3.0i vs 3.0is differences

[nicollow]

So Im on the hunt for a three litre Z4. Im in two minds about looking for one of the early M54 engine one, or one of the si M52 versions. From what I can tell, the M54 is actually newer than the M52 but for emissions reasons wasnt available after 2005. What are the main differences between the two engines? Im wanting as much poke as possible, so thats why the newer si is tempting. Are there reliablity issues related two either one? Any info would be really helpful. Many thanks

 

[gannet]

eh?

M54 vs N52...

M54 is older...

 

[nicollow]

Oooops, yeah Im getting my Ns and my Ms mixed up

So are there any specific differences, or is it a case that the N52 is just newer and more developed?

Thanks for pointing me right...

 

[aquazi]

I'd say performance wise in the real world they are virtually the same... the si feel more torquey, especially lower down in the rev range.. and it does have an extra 30 odd bhp. I think the si has a deeper exhaust sound - but the engine sounds more rattly then the M54.

The facelift also had other benefits aside from the engine... sealed roof moter, insulated door that dont sound tinny, and de ambered lights.

 

[gannet]

it has been asked here before too:

Help picking Z4 - N52 or M54???

some more info:

M54
N52
Inside N52

 

[JDM]

I can report that the N52 (later engine is IMO the better of the two). I have the N52 in my current car, but my previous was the M54 3.0SE roadster.

The N52 is quicker, not massively but definately noticeable. I also prefer the engine note from the N52. It seems less drony than the M54.. But maybe thats because my old car was an automatic?

I also get better MPG with the N52. Im getting high twenties around town and mid thirties on a run. My M54 was about 5MPG less on both counts.

Also as mentioned above, the N52 is the facelift so there's the de-tangoed lights, better build quality. Also if you go for the Si Sport then you will get the much sought after sport seats and nice chunky steering wheel which is quite an expensive upgrade... If you go for an SE I will guarantee after hanging around here for a while you will want the sport seats and steering wheel upgrade... its just a fact

Good luck in your search

 

[biffa]

I believe the older engine is in the top tax band for CO2 emission (£400) but the newer sneaks in to the lower band.

 

[Bradders75]

I believe the older engine is in the top tax band for CO2 emission (£400) but the newer sneaks in to the lower band.

You believe wrongly then. :wink:

 

[David.f8]

Hi nicollow
For what its worth here is my view. Like you I was looking for a later Si model until I read about the design fault with the hydraulic tappets. See YouTube, or should I say listen to YouTube “Z4 Engine Knocking” then read some of the reports on here about the cylinder head problem. If it hasn’t been replaced and is faulty you could be looking at £3,500 replacement modified head form BMW.

Therefore I have just acquired an 04 3.0i saver bet. This M54 engine was the one in my last BMW 335 (with twin turbos), great engine.

 

[srhutch]

Hi nicollow
For what its worth here is my view. Like you I was looking for a later Si model until I read about the design fault with the hydraulic tappets. See YouTube, or should I say listen to YouTube “Z4 Engine Knocking” then read some of the reports on here about the cylinder head problem. If it hasn’t been replaced and is faulty you could be looking at £3,500 replacement modified head form BMW.

Therefore I have just acquired an 04 3.0i saver bet. This M54 engine was the one in my last BMW 335 (with twin turbos), great engine.

Yes this is the problem with some N52's although if it been fixed like mine then it's not a problem as long, as the head has been replaced and not just the HVA's

The M54 is a lot more DIY'able than the N52 which there is very little the DIY'er can do.

 

[Blue]

I love my M54, I honestly think it's the best engine I've ever owned in a car, for a petrol engine it's very torquey from low revs (surprised that the N52 is more torquey but haven't driven one so won't deny it lol). Once you get it on song above 3.5K rpm it goes very well, N52 will probably go a little better but you won't be left wanting with the M54 at all.

I also have an M54 in my 5 Series Auto and it's a slightly different engine in that car, it feels less torquey but I think that's the auto box sapping some of the grunt, once above 3K it manages to get even my E39 shifting along nicely. The 5 series has clocked 145K miles so it seems to have decent longevity

 

[Jembo]

My 3.0's the older variety & can say it ticks most of the boxes. It doesn't have the hunger of a turbo, but has instead an effortless way about it, a growl that tingled my spine the first time I heard it & roar when it hits 3000 rpm that still brings out a wry smile every time I play with the accelerator.

They're both fab engines, just go for the one that's had lots of proper TLC, runs smooth & pulls firmly in every gear, in my opinion you won't be disappointed with either.

J

 

[nicollow]

Thanks for the info guys, really apreciate it. To be honest, Im leaning towards the M54. Ive got an E46 Touring with an M54 2.5 in it but its slow as poo. That said, thats over a ton and a half, is an auto and my last car was a 900kg 300bhp VX220 Still, I recon what I'll do is get a cheapish early M54 thats been looked after and see how I get on... No doubt I'll get the itch to do something like supercharge it, but first things first, need to find a good un. Selling my motorbike tomorrow, and with the money from my VX sale a few months ago, I should be able to get a pretty nice example 8)

 

[Marky Mark]

My 2008 coupe feels slightly quicker than my 2005 se roadster I know coupe has more bhp but carries more kgs. not much in it,
I dont want to start the old roadster coupe chat but I do think the coupe is a better drive.... :fuelfire:

 

[Marky Mark]

Thanks for the info guys, really apreciate it. To be honest, Im leaning towards the M54. Ive got an E46 Touring with an M54 2.5 in it but its slow as poo. That said, thats over a ton and a half, is an auto and my last car was a 900kg 300bhp VX220 Still, I recon what I'll do is get a cheapish early M54 thats been looked after and see how I get on... No doubt I'll get the itch to do something like supercharge it, but first things first, need to find a good un. Selling my motorbike tomorrow, and with the money from my VX sale a few months ago, I should be able to get a pretty nice example 8)

Just spotted the VX220 I owned a turbo but just the standard turbo 197 bhp (great car) with 300 it must of been a match for the 911 driver, :evil:

 

[nicollow]

Thanks for the info guys, really apreciate it. To be honest, Im leaning towards the M54. Ive got an E46 Touring with an M54 2.5 in it but its slow as poo. That said, thats over a ton and a half, is an auto and my last car was a 900kg 300bhp VX220 Still, I recon what I'll do is get a cheapish early M54 thats been looked after and see how I get on... No doubt I'll get the itch to do something like supercharge it, but first things first, need to find a good un. Selling my motorbike tomorrow, and with the money from my VX sale a few months ago, I should be able to get a pretty nice example 8)

Just spotted the VX220 I owned a turbo but just the standard turbo 197 bhp (great car) with 300 it must of been a match for the 911 driver, :evil:

It was, shame it didnt have 911 biuld quality!!! Had a nightmare the last six months of ownership, so just got rid of in the end. Brilliant car, but fragile as tissue paper. Or maybe it was just the way I drove it :evil:

 

[srhutch]

Thanks for the info guys, really apreciate it. To be honest, Im leaning towards the M54. Ive got an E46 Touring with an M54 2.5 in it but its slow as poo. That said, thats over a ton and a half, is an auto and my last car was a 900kg 300bhp VX220 Still, I recon what I'll do is get a cheapish early M54 thats been looked after and see how I get on... No doubt I'll get the itch to do something like supercharge it, but first things first, need to find a good un. Selling my motorbike tomorrow, and with the money from my VX sale a few months ago, I should be able to get a pretty nice example 8)

If you looking at anything like super charging then M54 is your only option, performance options on N52 are really limited.