^ Lovely..

Our workhorse MPPSK:

 

[PointedMarlin]

I quite like the idea of owning an F Type or a Cayman next

But then I’ve only owned the z4 for just under 3 years so will wait till I’ve paid it off - 4 yrs - then reassess

 

[buzyg]

Ford Mustang GT?

Great cars, ruined by Ford making them for about £5. I seriously looked at buying one this year. Every one I looked at (2017 and 2018 models) had rust on the body panels, especially the wheel arches. They make 1980s Lancias look well made!

 

[Marcoose]

If you’re bored with a 35i, then obviously you need to upgrade to a 35is. Duh.


In the 2-seater roadster class, the Boxster S and the Audi TT (RS?) would be good choices. If you’re under 170cm, the Mazda MX5 is massively fun. The FIAT 124 Spider is very stylish.

 

[Meds]

In the 2-seater roadster class, the Boxster S and the Audi TT (RS?) would be good choices. If you’re under 170cm, the Mazda MX5 is massively fun. The FIAT 124 Spider is very stylish.

I recently got taken out in a current gen TTS coupe.
Lord above, the road/cabin noise at anymore than 30mph was horrendous. It was running 19" factory wheels but I was still very surprised at the amount of overall noise in the cabin. More than my E86, and I thought that was bad.
The engine/exhaust note was equally as bad. I feel you'd have to aim for the RS 5 cylinder to offset the cabin noise.

I've not been in a recent Boxter/Cayman, to compare.

 

[Phoenixboy]

Took an M240i convertible out for a test ride today.
Must say, it certainly goes well, very slick auto , and despite it being a wet day, it puts a smile on your face.
I may be wrong, but I believe it’s the same engine as the Z4 m40i.
Similar budget, and I’m looking to try an Audi TTS as well.

 

[Nanu]

If it's the same as an m40i, why not really upgrade and get an G29 m40i?