E89 Z4 30i - tell me more
Discussion
So for a while I've been thinking about getting rid of my Fiesta ST, and the top of my list to replace it has been 986/987 Boxsters, but I've seen a few E89 Z4s for sale and I was wondering what they're like as it's a car that seems to have slipped by my knowledge.
What are people's experiences of these, and any problems to look for when purchasing? Ideally looking at the 3.0 straight 6 variant.
Any guidance gratefully received.
What are people's experiences of these, and any problems to look for when purchasing? Ideally looking at the 3.0 straight 6 variant.
Any guidance gratefully received.
We have ran the 3.0Si variant in the previous gen cars - E86, E89.
And then had a 2.0i in the E89.
We've also had a couple of Boxsters (albeit older cars)
The E89 got a name for being more of a "boulevard cruiser" than the previous gen cars. I dont think it would be as much of a drivers car as the equivalent year Boxster.
That said, we enjoyed ours, it was fun to drive.
If looking at a car with factor 19s on it (in fact any 19s i guess) have them checked for cracks. Run flat tyres that are very low profile and big broad 19s dont go well together. Also, ditch the run flats at the first opportunity if it has them.
You're going to get a lower miles / younger Z4 than the Boxster for the same money. Running costs of the Boxster would be higher.
Another advantage is the folding hard top.
The straight 3.0i would be quite rare i'd have thought. Worth seeking out over the four bangers. Check also for the 35i variants which add turbo / turbos in to the equation (cant remember if its single turbo, twin scroll or twin). The 35i would be +££££s though.
And then had a 2.0i in the E89.
We've also had a couple of Boxsters (albeit older cars)
The E89 got a name for being more of a "boulevard cruiser" than the previous gen cars. I dont think it would be as much of a drivers car as the equivalent year Boxster.
That said, we enjoyed ours, it was fun to drive.
If looking at a car with factor 19s on it (in fact any 19s i guess) have them checked for cracks. Run flat tyres that are very low profile and big broad 19s dont go well together. Also, ditch the run flats at the first opportunity if it has them.
You're going to get a lower miles / younger Z4 than the Boxster for the same money. Running costs of the Boxster would be higher.
Another advantage is the folding hard top.
The straight 3.0i would be quite rare i'd have thought. Worth seeking out over the four bangers. Check also for the 35i variants which add turbo / turbos in to the equation (cant remember if its single turbo, twin scroll or twin). The 35i would be +££££s though.
It's a long time ago (must be 10yrs) now since I had my E89 23i but I can highly recommend it.
I had a manual with the 2.5i straight six and it was an absolute peach. I bought it since, although I wanted a Boxster, I couldn't at that time stomach the potential bills and the BMW was the safer bet in my mind.
Not the last word in excitement and driving dynamics but a very good steer and thoroughly enjoyed it at the time. And at a bare minimum, the engine was a real treat of an aural experience. Can only imagine the 3.0i will go better, perhaps sound even better and hold its value more also.
I had a manual with the 2.5i straight six and it was an absolute peach. I bought it since, although I wanted a Boxster, I couldn't at that time stomach the potential bills and the BMW was the safer bet in my mind.
Not the last word in excitement and driving dynamics but a very good steer and thoroughly enjoyed it at the time. And at a bare minimum, the engine was a real treat of an aural experience. Can only imagine the 3.0i will go better, perhaps sound even better and hold its value more also.
The 3.0 is lovely, it's the fabulous N52 straight six carried over from the earlier E85/6 Z4
It's brilliant, reliable and capable of high mileages
But it was only available for the first couple of years of E89 production so it's pretty rare .. manuals are even rarer
If you are looking at boosting power or tuning it, forget it, basically you have 265bhp and that's it
On the other hand the 4 cylinder 1.8, 2.0, 2.8 are essentially the same engine and the 1.8 can be easily and cheaply tuned to the power of the 2.8 ... worth a thought and plenty of manuals around
Sadly the 2.0 cars tend to be in pcp spec so can be pretty basic
Main points .. big wheels crack, avoid 19's and ditch the run flats, suspension is probably tired and needing refurb as regardless of mileage the oldest are now 17 years old
The roof mechanism which is complicated can be troublesome and stick sometimes midway
BMW can ask an absolute fortune to fix but fortunately there are a number of specialists that can fix it for a few hundred .. the z4 forum is the place to search
Overall they aren't as raw as the E85 nor as sporty as the G29 but decent enough and whilst more cruiser than bruiser handy enough on a back road
It's brilliant, reliable and capable of high mileages
But it was only available for the first couple of years of E89 production so it's pretty rare .. manuals are even rarer
If you are looking at boosting power or tuning it, forget it, basically you have 265bhp and that's it
On the other hand the 4 cylinder 1.8, 2.0, 2.8 are essentially the same engine and the 1.8 can be easily and cheaply tuned to the power of the 2.8 ... worth a thought and plenty of manuals around
Sadly the 2.0 cars tend to be in pcp spec so can be pretty basic
Main points .. big wheels crack, avoid 19's and ditch the run flats, suspension is probably tired and needing refurb as regardless of mileage the oldest are now 17 years old
The roof mechanism which is complicated can be troublesome and stick sometimes midway
BMW can ask an absolute fortune to fix but fortunately there are a number of specialists that can fix it for a few hundred .. the z4 forum is the place to search
Overall they aren't as raw as the E85 nor as sporty as the G29 but decent enough and whilst more cruiser than bruiser handy enough on a back road
The N52 really is a great engine. I had two E86 Z4s with N52s and liked them so much that when I bought a 3 Series daily I got a 325i followed by my current 330i!
Earthdweller has pretty much covered everything, I'd just add don't be put off by 6 figure mileages as these engines are generally bulletproof. There are a couple of E86 owners on z4forum whose cars have done over 200K miles. It's just ancillaries like starters, alternators, water pumps that don't last as long.
If you consider a 35i or 35is be prepared for the possibility of costly problems. To start with they have 2 turbos, and are known for suffering from High Pressure Fuel Pump and expensive injector issues.
Earthdweller has pretty much covered everything, I'd just add don't be put off by 6 figure mileages as these engines are generally bulletproof. There are a couple of E86 owners on z4forum whose cars have done over 200K miles. It's just ancillaries like starters, alternators, water pumps that don't last as long.
If you consider a 35i or 35is be prepared for the possibility of costly problems. To start with they have 2 turbos, and are known for suffering from High Pressure Fuel Pump and expensive injector issues.
I've had an E85 30i (latterly supercharged by ESS), E85 Z4M and E89 3.0i manual.
I bought the E89 as a stop gap car, but absolutely loved it, far exceeded my expectations. Lovely interior and peak BMW exteior design. I did have one major issue with water getting in to the boot and frying the electric modules, cost around £1200 to fix, so be sure to check for that. Also water in the taillights, they were like a fish tank. Mechanically it was super reliable. Would benefit from a modest sports exhaust.
I sold the 19's and fitted 18" with non run flat, transformed the ride.
Owned it for 18 months or so and only sold it as my dream car at the time became available at a price I couldn't refuse.
Prices are definitely going up for manual 30i cars. I would have another.
I bought the E89 as a stop gap car, but absolutely loved it, far exceeded my expectations. Lovely interior and peak BMW exteior design. I did have one major issue with water getting in to the boot and frying the electric modules, cost around £1200 to fix, so be sure to check for that. Also water in the taillights, they were like a fish tank. Mechanically it was super reliable. Would benefit from a modest sports exhaust.
I sold the 19's and fitted 18" with non run flat, transformed the ride.
Owned it for 18 months or so and only sold it as my dream car at the time became available at a price I couldn't refuse.
Prices are definitely going up for manual 30i cars. I would have another.
Edited by scz4 on Wednesday 21st January 21:25
Earthdweller said:
The 3.0 is lovely, it's the fabulous N52 straight six carried over from the earlier E85/6 Z4
It's brilliant, reliable and capable of high mileages
If you are looking at boosting power or tuning it, forget it, basically you have 265bhp and that's it
That's not correct. Bolt on bits can see 300bhp It's brilliant, reliable and capable of high mileages
If you are looking at boosting power or tuning it, forget it, basically you have 265bhp and that's it
But yes the N52 3.0 is a cracking engine.
iguana said:
Earthdweller said:
The 3.0 is lovely, it's the fabulous N52 straight six carried over from the earlier E85/6 Z4
It's brilliant, reliable and capable of high mileages
If you are looking at boosting power or tuning it, forget it, basically you have 265bhp and that's it
That's not correct. Bolt on bits can see 300bhp It's brilliant, reliable and capable of high mileages
If you are looking at boosting power or tuning it, forget it, basically you have 265bhp and that's it
But yes the N52 3.0 is a cracking engine.
If you want to boost power then I'd suggest the 3.0i is not the car for you
The 2.0 cars can be plug and play +200bhp and I have a friend running a 3.5iS with 600bhp .. that's the way to go if that's your thing
As I say he cost v gain on the 3.0 isn't worth the hassle .. just buy a different version that is easily and affordable tuneable
Thanks for the posts everyone.
I've looked at the 20i, and 28i models, they're certainly potent with phenomenal (for the type of vehicle) fuel economy figures. But, I've only ever had 4 bangers and I seem to recall there being timing chains on the N20 engines?
The 30i appeals, in the sort of big hairy chested 6 pot 2 seater, a bit like a modern Healey 3000. The 35i,a friend had a 335i, I had a drive of that and another one that had been mapped, they were bloody rapid but both were fragile,tge mapped one through eml's for fun and my mates one developed the dreaded rattle from the turbo. This has somewhat put me off that engine.
The 23i, to be honest, I'd kind of ignored it on the basis of it being not much faster than my out going Fiesta and being my mid life crisis-mobile, it felt like a go big, or go home moment, however, if the right car at the right price comes up, I might consider it.
With the limited number of manuals available, are the autos worth considering, I know the ZF 6HP box is tough, but did the 30i come with 8HP, or is that only for the 4pot cars?
I've looked at the 20i, and 28i models, they're certainly potent with phenomenal (for the type of vehicle) fuel economy figures. But, I've only ever had 4 bangers and I seem to recall there being timing chains on the N20 engines?
The 30i appeals, in the sort of big hairy chested 6 pot 2 seater, a bit like a modern Healey 3000. The 35i,a friend had a 335i, I had a drive of that and another one that had been mapped, they were bloody rapid but both were fragile,tge mapped one through eml's for fun and my mates one developed the dreaded rattle from the turbo. This has somewhat put me off that engine.
The 23i, to be honest, I'd kind of ignored it on the basis of it being not much faster than my out going Fiesta and being my mid life crisis-mobile, it felt like a go big, or go home moment, however, if the right car at the right price comes up, I might consider it.
With the limited number of manuals available, are the autos worth considering, I know the ZF 6HP box is tough, but did the 30i come with 8HP, or is that only for the 4pot cars?
TheDoggingFather said:
Thanks for the posts everyone.
I've looked at the 20i, and 28i models, they're certainly potent with phenomenal (for the type of vehicle) fuel economy figures. But, I've only ever had 4 bangers and I seem to recall there being timing chains on the N20 engines?
The 30i appeals, in the sort of big hairy chested 6 pot 2 seater, a bit like a modern Healey 3000. The 35i,a friend had a 335i, I had a drive of that and another one that had been mapped, they were bloody rapid but both were fragile,tge mapped one through eml's for fun and my mates one developed the dreaded rattle from the turbo. This has somewhat put me off that engine.
The 23i, to be honest, I'd kind of ignored it on the basis of it being not much faster than my out going Fiesta and being my mid life crisis-mobile, it felt like a go big, or go home moment, however, if the right car at the right price comes up, I might consider it.
With the limited number of manuals available, are the autos worth considering, I know the ZF 6HP box is tough, but did the 30i come with 8HP, or is that only for the 4pot cars?
The N20 engines do have a timing chain, but there was a revised tensioner fitted to post 2014 cars so it's best to look for a later one, a car that has the revised part fitted or budget to get it replaced.I've looked at the 20i, and 28i models, they're certainly potent with phenomenal (for the type of vehicle) fuel economy figures. But, I've only ever had 4 bangers and I seem to recall there being timing chains on the N20 engines?
The 30i appeals, in the sort of big hairy chested 6 pot 2 seater, a bit like a modern Healey 3000. The 35i,a friend had a 335i, I had a drive of that and another one that had been mapped, they were bloody rapid but both were fragile,tge mapped one through eml's for fun and my mates one developed the dreaded rattle from the turbo. This has somewhat put me off that engine.
The 23i, to be honest, I'd kind of ignored it on the basis of it being not much faster than my out going Fiesta and being my mid life crisis-mobile, it felt like a go big, or go home moment, however, if the right car at the right price comes up, I might consider it.
With the limited number of manuals available, are the autos worth considering, I know the ZF 6HP box is tough, but did the 30i come with 8HP, or is that only for the 4pot cars?
FWIW the 18i, 20i and 28i all used the same engine just with different maps so an 18i or 20i can make 28i power with a map, although the 28i did have larger front brakes.
The 23i and 30i have the same engine N52 engine just in a different size and it's a gem. I've had both in a 3 Series and my 325i only lasted a year before I replaced it with a 330i that I've had over 6 years which may say a lot!
Quite a few 35i and 35is owners have seen their cars give their wallet a hammering. Injectors are a common problem and they cost £300 or so each.
The 23i and 30i Autos had a ZF 6HP, the 4 cylinder ones had the ZF 8HP and the twin-turbo N54 engines go a 7 speed DCT.
Personally I reckon the 30i is the sweet spot in the range for performance for the money without potential for throwing up big bills and a straight 6 engine which is one of the features unique to the Z4, but sadly there don't seem to be many of them about. I suppose most buyers bought the 23i entry level model or headed to the top of the range 35i/35is.
Excellent advice, many thanks!
A couple of other questions that had popped up.
I'm fairly big guy, 6' 2" and I have fairly large feet, how roomy is the cabin?
Also, how good is the sound system? I know it's a convertible and should be about the driving experience etc, but sometimes I will have to drive it to the office and I need a reasonable sound system.
A couple of other questions that had popped up.
I'm fairly big guy, 6' 2" and I have fairly large feet, how roomy is the cabin?
Also, how good is the sound system? I know it's a convertible and should be about the driving experience etc, but sometimes I will have to drive it to the office and I need a reasonable sound system.
TheDoggingFather said:
Excellent advice, many thanks!
A couple of other questions that had popped up.
I'm fairly big guy, 6' 2" and I have fairly large feet, how roomy is the cabin?
Also, how good is the sound system? I know it's a convertible and should be about the driving experience etc, but sometimes I will have to drive it to the office and I need a reasonable sound system.
I'm 6' 0' and size 11 feet.A couple of other questions that had popped up.
I'm fairly big guy, 6' 2" and I have fairly large feet, how roomy is the cabin?
Also, how good is the sound system? I know it's a convertible and should be about the driving experience etc, but sometimes I will have to drive it to the office and I need a reasonable sound system.
No issues at all.
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