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

[bladeowner]

This french site does a supposed real world comparison between numerous cars and models.
Here is the 2.0 vs the 3.0 but you can stick any z4 model (or other makes) and compare.

http://www.zeperfs.com/en/duel1431-1036.htm

 

[LeeZ4MR]

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.

I will flip it on its head & say whichever engine you go for it doesn't really matter because in my experience the chassis isn't resolved enough in the first place & fair enough I've only experienced the z4m but the engine is far better than the chassis imo so as crazy as it sounds I think the 2.0L is the best compromise as it's a lighter & a more nimble package.

 

[budfox]

Some people might want to combine open top motoring with BMW reliability in the most affordable package. I drive like an old man (which I am) and might well drop down to a 2 litre Z4 when I've had my fun with 265bhp

 

[Bing]

paulgs1000, can't really add to what others have said, except to say... On the Kielder run in the summer I spent 80% of the time in 3rd or 4th and the red line was well within reach so I don't think you'll have any issues about keeping it on the edge. I'll look forward to not seeing you dwindle to a speck behind me on the next one :lol:

 

[James Junior]

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

I love the driving characteristics of the engine but have to disagree with you here.

For me one of the only things that lets the car down is the engine noise. Without the sound generator mod it sounds like a vacuum cleaner to me.

With the stage one sound generator it gives a decent howl higher up the rev range, but it's still very flat and dull sounding.

Perhaps however I have just been spoiled by my glorious Alfa 156 V6, but saying that I think most other six cylinder engines out there sound better than the straight six in my Si coupe.

I'm in the process of researching sports exhausts at the moment to try to get a decent sound.

There are some great sounding six cylinder engines out there but for me the 3.0 Si is not one of them.

 

[James Junior]

http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/202574/bmw_z4_30si_coupe.html

This was the original Evo review that galvanised my desire for a Z4 Coupe back in the days when it was still out if reach.

Seems they didn't have any issues with the sound.

 

[LeeZ4MR]

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

I love the driving characteristics of the engine but have to disagree with you here.

For me one of the only things that lets the car down is the engine noise. Without the sound generator mod it sounds like a vacuum cleaner to me.

With the stage one sound generator it gives a decent howl higher up the rev range, but it's still very flat and dull sounding.

Perhaps however I have just been spoiled by my glorious Alfa 156 V6, but saying that I think most other six cylinder engines out there sound better than the straight six in my Si coupe.

I'm in the process of researching sports exhausts at the moment to try to get a decent sound.

There are some great sounding six cylinder engines out there but for me the 3.0 Si is not one of them.

I understand what you mean about the sound & I think it's just what you have either owned before or experienced, the problem I have is I loved the loud & aggressive nature of my TVR & it's anger & rawness & then I got my z4m & m3 & I just thought they sounded hopeless ( they don't obviously) but after my TVR they left me feeling flat in the noise dept.

I've now just accepted that bmws exhaust tone is one of quietness & I accept that my 330i is what it is a smooth & silky powerplant but one that is very muted in the noise dept but from reading reviews it's a decent enough engine.

 

[Bing]

I love the bass rumble that forces it's way in the back of your ear through the bone of your skull under acceleration between 2 & 3.5k revs, even at low speed.... and then the howl up the top end when it's really being pushed. Suits me just fine sir

 

[LeeZ4MR]

I love the bass rumble that forces it's way in the back of your ear through the bone of your skull under acceleration between 2 & 3.5k revs, even at low speed.... and then the howl up the top end when it's really being pushed. Suits me just fine sir

I had my window down in a multi storey car park & I was very impressed with the low down grumble of my 330 & I bet its even better in yours Bing in a more compact machine & with the roof off!

 

[paulgs1000]

Good luck.[/quote]
I will flip it on its head & say whichever engine you go for it doesn't really matter because in my experience the chassis isn't resolved enough in the first place & fair enough I've only experienced the z4m but the engine is far better than the chassis imo so as crazy as it sounds I think the 2.0L is the best compromise as it's a lighter & a more nimble package.[/quote]

Interesting point and combined with comments on the 3.0si sound (I think the 2.0i exhaust sounds excellent from in the car when booted at low revs and also at the top end - then quiet at other times) I'm seeing that balance beam fall back a bit! Which is not good as. . . .

Have made enquiries about a 3.0si in Warrington - bit of a trek but worth it if the figures work out. . . we shall see. .

paulgs1000, can't really add to what others have said, except to say... On the Kielder run in the summer I spent 80% of the time in 3rd or 4th and the red line was well within reach so I don't think you'll have any issues about keeping it on the edge. I'll look forward to not seeing you dwindle to a speck behind me on the next one :lol:

Thanks Bing - its reassuring to hear that the red lines in reach. Mind I'm surprised you were anywhere near it Bing - when we led on the Keilder run it was very frustrating, we had to keep slowing down for you lot behind - we assumed it must be difficult driving such vastly more powerful machines on damp roads? :? (Now - apologies I must stop taking the bait. . .that's twice I've been hooked!)

 

[PerryGunn]

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

I love the driving characteristics of the engine but have to disagree with you here.

For me one of the only things that lets the car down is the engine noise. Without the sound generator mod it sounds like a vacuum cleaner to me.

With the stage one sound generator it gives a decent howl higher up the rev range, but it's still very flat and dull sounding.

Perhaps however I have just been spoiled by my glorious Alfa 156 V6, but saying that I think most other six cylinder engines out there sound better than the straight six in my Si coupe.

I'm in the process of researching sports exhausts at the moment to try to get a decent sound.

There are some great sounding six cylinder engines out there but for me the 3.0 Si is not one of them.

If you want a really nice sound, listen to an Alpina - I had lots of people commenting on it at the Kent/Sussex meet

 

[Bing]

paulgs1000, remember the 3.0Si has six gears, so I think the gearing is slightly shorter than you'd expect. Does your 2.0 have six ? :?

The slow bits weren't us, can't remember who was slowing it up... Might have been Swiftly

 

[tomscott]

I think you and the wife will love the 3.0l Paul! Big step up in power especially with the silky smooth 6 over the 4 cylinder

A great alternative to the M its cheaper to run, buy and will keep up with the M in most situations

 

[marypoppins]

Paul,
I took a 3ltr for a test drive for a fellow forum member and i have to say i was a little dissapointed.
I have no doubt that the performance figures speak for themselves but the only real difference i found
was from a standing start mid range i did not notice a huge difference so i was a little bit miffed.
On another note please dont leave me, not many of us 2.0 litre owners left on this forum.

 

[Disca]

If you want a really nice sound, listen to an Alpina - I had lots of people commenting on it at the Kent/Sussex meet

Can confirm, the noise yours made shooting off down that A road, my god.

One of the other things you'll notice driving anything from the 2.5+ is a smoother power delivery. The 2.0i has to hit the torque peak at 3k before it delivers its best acceleration (Mainly noticed in 1st gear, normally above 3k for every shift after that) whereas the 2.5+ have the torque and power to not suffer in this way.

 

[ocrx8]

I love the bass rumble that forces it's way in the back of your ear through the bone of your skull under acceleration between 2 & 3.5k revs, even at low speed.... and then the howl up the top end when it's really being pushed. Suits me just fine sir

+1, I admit at first I was a little underwhelmed but that low down grumble has seriously grown on me.

 

[Bing]

If you want a really nice sound, listen to an Alpina - I had lots of people commenting on it at the Kent/Sussex meet

Can confirm, the noise yours made shooting off down that A road, my god.

One of the other things you'll notice driving anything from the 2.5+ is a smoother power delivery. The 2.0i has to hit the torque peak at 3k before it delivers its best acceleration (Mainly noticed in 1st gear, normally above 3k for every shift after that) whereas the 2.5+ have the torque and power to not suffer in this way.

Yep, almost all of the torque available almost all the time in the 3.0, it's a very flat curve.

 

[paulgs1000]

Bing - stop stirring It was not Swiftly!

On another note - my 2.0i sport does have 6 gears - 5 and 6th redundant most the time - only to be used when cruising and then best to change down for a swift overtake on the motorway - one of the noticeable weaknesses of the 2.0. The gap from 2nd to third Is a little frustrating too so would welcome a closer geared gearbox. . .we shall see.

I'm looking at a 3.0si at the moment 08 reg 53K BMW franchise so pricey, nearly 11K, offering me 5.5K trade in - thoughts anyone?

 

[paulgs1000]

Paul,

On another note please dont leave me, not many of us 2.0 litre owners left on this forum.

I know, I feel a real traitor especially as I am a big fan of the 2.0 litre and have always championed it - that won't change. I'm still not 100% certain I'm doing the right thing - but I have the opportunity to go ahead and . . .still not a done deal yet - the right Zed has to come up. We shall see. . .but the 2.0 litre still remains high in my estimations wherever I end up - won't be unhappy if I stay with it or return to it in the future.

 

[paulgs1000]

http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/202574/bmw_z4_30si_coupe.html

This was the original Evo review that galvanised my desire for a Z4 Coupe back in the days when it was still out if reach.

Seems they didn't have any issues with the sound.

That's a brilliant write up - terrific encouragement regarding the engine and a wonderful account of a drivers car - can see why it did it for you. Thanks.