How different is the 3.0 from the 2.5 power-wise?

the47th

Member
Hello from the guy that doesn't have a car.

After much searching, I've finally found a place that has the 2.5 for rent so I'll be taking that out for a spin sometime in August. I'm expecting it'll be hellafun. Eitherway I'd still like to know how much difference 500cc can make before deciding which of them (E89s included) to buy. I'm honestly not sure if I'll be able to tell the difference, but they're both around the same price here anyway here in Japan.

I've tried searching the forum and the internet in general for any similar threads but most comparisons were between the E85 and E89. Would love to hear what you guys think.
 
Maybe more specific in which cars you want to compare?

2,5 can mean:
e85 m54b25 (2.5i pre facelift): 192Hp 237Nm and a 5 speed
E85 n52b25 (2.5i facelift): 177HP 230Nm and a 6 speed
E85 n52b25 (2.5si facelift): 218Hp, 250Nm and a 6 speed
e89 n52b25 (2.3i pre facelift): 204Hp, 250Nm and a 6 speed

3.0 can mean
E85 m54B30 (3.0i pre facelift): 231HP, 300Nm and a 6 speed
e85 n52B30 (3.0si facelift): 265Hp, 315Nm and a 6 speed
E89 n52b30 (3.0i):265Hp, 315Nm and a 6 speed


I'd go for the strongest engine you can afford :driving:
And a 6 speed manual if manual.
 
GuidoK said:
Maybe more specific in which cars you want to compare?

2,5 can mean:
e85 m54b25 (2.5i pre facelift): 192Hp 237Nm and a 5 speed
E85 n52b25 (2.5i facelift): 177HP 230Nm and a 6 speed
E85 n52b25 (2.5si facelift): 218Hp, 250Nm and a 6 speed
e89 n52b25 (2.3i pre facelift): 204Hp, 250Nm and a 6 speed

3.0 can mean
E85 m54B30 (3.0i pre facelift): 231HP, 300Nm and a 6 speed
e85 n52B30 (3.0si facelift): 265Hp, 315Nm and a 6 speed
E89 n52b30 (3.0i):265Hp, 315Nm and a 6 speed


I'd go for the strongest engine you can afford :driving:
And a 6 speed manual if manual.

Wow, didn't realise there were that many of them. The ones within my budget are mostly 03~05 models, so pre-facelift I guess? They all have the frowny face and all seem to be 5 speed ATs, even the 3.0s. I don't think there are any manuals in Japan, at least, I haven't seen one since I began searching early this year...
 
The pre facelift 3.0i has quite a power and torque advantage. It's not only 500cc bigger, but has different cams, inlet, a sound generator (so you get more induction sound in the cabin, like having an open air filter) etc.
Too bad you can't get manuals (something recalls that indeed japan only got automatics). Fitting a manual afterwards is difficult as it also requires a different propshaft etc.
Is importing an option?
 
^ +1

I'd always get the 3.0 on an auto. The combination is perfect in power and torque and way better than the mere 500c or 0-60 times would suggest.

For Europe the 3.0's are also much better specced with lots of extras standard and different parts not on the lower engine sizes. Grilles, silver headlight inserts, etc. plus folks always specced top models more.
 
This might be useful there were quite a few thoughts on the old question :)

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=77098
 
Hello .. and welcome

go for the 3.0i .. its a great car especially the M54 engine as sweet as they come

My wife has a 35is (my old car) but am looking for a M roadster or a pre-facelift 3.0i .. I am even in the process of purchasing my old 03 plate silver roadster back as I miss it so much, plus loads of tuning/forced induction options as well

so in conclusion ... go for the 3.0 if you are starting new, but the 2.5 straight 6 is great as well .. either will not disappoint

regards
 
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