Z4 35i what they like?

id101

Zorg Addict
Joined
Dec 13, 2017
Points
59
I have a z3 3.0 and I've had a z4 coupe in the past. What are the e89 z4s like specifically the 35i? As I've seen a dct at a keen price that has piqued my interest. Is there more leg room in them? Are there any points to look out for?

Cheers in advance
 

elevensies

Zorg Legend
Supporter
British Zeds
Joined
Aug 24, 2024
Points
84
Location
North Lincolnshire
Model of Z
roadster 2.8 widebody
about 6 months ago i went to look at one local to me, was a strong price and i didnt feel it was worth the money, but thats another story, so it drove like a modern BMW, everything kinda felt like my old z4 coupe, lots of boring plastic, seats were nice, and there is similar leg room to the z4. Cabin area very clinical, and the roof very clever, you have to remember to pull something in the boot first if i remember correctly.

I really liked the car, was quick enough, looked good in white which was my preference, but i just didnt see the car as the value the guy had on it. I would also do a recall check as they have a few recall issues (one i looked at needed some)

i would go have a test drive and get your feel, as no doubt we all have different opinions, different needs and different tastes..
 

B21

Zorg Legend
British Zeds
Joined
Oct 1, 2023
Points
76
Location
Scottish Borders
Model of Z
E89 35is
Hello..compared to Z3 and even E86 the E89s are very different.

First of the really electronic generation of BMWs, not that you will necessary see most of that stuff.

Cabin to most peoples minds is much better quality than previous Zeds whilst being pretty unique..ie it doesn't look like a 3 series of the same era.

Although folks say the E89 is a softer handling car in the real world the E85 and E89 have similar pace over the ground.

The 35i is powered by the N54 which was a very strong engine but sadly with some weaker ancillaries.

Like all these things some folks report a trouble free life but quite a few owners have been into 4 and in some case 5 figure bills over time.

Power compared to anything but a Z3M or Z4M is prodigous and plentiful..runs out of puff at the top end after a relentless mid range surge.

The 35i and 35is really are too heavy and too powerful for the chassis without some major mods.

As said depends what you want..I've done now 70k miles in both my 20i and 35is E89s..mostly on car tours.
 

Pond

Zorg Guru (III)
British Zeds
Joined
Dec 26, 2016
Points
144
Location
Spaldingski, Lincs
Model of Z
Z3 project
I have owned two E89s (both N20 two litre) and now have an M54 3 litre Z3 (it doesn't look like a Z3 anymore but it still is one).

I have also owned an N54 engined BMW (not in an E89 though).

I would say you should buy a 10-15 year old E89 with your eyes wide open, especially the N54, and really want one.
The roofs are THE most complicated piece of equipment known to man....they make the space station look like lego!
The roofs, boots and doors can leak, just like soft tops do, only they are far more complicated to fix. The roofs do go wrong quite a lot aswell, especially as they get older, although often they are a simple fix. There are only a handful of people in the world (it would seem) who can fix a major fault with the E89 roof. BMW dealers can't anymore but will empty your wallet trying.

The N54 engine, while very strong and very torquey, could easily cost more than the value of the car if all of the common problems happen in quick succession.

All sounds negative I know and the E89 is a good car generally. Yes, they are more 'modern' than a Z3 or first generation Z4, but are leagues behind any F, or G series.

Due mainly to the roof, they are very heavy cars aswell, considering how small they are.
 
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