BMW Z4 E89 3.5i vers 3.0i

Dayvee · Post by **Dayvee** » Sun Oct 15, 2023 6:11 pm

Iam presently trying to buy a nice Z4 E89 3.0 auto , but have been tempted possibly to buy an Z4 3.5i I presently run a 2001 Z3 2.2 auto 6 cylinder which iam more than happy with but just fancy an upgrade to an E89 .

I have read various things on the two models , and believe the earlier 3.0i N52 engine is more reliable than the 3.5i N54 engine is this because of the turbos being unreliable or is it other things which i should know about in choosing either model ?.

If anyone can give me any guidance on choosing one of these cars it would be greatly appreciated this is only a weekend car so not a daily driver and iam not a speed freak these days ! as i have been more than happy with my Z3 which is only about 180 bhp thanks in advance Davey

Mr Tidy · Post by **Mr Tidy** » Sun Oct 15, 2023 7:29 pm

I'm on my 4th BMW with the N52 engine, two in E86s and two in 3 Series and it's a gem as well as pretty bulletproof. Main issues are oil leaks and dead electric water pumps.

I've not had an N54 but from what I have read they can suffer from High Pressure Fuel Pump and Injector problems, in addition to turbo issues.

A 30i has a claimed 258PS the same as my 330i and it doesn't feel slow! Sadly there don't seem to be many around, there far more 23is.

True-Blue · Post by **True-Blue** » Sun Oct 15, 2023 8:15 pm

Based on your last paragraph I’d suggest the additional reliability and lower running costs of an N52 engined E89 would be worth searching out.

I’d also put a wanted add in the classifieds here, just be specific about what’s non-negotiable and keep it short and sweet.

I’d suggest including IDRIVE as a requirement as this is on most people’s shopping list so will aide resale

B21 · Post by **B21** » Mon Oct 16, 2023 9:05 am

Given your stated criteria and habits it’s a 100% vote for a 30i…

35i/35is can be very problematic..some folks are lucky..for most it’s of matter of when not if having some bigger than £500 items to address..

Dayvee · Post by **Dayvee** » Mon Oct 16, 2023 4:46 pm

Thanks for your comments and advice guys much appreciated !! so just need to get a nice E89 Z4 3.0 auto if anyone is selling one in the uk drop me a message Cheers safe driving

B21 · Post by **B21** » Mon Oct 16, 2023 6:05 pm

One on the forum here..look in the for sale section..

birdy_z4 · Post by **birdy_z4** » Tue Oct 24, 2023 4:00 pm

I have the n52 3.0si auto and love it, went for this after reading about the 3.5si issues

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