2 litre to 3 litre - need some input. . .

[Talksthetorque]

We had a 330 prior to owning a Z, the step up from a 2.0 to a 3.0 will be enjoyable, and you'll appreciate the extra power. The 3.0 is a lovely smooth engine, it's very reliable and IMO is one of the best all round engines BMW have produced, being used in various guises in most of the models that they produced in the last 10 years.
There were also enough of them made to keep the prices down on spare parts, for all the consumables like brakes, suspension bits etc and to make the bits available from non-specialists.
Spark plugs last 'forever', so no real extra expense from 6 cylinders over 4. You can expect 25-35mpg depening on your attitude to the loud pedal.
BUT
There is also a lot to be said in keeping a smaller engine on the boil and keeping momentum going. The faster the car, the easier it is to put the speed back on, so the less incentive there is to drive round corners fast...
Some of the most fun I have driving around is when I get a tiny underpowered, undertyred courtesy car when my work car goes in for a service.
Power does not always automatically = more fun. But it is nice to have

 

[andya1]

paulgs I also had an MX5 before getting my 3.0si Zed and I loved the whole experience but then I just wanted something with a bit more power and a sporty sound so I got the zed, at first it felt very different to the Mazda and because it was on those awful run flats the handling was twitchy! I got rid of the run flats and started to get to know and enjoy the car, I now feel after a few months that I really know the car and all its little ways and I have to say I am totally blown away by it, I have the top down whenever I can and the whole experience with that superb noise and the bursts of ferocious power when you want it are totally intoxicating, I don't go mad in it but last weekend I went onto the north york moors to a pub up there and after the last village it opens up onto moorland road with dramatic vistas everywhere, there wasn't a single car in front of me all the way to the pub which was a good few miles and I drove it in a very spirited but safe way and Linda and myself were just in the zone taking in that engine noise and the power plus the views with the top down on a crisp cold day, what a drive we got to the car park and parked up and just laughed : ) Getting that 3.0 was the right thing to do so go for it I know you will love it.

 

[cj10jeeper]

Ha ha - the reference to gentle cruises was me being a mod and recognising the correct way to phrase such drives in the public domain

 

[Talksthetorque]

Isn't the correct word for a gentle cruise a 'hoon'?

 

[cj10jeeper]

Isn't the correct word for a gentle cruise a 'hoon'?

Depends if you're talking on forum or pm

 

[nightyard]

i went for a 2.0 to a 3.0 SI

if i were buying another I'd get a 3.0 SI and nothing else (apart from a 3.2 )

 

[paulgs1000]

Ha ha - the reference to gentle cruises was me being a mod and recognising the correct way to phrase such drives in the public domain

Sh one T! I really have always been impressed by the responsible progress made on our runs. . . A gentle hoon it was then :|

 

[paulgs1000]

There have been some really useful and lovely posts on here and how could I not be enticed to move to the 3 litre -- thanks everyone!

I (and my wife) have really enjoyed reading through your posts and getting an idea of what the Zed 3 litre would be like to own and drive - I really didn't think I'd be convinced but the scales are certainly dropping on the 3 litre side. . .

Would like to thank individually, all that have responded - your time and effort is much appreciated!

 

[cj10jeeper]

Ha ha - the reference to gentle cruises was me being a mod and recognising the correct way to phrase such drives in the public domain

Sh one T! I really have always been impressed by the responsible progress made on our runs. . . A gentle hoon it was then :|

You're right. I've been a party to a lot of runs over the last few years and led a couple and with almost no exception people drive well within the what is correct and appropriate, especially when we have to cross villages and towns. Makes it a pleasure to be a part of the groups.

 

[Jembo]

IT's THE SOUND OF THE STRAIGHT SIX THAT YOU WILL REALLY FALL IN LOVE WITH... and lots of effortless torque

 

[k31ron]

Well thanks all - this certainly has been a useful call for info - the consensus seems to be to go for it and I'll enjoy the extra power - but - will I miss keeping the 2.0 litre on the boil?

As an ex biker you may appreciate this, I used to always run small capacity 2 stroke sports bike's (RD's RG' RS etc) and loved thrashing them and always thought big capacity 4 strokes where for "lazy old people", real bikers had fun light weight two strokes...then one day I bought a big capacity fourstroke....I still like the small bikes (and would love another one as a garage ornament), but not in preference to a litre sports bike ... I would never have gone back to buzzy light bikes

I haven't driven a 2.0 z4 (I have a 3.0i) I wouldn't get hung up on the power output as just about every new hot hatch can equal it now , but the 6 cylinder is a great characterful engine which for me is my favourite bit of my Z4.

 

[shawna]

The 2.0 is a POS.

Apologies to sensitive folk here but yes it is.

Go for the 3.0i/3.0Si or even better the M.

The chassis of the Z4 with the 2.0L engine is not even tickled.

I own the 3.0i had the 2.0 had an S2K, Boxster 987 and Audi TT too.

I still have the Z4

Good luck.

 

[Merrsh1]

The 2.0 is a POS.

Apologies to sensitive folk here but yes it is.

Go for the 3.0i/3.0Si or even better the M.

The chassis of the Z4 with the 2.0L engine is not even tickled.

I own the 3.0i had the 2.0 had an S2K, Boxster 987 and Audi TT too.

I still have the Z4

Good luck.

Oh lord. Now you've gone and done it.

You missed a calling in the diplomatic service i see

 

[shawna]

The 2.0 is a POS.

Apologies to sensitive folk here but yes it is.

Go for the 3.0i/3.0Si or even better the M.

The chassis of the Z4 with the 2.0L engine is not even tickled.

I own the 3.0i had the 2.0 had an S2K, Boxster 987 and Audi TT too.

I still have the Z4

Good luck.

Oh lord. Now you've gone and done it.

You missed a calling in the diplomatic service i see

Better to be honest and not beat around the bush - thats whay my parents taught me.

 

[metal licker]

The 2.0 is a POS.

Apologies to sensitive folk here but yes it is.

Go for the 3.0i/3.0Si or even better the M.

The chassis of the Z4 with the 2.0L engine is not even tickled.

I own the 3.0i had the 2.0 had an S2K, Boxster 987 and Audi TT too.

I still have the Z4

Good luck.

 

[Yorkie Z]

The 2.0 is a POS.

Apologies to sensitive folk here but yes it is.

Go for the 3.0i/3.0Si or even better the M.

The chassis of the Z4 with the 2.0L engine is not even tickled.

I own the 3.0i had the 2.0 had an S2K, Boxster 987 and Audi TT too.

I still have the Z4

Good luck.

Perfect.....

My smoothie maker has more power than a Z4 2.0

The first Z4 I test drove was a 2.0, only drove this engine size as I just wanted to try a Z4. Seemed slow. 3.0 litre is the way to go, even better the SI. The M would be great but the running costs kills the fun. I had A E46 M3 before my Z4 and it was a truly fantastic car but the Fuel cost was shocking, 15MPG

3.0 Z4 is perfect, nice and nippy but sensible MPG

DO IT...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[shortfuse 2]

3.0 every time or the m

 

[original guvnor]

I fear Adamski's words have fallen on deaf ears!

 

[paulgs1000]

Ah well. . . it was shaping up to be such a useful thread - now it's turned into a 'POS' - no apologies (I'm a Yorkshire man and we call a spade a spade) :thumbsdown:

Thanks to those who took time to try and get to the point of my post - as I said your efforts were very much appreciated and very helpful.

 

[shawna]

Sincere apologies.

Being a petrol head, there is nothing to compare between the 2.0L and the 3.0 variants.

They are night and day.