Z4 E89 23i user here, but ...

[cra3y]

... thinks about to jump to Z3 2.8 (1999y or 2000y) or to other lighter, less complicated pure roadster.

 

[Nodzed]

less complicated pure roadster.

They can all have their issues

 

[cra3y]

But doesn't have: valvetronic, gazillions switches/sensors in folding roof/trunk/.

Z3 does have manual soft-top or simple hydraulic-assisted (one hydraulic actuator) soft-top, manual soft-top lock, 1 or 2 microswitches.

Z4 E89 hardtop does have 6 hydraulic actuators (4 of them in remote location), one motor-driven lock and 12 sensors

Madness!!

 

[Nodzed]

STOP! you're scaring me

 

[mwpe]

That is why I bought a Z3 in the first place and have aways stuck with it, less unnecessary electronics than more modern cars, fairly small and agile and adequate performance.

 

[cra3y]

STOP! you're scaring me

Want something scary? try to find faulty/wire switch in roof that stopped working unexpectedly in mid-position, read my case:
https://www.zroadster.com/forum/thr...a68b-my-way-to-upgrade-wiring-harness.133708/

 

[Slam]

Hi and welcome from London. Original is usually best in terms of simplicity as models progress they get fatter bigger and less involving.

 

[Keet]

Hello and welcome to the forum

 

[Nodzed]

Want something scary? try to find faulty/wire switch in roof that stopped working unexpectedly in mid-position, read my case:
https://www.zroadster.com/forum/thr...a68b-my-way-to-upgrade-wiring-harness.133708/

That was a good read thank you, I just hope I don't ever have to following it in practice

 

[andyglym]

to the forum from West Cumbria.

 

[Ianmc]

Manual roof here, happy days!

 

[cra3y]

Thanks for warm welcome here

Yes - Manual operating roof is salvation in BMW

 

[Redline]

The roof on the E89 is a wonderful piece of engineering. It performs its job superbly well.
But, to do so, it is incredibly complex and intricate. It is operating in a harsh environment, so, it runs the risk of failure. When that happens there is no mitigation which can leave you in a difficult and often damp condition.

So, like many life decisions, it’s about risk and management of risk. Do you accept the risk and consequences to get the benefits or do you step away for a simpler less risky solution.

The reality is that soft tops have different risks and issues, and hence potential costs. They rip and tear often needing complete renewal. Simpler, then obviously yes, but not without potential expensive problems. The E85 has hydraulic pump issues but these can be resolved (at a cost). So, how much do you pay for the comfort of the E89 (and addition restrictions it places on boot space, open/close times etc). Do you go for the E85 for a soft top with automatic open/close or all the way back to minimal functionality with a Z3. It’s a personal judgement. There’s no right or wrong.

My solution - have both E85 and E89. Hedge your bets hey Niall

 

[Mint]

Hi @cra3y, to the forum from me too in Staffordshire. 2 x Z3s in my stable

 

[Redline]

Hi @cra3y, to the forum from me too in Staffordshire. 2 x Z3s in my stable

Show off
You, @andyglym with his barn and @Nodzed with his garage the size of a small factory

 

[Mint]

... in my stable...

Show off
You, @andyglym with his barn and @Nodzed with his garage the size of a small factory

Well, when I say stable, its actually a large car port

 

[Nodzed]

The roof on the E89 is a wonderful piece of engineering. It performs its job superbly well.
But, to do so, it is incredibly complex and intricate. It is operating in a harsh environment, so, it runs the risk of failure. When that happens there is no mitigation which can leave you in a difficult and often damp condition.

So, like many life decisions, it’s about risk and management of risk. Do you accept the risk and consequences to get the benefits or do you step away for a simpler less risky solution.

The reality is that soft tops have different risks and issues, and hence potential costs. They rip and tear often needing complete renewal. Simpler, then obviously yes, but not without potential expensive problems. The E85 has hydraulic pump issues but these can be resolved (at a cost). So, how much do you pay for the comfort of the E89 (and addition restrictions it places on boot space, open/close times etc). Do you go for the E85 for a soft top with automatic open/close or all the way back to minimal functionality with a Z3. It’s a personal judgement. There’s no right or wrong.

My solution - have both E85 and E89. Hedge your bets hey Niall

I tend to agree, I love the simplicity of the Z3 but I like the comfort and modern driving experience of the e89 for distance driving and we are fortunate at this time to have a choice but if I have to choose just one, and that time will come ??? that will be difficult.
Maybe the latest Z4 will be within our grasp by then

 

[Shelly]

Hi and welcome to ZroadSter

 

[cra3y]

The roof on the E89 is a wonderful piece of engineering. It performs its job superbly well.
But, to do so, it is incredibly complex and intricate. It is operating in a harsh environment, so, it runs the risk of failure. When that happens there is no mitigation which can leave you in a difficult and often damp condition.

It is not about "if", but about "when" BMW had used poor quality electrical harness in roof (the harness is made with cables that are not industrial grade for application like bending or twisting).

 

[t-tony]

I'm making the assumption that you discovered said knowledge about the roof looms after you bought the car?
I'm doubtful that there is cause to worry, manufacturers have been making folding tin top cars for a lot of years and during that time I was working in the motor trade I have not seen one of such vehicles with roof faults.
Not to say it couldn't happen just that the risk is very low in my experience. Sounds as though you're not happy with your car so best to move it along.

Tony.