2.5si and 3.0si differences

R

Redongreenongo

Member
Hi all,

Apart from the bhp and displacement what are the differences between the cars? I know the differences between pre-facelift 2.5 and 3.0s (I think it is essentially more bhp, brakes, more torque, taller gearing on the 3.0... correct me if am wrong), and is this same on the facelifts or is there other differences?

Also for those in the know, how much different is a pre-facelift 3.0 to a facelift 2.5si to drive. Asking this because the budget is looking like nice 2.5si or less nice 3.0 if that makes sense so would like to get some informed views on it.

Cheers and yo ho ho etc.
 
Hi, the 3.0si has larger brakes (only the fronts I believe) than the 2.5si, headlights have different colour inners and smaller diameter tailpipes.
There maybe other differences as well? :?
Rob
 
Not a difference but importantly members comments suggest that the 3.0 burns fuel at a very similar rate to the 2.5 but delivers more push for your money.

If you search the site (on the top left tool bar) you'll find loads of threads but take the 2.5 vis 3.0 ones with a 'pinch of salt' - go drive both and then decide. Me? I went with the 3.0 which you may find are better spec-ed or more likely to have been purchased with all the options. Good hunting :thumbsup:
 
Cheers for the replies.

An interesting point re the mpg. I have been reading as much as possible and there seems to be a lot of people saying 'no difference' and also a lot of people saying 'a lot of difference'
 
I'm not sure if it helps, but I'm in the no real difference camp!

My E86 has the 3.0Si, and since March I've had an E91 as a daily with the same engine as a 2.5Si and I get pretty much the same economy from them both.

The Z4 does maybe 1 mpg less, but it gets driven a bit quicker. :lol:
 
Pre-facelift 3.0 - Post 2.5si: 2.5 feels more free revving and sounds better at the top end, but the 3.0 has more torque and is a more relaxed drive.

In a drag race, my 2.5Si beat my mate's 3.0 se on all 3 runs over about 800M on our private runway. Maybe I was just trying harder...
 
Smartbear said:
Hi, the 3.0si has larger brakes (only the fronts I believe) than the 2.5si, headlights have different colour inners and smaller diameter tailpipes.
There maybe other differences as well? :?
Rob
Click to expand...

There are a few other differences, electric seats, and headlamp wash from memory on the 3.0si

I had a 2.5si and was more than happy with it. Used to have some fun against a 3.0si coupe sometimes coming home from work. Didn’t matter who was in front, they never got away.

Just go for the best condition car you can find for your budget.
 
srhutch said:
Smartbear said:
Hi, the 3.0si has larger brakes (only the fronts I believe) than the 2.5si, headlights have different colour inners and smaller diameter tailpipes.
There maybe other differences as well? :?
Rob
Click to expand...

There are a few other differences, electric seats, and headlamp wash from memory on the 3.0si

I had a 2.5si and was more than happy with it. Used to have some fun against a 3.0si coupe sometimes coming home from work. Didn’t matter who was in front, they never got away.

Just go for the best condition car you can find for your budget.
Click to expand...

Id agree , on the road even on spirited runs little significant difference in E85 2.5Si / 3.0Si
Buy the best car you can & enjoy it op :thumbsup:
 
Having owned both the 2.5si and 3.0si if I was going to buy another Z4 I wouldn’t be bothered going back into a 2.5si. I haven’t driven the earlier 3.0i though so can’t compare against those
 
According to BMW, heres some figures. First figure is 2.5si roadster. Second figure is 3.0si roadster...

Weight. 1360kg. 1385kg
Max speed. 149mph. 155mph
Power. 218bhp. 265bhp
Torque. 250nm. 315nm
Final drive ratio. 3.38. 3.23
0-62 accelleration. 6.5. 5.7
Combined mpg. 34.0. 33.2

Taken from BMW 2007 sales brouchure.
 
Redongreenongo said:
Hi all,

Apart from the bhp and displacement what are the differences between the cars? I know the differences between pre-facelift 2.5 and 3.0s (I think it is essentially more bhp, brakes, more torque, taller gearing on the 3.0... correct me if am wrong), and is this same on the facelifts or is there other differences?

Also for those in the know, how much different is a pre-facelift 3.0 to a facelift 2.5si to drive. Asking this because the budget is looking like nice 2.5si or less nice 3.0 if that makes sense so would like to get some informed views on it.

Cheers and yo ho ho etc.
Click to expand...
If it's the midnight blue with caramel interior 2.5Si for sale on here I would take that over most others, buy on condition and spec rather than headline bhp
 
Bar power and displacement, I think the main difference is gearing.

The 2.5si has a different diff ratio to the 3.0si.

The N52B30 is a sweet engine (so unless your choice is restricted due to age + insurance etc) go for the 3.0si.
 
No reason not to aim to get a 3.0si given the similarities in running cost and there’s lots of them out there.

I found a low mileage clean zed that had blue seats, thought it was a bit different so ended up buying it. It’s a 2.5si and I don’t drive around wishing I had more power. If it got written off then I’d still consider the 2.5si if it was a nice colour scheme / spec.
 
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