Which sporty BMW to buy?

[LotsOfLaughs]

Hi - I've never had a BMW before, mainly because I found the 5 series too big, and the 3 series boot too small.

Now however, I'm looking at getting something fun to run alongside a diesel Octavia VRS, Yeti or Superb (whichever comes up in a spec I like). And before anyone suggests it, no, I can't quite get an M3, a Z4 M, an M140i, or a V8 TVR, or a Lotus, and I don't want an MX5.

So, it no longer has to be practical, it just has to be fun, and fast, and preferably not too costly to run. I'll be adding a limited slip differential to whichever I buy, and eventually persuing more power I'm sure.

The list so far, I think, hopefully I've navigated the broad range of chassis codes and engine choices correctly, in no particular order, are;
- E85 Z4 with the 3.0 NA engine, in either coupe or convertible
- E82 135i coupe
- E89 Z4 35i
- F21 M135i
- E63 645i coupe V8 manual

My thoughts so far:
- The old Z4 3.0 is considerably cheaper, and lighter. The coupe seems rather overpriced compared to the convertible, especially considering that hardtops are available.
- The other cars are turbocharged, so they're faster. This makes upgrading them comparatively cheap, but repairing them if they go wrong much more expensive.
- The 645i has a V8, and when given the option, declining a V8 without good reason is communist. The fact that it's too big and heavy to be fun is a good enough reason
- The M135i is a bit of a pleb car, but I can live with that.
- The Z4 convertible is a bit of a hairdressers car, but I can live with that.
- The back of the 645i looks awful, but I can live with it.
- All are BMW drivers cars.

All of them are comfortable and practical enough for me to live with, fuel consumption isn't a deal breaker, so really it comes down to which is most fun to thrash down a twisty road, to remind me why I love driving, when I've escaped the Skoda?

Keen to hear your thoughts,
Happy new year!

[g3org3y]

LotsOfLaughs said:

Hi - I've never had a BMW before, mainly because I found the 5 series too big, and the 3 series boot too small.

Now however, I'm looking at getting something fun to run alongside a diesel Octavia VRS, Yeti or Superb (whichever comes up in a spec I like). And before anyone suggests it, no, I can't quite get an M3, a Z4 M, an M140i, or a V8 TVR, or a Lotus, and I don't want an MX5.

So, it no longer has to be practical, it just has to be fun, and fast, and preferably not too costly to run. I'll be adding a limited slip differential to whichever I buy, and eventually persuing more power I'm sure.

The list so far, I think, hopefully I've navigated the broad range of chassis codes and engine choices correctly, in no particular order, are;
- E85 Z4 with the 3.0 NA engine, in either coupe or convertible
- E82 135i coupe
- E89 Z4 35i
- F21 M135i
- E63 645i coupe V8 manual

My thoughts so far:
- The old Z4 3.0 is considerably cheaper, and lighter. The coupe seems rather overpriced compared to the convertible, especially considering that hardtops are available.
- The other cars are turbocharged, so they're faster. This makes upgrading them comparatively cheap, but repairing them if they go wrong much more expensive.
- The 645i has a V8, and when given the option, declining a V8 without good reason is communist. The fact that it's too big and heavy to be fun is a good enough reason
- The M135i is a bit of a pleb car, but I can live with that.
- The Z4 convertible is a bit of a hairdressers car, but I can live with that.
- The back of the 645i looks awful, but I can live with it.
- All are BMW drivers cars.

All of them are comfortable and practical enough for me to live with, fuel consumption isn't a deal breaker, so really it comes down to which is most fun to thrash down a twisty road, to remind me why I love driving, when I've escaped the Skoda?

Keen to hear your thoughts,
Happy new year!

Quite a variety of cars there!

I think if you're looking for something 'fun' as the primary objective, I'd probably cross the 6 Series off the list. Big coupe, lovely and smooth to drive (I have a 630i as my daily). It is however not the car you'd be taking out for a drive over the weekend 'just because'.

E85 Z4 is a good shout. With the 3.0 N52 it's reliable and not especially expensive. I have one as a summer car. Goes great with the engine but let down by the ride (removal of RFTs makes a difference). Has electric PAS which although precise can feel somewhat numb (I'd go so far as saying my E91 steers better).

E89 I can't comment on but my understanding was that it was considered 'softer' than the E85 (and has the metal folding roof).

Can't comment on the M135i but people seem to be v positive about them. Plus they do add an extra element of practicality which would be a consideration.

I note you mentioned about considering adding more power in the future. With that in mind, you'd be better off looking at the turbo options as they'd be much easier to tune. You'd struggle to add significant power to the naturally aspirated N52 engine in the E85 (or the V8 in the 6) unless doing significant mods.

Edited by g3org3y on Wednesday 31st December 05:57

[Billy_Whizzzz]

If not convertible none of those will feel special enough for a second car, hence despite its flaws, the z4 3.0 would be my choice. M135 more fun to drive but more expensive and ‘just another’ hatchback

[paddy1970]

Get the E82 135i coupe. It's the sweet spot of your list—small, light, perfectly balanced, and that N54/N55 engine is both tuneable and characterful enough to keep you entertained. The short wheelbase makes it feel alive and adjustable on a B-road in a way the more grown-up F21 can't match, it's more exciting than the slower E85 Z4, more focused than the heavier E89, and actually enjoyable to hustle unlike the barge-like 645i. With an LSD fitted it becomes a proper little weapon that'll remind you why you love driving every time you escape the Octavia, and when you inevitably want more power, the turbo straight-six has bags of potential without requiring you to remortgage. It's the obvious choice.

[danb79]

LotsOfLaughs said:

Hi - I've never had a BMW before, mainly because I found the 5 series too big, and the 3 series boot too small.

Now however, I'm looking at getting something fun to run alongside a diesel Octavia VRS, Yeti or Superb (whichever comes up in a spec I like). And before anyone suggests it, no, I can't quite get an M3, a Z4 M, an M140i, or a V8 TVR, or a Lotus, and I don't want an MX5.

So, it no longer has to be practical, it just has to be fun, and fast, and preferably not too costly to run. I'll be adding a limited slip differential to whichever I buy, and eventually persuing more power I'm sure.

The list so far, I think, hopefully I've navigated the broad range of chassis codes and engine choices correctly, in no particular order, are;
- E85 Z4 with the 3.0 NA engine, in either coupe or convertible
- E82 135i coupe
- E89 Z4 35i
- F21 M135i
- E63 645i coupe V8 manual

My thoughts so far:
- The old Z4 3.0 is considerably cheaper, and lighter. The coupe seems rather overpriced compared to the convertible, especially considering that hardtops are available.
- The other cars are turbocharged, so they're faster. This makes upgrading them comparatively cheap, but repairing them if they go wrong much more expensive.
- The 645i has a V8, and when given the option, declining a V8 without good reason is communist. The fact that it's too big and heavy to be fun is a good enough reason
- The M135i is a bit of a pleb car, but I can live with that.
- The Z4 convertible is a bit of a hairdressers car, but I can live with that.
- The back of the 645i looks awful, but I can live with it.
- All are BMW drivers cars.

All of them are comfortable and practical enough for me to live with, fuel consumption isn't a deal breaker, so really it comes down to which is most fun to thrash down a twisty road, to remind me why I love driving, when I've escaped the Skoda?

Keen to hear your thoughts,
Happy new year!

You've missed the 1 series hatch off your list; IMO a superb car... Go for an E81 130i LE

[LotsOfLaughs]

g3org3y said:

Quite a variety of cars there!

I think if you're looking for something 'fun' as the primary objective, I'd probably cross the 6 Series off the list. Big coupe, lovely and smooth to drive (I have a 630i as my daily). It is however not the car you'd be taking out for a drive over the weekend 'just because'.

E85 Z4 is a good shout. With the 3.0 N52 it's reliable and not especially expensive. I have one as a summer car. Goes great with the engine but let down by the ride (removal of RFTs makes a difference). Has electric PAS which although precise can feel somewhat numb (I'd go so far as saying my E91 steers better).

E89 I can't comment on but my understanding was that it was considered 'softer' than the E85 (and has the metal folding roof).

Can't comment on the M135i but people seem to be v positive about them. Plus they do add an extra element of practicality which would be a consideration.

I note you mentioned about considering adding more power in the future. With that in mind, you'd be better off looking at the turbo options as they'd be much easier to tune. You'd struggle to add significant power to the naturally aspirated N52 engine in the E85 (or the V8 in the 6) unless doing significant mods.

Okay, so that's the 645i out. I rather liked the idea of the V8, I assumed because it's such a common engine that there would be a few options tuning wise, but it seems not to be the case.

If the E85 Z4 isn't particularly good to steer, that sort of misses the point of a fun, sporty car... I've seen that people are converting them back to hydro racks from the E46, but it looks like an awful lot of faff? If the E91 is more fun then I'll just get one of those, especially considering I can get a 335i. The E89 is based on the E90, is it not? So it might be better than the E85, despite being heavier? I do like the folding hardtop, I must say.

Are the E89 Z4 35i, the E82 135i and the M135i the same in terms of engine/gearbox/power potential? Thanks

Billy_Whizzzz said:

If not convertible none of those will feel special enough for a second car, hence despite its flaws, the z4 3.0 would be my choice. M135i more fun to drive but more expensive and just another hatchback

I'm not too bothered that it's just another hatchback, and if I went for a convertible, I'd get a hardtop for it anyway, so the only one I'd actually be able to put the roof down on would be an E89 Z4. If the M135i is the most fun, that's the one I'm most keen on!

paddy1970 said:

Get the E82 135i coupe. It's the sweet spot of your list small, light, perfectly balanced, and that N54/N55 engine is both tuneable and characterful enough to keep you entertained. The short wheelbase makes it feel alive and adjustable on a B-road in a way the more grown-up F21 can't match, it's more exciting than the slower E85 Z4, more focused than the heavier E89, and actually enjoyable to hustle unlike the barge-like 645i. With an LSD fitted it becomes a proper little weapon that'll remind you why you love driving every time you escape the Octavia, and when you inevitably want more power, the turbo straight-six has bags of potential without requiring you to remortgage. It's the obvious choice.

Excellent, thanks. Very convincing. The weight difference is less than the weight of a passenger, does that really make much difference? Or are there other differences too, like the steering?

danb79 said:

You've missed the 1 series hatch off your list; IMO a superb car... Go for an E81 130i LE

Why would one of those be better than an M135i? Or a Z4 or an E82 135i?

[danb79]

LotsOfLaughs said:

Why would one of those be better than an M135i? Or a Z4 or an E82 135i?

NA straight 6 - loved to be revved and used through the range. No turbo's to worry about; no usual N54 foibles to worry about - The N52 engine is superb and looked after, bulletproof

Even though I wasn't able to enjoy it as I'd planned due to health issues and not being able to drive a manual car comfortably; I loved every minute of having it and building it and if I get chance, I'd do it again.

Full project is here if you're bored: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[F355GTS]

LotsOfLaughs said:

Hi - I've never had a BMW before, mainly because I found the 5 series too big, and the 3 series boot too small.

Now however, I'm looking at getting something fun to run alongside a diesel Octavia VRS, Yeti or Superb (whichever comes up in a spec I like). And before anyone suggests it, no, I can't quite get an M3, a Z4 M, an M140i, or a V8 TVR, or a Lotus, and I don't want an MX5.

So, it no longer has to be practical, it just has to be fun, and fast, and preferably not too costly to run. I'll be adding a limited slip differential to whichever I buy, and eventually persuing more power I'm sure.

The list so far, I think, hopefully I've navigated the broad range of chassis codes and engine choices correctly, in no particular order, are;
- E85 Z4 with the 3.0 NA engine, in either coupe or convertible
- E82 135i coupe
- E89 Z4 35i
- F21 M135i
- E63 645i coupe V8 manual

My thoughts so far:
- The old Z4 3.0 is considerably cheaper, and lighter. The coupe seems rather overpriced compared to the convertible, especially considering that hardtops are available.
- The other cars are turbocharged, so they're faster. This makes upgrading them comparatively cheap, but repairing them if they go wrong much more expensive.
- The 645i has a V8, and when given the option, declining a V8 without good reason is communist. The fact that it's too big and heavy to be fun is a good enough reason
- The M135i is a bit of a pleb car, but I can live with that.
- The Z4 convertible is a bit of a hairdressers car, but I can live with that.
- The back of the 645i looks awful, but I can live with it.
- All are BMW drivers cars.

All of them are comfortable and practical enough for me to live with, fuel consumption isn't a deal breaker, so really it comes down to which is most fun to thrash down a twisty road, to remind me why I love driving, when I've escaped the Skoda?

Keen to hear your thoughts,
Happy new year!

Love my M135i, it's a later LCI model and I'd say try to get one with the active suspension if you can, overcomes soem of the handling shortffalls you may read about

[LotsOfLaughs]

danb79 said:

NA straight 6 - loved to be revved and used through the range. No turbo's to worry about; no usual N54 foibles to worry about - The N52 engine is superb and looked after, bulletproof

Even though I wasn't able to enjoy it as I'd planned due to health issues and not being able to drive a manual car comfortably; I loved every minute of having it and building it and if I get chance, I'd do it again.

Sure, but I can have that engine in a Z4 or a 1 series coupe, can I not?
Also - it's just not that fast or special. Given the cost of running a second car, it'd make more sense for me to just spend a tad more on the Skoda and get the petrol Octavia VRS with the performance pack.
I'm not going to do many trackdays, and it'd be irresponsible to turn the traction control off and skid around roundabouts, so really the RWD is for the extra steering feel and performance. The NA hatchback doesn't really give me the extra performance.

Having said that, my budget puts me right at the bottom end of the M135i market, and all those cars are high mileage/abused cars, bound to throw me some expensive bills, given the reputation of that engine. The E82 135i and E89 Z4 35i aren't so popular amongs those circles, so hopefully I'd be okay. The sensible option I think is the E85 Z4, it leaves me a much healthier budget for repairs, and it's the most relaible, and means I can buy the LSD straight away. If only it was a little bit faster.

[swanny71]

Some thoughts from personal experience that may or may not help.

130i - was my daily driver for 8 years and 120k miles. Small, fun, fast enough, simple to maintain and extremely reliable if you find a good one. Not the ‘best’ car I’ve ever owned but the one I miss most and have by far the fondest memories of. Wish I’d never sold it.

M135i - my current daily driver for 6 years and about 50k miles. Small, as quick as you need on UK roads, reliable and again easy to maintain.
N55 reliability issues (eg rod bearings) are overstated and it’s a lovely unit.
Simple well built interior - no touch screens, lane assist or other modern inconveniences.
The best daily driver I’ve owned with some mild fettling including B12 kit and a BMW Performance back box. Absolutely no need to dick about with remaps/down pipes etc.

E82 coupe - 125i would be my choice, not the 135i
Not on the OP’s radar but I owned a 1M for a couple of years, it was stunning to look at and kinda fun in a ‘bit of a handful’ way. The N54 never really impressed even with a Milltek exhaust and that engine does have some reliability issues. N52 and N55 much sweeter in my opinion.
M135i quicker than the 1M in the real world (in my hands) if that’s your thing.

E86 Coupe - been looking at these for 18 months and driven a couple. Real sense of occasion approaching and sitting in that beautiful thing. Feels old school in an enjoyable way.
Not that fast, not particularly practical but it would be (and is if I find the right one) my choice as a weekend car on a smallish budget. N52 perfect in this application.

All above are/were manual - essential for enjoyment in my opinion. I know everyone bangs on about how crap BMW manuals are but there are ways to significantly improve them.

All just personal opinion and experience, I’m not looking to start an argument/debate with anyone.

[dibblecorse]

The E89 is not the answer either, I ran one for a couple of years, the 3.0 iS, was a lovely bit of kit but a decent steer it was not, sounded nice, but its a GT car ...

On my cross country commute it was average at best and bettered by my 3k Boxster 2.5, our Mini Cooper Convertible and then by the 911 997.2 GTS that replaced it, it wouldn't have known which way any of them went down a set of twistys, steering was vague, nose was too long and suspension not supple enough, looked nice but not a drivers car, the previous generation is far sharper.

[mmm-five]

I don't think you've stated a budget, but a 3.0si Z4 Coupe has popped up on the Z4-Forum for sale again (now at £6750).
https://z4-forum.com/threads/bmw-z4-coupe-for-sale...

It also popped up last month (at £7500), but the seller (a new member) didn't want to answer any questions or provide any feedback.
https://z4-forum.com/threads/bmw-z4-coupe-for-sale...

[Maxus]

I'd be going for a Manual 3.0 Z4. Something different to the Skoda and great value for money.

They're not slow and the 6 cylinder engines are great. Being convertible means the sensations aren't all about driving on the limit which you can't really do much anyway.

[LotsOfLaughs]

swanny71 said:

Some thoughts from personal experience that may or may not help.

130i - was my daily driver for 8 years and 120k miles. Small, fun, fast enough, simple to maintain and extremely reliable if you find a good one. Not the best car I ve ever owned but the one I miss most and have by far the fondest memories of. Wish I d never sold it.

M135i - my current daily driver for 6 years and about 50k miles. Small, as quick as you need on UK roads, reliable and again easy to maintain.
N55 reliability issues (eg rod bearings) are overstated and it s a lovely unit.
Simple well built interior - no touch screens, lane assist or other modern inconveniences.
The best daily driver I ve owned with some mild fettling including B12 kit and a BMW Performance back box. Absolutely no need to dick about with remaps/down pipes etc.

E82 coupe - 125i would be my choice, not the 135i
Not on the OP s radar but I owned a 1M for a couple of years, it was stunning to look at and kinda fun in a bit of a handful way. The N54 never really impressed even with a Milltek exhaust and that engine does have some reliability issues. N52 and N55 much sweeter in my opinion.
M135i quicker than the 1M in the real world (in my hands) if that s your thing.

E86 Coupe - been looking at these for 18 months and driven a couple. Real sense of occasion approaching and sitting in that beautiful thing. Feels old school in an enjoyable way.
Not that fast, not particularly practical but it would be (and is if I find the right one) my choice as a weekend car on a smallish budget. N52 perfect in this application.

All above are/were manual - essential for enjoyment in my opinion. I know everyone bangs on about how crap BMW manuals are but there are ways to significantly improve them.

M135i sounds like the pick of the bunch then would you say? I do like the look of the 1M but obviously far outside my budget.
Why do you rate the E82 125i over the 135i? Just reliability/running costs? Comparing the 125i to the E85/E86 Z4, it actually looks well worth shortlisting.
A manual E86 these days isn't cheap, the ones in my budget are all far north of 100k miles (which isn't a dealbreaker) but considering I can get a convertible with half the miles for half the price, it's hard to justify the extra price, it's not as though the coupe is any lighter. Granted, it's stiffer, but the E85 convertible is stiffer than any E46, including the M3 coupe.

dibblecorse said:

The E89 is not the answer either, I ran one for a couple of years, the 3.0 iS, was a lovely bit of kit but a decent steer it was not, sounded nice, but its a GT car ...

On my cross country commute it was average at best and bettered by my 3k Boxster 2.5, our Mini Cooper Convertible and then by the 911 997.2 GTS that replaced it, it wouldn't have known which way any of them went down a set of twistys, steering was vague, nose was too long and suspension not supple enough, looked nice but not a drivers car, the previous generation is far sharper.

E89 3.0iS - is that the turbo one or the NA? I don't think I'd bother with the NA one personally, I'd save the money and get the older one, or now that it's been pointed out, the E82 125i.
I've considered Boxsters and Caymans, but really I'd want the 3.2 Boxster S or 3.4 Cayman S, the latter is outside my budget. A 986S could be had, but given their reputation for engine failure, and the cost of a replacement engine, and how difficult they are to work on, I'm minded to avoid, especially given how much nicer the interior of the 987 is, and that's just a bit too expensive for me. If a 986S really is a lot better to drive than any BMW, I'd have a think about it, but I'm not that keen.

Maxus said:

I'd be going for a Manual 3.0 Z4. Something different to the Skoda and great value for money.

They're not slow and the 6 cylinder engines are great. Being convertible means the sensations aren't all about driving on the limit which you can't really do much anyway.

I'm not really after something that's "not slow"... I'm more after something which is "F***ing hell that's quick".
There was a supercharged one for sale a while ago, I should have had a look at that I think.

[danb79]

LotsOfLaughs said:

danb79 said:

NA straight 6 - loved to be revved and used through the range. No turbo's to worry about; no usual N54 foibles to worry about - The N52 engine is superb and looked after, bulletproof

Even though I wasn't able to enjoy it as I'd planned due to health issues and not being able to drive a manual car comfortably; I loved every minute of having it and building it and if I get chance, I'd do it again.

Sure, but I can have that engine in a Z4 or a 1 series coupe, can I not?
Also - it's just not that fast or special. Given the cost of running a second car, it'd make more sense for me to just spend a tad more on the Skoda and get the petrol Octavia VRS with the performance pack.
I'm not going to do many trackdays, and it'd be irresponsible to turn the traction control off and skid around roundabouts, so really the RWD is for the extra steering feel and performance. The NA hatchback doesn't really give me the extra performance.

Having said that, my budget puts me right at the bottom end of the M135i market, and all those cars are high mileage/abused cars, bound to throw me some expensive bills, given the reputation of that engine. The E82 135i and E89 Z4 35i aren't so popular amongs those circles, so hopefully I'd be okay. The sensible option I think is the E85 Z4, it leaves me a much healthier budget for repairs, and it's the most relaible, and means I can buy the LSD straight away. If only it was a little bit faster.

You’re writing off a car you’ve never tried because it’s not ‘fast enough’…

IMO none of those cars are going to be fast enough if you use that as a bench mark - but all are more than capable of making you lose your licence very quickly…

It’s personal preference I get that; the E8x chassis is superb and responds well to decent upgrades too

And agree, the fitting of a diff would be a superb start. It was something I was going to sort before I decided it was best to sell my 130i on

[Maxus]

LotsOfLaughs said:

Maxus said:

I'd be going for a Manual 3.0 Z4. Something different to the Skoda and great value for money.

They're not slow and the 6 cylinder engines are great. Being convertible means the sensations aren't all about driving on the limit which you can't really do much anyway.

I'm not really after something that's "not slow"... I'm more after something which is "F***ing hell that's quick".
There was a supercharged one for sale a while ago, I should have had a look at that I think.

You said you were after something fun as well as fast. Fun is of course subjective (i've found getting the most out of c130 bhp supermini's the most fun), but if it's all about speed then really that narrows it down to a 35i engined car that is easy to remap for big power.

We have an M240i which is fast and enjoyable to drive but for me isn't as much "fun" as our E46 330 convertible.

[LotsOfLaughs]

danb79 said:

You re writing off a car you ve never tried because it s not fast enough

IMO none of those cars are going to be fast enough if you use that as a bench mark - but all are more than capable of making you lose your licence very quickly

It s personal preference I get that; the E8x chassis is superb and responds well to decent upgrades too

And agree, the fitting of a diff would be a superb start. It was something I was going to sort before I decided it was best to sell my 130i on

I suppose that's true, but I've owned cars with a similar power to weight ratio, acceleration, top speed, displacement, etc, in Subaru form. Sure, it's not RWD, but it's not exactly dull either. I'm after something more fun AND faster.
Obviously it's not all about the numbers. If it were, I'd find myself a 335d, A5 V6 tdi, or a Golf R/S3 etc and have the full chemo stage 9000 tune. However, I don't just want to put my foot down like a "certi driver", I actually want to enjoy driving, without going all the way down the MX5/Caterham rabbit hole (I've been there too. It's soggy.)
The spicy end of the BMW range seems to fit the bill, they're fast, because they need to compete with Audis, and fun, because, well, they're hot BMWs. Mercs are sadly all automatic, so they're out.
The E8x range includes most of the cars discussed, the E82 125i/135i, and all 3 Z4s. It's bizzare how the convertibles are cheaper than the hardtops in the E82, though that seems common amongst many sporty cars (350z, etc)

[LotsOfLaughs]

Maxus said:

You said you were after something fun as well as fast. Fun is of course subjective (i've found getting the most out of c130 bhp supermini's the most fun), but if it's all about speed then really that narrows it down to a 35i engined car that is easy to remap for big power.

We have an M240i which is fast and enjoyable to drive but for me isn't as much "fun" as our E46 330 convertible.

Yep, that really narrows it down to the F21 M135i, the E82 135i, the E89 Z4 35i. They all have nearly exactly equal power outputs, I think the E82 is the lightest and the cheapest, so that seems like a no-brainer to me?

[Mr Tidy]

LotsOfLaughs said:

Yep, that really narrows it down to the F21 M135i, the E82 135i, the E89 Z4 35i. They all have nearly exactly equal power outputs, I think the E82 is the lightest and the cheapest, so that seems like a no-brainer to me?

I think you're right to remove any 3 Series from your list. I briefly had an E90 330i and a Z4 Coupe with the same engine and the 3 Series fell way behind the Z4 for fun on a twisty road. Although I've also had an E87 (123d) in the past and even with M-Sport suspension the Z4 was way more fun.

I loved my Z4 Coupe and it never felt slow on UK roads. I only sold it because I had to scratch the M itch!

FWIW most multiple Z4 owners on a dedicated forum describe the E85/86 as a sports car and the E89 as more of a GT. Plus the N54 engine in the 35is is known for suffering from expensive injector and High Pressure Fuel Pump issues - the early M135i has that engine too. That's before you get on to turbo problems, and the N54 has two of them.

You probably need to try 1 or 2 of the options and see how they feel, although by the time you get to E89 35is prices you ought to be able to get an E85 Z4M which IMHO is way more special than any of the others with that S54 screamer of an engine, albeit not cheap to run.

[Joseph Ducreux]

F2x M135i only came with the N55. Early ones had the pneumatic waste gate, later (mid-2014ish) ones had the electronic waste gate and slightly more power (322hp vs 315hp)

The older E-series 135i came with the N55 towards the end of its run, but I think that came with the N54 earlier on.