Handling vs. E90

[dre_2ooo]

Just curious what people here say about the handling of the E89 vs. the E90.

I have the opportunity to take home a yellow citrus Msport 35i 6MT e89 with nav, comf. access, premium, prem sound, cold weather pkgs. This will be 10% cheaper/mo than my 330i 6MT RWD e90 w/sport pkg. (lease vs. buying now) That is awesome considering I'd be going from a $25k car to a $67k car.

Love everything about the Z4, but all the handling reviews have me thinking twice. I won't track it, but I do drive hard (cloverleafs, winding roads, etc..) and might autocross it a few times. Has anyone else made this switch and what are your impressions?

[Jordanpryce]

The E89 handles well and is much more fun to drive then my 3 series was.

[dre_2ooo]

Originally Posted by Jordanpryce

The E89 handles well and is much more fun to drive then my 3 series was.

which 3 series did you have?

[richard in NC]

The e90/e92 have much more lean and suspension travel, even with the sport packages. After owning the Z4 for 2 years, I really notice the higher e90 center of gravity. The Z4 also feels different with the driver sitting just ahead off the rear axle. The biggest complaint might be a little less telegraphing of the road through the steering. However the grip, balance, tossibility, throttle control, etc are quite good once you get used to the car. Plus combining the torque of the 35i with the DCT makes for a fantastic powertrain.

[frunty]

I traded in a 2006 330i for my E89, and prefer the driving experience of the E89 more, even though the E90 had the sport package and the E89 doesn't.

The power and low-down torque of the N54 engine is addictive, a different feeling from the still-excellent but less-brawny N52.

I would definitely get the adaptive suspension if you're going to be driving it hard, it does firm up the ride and control body roll quite effectively.

Styling-wise, the exterior and interior of the E89 are way beyond the E90 in my opinion.

Given the favorable financial terms, I would definitely go for the E89.

[Land_Shark]

My wife has an E90, I had an E93 N54, and now I have a Z4 35i...
You will slightly feel uncomfortable with the Z4 handling at the beginning. Not because it handles badly, but because it just handles differently than the E9X...
I upgraded the springs to Eibach sport Kit (a relatively cheap mod). AND, by far, my Z4 outperform the E93 I had and my wife's E90...
Corners at high speed became no problem, the car handles firm and you feel pretty confident, that you will get out of the corner straight...
I am in love with that car, so in love with her!!! (GO tell my wife that.. lol)

[ZheHbKa]

Coming from e92 I can say that handling is good, mine was tunned and lowered so it was a tad better but overall this is way more fun

[JackB1]

I have had 2003 & 2005 Z4s and a 2006 Z4M - all roadsters. Grew into each one and became a better driver too!

I now drive a 2011 Z4 35is w/DCT. Wow!!! - my neck hurts!

With the long hood, it "tosses around" like my earlier Z4s. But that is were the resemblance stops - the E89 is it's own Z4! Wish they had named it a Z5 (or something else). Handling is very responsive with and without sport. Torque is amazing! btw, saving CDs to Nav and BMW Apps add a whole new dimension!!!!!

My wife drives our 2011 328i. I drive it now and then and when going somwhere I don't want to leave the Z4 in the parking lot. I like the way is drives too but I still prefer the sports car feel and two seats!!!

Best!
Jack

[raumdeuter]

I've got an e90 as service loaner sometimes ago, and on a twisty road I can feel road it has a bit more body roll. I also have been autox-ing my e89 35i for a while now and rode in other people's e9x. There the difference is just staggering. Where the Z4 easily stays flat on the slalom, the e90 would roll like crazy compared to the e89.
I think review that giving e89 low in handling is because they're expecting the e89 to be pure sports car, like the e85 Z4M coupe. Its just a matter of expectation.
Of course the E9x M3 is a completely different animal though. I drove one on Laguna Seca and it just kicked ass. Easily one of the best car I've ever driven.

[dre_2ooo]

well the motha fuckas sold the car from under me!! only other option is a red one w/comf. access, premium, sport, cold weather pkgs, alarm, ipod integration, 19", ivory leather, but NO PREMIUM SOUND. ugh.

the handling reviews are mixed, but i seems everyone agrees the base sound sys is crap.

[cpippolo]

Traded an e90 for e89. E89 handles better due in part to lower center of gravity, but the steering wheel doesn't tell you much about what is happening

[cdeslandes]

2 things I've learned about he E89 Z4 handling (ad a lot of people on this forum have mentioned too):

* Handling is good and can be upgraded to great by getting rid of the run-flat tires. The same goes for ride quality.
* Steering feedback is OK but not the best, but that's in part because one is sitting so far back compared to a sedan, making you feel that the car is slow to react when in fact it isn't. You get used to it after a while.

[dre_2ooo]

Well ive decided against one right now since i cant get the prem sound. hopefully the 2012 leases will be just as good.

[CeEl]

Originally Posted by dre_2ooo

Well ive decided against one right now since i cant get the prem sound. hopefully the 2012 leases will be just as good.

Based on some leaked documents posted here, unfortunately they won't be. At least initially. But there is usually a December event with special offers. And there is hope for next June, of course!

I wonder if some of the great deals had to do with Mercedes releasing their new SLK.