Move from a E85 to an E89?

[darknetone]

I have been thinking, which usually leads to trouble. I have a 2003 Z4 3.0 with a hard top, I bout this car a couple of months ago and I must say I really, really love it. I replaced the VGC, New plugs, DR. VANOS drop in, DISA fix, upgraded the stereo to a an XM/GPS unit, and have a couple of other project planned, I do all my own work. You get the idea I like my car and enjoy upgrading it. However I really like the E89 and was thinking about an E89 3.0 (non-turbo).
So either my current E85 will fill the following role or a used E89 will what my use is this; long term use ~9 years, lots of miles running around 20K miles/yr.
Some quick questions;

• What breaks on E89 cars?
• Long term use, perhaps some high mileage E89 owners can chime in?
• I am thinking the 3.0 non-turbo, plenty of fun and no turbo failure does the road to worry about does that make sense?
• Are the VANOS and DISA issues solved on these cars?

Any comments that are constructive are welcomed! Thanks Much!

[Squddie]

Did you drive an e89 yet? They are more like a mini-SL than a new Z4. Significantly bigger and GT-er. I love them but many run screaming.

I can't contribute to longevity but my lease has no malfunctions at all, and all the assorted buzzes and creaks when new went away during break-in. I am seriously considering buying an E89 after my lease is up.

[kosd]

I haven't seen any significant repairs in my 09 s35i but I think the biggest risk is the roof mechanism. When that goes, it's a science project to troubleshoot and expensive to repair.

Also, IMHO iF&G you're going to upgrade. Get the s35i turbo version with the DCT tranny (or manual is u prefer). I much prefer the turbo version.

I do like E85 hardtop version as well. Would love to see a pic or two of yours..

[rking117]

E85? I though that platform was the previous version of the Z4 which i also owned. So when i read your thread was thinking about saying to you that you will like the upgrade t the E89. But when i read that you had a Z3 instead my thoughts were that you might not like the E89 because of its size and weight. It just feels different. I have driven the Z3 ///M and owned a Z4 E85 and also now the E89. The E85 z4 was heavier than the Z3 and the E89 certainly beats eh E85 Z4 in weight. You can feel it for sure. If you do like a vehicle that has that luxurious feel while driving down the road then that sporty feel when you punch it then you might still like the E89. My suggestion is for you to test drive on for a couple days befor eyou decide.

As for breakage: I have had the following work done

Rear Brakes
Transmission Servicing
replaced battery
Couple bulbs

I have heard stories about the top malfunctioning. Hope mine doesn't go.

If you have the option then cover yourself and CPO the vehicle. It covers issues up until 100K miles. I would do this even if i did want to do most of the work myself. everything has to be programmed now days right down to the battery replacement.

[darknetone]

I made a correction, I have a Z4 not a Z3, sorry about the typo folks... And thanks for the replies!

[darknetone]

I have an E85, a Z4 I mistyped the model. I have since fixed my initial message. And thanks for the reply.

[VailM3]

Got to say if you can spring for a 35i do it, you will not regret it.

[Innovative AutoConcepts]

Depends if you want the extra power or not. I am at about 302hp on a 30i but that's pretty much maxed out. With a 35i you can just get cobb and be over 400hp. However the main problems with those are the HPFP, but I think they have resolved that issue already.

[Living Dead]

I just leased a loaded 2015 35is a couple of weeks ago after having a no option 2006 3.0i for 6 years. When I add the CPO cost of the 2006 plus all the repairs and maintenance over those 6 years and compare it to the cost of the lease for the 2015 for 3 years the cost per year of each is so close as to not make a difference, lease a new one, you will not regret it.

[nicknaz]

I've had some issues with roof, headlights, hpfp/injectors, and now something random where a bulb warning comes on but all bulbs are working...

My Guess is there will be some random electrical issues in future based on my past experience.

Also, you should make sure you are ok with that weight to power...

Personally, I'd get an e85/6 z4m or 35i/is not the 30i

Or how about a 987 boxster s?

[darknetone]

The E89 in a NA 3.0 my choice, it runs pretty closely to my current 03 E85 with roughly the same MPG, acceleration and speed. I am doing 20K per year over the next 9 years. And I'll either do it in my current E85 or in a newer E89. If I could say with some level of certainty that the turbos would make 200K+Miles with out fail I'd consider a turbo model. From what I understand there were issues with the HPFP on some turbo models.

[aznoo1]

i owned a 2006 z4 3.0i for over 4 years and kept it while also purchasing 2011 e89 3.5i. the e85 is more nimble and tight the e89 is more of a cruiser with lots of HP. I prefer the e89 over the e85 because of all the creature comforts, but go for the 3.5i or even better find a 3.5is.

[tranquility]

Here you go:
http://e89.zpost.com/forums/showthre...5#post17934905

[darknetone]

Tranquility thanks for the link!

So my biggest concern at this point is the trubos and their durability over time. I am looking at a lot of mileage with little or no intention on swapping cars out for the next 9 years. So I am looking at ~200,000 miles. I'd prefer not to have to replace a turbo. It there any conventional wisdom on the subject. Specific to the turbos use in the E89? On that note who makes the turbo in the E89? Borg, Garret, ...? And what model is it? Perhaps I can fine info out that way.

[darknetone]

A ha I just came across this;

http://www.bmwblog.com/2012/08/16/n5...stegates-only/

Interesting enough..

As far as HPFS, I am not afraid of this kind of failure the pump i only 400$ and easy enough to replace. I am interested in potential turbo failure, what collateral damage is possible and cost to get back on the road. And possibly the complexity of the repair as I might, post warranty be doing the work myself.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by darknetone

Tranquility thanks for the link!

So my biggest concern at this point is the trubos and their durability over time. I am looking at a lot of mileage with little or no intention on swapping cars out for the next 9 years. So I am looking at ~200,000 miles. I'd prefer not to have to replace a turbo. It there any conventional wisdom on the subject. Specific to the turbos use in the E89? On that note who makes the turbo in the E89? Borg, Garret, ...? And what model is it? Perhaps I can fine info out that way.

Supposedly there starts to become a chance of turbo failure past the 120k mile mark (note the product description text)

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-37...89-z4-35i.aspx

My take is use the opportunity to swap to RB turbo and supporting mods for big power

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

Supposedly there starts to become a chance of turbo failure past the 120k mile mark (note the product description text)

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-37...89-z4-35i.aspx

My take is use the opportunity to swap to RB turbo and supporting mods for big power

Thx, Nick. Just wondering what are the symptoms of turbo failure? Do both have to be replaced at the same time?

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by tranquility

Thx, Nick. Just wondering what are the symptoms of turbo failure? Do both have to be replaced at the same time?

I haven't looked it up for the N54

The generic symptoms (i.e. from my turbo scooby days) are oil consumption at first then power loss.

Personally, I think there are a lot of small fish to fry in the N54 like the gaskets (i.e. valve cover, oil filter, which have already been replaced on my relatively new car) before you get to the turbo, and if you keep up on the maintenance (i.e. you replaced all the gaskets over time, there are no visible leaks, you did a compression test and it was fine) and still get the oil consumption, then it's time to check on the turbo

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

I haven't looked it up for the N54

The generic symptoms (i.e. from my turbo scooby days) are oil consumption at first then power loss.

Personally, I think there are a lot of small fish to fry in the N54 like the gaskets (i.e. valve cover, oil filter, which have already failed on my relatively new car) before you get to the turbo, and if you keep up on the maintenance (i.e. you replaced all the gaskets over time, there are no visible leaks, you did a compression test and it was fine) and still get the oil consumption, then it's time to check on the turbo

I'm curious about oil consumption: seems like many members have cars that just drink oil but I've never had this prb despite driving it for so long. According to the estick, it's always at full.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by tranquility

I'm curious about oil consumption: seems like many members have cars that just drink oil but I've never had this prb despite driving it for so long. According to the estick, it's always at full.

There was an article in Motortrend about N63 turbo v8 where a BMW engineer was quoted as saying the engines with the oil consumption were the ones that were driven too gently to be broken in properly

Maybe you just drove your car hard and did a nice break in

[darknetone]

I bought a 2011 30i over the weekend! Now I have two Z4s, I need to sell the 03 now hehe...

[nicknaz]

Congrats!