2.5si vs 3.0si - two year difference, one has half the milage - thoughts?

[eBrooker]

Curious what you think..

3.0si 2008 with 88k miles on sale for £8k
2.5si 2006 with 44k miles for £6.5k

2 year difference but half/twice as much miles.

Both seem in good nick and I like the look of both of them (the 2.5si is perhaps in better nick - from the photos and description anyway). The 2.5si has only ever failed one MOT (the 2008 has failed 6). Obviously I would try to barter a deal (any thoughts on how much to offer assuming they're both in equally good condition?)

One of the downsides of the standard 2.5 I have read is that it is only a 5 speed, but the 2.5si has 6 gears.

Curious what members here think - anything to look out for? Any pros/cons?

 

[raymond.harper]

The standard facelift 2.5i has a 6-speed box, pre-facelift 5 speed, no sport button, but it does have hill start assist. Both cars seem a bit expensive

 

[Zedebee]

Not much information here, why don’t you post links?

6 x MOT fails is not a great history, but the reasons will tell a story.

Agree with Raymond, both seem about £2k overpriced if they are private sales.

 

[Z44Jon]

Condition & evidence of maintenance are more key than mileage and engine size in my opinion.

Low mileage cars can sometimes fall into the leave it, it only does a few hundred miles a year camp.

 

[tomscott]

Have you test driven the 2.5 and 3.0

I would do that first. The 3.0 will always be the better drivers car, but inevitably, twice the mileage potential to have more wear issues, paint, etc 6 motor failures is a lot, but it depends on what it is. Generally, it's not a great indicator, but it could also be minor. The thing about failures for tyres, etc, if people skimp on tyres, what else has been skimped on? So I would check the service history.

Its a buyers market and if 8k is the max I would think you might be able to barter more expensive cars down a bit.

 

[Z450]

I’m assuming the 3.0si with 88,000 miles is the one on the classifieds with the Tan interior? That’s a lovely colour combo

As above you need to ideally see both and drive them. Some will say the 2.5si is plenty others will say it must be the 3.0si. There no right or wrong it’s all personal preference

 

[Fady]

Have you test driven the 2.5 and 3.0

I would do that first. The 3.0 will always be the better drivers car, but inevitably, twice the mileage potential to have more wear issues, paint, etc 6 motor failures is a lot, but it depends on what it is. Generally, it's not a great indicator, but it could also be minor. The thing about failures for tyres, etc, if people skimp on tyres, what else has been skimped on? So I would check the service history.

Its a buyers market and if 8k is the max I would think you might be able to barter more expensive cars down a bit.

Unless you are wringing both cars out, not sure how you easily discern the difference between the two engines and you can't really be doing that on any test drive! Also think you would need to drive them back to back as well which is also generally not possible.

Think OP needs to make a decision on engine size with all other things considered, since as you point out, it really is a buyer's market and lots of cars outside of just those two. And nothing about factory options and which ones are must haves etc.

 

[tomscott]

Have you test driven the 2.5 and 3.0

I would do that first. The 3.0 will always be the better drivers car, but inevitably, twice the mileage potential to have more wear issues, paint, etc 6 motor failures is a lot, but it depends on what it is. Generally, it's not a great indicator, but it could also be minor. The thing about failures for tyres, etc, if people skimp on tyres, what else has been skimped on? So I would check the service history.

Its a buyers market and if 8k is the max I would think you might be able to barter more expensive cars down a bit.

Unless you are wringing both cars out, not sure how you easily discern the difference between the two engines and you can't really be doing that on any test drive! Also think you would need to drive them back to back as well which is also generally not possible.

Think OP needs to make a decision on engine size with all other things considered, since as you point out, it really is a buyer's market and lots of cars outside of just those two. And nothing about factory options and which ones are must haves etc.

218 vs 262 it is a decent jump when you cant really get any worthwhile power with mods on an NA engine. I would agree tho on meets in my M the 2.0 still keeps up and barking at the heels on a/b roads. Nice to have the extra power tho.

Also resale, generally, the 3.0si is the one people want.

 

[Commando_Rob]

Go for the 3.0si, faster and better all round, possibly the best all round e85 Z4, and will hold its value better come resale time, simple.

 

[Mike6]

Personally I would go for the 2.5. if you are going to use the car the 3.0 will soon reach the 100k mileage tipping point and be worth thousands less. There are a lot out their in that category. Also what about road tax and insurance costs, I would imagine some difference.
The 2.5 has enough poke anyway, at least for me on our crowded roads.

 

[RMB]

I think it boils down to the individual cars and what sort of examples they are upon inspection. Drive them both and see what you prefer.
I don’t think there’s much difference at all in running costs, insurance tax servicing etc, only the Ms cost a lot more, sadly.
Have you got links to the actually cars?
If the 3.0si is the saddle brown one that is a one off car and that adds real value and exclusivity.
Your also get extra toys like electric seats in the 3.0si.

 

[Lynchy]

Definitely go for the 3.0si if funds allow, I’ve owned a 2.5si and a 3.0si and although the 2.5si was nice it didn’t have the oomph of a 3.0si. Some will say there isn’t much difference but there is believe me and like Rich has pointed out the 3.0si will more than likely have more options.

 

[Lynchy]

I am back in the market for an M so this may well be up for sale soon. Let me know if it might be of interest to you.

 

[Mr Tidy]

They both seem a bit expensive, but maybe the weather is a factor?

I've had both engines in a 3 Series and my 325i only lasted a year, whereas I've had my 330i for 6. Performance is just that bit more effortless without needing to wring it out.

Condition and spec are also worth considering - things like M-Sport seats, whether heated or not, Bi-Xenons etc.

FWIW I would imagine Lynchy's will be a good example.

 

[eBrooker]

Hi all, thanks for the replies - all very helpful.

Yes, the 3.0si is the one on the forum, hence why I didn't post a link to it. The other one is: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/286608680551 and out of the two, while I like the tan lather of the 3.0si, I prefer the red of the 2.5si. However I agree with all of you that they are both quite a bit over priced (especially the 3.0si (sorry!) because that will very soon hit 100k and at that point it will depreciate considerably imo. Otherwise it is a very nice car.

The 2.5si is overpriced as well imo, though the milage and MOT history is good. I am not fussed on the rear spoiler tho but I guess that could be removed easily enough.

Lynchy - what is yours and how much are you selling it for?

 

[Mr Tidy]

That 2.5Si looks really smart - even the wheels look good which is a bonus as 108s are expensive to refurb. Although the seller says it has Xenons, it doesn't have OE ones looking at the photos of the interior. 44K miles is nothing for an N52 engine, and I like that spoiler - it doesn't look "over the top" IMHO.

You make a valid point about the 88K mile 3.0Si, it's value will drop once it gets to 6 figures so you might do better getting one that has already passed that milestone. But it is the only one in the UK in that colour combo so if you have your hear set on that you don't have any choice!

I'm pretty sure Lynchy has a 3.0Si.

 

[eBrooker]

Thanks Mr Tidy. I agree it looks smart but it's a shame it's so much - next year it will be a 20 year old car and that again will probably impact depreciation. Not that I intend on selling any time soon - if I fall in love with it I'd be happy to keep it for a long time (if I could get a hard roof).

Are you any good at bartering? It's not far from you perhaps you could meet me there and help me get a deal :driving:

 

[Mr Tidy]

You're right, it isn't far from me and while it may be 20 next year that will make it eligible for classic car insurance. I'm not sure value is affected by age on cars that are over 10 years old.

You can find hardtops for them on here but they typically cost the best part of £1K. But then you'd always get your money back when selling.

I'm no motor trader, although I did get a great deal on my car - mainly because the seller admitted it had to go before Christmas which was only a week away!

But I'd be up for meeting you and taking a look at it.

 

[eBrooker]

Aw thanks mate, that's very kind of you <3 I was only half-messing tho, so I won't be offended if you can't.

I am out hiking every day this week so will try to give them a call on Monday. If I'm able to set a date I'll check with you to see if you can make it (if there are any days/times that are bad for you please let me know and I'll try to avoid them). I'm a good few hours away so I expect I won't get there until the afternoon.

I reckon the seller will want to sell within the next few weeks - hopefully that will work in our favour.

In the meantime if there's anything specific you (or anyone else) thinks I should ask/mention when I call please let me know.

 

[Zedebee]

“sport button for increased power” - I haven’t heard that one before. :rofl: