FOUND: '06-08 E85, low mileage.

D

dpereira

Member
I've been lead astray with thoughts of mustangs and 350z GT 313's but figured out I love my Z4, just want a little more push so want to step from 2.5si to 3.0(si preferably).

Looking for: black or grey with red interior, or a red zed, manual, <50k miles, budget: up to 9k depending on the condition/optionals. Preferably no major service coming up.

Open to suggestions and advice regarding how realistically the budget is and what to be on the look out for.
 
In all honesty I think you would be disappointed with the upgrade. I know it's 40bhp more but unless it's not going to cost much to upgrade I think you will find its all too similar, the car the power the lot.
 
I know it's not in you budget but surely the next step would be 2.5si to a 'M'.

If you were going from a 2.0 to a 3.0 then I'd say do it but I doubt there's not an awful lot of additional driving experience from another 40hp or so.

I may be wrong. others will be along soon to give you better input.
 
Hello,

To echo srhutch, I currently have a 53 plate 3.0 Z4 (231bhp) and previously had a 3.0si (265BHP) - in theory there was c35 BHP delta. In reality I struggle to see the difference......realise you are going from a 2.5si (c218bhp to c265bhp) so will gain 47bhp. But suspect it wont be the dramatic change you are expecting.....

Not trying to put you off, as I enjoy changing cars.......

Cheers
Ben
 
I do appreciate the feedback. An M would be out of budget as saving for a deposit on a house which is an effort in itself.

My thoughts behind it are (correct if wrong):

Upgrade existing car to a 3.0 with MSport seats and cruise control which mine doesn't have (would cost roughly £500-550 to swap my seats out with a set of eBay ones and £150ish for cruise control). Then despite the slight power gain it seems that the 3.0 hold their value a little better than the 2.5, and especially so, 2.0. It would cost me around £1500 to swap cars. If that doesn't really justify it In the opinion of people who have compared.
 
I think you are correct regarding resale of a 3.0 versus a 2.5.
If you will get the value out of the extras that come with the new car, then its worth it.
We were just flagging it wont be a massiver performance jump, but as thats not your only motivator, it has to be taken in the round....

(Plus you get a new toy to play with).
(Another positive: The 3.0's all come with the sound generator as well, which makes a fantastic noise)
 
Hadn't heard about the sound generator, seems another novel little change to play with.

Going to get hunting when I'm home. Doesn't seem to be a large number of 3.0's under 50k mileage for sale at the mo so may take my time.
 
dpereira said:
I do appreciate the feedback. An M would be out of budget as saving for a deposit on a house which is an effort in itself.

My thoughts behind it are (correct if wrong):

Upgrade existing car to a 3.0 with MSport seats and cruise control which mine doesn't have (would cost roughly £500-550 to swap my seats out with a set of eBay ones and £150ish for cruise control). Then despite the slight power gain it seems that the 3.0 hold their value a little better than the 2.5, and especially so, 2.0. It would cost me around £1500 to swap cars. If that doesn't really justify it In the opinion of people who have compared.
Click to expand...

If your main drivers are CC and seats then try and find those. CC can be got for under £100. The loom is around £20 from a main dealer and the stalk can be bought used from £50ish.

Seats around £650-750.

Regarding the 3.0si holding at value better, not sure this fits as you already have the 2.5si so will take the hit anyway.

No harm in looking though and in the end only you can make a decision.
 
If you are saving for a house deposit then just concentrate on that until the deal is done, surely? You know your current car pretty well. With every purchase you take a risk - what if you end up with a bag of spanners? It's just an unnecessary complication, given what little you might gain from it and the fact that house buying isn't exactly hassle free. Max-out the deposit and you may find yourself with more disposable income afterwards. And you won't feel as bad about spending it.

On the other hand, if the house purchase is more than 12-18 months away, I can see the logic. You'll barely notice the difference in power between 2.5si and 3.0si (even back-to-back), but the Sport seats and cruise control are worth it. Xenons too, if you don't already have them.
 
Yeah, I'm talking 2.5-3 years until house so it's not like I'm wearing my finances thin by doing it.

I know the risk of ending up 'getting a bag of spanners' so I'm just working in convincing myself it's worth it.

My justification has been that it's a compromise from almost dropping 11k for a 350z GT HR this weekend. 9kish for a 3.0 Z4 seems a great idea in comparison!!
 
Moving from a 2.5si to a 3.0si will give you a fraction over 20% more horse power. Sounds worth it to me :wink:
 
Will do. 4 hour round trip to get it tomorrow. Hopefully no nasty surprises. I'll snap a few pics and see if you guys think I got a good deal or not.
 
Very happy with the 3.0si. Lovely tone throughout the Rev range, M steering wheel and M memory seats make a nice upgrade. Not compared power much as it's been rather slippery today but the difference is noticeable from what I have experienced. Sound system definitely has more bass than the 2.5si since the cubby holes are replaced with speakers in the 3.0. Pics when I get a chance, :thumbsup:
 
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