2.5Si or 3.0Si.......

O

Overthehillnhoj

Member
 Richmond, North Yorkshire.
Complete Virgin to this so treat me gently... :?

Continuing to enjoy my mid life crisis and need a Z4 to perpetuate it...

Without starting an all out war on this great forum....is it right the 2.5Si is freer revving but needs more work due to less torque or that the 3.0Si wins hands down having grunt from low down and through the rev range??

Found a few in my price range of either species and any help greatly received :driving:
 
Welcome!

They're both great engines. The extra power/torque is great to have, but the only time it really helps is on the track and when overtaking. For some, that is winning hands down. If that's you, it has to be on the must have features list. If not, put it on the nice to have list and go for the car that hits most of your points. Other than slightly less power/torque, there's nothing wrong with the 2.5. The car handles awesomely with either engine.
 
bcworkz, Nelly Welly, Caemon and srhutch, thank you all for your replies, I think in truth I have got to where bcworkz suggests, going for the right spec/package and if that's a 3.0 or a 2.5 so be it.

I am looking forward to the journey of finding the right car and when I do...pictures I promise!

Many thanks all.
:thumbsup:
 
I am sure you are aware, but there is a 2.5i and a 2.5si. Both N52 engine, but the first has 177bhp, the latter 215bhp.
 
Unless you have owned a lot of Z4s it probably won't matter very much which one you get. The 3.0si and 2.5si are available for a very similar price, so you might as well get a 3.0si if you can find one within your budget. They are usually better spec'd - sports exhaust tips, electric seats, comfort pack, MFSW and xenons are more common on the 3.0si, from what I've seen.

You can probably get either one to cover ground at roughly the same speed, but with the 2.5si you will have to put a bit more work into keeping it singing in the 4-6k RPM band. Not a bad thing on a sunny day. 8)

P.
 
3.0si chipping in here. can confirm 3l is the way to go. i have the n52 version. consumption is better than i had in my 2.5i n52 in e90.

ditto on all the options. im only missing black headliner and electric seats, neither of which im actually... missing.

ps. do not underestimate the torque you get from a bigger engine. in town it makes a lot of difference and helps to keep consumption reasonable.
 
i was originally after a 2.5si, test drove one... and then found my 3.0si.

As above... the drive is similar - you woulnt tell the difference unless driving them back to back... but the 3.0 has better default spec (in the UK) like electric seats.

Also the torque in the 3l means you can cruise in town in 6th at 30mph!

And on the motorway can pull away without gear changes.
 
aquazi said:
Also the torque in the 3l means you can cruise in town in 6th at 30mph!

And on the motorway can pull away without gear changes.
Click to expand...

I guess this is why the real world mpg of the 3.0si is slightly better than the 2.5si, despite the official figures.
 
Again, thanks to all who have taken the time to reply.. appreciated.

I have continued my search and am finding there are more 2.5's than 3.0s as Si with good spec...but I think my heart is telling me to go 3 not 2.5.

2 BMW dealerships with excessively priced 2.5's tell me there is no real difference!!!?? but they would as they did not have any 3.0s they also said I am now entering the buyers time of year (April being the sellers!)....which is probably right.

Already seeing a few new cars starting to be advertised over and above those that have been out there for the last few months....so continuing to enjoy the search.

Its sunny outside so guess you may read this when you get back in from cruising with the top down...enjoy! :D
 
Hi there

I am a recent new owner and I was going to get a 2.5 but I knew I would regret it as I really wanted that 3.0 so that's what I got and wow what a great car and the sound it makes is so grin inducing, I would seriously try and find one from this forum as most forum members really love and look after their car and for me I would rather buy a cracking example privately than pay a high premium from a dealer.

Be patient though and wait for the spec you want.

Andy
 
Overthehillnhoj said:
2 BMW dealerships with excessively priced 2.5's tell me there is no real difference!!!?? but they would as they did not have any 3.0s they also said I am now entering the buyers time of year (April being the sellers!)....which is probably right.
Click to expand...

You will see very little if any difference between the two on the road.

I used to have regular runs with a coupe on the way back from work, and no mater who was in front, the other was right behind. Even on a forum run with an ///M behind he commented how fast it was.

I would suggest you buy on condition and spec (seems to be what you are after) over the engine size.
 
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