Previous e85/e86 Z4 owners, now e89 owners - thoughts on the difference?

[Lewis@MWDesign]

I previously had the e86 Z4M Coupe for 2 years now have gone to the new e89 Z4 3.5. Immediate differences (after 500km in the e89).

- interior is much better built and more luxurious
- clutch is lighter
- torque is more on the low end relative to the ///M 3.2 engine
- new I-Drive is 1000x better than the previous gen
- handling seems pretty similar, can definitely use a LSD if there was one available

That's all I have noticed so far but overall the car is very fun to drive...

Some of the mods for this build have already arrived, can't wait to start working on this project

Previous Z4M build.

http://www.mwdesigntechnik.com/feature10.html

[jannisa]

Congrats on your beauty, Lewis. What colors/spec are you on? Great to hear that the handling/feel is similar to the cart-like //M. Do you think a set of stabilizers would add confidence and transform the feel? I can't wait to see your eisenmann quad fitted. Please post some fotos while you install it.

[richard in NC]

The E89 Z4 35i is my first roadster. I really like the car but also have questions re its handling. How does it truely compare against E85 models? Up to 9/10s, I think its great but I'm still uncomfortable pushing it to the edge, especially and a rough surface. It seems edgy, especially compared to the 550i that has a lot of composure at the limit.

Is it the run flat tires, the extra lean compared to the ARS of the 550i, or simple the characteristics of the roadster driving position?

Now I did have the tire pressures too low for a time. Adding 4 PSI helped. Should I possibly put even more in it for trying to find the handling limits on my favorite on ramps?

[Lewis@MWDesign]

Originally Posted by jannisa

Congrats on your beauty, Lewis. What colors/spec are you on? Great to hear that the handling/feel is similar to the cart-like //M. Do you think a set of stabilizers would add confidence and transform the feel? I can't wait to see your eisenmann quad fitted. Please post some fotos while you install it.

Specs.

Black Sapphire on Black Interior with Aluminum Trims (soon to be replaced with a custom trim)
Sport Package
Navi Package
USB Audio Integration
PDC Sensors

Yes I think a set of swaybars + lowered suspension (which we will be installing) will definitely help with the confidence in handling. Right now there is still a bit more understeer than I would have liked, the MCoupe like you said is a go-cart.

I must say power wise its almost equal to the Z4M because the torque transfer is on the lower end for the new e89s. Of course we will be doing an ECU upgrade as well, most likely Dinan + other performance mods as well.

[teagueAMX]

Originally Posted by Lewis@MWDesign

soon to be replaced with a custom trim

How will that work? Is there a vendor for the trim or do you have them made?

I noticed that BMW had an Individual program for the e85/89 Z, but I haven't been able to find out if the program still exists.

[Lewis@MWDesign]

Originally Posted by teagueAMX

How will that work? Is there a vendor for the trim or do you have them made?

I noticed that BMW had an Individual program for the e85/89 Z, but I haven't been able to find out if the program still exists.

We will be refinishing the trims ourselves.

I believe Individual programs exists, you just need to request it.

[Chuck76]

Originally Posted by Lewis@MWDesign

I previously had the e86 Z4M Coupe for 2 years now have gone to the new e89 Z4 3.5. Immediate differences (after 500km in the e89).

- interior is much better built and more luxurious
- clutch is lighter
- torque is more on the low end relative to the ///M 3.2 engine
- new I-Drive is 1000x better than the previous gen
- handling seems pretty similar, can definitely use a LSD if there was one available

That's all I have noticed so far but overall the car is very fun to drive...

Some of the mods for this build have already arrived, can't wait to start working on this project

E89 is my first BMW, but I'm not new to roadsters. I have a viper gts and s2k. Honestly I like the look of the Z4 coupe E86. That's what got me interested in the Z4.

[dszpiro]

Originally Posted by Lewis@MWDesign

- interior is much better built and more luxurious
- clutch is lighter
- torque is more on the low end relative to the ///M 3.2 engine
- new I-Drive is 1000x better than the previous gen
- handling seems pretty similar, can definitely use a LSD if there was one available

I had a 2007 3.0si for 2.5 years. I just picked-up my 2009 sDrive35i last week and have noticed several of the things you list. Neither of my Z4's had/have iDrive, so I can't comment on that point.

The item which is the most noteworthy in my mind is the lighter clutch. I find that the clutch engages much higher in its travel in the new model while the 2007 version had the car rolling with the clutch just coming off of the floor. I am still getting used to this difference and trying to get over the feeling that the clutch is engaging "too high" on the 2009's travel up.

I fitted my 2007 with the sport suspension (including 18" wheels) and the M-seats. While the handling was great when you pushed the car around, for day-to-day driving it was a very, very harsh ride. I chose to stick with the 17" wheels on the 2009 model and the standard seats. I took my daughter out for a drive the other day and we passed over a bump that we often rode over with the 2007 model: she suggested that, in comparison, the civilized way that the 2009 navigated this bump made her feel like she was getting her liver removed in the 2007.

Cheers,

[dszpiro]

Originally Posted by Lewis@MWDesign

- interior is much better built and more luxurious

I have to agree about the build quality and luxury differences between the interiors. Another important point is that the E89 interior feels much more spacious than the E85. I recall reading that the overall car was stretched 6" between models and widened by 1": most of that additional space seems to have ended up in the cabin.

Cheers,
Danny

[dcs2k]

I came from a s2000 that was purpose built for track duties. In terms of handling, I will agree that the E89 aint exactly confidence inspiring. When in my s2000 I approach corners with a smile, knowing that I can induce over steer easily and still catch it back in time, I will hesitate to take the z4 to the limits as yet.

Z4 is defintely a different league in terms of comfort and luxurious feel. I take 300km road trips in the z4 feeling refreshed when I reach my destination, for the s2k, the constant 7k rpm exhaust note makes me not able to listen to my audio.

z4 is a s35i, dct, 19 inch wheels.


One more thing. The difference from stock 18" rung flats to 19" rims , and now finally 19" forged super light weight rims and tires, is a big noticeable jump in both performance and comfort every step.

[dszpiro]

Originally Posted by sg-e89

One more thing. The difference from stock 18" rung flats to 19" rims , and now finally 19" forged super light weight rims and tires, is a big noticeable jump in both performance and comfort every step.

The run flats do make the ride quite harsh, don't they? I had the 18" run flats on my E85 and I actually looked forward to putting the 17" snow tires on the car each November. Oh, that reminds me....

Cheers,
Danny

[Tenorino]

I have a 2009 Z4 35i Manual and though it is more luxurious and "refined", it does take a step back in being an overall pure roadster/sportcar build compared to the previous model. BMW of course planned this to appeal to a bigger audience. I had an 06 Z4M which I loved. It had a smaller tighter feel to everything especially in handling. I wish they could have made the design changes more superficial with the exterior and interior without having to redo the entire car completely.

[flpnout]

The reasons why I switched out of the E85 M roadster to this was mainly for the new design inside and out along with all it's new creature comforts (NAVI). It just looks so good!! I also liked the way you can set the suspension. If the E89 came out with an M, I am there.

I still prefer the steering control/feel of the M roadster due to the precise feed back you get. Sometimes with the E89, when I drift around the corner I don't really feel it much that I had just slid. This is probably why I decided to get a 6-speed manual because it felt a bit more engaging than the DCT. I tried the DCT many times before placing my order for the manual since the DCT is claimed to be far more faster in shifting, but I just wasn't sold on it. The manual just made it feel more responsive with the steering, stomping the clutch, and shifting through the gears just makes it even more fun to almost be right up there with my previous M roadster that I miss (but not the cabin noise). I'm not a track junkie, therefore I did not need the DCT for better lap time. The M-roadster felt more edgier by far, yet can feel when you are reaching it's limit. With the E89, I haven't quite found my comfort zone on it's limits yet. I need more time to trust this one. So far....still no regrets on changing over. But if they do come back with an M-Roadster, I would probably return this one after my 30 month lease.