I drive a remapped 30i sitting at 276BHP and have a friend who just remapped his 20i to 262BHP. Same car, similar power. Obv the 30i is naturally aspirated straight-6 and the 20i is a turbo'd 4 cylinder but on paper they are pretty much identical once remapped with the 20i having a little extra torque...but my oh my they are far from a similar driving experience.
I jumped into the 20i and set off. First thing I noticed was the SUPER light clutch, it was so light it was like air and when the car moved off....there was no weight about the car, is the only way I can describe it. It was very surreal - it was my car but it wasn't my car. I tore along the road and it picked up as expected but felt a bit "soulless", still feeling super lightweight, then the turbo kicked in... a little excitement as I wasn't expecting the torque but it tails off fast. Long story short...jumping back into the 30i made me grin from ear to ear. Throwing the 20i into corners reminded me of driving an MX-5 - light, no drama cornering and point and shoot. Throwing the 30i into corners really is a joy with a bit more weight transfer testing the tyres.
...this is noway a 20i, 4-pot bashing session as it's so much bang for your buck, please dont take it as such. After all I recommended the 20i and the remapping to my friend and he's delighted. This is just a sharing experience for those torn between the two. I found the 20i to be a different kettle of fish compared to the 3 litre. The 30i feels a bit special, like an event, the progressive power needs to be experience to understand it. The weightiness, the orchestra of the 6-cylinders and the exhaust note.
There was also something special about seeing the mighty N52 engine filling every nook and cranny in the engine bay compared to the square 4 pot popped in the middle with a mass expanse around it.
For anyone that has come from or has an E85 3.0si - it's really hard to describe to those who haven't experienced it just how unique the 3. 0 naturally aspirated Z4's feel. It's a very unique driving experience.
I jumped into the 20i and set off. First thing I noticed was the SUPER light clutch, it was so light it was like air and when the car moved off....there was no weight about the car, is the only way I can describe it. It was very surreal - it was my car but it wasn't my car. I tore along the road and it picked up as expected but felt a bit "soulless", still feeling super lightweight, then the turbo kicked in... a little excitement as I wasn't expecting the torque but it tails off fast. Long story short...jumping back into the 30i made me grin from ear to ear. Throwing the 20i into corners reminded me of driving an MX-5 - light, no drama cornering and point and shoot. Throwing the 30i into corners really is a joy with a bit more weight transfer testing the tyres.
...this is noway a 20i, 4-pot bashing session as it's so much bang for your buck, please dont take it as such. After all I recommended the 20i and the remapping to my friend and he's delighted. This is just a sharing experience for those torn between the two. I found the 20i to be a different kettle of fish compared to the 3 litre. The 30i feels a bit special, like an event, the progressive power needs to be experience to understand it. The weightiness, the orchestra of the 6-cylinders and the exhaust note.
There was also something special about seeing the mighty N52 engine filling every nook and cranny in the engine bay compared to the square 4 pot popped in the middle with a mass expanse around it.
For anyone that has come from or has an E85 3.0si - it's really hard to describe to those who haven't experienced it just how unique the 3. 0 naturally aspirated Z4's feel. It's a very unique driving experience.
Attleborough, Norfolk
