E85 2.5/3.0 with FSH

S

sagaris99

Member
Hi All

In the market for either a 2.5 or a 3.0 (can't decide which!) - 03, 04, 05.

Interior needs to be in good nick, not too bothered about options - roof must work, motor relocation a bonus.

Full service history, would like a relatively clean MOT.

Budget of 2.2k-3k, let me know what's available - can go a bit higher for the right car

Located in West Berks, would be prepared to travel up to about 2 hours - or can arrange a halfway meet.

Cheers
 
check ebay - i've just sold a high miles 3.0i on there for £2,400, but there weren't many other cheap 3 litres on there - next one up was some £3600 or so.

for that budget you'd probably be looking at a 2.5i.
 
Appreciated @brillomaster

Have been scouring for the last few days/weeks, can't see one in my budget pop up in good condition :(

I've read the forum and watched YT to death - can't decide if I plumped for a 2.5 if I'd have buyers regret for missing out on the 3..... Thoughts?
 
haha, if you only ever drove a 2.5 you'd probably think it was ok... its got the straight 6 soundtrack, and probably pulls reasonably well. however, the extra 40 ponies in the 3.0i is gonna be noticeable!

depends what you want the car for really, if its a weekend cruiser a 2.5i is probably fine. if you plan on driving it hard or taking it on a track, you'll appreciate the 3.0i.
 
Cheers for the advice

It's a weekend thrill to bring down the mileage on my S3 running 310hp. Got a 2.5 in my sights, will try and give it a test drive and see if I'm left wanting more from it

Again, appreciate the advice, thanks @brilliomaster :D
 
I’ve recently completed exactly the same search. For what it is worth I drove 2.5 and 3.0s back to back. In a heartbeat I went from thinking that a slightly lower mileage 2.5 would be my preference, to only being willing to accept the 3.0i. For me it makes the difference between a nice top down cruiser and having a big smile on your face every time you go out. If it’s a car for pleasure, the choice becomes obvious for me.

You will narrow your choices significantly but they are out there. I’d have liked to have looked at Brillomaster’s car but am happy with the 03 3.0i SE I picked up. 127k, FSH, lots of receipts for the work you’d want to see done for £2700. It’s got the beamishes you’d expect after 16+ years but for the money I’ve no complaints. MOT advisories are going to be there at this price, so just understand what you’re happy to put right and factor in to your budget.

The engine is a dream and you will get a car that feels/looks like it should have cost you a lot more! I found mine via Facebook market place. Good luck with the search! :thumbsup: :driving:
 
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202005199410463?postcode=me207fq&minimum-badge-engine-size=3.0&body-type=Convertible&sort=price-asc&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&make=BMW&model=Z4&advertising-location=at_cars&radius=1500&transmission=Manual&page=1

this has just hit autotrader
 
Not a lot of difference between the the performance of an older 2.5 and 3.0 engine. Even on the track. You're better off not worrying about which one to go for and just buy the first decent one that comes up for your budget. :driving:
 
Depending on what use you intend for the car its worth noting along with the difference in power the 2.5 is a 5spd & the 3.0 a 6 spd .
I had a early (04) 2.5 for a while & was forever changing up to a gear that wasn't there :cry: very annoying :( the gearing does help make the 2.5 feel spritely though :driving:
Good luck in the search :thumbsup:
 
My wife has just got a 2.5 and I've been out in it a few times. You can get alot out it in terms of that speed feeling, but it doesnt feel as quick as my 3.0si. That said, we were on the motorway the other day and did several rolling start races (it was dead on the road) , same gear, same speed and there really isn't much in it all. I even lost a couple by dropping a couple of mph below the agreed start speed.

The big thing for me is as Mr Wilks said, no 6th gear. On a motorway you really miss it. Going on spirited drives up and down B roads I don't think you really need it so I suppose it depends what you'll be using it for.

I think you tend to get more for your £3k with a 2.5, but there are some 3.0 gems to found.

Good luck in your hunt!!!
 
Thanks for the help all, given me some great advice and food for thought

Will have a look at that one on autotrader!

Got my eye on one in London, 2.5/55k miles FSH - just waiting for it to go through an MOT and see what the condition is like

Again, many thanks
 
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