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Quick question.

2003 - 2009, roadster, coupe, facelift
Simon Blythe

Quick question.

Post by Simon Blythe » Tue Apr 25, 2017 7:02 pm

I know it's probably been asked about 1.37 billion times before but here goes.

M54 3.0 or N52 3.0 for an everyday driver / weekend car? :fuelfire:

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RickRob
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Quick question.

Post by RickRob » Tue Apr 25, 2017 7:07 pm

I am more than happy to be proved wrong (again) but aren't these engines rather than cars?
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Pabby1980
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Quick question.

Post by Pabby1980 » Tue Apr 25, 2017 7:29 pm

I bought my M54 3.0 from a mechanic who was adamant that it was a better version than the later engine. A few more things to go wrong on the newer one. How true this is I don't know as I'm not particularly mechanically savvy, but what he was saying seemed to make sense and I'm more than happy with the engine in mine.

However, I guess it depends upon the mileage....as always. If you can find a low milage M54 I'd go with that, but they are getting harder to come by.
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RyanB88
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Quick question.

Post by RyanB88 » Tue Apr 25, 2017 7:48 pm

RickRob wrote: Tue Apr 25, 2017 7:07 pm I am more than happy to be proved wrong (again) but aren't these engines rather than cars?


Yep, the pre facelift 3.0 and the facelift 3.0

He's asking which is best

For me it has to be the facelift - better BHP, economy, and not forgetting its lighter so better handling!
Z4 now sold :(

Current - M235i :thumbsup:

Simon Blythe

Quick question.

Post by Simon Blythe » Tue Apr 25, 2017 8:00 pm

The si I drove felt like a completely different car - more planted, absolutely no knocks or rattles and a nice but not better, engine note. It didn't seem discernibly faster.

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Mr Tidy
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Quick question.

Post by Mr Tidy » Tue Apr 25, 2017 8:03 pm

I've only had 2 Z4s both with the N52 engine and an E46 with the M54 engine, but my experiences are that when things go wrong the M54 tends to be cheaper to get fixed!

But yes, the N52 is more powerful and much more exciting. :lol:

Then again at least the M54 has a proper dip-stick (plus a low-oil warning light)!

It probably comes down to personal preference - if you are unsure I'd try to drive one of each and then decide. :thumbsup:
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RickRob
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Quick question.

Post by RickRob » Tue Apr 25, 2017 8:44 pm

RyanB88 wrote: Tue Apr 25, 2017 7:48 pm
RickRob wrote: Tue Apr 25, 2017 7:07 pm I am more than happy to be proved wrong (again) but aren't these engines rather than cars?


Yep, the pre facelift 3.0 and the facelift 3.0

He's asking which is best

For me it has to be the facelift - better BHP, economy, and not forgetting its lighter so better handling!
Oh OK. In that case the answer is "Roadster"! :P
///M Roadster. 2007 Black/Black. Rear spoiler, whippy aerial, mud flaps and gimp-style wind deflector! :)

Simon Blythe

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Post by Simon Blythe » Tue Apr 25, 2017 8:58 pm

Definately the roadster as the coupe isn't for me

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Quick question.

Post by Artful-Bodger » Tue Apr 25, 2017 9:49 pm

I went for the last of the M54 cars as it's a bit simpler engine and renown for reliability!
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Mr Tidy
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Quick question.

Post by Mr Tidy » Wed Apr 26, 2017 12:01 am

Simon Blythe wrote: Tue Apr 25, 2017 8:58 pmDefinately the roadster as the coupe isn't for me
Well at least you get the choice!

I only wanted a Coupe, and as they only ever came with the N52 engine that is what I have in my Z!

If I did have a choice I would probably opt for an M54 engine.

Hope you find one that suits you soon, whichever engine you go for! :thumbsup:
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
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Quick question.

Post by RyanB88 » Wed Apr 26, 2017 5:53 am

Mr Tidy wrote: Wed Apr 26, 2017 12:01 am
Simon Blythe wrote: Tue Apr 25, 2017 8:58 pmDefinately the roadster as the coupe isn't for me
Well at least you get the choice!

I only wanted a Coupe, and as they only ever came with the N52 engine that is what I have in my Z!

If I did have a choice I would probably opt for an M54 engine.

Hope you find one that suits you soon, whichever engine you go for! :thumbsup:
Why would you opt for a heavier, less efficient engine with less BHP?
Z4 now sold :(

Current - M235i :thumbsup:

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Quick question.

Post by Steve84N » Wed Apr 26, 2017 7:22 am

N52 all day long.

I had an M54 in an e46 330Ci and it had one tone, smooth and bassy. It lacked top end sparkle and felt a bit breathless over 5.5k rpm. It used a lot of oil to the extent where I took a litre on trips to the continent.

I have a Z4 Coupe and an e91 with the N52 and the power is appreciably better. The tone changes higher up the revs to something a bit more raspy. It feels like it wants to rev beyond the limiter at around 6.6k rpm. Being lighter does help front turn in and it is better on fuel. I've had the water pump fail on the Z4 but that's it and it uses a lot less oil. No vanos issues or CCV clogged pipes like on the M54.

The Z4 is my daily and regularly goes to France, the estate is my wife's daily and also does trips over the channel.
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Simon Blythe

Quick question.

Post by Simon Blythe » Wed Apr 26, 2017 11:08 am

That's interesting to hear Steve, I like the idea of no vanos issues.

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Quick question.

Post by Smartbear » Wed Apr 26, 2017 11:28 am

Simon Blythe wrote: Wed Apr 26, 2017 11:08 am That's interesting to hear Steve, I like the idea of no vanos issues.

I think the disa is improved on the n52 as well, never heard of one breaking & destroying the engine which has happened to some unfortunate m54 owners :cry:
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Simon Blythe

Quick question.

Post by Simon Blythe » Wed Apr 26, 2017 11:44 am

Apart from the water pump and the different engine note it sounds like a decent option.

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