2.5 or 3.0 ? and what colour ?

C

chester2000

Member
I'm sure this question has been asked already (so please forgive a newbie) but which engine should I go for in a Z4 - 2.5 or 3.0 ?

I'm about to change my TT Roadster after several years and 154k miles. She's been fantastic, the engine is bullet proof and a real joy to own.

I've never considered a Z4 before but took a test drive in a 2003 plate 2.5ltr last weekend and was pleasantly surprised. I did think however that it maybe lacked a little power (or am i being picky ?), I was also a little disappointed with only 5 gears, but if i go for an auto this won't matter.

Your views would be greatly appreciated, along with suggestion what to look out for or avoid !

FYI - I was thinking of a 3.0 in black with red leather ??
 
Hi Chester2000 and welcome.

The best colour is the one you like and combined with the interior you like. There's few real howler colours out there. Black and red interior is a well liked combo. Grey and silver are popular, but you'll find fans of most colours

2.5 is quick and 3.0 a significant step up, especially if you go auto route that you mention. Drive a few and see.

Don't forget the accessories that oyu feel important Xenon lights, sat nav, etc. as they are expensive retrofits.

Buyers guide on here if you search
 
Hello and welcome :D

the 3.0 has the sixth gear which helps it return similar consumption figures to the 2.5.

Colour is definately a personal choice though... drive and look at a few - easy to say - I bought the first one I saw and drove :D
 
Welcome!

I have the 2.5 and love it. I think the manual 5 speed gets the most from the engine but makes economy equal to or less than the 3.0. If I were going auto I would definitely go 3.0.

I wouldn't rule out a 2.5 but, if you found it wanting, you need the 3.0 - most of the time cars seem quick to start with, until you get used to them. Also, as much as I love my car, I would always advise looking at 3.0s... mostly for the extra bits you get as standard, bigger wheels, lower suspension, auto lights and so on. Plus 3.0s tend to be spec'd higher - typically 18" wheels, more likely to have xenons, nav and heated seats.

Colour, as CJ said, the colour you like best. Just make sure if it's not a popular one you get a decent discount as you'll need to take a chip on the price when you sell.

The FAQ in General Discussions will give you more info about options and retrofits if you've not been there already. Check AlanJ's buying guide too.

Good luck :thumbsup:
 
chester2000, welcome to the forum... :thumbsup:
The 2.5 is a fun car to drive and I would echo PawnSacrifice comments especially if you go automatic.... :driving:
 
Black is a great color on almost any car....and will create a new hobby for you at the same time....trying to keep it clean. My last black car was spectacular when freshly detailed. Then someone would ride by on a bicycle and get it dirty. I am solidly in favor of a lighter color now, my Z4 is Merlot and it gets dusty/even dirty, but going down the highway still looks pretty clean. Their are many that are passionate about black and are willing to learn and then spend the time and/or money to keep it right. I tend to agree with the poster above that the exterior/interior colors are your choice, whichever strikes your fancy most...I just add the caveat that black is a particularly demanding color.

Ditto on post reminding you that the 3.0 means more than .5 difference and they are more often than not loaded up with pricey extra features. I have yet to drive a car that had too much power. Mine is a 5 speed automatic ( by choice) and the combination feels about right (torque) but I know it would feel even better with a 4.0 if it were available. John
 
I think the si engine either 2.5 or 3.0 litre have 6 speed boxes, certainly on the facelift cars. I had a 2.5si and thought it was a brilliant car, all the Z4 you really need. But of course speed is addictive :roll:
 
you'd be stupid to take a 2.5 over a 3.0 if you had the choice.

Colour is whichever you prefer, no one can tell you your favourite colour.
 
I have had a 2.5si for 4 weeks and I already wish I had a 3.0si or M version, juts for the hell of it. You get used to the speed very quickly.
That said, even though I have taken it on quite few longer journeys, with all the speed limits around and speed cameras and other slow drivers, I have rarely had the chance to really put my toe down and spend most of my time frustrated and trundling around. Even thinking about a track day to give it a good blast
Seggy
 
What does your budget allow?

If budget is no issue then a late 3.0si.

If budget is an issue then you need to balance the pre/post facelift options with what kit you want on the car. As said the post-lift 2.5 is not far off a pre-lift 3.0

Enjoy the conundrum! :thumbsup:
 
Montegro blue....with black leather
Look out for those fitted with the "ultra-rare" 16 inch alloys
Mate that with a 150bhp 2.0 4 cylinder engine and uve got a peach!
:wink:
 
The ultimate question. A 2.5 or a 3.0 (or a 2.0? or a 2.2?)

Anyway I have an 03 2.5i (194ish BHP version) and it certainly feels fast. Although as stated previously you get used to power.

I remember the first time I floored my Z I thought - wow that is proper quick. Now I don't really notice it.

A mate of mine has a Lotus exige which will do 0-60 in around 4.8 seconds. When I got into it I was completely blown away by how stupidly fast that feels - but he says he doesnt even notice it any more, and going off my own expeirence I totally believe him.

I got a 2.5i for insurance purposes. Strangely enough I could only find insurance for an 03 2.5i. Not an 04, not an 05, not a 3.0 but SPECIFICALLY an 03 2.5i. That was a year ago... in a years (and a bit time when I'm 21) i'll definately be upgrading to a newer 3.0 or an M (if i can insure it).

SO my recommendation would be to go with what most people here are saying and go for a 3.0 with all the extras.

Definately don't go with a 2.0 or a 2.2 (sorry Woots) - you'll probably regret it at some point, unless you're buying a Z purely for its looks or the top down factor.
 
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