Decisions Decisions 3.0 or 4.0

Bobster67 · Post by **Bobster67** » Mon Mar 15, 2021 9:16 pm

Hello all I am planning a return to the world of Z4 after a 3 year sabbatical with a V6s Ftype. I am struggling to decide whether to go 3.0 or 4.0 my simple (possibly flawed) logic is that coming from 6 cylinder anything less than another 6 cylinder will be a disappointment.

That said the reviews for the 3.0 are all very good which is making me think that the 3.0 is perhaps the one to go for. It would certainly save me a few quid.

Any thoughts or similar experiences would be appreciated.

Cheers

ronk · Post by **ronk** » Mon Mar 15, 2021 9:49 pm

Theres many a 4cyl v 6cyl discussion on this forum - I tend to put performance or economy aside on this issue.
My main reason for having the straight six engine is its inherent balance and smoothness.

I would suggest a good extended try before you buy either a four to a six

Argyll Andy · Post by **Argyll Andy** » Mon Mar 15, 2021 10:36 pm

One of the things to factor in between the 30i and 40i is the standard items that come with the 40i’s like the M lsd diff but is a costly extra with an options pack on the 30i, depends what’s important to you.

For me personally I think it’d be the M40i as I prefer the 6 cyl but as you say the 30i seems to be a sweet spot and I think more so if it’s not a weekend and sunny day toy.

Either way as Ron says an extended drive in both would help you decide what suits you best.

Nictrix · Post by **Nictrix** » Tue Mar 16, 2021 9:25 am

I would like to know what you thought of the F-Type and why you are moving back to a Z4 after owning one.

buzyg · Post by **buzyg** » Tue Mar 16, 2021 10:19 am

Is it as a toy or a daily driver? If it"s to be a toy then the 4.0 has to be the one. :Half the point of a big boys toy is you get to play the top trumps with it. Otherwise the world would be a very boring place. D

Bobster67 · Post by **Bobster67** » Tue Mar 16, 2021 12:14 pm

I've had my Ftype for 3 years now and its a great car no question. I am somewhat torn between getting another one but newer or going the Z4 route. Ultimately I think I am a bot bored of what I have and fancy a change (first world problems - right)

I'm a big BMW fan, had loads in my time and if honest I like the tech that the car comes with. I reckon also that the Z represents pretty good value for money.

brillomaster · Post by **brillomaster** » Tue Mar 16, 2021 12:44 pm

i'd personally think I'd have to go for an M40i... i couldn't go back to a 4pot after having had a 6 cylinder!

Obs-Com · Post by **Obs-Com** » Tue Mar 16, 2021 2:09 pm

The M40i is probably the best all round BM that I’ve owned. The B58 engine and gearbox are fabulous. I’ve driven both the 4cyl and 6cyl and whilst both are very capable, the M40i is a real gem IMO.

TheGingerOneNI · Post by **TheGingerOneNI** » Tue Mar 16, 2021 3:54 pm

I daily drive my M40i. Round trip to work is 40miles on A roads. I searched to get a model with Adaptive Cruise Control so I set it and relax to an audiobook. Normally arrive to work with about 36mpg on average. Then on the times I want to put my foot down the sound is quite enjoyable. I had come from a TTS and the old saying about no replacement for displacement is true.

ronk · Post by **ronk** » Tue Mar 16, 2021 4:45 pm

If you can spend a little bit of time, this fella explains why a six cylinder engine is smoother than a four cylinder engine.

https://youtu.be/82rxavW0A3c

Wyldie85 · Post by **Wyldie85** » Tue Mar 16, 2021 8:56 pm

If you’re coming from a V6, six cylinder then it would have to be a six cylinder in the Z4.
The 30i gets positive reviews and is well rounded but it’s a 2.0 four pot. That silky smooth six cylinder is definitely the way to go.

ori · Post by **ori** » Wed Mar 17, 2021 9:39 am

ronk wrote: ↑Tue Mar 16, 2021 4:45 pm If you can spend a little bit of time, this fella explains why a six cylinder engine is smoother than a four cylinder engine.

https://youtu.be/82rxavW0A3c

Thanks for that video. I learnt a lot. Had to watch the next one on v6 engines too!

Oldskool · Post by **Oldskool** » Thu Mar 18, 2021 8:31 am

Hi Bobster. How was the reliability on the F type? How many miles did you do in it ? I am at a similar point and am thinking of a change away from our e89. It may be a boxster.....

Bobster67 · Post by **Bobster67** » Thu Mar 18, 2021 9:33 am

Hi, Oldskool, the only real issues I have had have been the exhaust valves which I could hear squeak at low speeds, not very cool when looking for a parking space at Tescos. This is a bit of a known issue and to be fair to the dealer they replaced the back box at their expense soon after I reported it.

The other issue which, also a recognised issue is that the subframes on the earlier cars have a tendency to corrode. As best I understand it this is down to the steal that is used and the way in which it is treated as part pf the manufacturing process. Again, Jag did the right thing and replaced it under warranty.

Other that that the car has been without fault, the dealers I have worked with have all been excellent. I don't think you will regret a stint with an Ftype, its a big step up from the e89 which is what I had before.

Do your homework and check out the type forum (https://www.ftypeforums.co.uk) Like here, full of friendly helpful people with a common interest.

If I can help some more please let me know.

Cheers

bonzo · Post by **bonzo** » Fri Mar 19, 2021 6:58 pm

I tested both the M40i and the 3.0 and went for the 3.0.

I didn't think the extra performance and better sound was worth the extra cost along with the poorer fuel economy.

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