Irrational Want

"Discerning" (discerning2003c5z) 08/02/2018 at 16:28 • Filed to: None

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I have an irrational want. I think I want an E89.

The reason this is a big deal is because it is a convertible, and I do not care one bit for convertibles. I get no enjoyment from driving a convertible with the top down. They’re heavier than their coupe counterparts due to added chassis stiffening, but their chassis pales in comparison to the coupe variety. They suffer from NVH issues, they have more failure points, and I’ve never liked the looks of a vert more than the coupe version. I don’t even like targas or t-tops! Yuck.

I have NO business even looking at E89's on line. Even as far as convertibles go, there are objectively better options out there (c7 and 718 come to mind). But I can’t help myself.

From what I’ve read they: have vague steering, a muted chassis, and too much weight for their size (3500 lbs). The only pro’s are the N54's significant potential and a slick 6 speed.

So why do I want to test drive one this weekend?

When they were new, I was one of the many who wanted to see an M coupe version. I remember seeing the GT3 coupe at Road Atlanta and being captivated by it. I even thought it could be a good idea to buy one and replace the roof with the same one piece carbon roof from the race car (Ha! Yeah right).

In theory it would be a good car. It has enough power for its size and it is smaller than a C7 but bigger than a miata (the ideal size IMO).

But it’s a convertible. That alone is enough to make me cringe.

Fiance doesn’t know. I’ve been looking at F80's and I think she’s happy I still want a sedan and not another small coupe. I even had trouble finding a good picture for this article, because the standard version isn’t that striking.

All I can think is that fatigue from work has driven me mad and I’m on the verge of many terrible car decisions.

Future next gen S2000 owner > Discerning 08/02/2018 at 16:34

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You should totally buy one.

Party-vi > Discerning 08/02/2018 at 16:37

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I don’t blame you - it’s a great looking car.

CompactLuxuryFan > Discerning 08/02/2018 at 16:48

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The 35is ones look spectacular but 1) they apparently weren’t all that great to drive and 2) are much more expensive than a 3-series. I remember Car & Driver just drove one straight into a sand trap (during Lightning Lap, I believe?) because the braking was so unexpectedly terrible.

When I was looking to buy a 335i I test drove an sDrive 35i one with the 6-speed and came away liking it but not enough to get it over a 335i. I feel like it’s strictly worse with no advantages except the looks . And I’m generally actually a fan of retractable hardtops as the best of both worlds, but you can also get that in the 3-series.

Out, but with a W - has found the answer > Party-vi 08/02/2018 at 17:01

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They sure do.

It really is a shame they went for the horrible compromise that is a hardtop roadster.

Discerning > CompactLuxuryFan 08/02/2018 at 17:04

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The only other Pro is that you can get a 2015 with an N54, and I am quite fond of ththe n54.

The B58 in the 340i is nice, but then I’d just pony up the money fofor a used f80.

Ive never driven an E89. I might hate it and then thats that.

Ilike_cougars > Discerning 08/02/2018 at 17:15

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Get  a 135is or M235i . 

CompactLuxuryFan > Discerning 08/02/2018 at 17:25

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I ended up buying an N54 335i and I will say it feels a lot quicker than any N55 I’ve driven, 3-series or otherwise. Instrumented testing has never backed this up, however. The N55 is less ‘fancy’ in some ways and supposedly more reliable for it (no forged crank, no pico injectors, yes variable valve lift). Not sure if that also make it  less special ? You really can’t go wrong with a BMW I-6.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Discerning 08/02/2018 at 17:25

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My old friend just bought a ‘15 with the base engine. Not my cup of tea, but a s harp-looking car.

AestheticsInMotion > Discerning 08/02/2018 at 17:43

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I love the looks, but the driving experience left a lot to be desired. 

Discerning > CompactLuxuryFan 08/02/2018 at 18:43

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The N54 tends to make a bit more power with minimal bolt ons , but the N55 and B58 are great too.

Discerning > Ilike_cougars 08/02/2018 at 18:45

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If I get a coupe other than the E89, it will be an F82. Most likely I’ll just go F80 and call it a day.

I like the looks of the 3/4 series convertible too, but those are way way way too heavy.

Ilike_cougars > Discerning 08/03/2018 at 11:52

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I did the whole weight thing when I bought my Z4M, my thought was the Z 4M roadster is just under 100lb heavier than the then M3 CSL, and about 300lb lighter than the regular E46 M3. TBH I dont have the necessary skills on the track to make use of the lower weight to begin, everywhere else it doesn’t even matter.