What next?

bigwinn

bigwinn

Elite
 Lincoln UK
Site Supporter
Hi all

I wanted to hear a few opinions from the collective.

I'm coming to the end of the 3.0 E85 project and its been brilliant fun. Love the car 100% and I've enjoyed the step up from 2.2.

As the itchy feet kick in and the desire to always have 'things to do' over and above drive the damn car, I'd appreciate views on which direction to go next, when the time is right.

I'm starting to look at E86 coupe's- simply because they are so related to what I'm used to with the E85 and I think they look great- I can live without the top down button too.
Or:
Do I head up to E89 territory; I think they look great but I am a tinkerer and I'm not sure what is achievable on these models.

I think an M is probably out of reach cost and experience wise.

I'm all ears.

Cheers

Stuart
 
We own both an E85 and an E89. Touch wood, I haven't had much to do with the E89 other than servicing stuff, but I know I'd be much more confident with the older E85 technology and engineering. I would say that for you, with your previous experience, you should be sticking with the E86, if you really do have to change the 3.0 you have now?
You'll have a different engine to play with which may be enough of a change to keep you interested.
 
Having both a M54 E85 and a N52 E86 on my drive I can tell you they are similar but different (but that’s stating the bleedin’ obvious).

3.0Si is definitely a step up from the 3.0i in power and modernity, but still analogue compared to the E89, I imagine. You will also benefit from owning a (quite) rare and beautiful car.

You can treat it as a stepping stone to the S54, when you’re ready.
 
Both very useful perspectives thank you

There is a little voice telling me also not to sell the current chariot- I have a real link to it

But there is that itch

Is the N52 easy to work on, or as easy as the m54?
 
bigwinn said:
There is a little voice telling me also not to sell the current chariot- I have a real link to it
Click to expand...
Keep it and gradually improve it, plus buy a different one, do up and sell on.
All itches catered for. :thumbsup:
 
enuff_zed said:
bigwinn said:
There is a little voice telling me also not to sell the current chariot- I have a real link to it
Click to expand...
Keep it and gradually improve it, plus buy a different one, do up and sell on.
All itches catered for. :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Thats deffo dangerous territory with er indoors
 
bigwinn said:
enuff_zed wrote: ↑Wed Jun 16, 2021 7:23 pm
bigwinn wrote: ↑Wed Jun 16, 2021 5:40 pm
There is a little voice telling me also not to sell the current chariot- I have a real link to it
Keep it and gradually improve it, plus buy a different one, do up and sell on.
All itches catered for.
Thats deffo dangerous territory with er indoors
Click to expand...

That's a shame Stuart. :(

I haven't really done any tinkering with my Z4s, but I don't think the N52 engine is any more difficult to work on than the M54 and at least when it's in a Z4 engine bay you've got decent access - unlike in a 3 Series where it's tight up against the bulkhead!

The only additional issue with the N52 is the electric water pump which will fail with no advance warning at some point but it's not predictable. They can go at 60K or still be fine after 90K, so people planning to keep their car often fit a new one as a preventative measure. OE Pierburg pumps seem to cost around £250 so long as you don't buy from BMW - they charge over £500 for the exact same part! :o

For 3 litre Coupe money you could get an M Roadster, but the S54 engine is a bigger challenge and an E86 would certainly feel different to your E85. The early 23i and 30i E89s use the same N52 engines as the facelift E85s so shouldn't be any more complicated to work on, other than the folding roof mechanism and maybe the electronic handbrake!

Good luck anyway whatever you choose. :thumbsup:
 
Mr Tidy said:
bigwinn said:
enuff_zed wrote: ↑Wed Jun 16, 2021 7:23 pm
bigwinn wrote: ↑Wed Jun 16, 2021 5:40 pm
There is a little voice telling me also not to sell the current chariot- I have a real link to it
Keep it and gradually improve it, plus buy a different one, do up and sell on.
All itches catered for.
Thats deffo dangerous territory with er indoors
Click to expand...

That's a shame Stuart. :(

I haven't really done any tinkering with my Z4s, but I don't think the N52 engine is any more difficult to work on than the M54 and at least when it's in a Z4 engine bay you've got decent access - unlike in a 3 Series where it's tight up against the bulkhead!

The only additional issue with the N52 is the electric water pump which will fail with no advance warning at some point but it's not predictable. They can go at 60K or still be fine after 90K, so people planning to keep their car often fit a new one as a preventative measure. OE Pierburg pumps seem to cost around £250 so long as you don't buy from BMW - they charge over £500 for the exact same part! :o

For 3 litre Coupe money you could get an M Roadster, but the S54 engine is a bigger challenge and an E86 would certainly feel different to your E85. The early 23i and 30i E89s use the same N52 engines as the facelift E85s so shouldn't be any more complicated to work on, other than the folding roof mechanism and maybe the electronic handbrake!

Good luck anyway whatever you choose. :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Appreciate that- good insight

The S54 scares me at that point, not to drive more the running costs and complexity-

I’ll deffo have a look at an N52 engine next time I’m at the z-shed to see what it looks like.

I’ll keep you all posted obviously! Staying loyal to the brand and model!!
 
Yes, running costs for an M are much higher!

My only experience of an M54 engine was in a 3 Series but it was a good engine. Although I found the N52 a bit better. It just fel a bit more eager and more keen to rev, with a 7,000 rpm red-line. :)
 
Mr Tidy said:
Yes, running costs for an M are much higher!

My only experience of an M54 engine was in a 3 Series but it was a good engine. Although I found the N52 a bit better. It just fel a bit more eager and more keen to rev, with a 7,000 rpm red-line. :)
Click to expand...

I’ll see if I can get someone to take us out for a spin in one
 
I have an E89 which over 4 years I’ve done around 2 dozen mods…

Technically there’s little incremental radical new technology on the E89 over the E85..

So if you can twiddle with an E85 then you can do an E89..

The N20 engine is the technically most advanced engine in the E89 which requires a fair smattering of special tools for more intricate operations..

However there are specialists who can pick off those chores that you can’t quite step up to..
 
Pbondar said:
I have an E89 which over 4 years I’ve done around 2 dozen mods…

Technically there’s little incremental radical new technology on the E89 over the E85..

So if you can twiddle with an E85 then you can do an E89..

The N20 engine is the technically most advanced engine in the E89 which requires a fair smattering of special tools for more intricate operations..

However there are specialists who can pick off those chores that you can’t quite step up to..
Click to expand...

I guess, reflecting a little on the last two cars, I’ve enjoyed sorting all the bad stuff and making them good again- like if I could do the vanos on every car I’d be happy as a pig in proverbial…

I think that’s why I’m leaning more to e86 because of the age and amount of stuff that will probably need sorting:
 
What is too difficult to do on a S54 engine

Just get an M roadster

Could drop by Lincoln and let you sit in the passenger seat the wolds roads are always interesting at 7500rpm.
 
PDJ said:
What is too difficult to do on a S54 engine

Just get an M roadster

Could drop by Lincoln and let you sit in the passenger seat the wolds roads are always interesting at 7500rpm.
Click to expand...

Shell bearings?

I read the threads on engine maintenance etc on the s54

Vanos looks complex compared to m54

But I am back in clee soon- be good to see your motor again- it’s a cracker
 
skmattwell said:
There's always plenty of stuff you can fix on my car if you like, would keep you busy for months :P
Click to expand...
Exactly! Seems Stuart just wants to find work for idle hands. Plenty of people out there who don't want to get their hands dirty but would trade a few beers with someone who enjoys fixing Zs.
Could go into business as 'The M54 Shed' :D

(PS. Apparently payment in alcohol-free beer is frowned upon.)
 
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