2003/4 3.0 vs 2006 2.0 ?

[christoffer]

Hi all,

I am going to buy a first generation Z4. Question is whether to go for the faceliftet 2.0 or the pre facelift 3.0. I hope you can help me since I've tried searching before registrering and cant find a proper topic on this question.

If anyone has driven both please share your opinion.
If anyone has any links to articles on the web comparing the two I'd be happy to be pointed in the direction and read the reviews ( have read EVO,Carmagazine,AutoMotorSport reviews).
If anyone can tell me whether the facelift changed anything other than bumpers, lights and steering wheel thickness I'd really like to know.

Thanks very much, can't wait to buy the car.

 

[aquazi]

Hi and Welcome.

Depends what you are after....

The 3.0 will be much better spec'd as standard; but a facelift 2.0 will be cheaper to run/ less wear and tear etc.

The facelift didnt come with a thicker steering wheel as standard.. that would be part of the sport package....

Personally if it was me i would get the pre 3.0 just for the extra power when i wanted it..... The bumper/ wheel can all be easily changed.. but the engine cant!

 

[Z4coupebeaver]

The 3.0 has a smooth engine and is reasonably quick, the 2.0 is very very economical. Having said that, the 2.0 will depreciate more probably.

In some ways, the pre facelift is purer in design but the clear lights look cleaner, more modern.

I have an M so I'd probably choose the 2.0!

 

[ZermattV]

This was my quandry last year ..... depends on what you are using the car for ... if it going to be used most of the time in the city i would plum for the 2.0, if it is a weekend car I'd go for the earlier 3.0.

 

[christoffer]

Thanks for the help so far - very quick I must say and something to consider already.

I am also thinking whether the balance of the 2.0 is better than the 3.0?
I know the 3.0 is very smooth and has a lovely sound, but how is the 2.0, not smooth, bad sound ? Or good also?

 

[sammyz]

The 2 litre is a very nice car, two of my mates have them, pre and post facelift, if speed isn't your main priority then it's a good choice. BUT... 3 litre will have better specs with xenons, upgraded sound systems. elec heated seats and even nav. More to go wrong on an older car but nice to have when it's working. Then there's the engine, straight six is the most desirable option of all on a Z4!

 

[jamie_z4]

3.0s are lower from factory too, if that floats your boat

x3 for the 3.0 aswell you cant beat that 6 cyl roar

 

[GAZA62]

3.0 here but then i prefer the styling of the pre facelift cars especially french fry tailights

 

[Redzedfour]

Go for the Six cylinder engine,you won't regret it

 

[lacroupade]

the way fuel prices are going...think carefully

 

[christoffer]

A lot of votes for the 3.0 litre.

What I'm thinking regarding the two is that the bumpers are prettier on the faceliftet and so are the lights.

Is it easy and cheap to change the yellow lights on the 3.0 to white?
Would the suspension be worse on the 3.0 from 03/04 than on the 2.0 from 06? (When does one typically change the dampers/springs?)

Thank you

 

[cj10jeeper]

I'd go for the 3.0 everytime.

While the 2.0 is a great car it will depreciate like a stone and become ever less desirable as this model moves to the collector and enthusiast market. Generally the car will be better specced as a 3.0i simply as manufacturers put more on and owners spent more on options. If you're really bothered by fuel, insurance, etc. then there are other more economical cars to drive and on the day you want it to 'go' the 2.0 will be hassled by most decent saloons.

A different approach to take is to think of them as a 7 year old vs a 5 year old car so the decision is all in how well each has been maintained and what you can get for your money.

BTW - I drive one of the oldest Zeds in the country but with clear lights, facelift bumper and almost every option possible so you can customise to what you want over time.

 

[kipperonabike]

I had exactly the same issue 6 months ago christoffer. I quickly opted for a newer, low mileage very clean main-dealer 2.0i. Its not my main 'family' car and tends to only come out of the garage on sunnier days. No regrets so far. Its certainly not as quick as a 3.0i but its still plenty of fun and lots of . If it was for every-day-use then I might have tended more towards a 3.0....