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      07-11-2019, 11:14 PM   #1
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Hello, long time Z4 owner. I have had three and currently have a 2011 model

I went to the BMW factory in Munich while on vacation and liked what I saw.

For those who use to have the E89, what are the likes and dislikes in the upgrade

Is the new model easier to get in and out of?

I like the retractable hard top, is the soft top quiet?

How would you compare the two models

I really like my E89 and wanted to see if it is worth the upgrade

Thanks in advance
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      07-13-2019, 04:32 PM   #2
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I gave up my 2010 Z4 for the G29. Have only had it for 3 days now, but must say it is awesome. It's more comfortable and as quiet as the old one. Getting in and out is sbout the same. The technology included in the G29 far exceeds the E89. Was reluctant to give up the retractable hard top and have no regrets. Again, after only 3 days in the new Z4, it was absolutely the right move. Just love this new Z4.
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      07-13-2019, 09:34 PM   #3
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Thanks for the response. I watched a video review that says you sit higher in the new one and its a taller vehicle.
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      07-13-2019, 10:41 PM   #4
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Spec comparison:

E89/ G29
Wheelbase 98.2"/ 97.2"
Length 166.9"/ 170.2"
Width 70.5"/ 73.4"
Height 50.9"/ 51.3"

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      07-14-2019, 08:26 AM   #5
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Thanks, that is the video I watched to compare the two
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      07-15-2019, 10:52 AM   #6
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I've got limited experience with the E89 but I'd suggest the height difference is very minor and the major dimensional differences are the sllightly shorter wheelbase and the wider track.

I don't know if you saw this yet: https://www.topspeed.com/cars/2020-b...-ar182407.html

Dave
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      07-15-2019, 09:39 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DPelletier View Post
I've got limited experience with the E89 but I'd suggest the height difference is very minor and the major dimensional differences are the sllightly shorter wheelbase and the wider track.

I don't know if you saw this yet: https://www.topspeed.com/cars/2020-b...-ar182407.html

Dave
Thanks!
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      05-09-2020, 11:13 PM   #8
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I finally made the move to the G29. The dealer had a demo with 272 miles (so new) and gave me almost 20% off MSRP. It was the best deal I saw nationwide and was only an hour from me in the color combo I wanted. So, it must have been meant to be

Coming back to my thread to answer the questions I asked in case it helps others

For those who use to have the E89, what are the likes and dislikes in the upgrade

So far no dislikes. I originally wasnt enamored with the soft top feeling the hard top on my E89 was cool. Then I had to replace the harness (common problem) after my top locked up partially down and effectively couldnt drive it.

Now with the G29, the top is much faster and I actually can use the trunk which is larger


Is the new model easier to get in and out of?
This was the hardest question to get answered. I asked in multiple places and never got an answer. So I am 5ft 11" and the new G29 is easier to get in and out of. I looked at one before I made the jump and it seemed to me the hard top is curved at the edges leaving less headroom so typically have to dunk your head as you swing in. The G29 still sit down and then swing the legs in, but don't have to dunk my head. So yes, getting in and out is easier

I like the retractable hard top, is the soft top quiet?
I drove an hour to the dealer in my E89 doing 80-90, amazing how little traffic with COVID

Made the return trip in the same manner and it was very quiet. I couldnt say one is quieter than the other, but still a new owner

How would you compare the two models

The E89 has the old style control knobs, an screen that pops up yet seemed very nice to me

Then I got in the G29. All large digital customization displays. The seats are much improved, you can actually change the width on the sides of the seats to modify the support. From a technology viewpoint, its kind of like going from an Iphone 4 to an Iphone 10. At least the jump in capabilities and look felt that way.

The finish is top notch, but the E89 was no slouch like the E85 I use to own that was utilitarian

The soft top is much better than I expected and closes in half the time as the E89.

Its nice having an actual trunk that is larger than the E89 with the top up.

It seemed to ride better to me on the way home.

I like the drivers assist safety features

The head up display on the glass is very cool

I like some of the styling on the E89 better and some on the G29 better. Other than that I don't see any advantages to the E89 except possibly the hard top if that is your preference. I have converted to liking the soft top better in one day

There are so many features and options in the G29, I am still learning how to work them

Again, only a short time G29 owner, but this is my 4th Z4 having owned a E85 and 2 E89's
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      05-09-2020, 11:17 PM   #9
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This review is also helpful
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      01-28-2024, 06:24 PM   #10
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As an owner of a crimson/extended leather cream e89 with a manual gearbox and the N54, for me, the current gen Z4 is a design mess. It looks out of shape whereas the E89 looks like an athlete with minimal fat. The wheelbase is key as pushing wheels further out not only improves handling but also gives the car a more purposeful look. I also own a Z1 and a Dinan S2 Z8 and loved the concept car in orange that was at Pebble Beach. But the production car lost its way IMO. No doubt it is a better tech car. But so too is any BMW compared to prior gen. Issue is what do you want from the car. I'll take my Z8 over the current Z4 and it has zero tech
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      01-28-2024, 08:02 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SakhirM4 View Post
Spec comparison:

E89/ G29
Wheelbase 98.2"/ 97.2"
Length 166.9"/ 170.2"
Width 70.5"/ 73.4"
Height 50.9"/ 51.3"

Attachment 2098754

Attachment 2098755

Attachment 2098756
Hey! Are you the creator of that video? I totally watched it when I was waiting for my 30i. lol .. maybe more than once.
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      01-28-2024, 09:50 PM   #12
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      01-28-2024, 10:01 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MagicVioletZ1 View Post
As an owner of a crimson/extended leather cream e89 with a manual gearbox and the N54, for me, the current gen Z4 is a design mess. It looks out of shape whereas the E89 looks like an athlete with minimal fat. The wheelbase is key as pushing wheels further out not only improves handling but also gives the car a more purposeful look. I also own a Z1 and a Dinan S2 Z8 and loved the concept car in orange that was at Pebble Beach. But the production car lost its way IMO. No doubt it is a better tech car. But so too is any BMW compared to prior gen. Issue is what do you want from the car. I'll take my Z8 over the current Z4 and it has zero tech
Unfortunately the OP isn't asking for a comparison of the Z8 to G29 nor is he asking for opinions on styling.

However, if I run across anyone cross-shopping the Z8 and Z4 , I'll keep you in mind.
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      01-28-2024, 10:45 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MagicVioletZ1 View Post
As an owner of a crimson/extended leather cream e89 with a manual gearbox and the N54, for me, the current gen Z4 is a design mess. It looks out of shape whereas the E89 looks like an athlete with minimal fat. The wheelbase is key as pushing wheels further out not only improves handling but also gives the car a more purposeful look. I also own a Z1 and a Dinan S2 Z8 and loved the concept car in orange that was at Pebble Beach. But the production car lost its way IMO. No doubt it is a better tech car. But so too is any BMW compared to prior gen. Issue is what do you want from the car. I'll take my Z8 over the current Z4 and it has zero tech
Never considered the e89, the G29 Z4 checked a lot of boxes for me.
The e89 hardtop is overly complicated and has reliability issues, it is also not near the performance car the G29 is.
Looks are subjective but the G29 imo looks better.

Now if I had a Z8, I’d be rich and can’t argue about taking that over any other Z3/Z4.
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      01-29-2024, 10:18 AM   #15
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I had a 2015 35is and now have a 2020 M40i and have to say that the G29 is better in every way, power, transmission (8 speed auto is much better than the SMG, much smoother) comfort, handling, interior and trunk space, tech and while the top of the E89 kept out more road noise it had rattle and squeaking issues that drove me nuts. The only areas I felt the E89 was superior was looks, especially, with the top up and the instrument panel I prefer analog to digital.
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      01-30-2024, 11:22 PM   #16
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I have had both. The e89 was an awesome car for its time and I really enjoyed it, especially the 6M.

I traded it for a Miata ND2. The Miata was fun and newer, but the e89 was the better riding and overall car.

The Miata got traded for 2022 g29 last Oct. The difference is night and day. The g29 is much more advanced and more refined in every way from the e89. The only thing I miss is the 6M (but I don't $26,000 difference miss it). If I had known then, what I know now, I would have skipped the Miata and the g29 would have been the right move, even without the manual.
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      02-01-2024, 11:13 AM   #17
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As a previous owner of 2xE85 (2.5 and 3.0) 1xE89 (2.5) and future owner of a G29 (I had a few test drives before placing the order). I must admit that E89 was the worst. This model lost its Z character in some way. It was a much sloppier GT car than a true roadster. It was too heavy and didn't handle well. When I first saw the G29, I thought it would be even worse (due to size, technology and safety requirements). However, it turned out to be completely different, much more agile, well-balanced and drives great. I can't wait to receive it
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      02-08-2024, 09:39 AM   #18
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Just replaced my E89 3.5 this week with a G29 30. The G29 is superior in so many ways as stated in the thread. What shocks me is the significant evolutionary change in one generation. The styling and technology with the G29 jumped significantly. I have followed the product line since the Z3, and also owned an E85. It's been fun watching the Z4 line evolve.
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