i and si differences?

Dreamer

Senior member
Hi,

Im looking for a zed now and it seems my budget is only going to stretch to a 2.5, now thats fine as long as its the si and i've got near 200 horses. The problem is none of them seem to be advertised as si's just se's. Is there a physical difference you can spot or do i have to ring all of them up an ask???
Or would i be better buying a higher milage 3.0?
 
All 2003 models are SE. There was no alternative badge designation for standard models.

From that point you can ignore whatever anyone puts in adverts and simply decide based upon spec. extras fitted, mileage, etc., etc.

If you have any specific question on that era of UK model let me know as I have an '03 and the factory brochure as reference.

BTW - get the 3.0 and skip the 2.5 You'll regret it and I'm sure find it harder to sell on
 
Dreamer, what is the mileage on the 3.0 you're considering? I have a 2003 2.5i and purchased it with slightly less then 18K miles. I drove them both and could not tell a significant difference in performance to validate paying a few thousand more for the 3.0. Drive them both, and if you can afford the one you want go for it :thumbsup: . I didn't buy my Z worrying about re-sale value later but many people do, this is also something you have to consider like cj said.
Good luck and we will all give you our opinions if you ask I'm sure :lol: , got any pictures of any of them?
 
Let me qualify my statement about badging - I refer only to the UK market. FnI is US so their designation is different.

I desparately don't want to contradict FnI as she'll thrash me later if I do, :fuelfire: but some comments on UK specific:

In terms of differences it might be worth noting a 3.0 is 6 speed 2.5 5 speed
You also get Msport suspension, electric seats, leather upholstery, different (and 1" bigger) wheels, rain sensors, and even down to silver headlights vs black. Of course most of this was available as extras so it's down to what you see on the car your looking at.

Performance
0-60 of 5.9 Vs 7.0
Top 155 vs 146
fuel consumption of 31.0 vs 31.7
So on paper not much different but 55ft lb of torque and 40hp is noticable in real driving
 
LOL!...cj :lol: .

Guys, I didn't say there was no performance difference, but for me personally, not enough of one to justify the significant difference in costs, that's all. Everyone's thoughts, situation, needs and financial status is different. I don't have any regrets however not buying that 3.0. I am extremely satisfied with my 2.5i. I could have afforded the 3.0, but if I was going to sacrifice in other areas of my play-money to have it, I would have expected the performance to match the price tag. Be happy with what you choose, that's all that matters :)
 
fire-n-ice said:
LOL!...cj :lol: .

Guys, I didn't say there was no performance difference, but for me personally, not enough of one to justify the significant difference in costs, that's all. Everyone's thoughts, situation, needs and financial status is different. I don't have any regrets however not buying that 3.0. I am extremely satisfied with my 2.5i. I could have afforded the 3.0, but if I was going to sacrifice in other areas of my play-money to have it, I would have expected the performance to match the price tag. Be happy with what you choose, that's all that matters :)

You're not wrong there FnN- chose what you want and suits, allocate the money accordingly and enjoy.... :driving:
 
I bought my 2.5i almost exactly one year ago to the day. In that time, I've had 3.0 envy and wished I had gotten the 225 hp 3.0i. So I went a drove the 255 hp 3.0si. The HP difference is 184 hp vs. 255 hp. I thought this would be a HUGE difference based on the numbers. But honestly, there was barely a noticeable difference when driving hard...at least at speed under 60mph. But I did say barely, so there is a differnce. This assured me that the 225 hp version definitely wouldn't have be worth it for me. But that's just my opinion! So really, take the best advice from above...drive them and make up your mind based on what you want and your budget.

If it helps, decided to save my money, get the 2.5i, see how it goes, then add a supercharger later on ( gets 307 hp on a 2.5i) when I can afford it...if I still feel I need the extra power.

I also had 6-speed envy since I have a 5 speed. But this thread alleviated my regrets on that...http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/vi ... f=2&t=1214

Happy shopping!
 
Thanks guys, resale is my biggest worry with the high mile 3.0's. If i buy one with 60000 miles and put another 10000 on it im sure it will be a right pain to sell on. I cant see me keeping the car for more than two years so something i have to consider.

So all 2.5i 2003 models were an SE?? So if it doesnt say SE in the advert nothing to worry about?

I thought the 2.5i's had 190ish bhp not 184?? I have driven one from the local garage now and it was perky enough for me, not as quick as my old s2000 but still satisfying enough.

Anyway this could be harder than i thought, just started to ring around today and every decent priced 2.5i is already sold!
 
Dreamer said:
Thanks guys, resale is my biggest worry with the high mile 3.0's. If i buy one with 60000 miles and put another 10000 on it im sure it will be a right pain to sell on. I cant see me keeping the car for more than two years so something i have to consider.

MMM the oldest Z4 you can get with the midsized engine on a very high mileage (for a second/Summer car)

Dreamer said:
So all 2.5i 2003 models were an SE?? So if it doesnt say SE in the advert nothing to worry about?

As posted above

Dreamer said:
I thought the 2.5i's had 190ish bhp not 184?? I have driven one from the local garage now and it was perky enough for me, not as quick as my old s2000 but still satisfying enough.


Yes - you're correct 192@6000 on the 2.5 and 231@5900 on the 3.0

Dreamer said:
Anyway this could be harder than i thought, just started to ring around today and every decent priced 2.5i is already sold!

Out of interest what are you looking for - price, manaul or auto and what extras?
 
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