CALLING ALL Z4 OWNERS - WHICH ENGINE TO OPT FOR?

I'm surprised this thread hasn't had more debate.

I chose a 3.0 as I wanted performance. Sounds like the OP wants performance too.

All Z4s are fun to drive. But as you've mentioned, if you're used to having decent power, the 2.0 and 2.2 might underwhelm a little

Test drive a few and make your mind up :thumbsup:


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For a daily drive without question a 3.0 Si.
Performance when needed, refinement when not. 30mpg mixed economy with sport on and having fun.
Not to mention the sound......

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ZermattV said:
on Z4 meets i would say there is little real world performance difference between the 2.5 and 3.0 - so I would look at both , there are normally more 3.0s around compared to 2.5s - so i would look at both and as Paddy says pick the best based on condition.
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This

All pre face lift 6cyl engines are M54 and all face lift 6cyl are N52 so they will share the same faults etc whether it be a face lift 2.5i/si or 3.0si for example.

Real world you wont notice the difference between a 2.5si and a 3.0si.

I would avoid the 4cyl ones though as they do seem to have more issues. Cracked manifolds being a good example. Although there is the HVA issue on the N52 engine though.

At the end of the day only you can decide. Tax, insurance, mpg and finding a decent one may all need to be taken in to consideration.

You may find its cheaper to insure a 3.0si over a 2.5si. My my is 25% less to insure than my old 2.5si.
 
All the response is appreciated. I must admit it is performance I'm looking for, but would be my daily commuter. Averaging 40miles a day of motorway, A and B roads. I'm going to focus on testing a 2.5si (2006 facelift)an the 3.0 (2004). Both cost around the same. Like some of you said you've got too see for yourself. Also see the difference on the insurance.

Hopefully have one soon!
 
srhutch said:
ZermattV said:
on Z4 meets i would say there is little real world performance difference between the 2.5 and 3.0 - so I would look at both , there are normally more 3.0s around compared to 2.5s - so i would look at both and as Paddy says pick the best based on condition.
Click to expand...

This

All pre face lift 6cyl engines are M54 and all face lift 6cyl are N52 so they will share the same faults etc whether it be a face lift 2.5i/si or 3.0si for example.

Real world you wont notice the difference between a 2.5si and a 3.0si.

I would avoid the 4cyl ones though as they do seem to have more issues. Cracked manifolds being a good example. Although there is the HVA issue on the N52 engine though.

At the end of the day only you can decide. Tax, insurance, mpg and finding a decent one may all need to be taken in to consideration.

You may find its cheaper to insure a 3.0si over a 2.5si. My my is 25% less to insure than my old 2.5si.
Click to expand...

Just checked insurance 2.5si = £560 3.0 = £504.....?
 
... so it's the 3.0 then, sorted.

Have even noticed some people mention their premiums have dropped when they've bough a //M...
 
A complete different view of why to go for the 3.0:

The spec. is better than the smaller engines: more ratios in the gearbox, M suspension as standard, larger rims and tyres, bigger brakes, silver headlights, etc.

Generally people who purchased 3.0's new specified higher levels of extras, so you're more likely to get better audio, sat nav, xenons, etc. than other models.

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I'm saying 3L as well. Need the 6-spd manual as well in my opinion.

Getting 32 round town, and 40 MPG on motorway runs.

Servicing from an Indy is £120 for interim 1, and £220 odd for the interim 2.

Insurance worked out cheaper than the 2.5 for me as well.

I paid £7K for mine. It's a 2003 with most of the extra toys, and I've already started adding facelift parts (rear lights, clear side indicators etc).

Car had 60K on the clock, with good/full history.

Good luck in finding a Zed. :thumbsup:

Cheers.


Pete :)
 
You gotta go BIG! In all honesty, go for the biggest you can find as these engines just get sweeter. If you can afford an M, then there is no question about it, you buy the M. Before folks jump down my neck...obviously if it's a hunk of junk then don't, spend your cash wisely.
I have the 3.0Si and am thoroughly addicted to the way it sounds. Does nothing for your fuel economy but oh boy does it make you want to do it again and again.
My main advice would actually be concerning the optional extras...SATNAV is THE WORST I've ever used. Bluetooth phone prep is probably better than most but not much use in a convertible anyway. Sound system is ok with the standard system but the upgraded one is miles better. Oh and ditch the run flats, one of the best moves I've made.

There we go. Contributed. :0)

In all honesty, unless you find the lemon, then you won't regret buying one of these. :driving:
 
Depends on what sort of mods one "may" want to do in the future. Vis s vis engine mods. If you might think that you will tire and want yet more power. It would be wise to avoid the 3.0 N52. With the mix of magnesium inner and aluminium outer block. It can't be force fed. I.E. turbo or SC are verboten. The aluminium heads bolts can't deal with anything but factory spec cylinder pressures. If I remember correctly. I've seen turbo's and SC's for every Z4 engine except the N52. It's even difficult to get an aftermarket exhaust back box for the N52 due to the twin inlet/outlet back box.
 
Just an update after many many months of looking... I've decided to up my budget and started looking a couple this week. What do you think about these?

One is a 2007 3.0si, fsh, 40k £10,000... Looked ok from pics, but alloys looked like needing a full refurb and it has had 4 owners.

The second is a 2007 2.5si, 36k... Looks mint condition, only 2 owners. But it has part service history. I rang the lady owner and she said it hadn't had a BWM service since 2010 when it had done around 26000 on the clock. She has had MOT's of course, but sure she would of had the basics done, oil/filters etc.

What I'm really needing to know is the service intervals and what's involved at this cars age and mileage?

What is involved in the big services and times?

What should I look out for when viewing/driving the car?

Any opinions on this would be greatly received.

I made my first post on here last year when I was getting an idea of what's car to go for and now I'm ready to be a Z4 owner!

Regards Mark
 
Car service interval should be:

Oil service - £150 Ish
Inspection 1 - £300 ish (inc filter and plugs etc)
Oil Service
Inspection 2 - £450 ish (more thorough than Insp 1 but can't remember all the details)

Start over again. Expect about 15k miles between services

NB prices above are for 2.0i to 3.0si average based on main dealer.

You can always refurb a set of wheels. You can never make good on missed services....
 
Any of the straight sixes are lovely turbine smooth engines (2.5/3.0/3.2 But they all have subtly different characteristics).
The only one that will blow anything other than a 911 turbo out of the water is the 3.2 in the M.

If you're looking at a fun commuter then I would go for the 3.2 (ouch) sorry the 3.0L.
 
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