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Hello all.... pondering an E89
- Wardy5
- Newbie
- Posts: 14
- Joined: Tue Mar 05, 2024 1:29 pm
- Location: Cheshire
Hello all.... pondering an E89
Hi all - nice to be here.
The E89 recently came onto my radar, as I might fancy a change from my current weekend runabout (MX-5 Mk3.5 with the foldable roof). I like the practicality and all-year round use of a foldable top, plus the car lives outside. I'd be looking for a change mainly for something different under the bonnet, so I guess that leaves me with a manual 23i and 30i I'm thinking - budget won't stretch to a 35i / is
I'll continue to search the forum and try not to ask any daft questions, or those that have been asked before. On that note, are there any E89 buying guides on here, just so I'm sighted on any common issues?
Cheers,
Steve
The E89 recently came onto my radar, as I might fancy a change from my current weekend runabout (MX-5 Mk3.5 with the foldable roof). I like the practicality and all-year round use of a foldable top, plus the car lives outside. I'd be looking for a change mainly for something different under the bonnet, so I guess that leaves me with a manual 23i and 30i I'm thinking - budget won't stretch to a 35i / is
I'll continue to search the forum and try not to ask any daft questions, or those that have been asked before. On that note, are there any E89 buying guides on here, just so I'm sighted on any common issues?
Cheers,
Steve
- enuff_zed
- Lifer
- Posts: 15107
- Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2016 11:05 am
- Location: Attleborough, Norfolk
Hello all.... pondering an E89
Welcome Steve, don't forget the N20 engines: 18i, 20i and 28i.
Only 4-pots so the sound isn't quite right, but all three are the same engine with different maps and can all achieve 260-280bhp with a little tweak.
Only 4-pots so the sound isn't quite right, but all three are the same engine with different maps and can all achieve 260-280bhp with a little tweak.
- Wardy5
- Newbie
- Posts: 14
- Joined: Tue Mar 05, 2024 1:29 pm
- Location: Cheshire
Hello all.... pondering an E89
Thanks. Main issue for discounting the 4-pots is I have one of those at the moment in the MX-5. So wanting something different.
Plus I daily an F31 330d, so would be quite nice to have a matching pair of 6s! One petrol, one diesel...
Plus I daily an F31 330d, so would be quite nice to have a matching pair of 6s! One petrol, one diesel...
- Mr Tidy
- Legend
- Posts: 24111
- Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2014 12:18 pm
- Location: North West Surrey
Hello all.... pondering an E89
Welcome to the forum Steve.
I don't know if anyone has compiled a buyers guide for the E89, but I did find this thread about E89 problems:- viewtopic.php?t=32132
It might be worth spending a bit of time looking through the E89 Problems pages too.
I don't know if anyone has compiled a buyers guide for the E89, but I did find this thread about E89 problems:- viewtopic.php?t=32132
It might be worth spending a bit of time looking through the E89 Problems pages too.
Coupes because stunning!
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
- Wardy5
- Newbie
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- Joined: Tue Mar 05, 2024 1:29 pm
- Location: Cheshire
Hello all.... pondering an E89
Thanks Mr Tidy. The Problems sub forum is where I've started
- buzyg
- Legend
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- Joined: Fri May 20, 2011 6:11 pm
- Location: Cornwall
Hello all.... pondering an E89
Welcome to the forum Steve. Any pics of your Mx5. I love them to bits.
- Wardy5
- Newbie
- Posts: 14
- Joined: Tue Mar 05, 2024 1:29 pm
- Location: Cheshire
Hello all.... pondering an E89
As you've asked.... I didn't want to court controversy by posting about alternative manufacturers!
It's been relatively well fettled, so I'm not afraid about making any mods & improvements....
2009 2.0 NC2/Mk3.5 facelift, originally SE spec.
Tein Flex Z coilovers, Proline UX100 wheels, decat manifold plus corresponding tune being the main bits.
It's been relatively well fettled, so I'm not afraid about making any mods & improvements....
2009 2.0 NC2/Mk3.5 facelift, originally SE spec.
Tein Flex Z coilovers, Proline UX100 wheels, decat manifold plus corresponding tune being the main bits.
-
- Member
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- Joined: Wed Jul 24, 2013 7:06 pm
Hello all.... pondering an E89
Don’t discount the 28i 4 pot N20. I’ve recently changed from a 6 pot 3.0si to a 28i. The 28i was designed to replace the 6 pots. It has more or less the same performance but with much better mpg. The only thing that’s missing is the sonorous 6 pot sound.
- tiglon
- Senior Member
- Posts: 1087
- Joined: Mon Jun 24, 2019 11:20 am
- Location: Essex
Hello all.... pondering an E89
Looks like a great car, I bet it's a lot of fun.
Having a straight six out front is a wonderful experience, but are you prepared for the very different handling attributes compared to the Mazda?
I would suggest budgeting for some chassis upgrades, especially if you go for an 23i/30i with SE suspension.
Having a straight six out front is a wonderful experience, but are you prepared for the very different handling attributes compared to the Mazda?
I would suggest budgeting for some chassis upgrades, especially if you go for an 23i/30i with SE suspension.
2014 E89 35is Valencia Orange 788M wheels (M2 Competition), E90 M3 control arms, Eibach Pro Kit Springs, MHD Stage 1
- Wardy5
- Newbie
- Posts: 14
- Joined: Tue Mar 05, 2024 1:29 pm
- Location: Cheshire
- Wardy5
- Newbie
- Posts: 14
- Joined: Tue Mar 05, 2024 1:29 pm
- Location: Cheshire
Hello all.... pondering an E89
Oh yes, that's part of the fun really - experiencing different approaches and setups.
As for upgrades, are there any particular favourites in the chassis/suspension departments? With previous BMs (and my current daily) I tend to change the setup anyway, even if it was an MSport. So a 'base spec/non MSport wouldn't be a particular negative for me. Plus they tend to come with smaller wheels which I tend to prefer.
- tiglon
- Senior Member
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- Joined: Mon Jun 24, 2019 11:20 am
- Location: Essex
Hello all.... pondering an E89
Bilstein B12 sound like the best value, but I didn't modify my 30i so I'm not the best person to advise.Wardy5 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 05, 2024 10:00 pmOh yes, that's part of the fun really - experiencing different approaches and setups.
As for upgrades, are there any particular favourites in the chassis/suspension departments? With previous BMs (and my current daily) I tend to change the setup anyway, even if it was an MSport. So a 'base spec/non MSport wouldn't be a particular negative for me. Plus they tend to come with smaller wheels which I tend to prefer.
The 4 pots are, objectively, better engines than the 6 pots. However, if you just wanted a more powerful 4 pot I suspect you'd take your MX5 to BBR instead, and keep the better handling.
2014 E89 35is Valencia Orange 788M wheels (M2 Competition), E90 M3 control arms, Eibach Pro Kit Springs, MHD Stage 1
- Wardy5
- Newbie
- Posts: 14
- Joined: Tue Mar 05, 2024 1:29 pm
- Location: Cheshire
Hello all.... pondering an E89
Thanks, I hear what you're saying. I think I'll go test a few examples with the different engine options, and take it from there.
As for other MX-5 improvements, I don't really want to take it any further performance wise, which would be a turbo or supercharger upgrade. And I wouldn't goto BBR either, but that's a whole different story!
As for other MX-5 improvements, I don't really want to take it any further performance wise, which would be a turbo or supercharger upgrade. And I wouldn't goto BBR either, but that's a whole different story!
- Mr Tidy
- Legend
- Posts: 24111
- Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2014 12:18 pm
- Location: North West Surrey
Hello all.... pondering an E89
That's probably the best starting point.
A straight 6 is one of the unique features of the Z4, but as I really wanted an E86 for how they look it was also the only engine option!
I know the 4 cylinder turbos have their fans though so there'd be no harm trying one.
Coupes because stunning!
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
- Wardy5
- Newbie
- Posts: 14
- Joined: Tue Mar 05, 2024 1:29 pm
- Location: Cheshire
Hello all.... pondering an E89
Having now tried examples of both the 20i and 23i, I don't think I'm any further forward
As I like different characteristics of both the 23i (noise, responsiveness, smoothness). I thought the 20i drove well with a good turbo response and a good torquey delivery, with better economy and the lower tax band. I also tend to modify my cars, so the potential to add some performance to the 20i easily didn't pass me by!
On the N20 engines, would you say it's a good idea to have the chain tensioners replaced as a matter of course? Good preventative maintenance?
Cheers,
Steve
As I like different characteristics of both the 23i (noise, responsiveness, smoothness). I thought the 20i drove well with a good turbo response and a good torquey delivery, with better economy and the lower tax band. I also tend to modify my cars, so the potential to add some performance to the 20i easily didn't pass me by!
On the N20 engines, would you say it's a good idea to have the chain tensioners replaced as a matter of course? Good preventative maintenance?
Cheers,
Steve