2003 3.0 v 2006 2.5i (facelift)

[Redongreenongo]

Hi all,

I know variants on this have been asked a few times and I have had a good look at all the info. However I thought I would ask in more specific terms as I am looking at these specifically.

There is a 2003 3.0 and a 2006 2006 facelift on for sale currently - both have similar mileages, both manual, both good history so the ads say. However the 3.0 is a more basic spec (no heated seats or really any bells and whistles, basic steering wheel, no wind deflector, basic sound system etc). The 2.5 has a much better spec overall (heated seats, m-sport steering wheel, auto dimming, 10 speakers, wind deflector etc). I personally think the cabin is a bit better in the 2.5 because I like piano black and that is what it has (but again this can be sorted).

I was wondering what people would choose out of the two and why. I guess my main thing is I want the speed of the 3.0 but if I went the other way would I be sitting there going 'if only I got more power', or if I spent the money to get the 3.0 up to what I wanted would I be sitting there going well I could have saved myself a load of time and hassle and gone for the 2.5. Price wise the difference is about what the changes I would make would cost (I think) e.g. about a grand (optimistic I know) but it is done already which is handy.

NB I am aware that there are options to retrofit some of this (heated seats, m-sport wheel, wind deflector, etc) and I don't really care about auto dimming etc if it is there great if not well no loss.

I would appreciate your experienced comments!

*edited

[ph001]

So you are comparing two different generations of engine here - the M54B30 in the 3.0i and the N52B25 in the 2.5si. There's only 13bhp difference but the 3.0i does have considerably more torque. The N52 is perhaps the more free revving car though so I think in practise you'd be fairly hard pressed to notice that much of a difference. You would get better mpg from the 2.5.

I think based on what you have said, things like heated seats are vital on a roadster and retro-fitting them is expensive. I would take the 2.5si hands down.

[tadekk]

Is the FL a 2.5i (174bhp) or 2.5si (215 bhp)? I have an si model and it feels plenty fast for me, so watching this with interest.

[Redongreenongo]

Hi to both,

The FL is not an si - which is why I am having to think about it a bit really. If it was an si then yes the FL however since it isn't then there are more things to consider (for me at least). Thanks for the replies!

[mr.tourette]

if you are patient enough the right car will come along..for me personally the spec is essential..heated m sport seats at the minimum..10 speaker stereo is awesome if you can bag it, Id avoid anything flimper spec unless it was dirt cheap

[Marlon]

I will echo the above - the fact that you're having to think about it because its not an Si suggests to me you should be patient and wait. Facelift Si with M Sports heated seats may nudge up the budget but its worth considering.

[Mr Tidy]

I will echo the above - the fact that you're having to think about it because its not an Si suggests to me you should be patient and wait. Facelift Si with M Sports heated seats may nudge up the budget but its worth considering.

Nicely put Marlon.

I think the OP may be disaapointed with a FL 2.5i - but AFAIK it has the same engine as the 2.5Si, so I wonder if those missing horses can be rounded up with a remap?

[noiseboy72]

Different manifold, 2nd DISA and a remap to take the 2.5i to the 2.5si according to this thread: viewtopic.php?t=79711

[Mr Tidy]

Oh right - that's a shame.