New kid on the block 2.2 or 3.0?

[papman]

Thanks for letting me join. I have been reading lots of info and drooling over some gorgeous cars. I have been considering a Z for a bit and was also considering a z3. However I am now heading towards a z4. Really my initial question is 2.2 or 3.0. I only do about 2500 a year short journeys. My concern is not insurance or petrol as I only do so little mileage and I'm an old sod according to my son. It's more is a 3.0 suited to short journeys and not fully warming the engine which I understand likes to drink oil.
So something like this:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201607316361266

Or
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201608267157933

Thanks all
Stef

 

[Smartbear]

Hi, the 2.2 & 3.0 are both essentially the same engine pre 2006 (m54 engine) there won't be any difference in warm up times-there's also a 2.5 which again is the same lump pre 06.
The 06 onwards cars use the N52 engine in 3litre and 2.5 guise, there's no particular size that burns oil, it can happen to any car that's had extended oil change intervals & subjected to short journeys.
How many miles will yours be doing each day?
Rob

 

[papman]

Only about 9 miles. I had read on a number of bmw forums and the 'official' bmw advice is 1 litre per 1000 miles is within acceptable tolerances for 3.0 engine. I will obviously stand corrected if this is applies to any bm 6 cylinder beauty!

 

[Smartbear]

I think that's the standard corporate answer & not directed at a particular car, 9 miles is a bit short to get fully hot, if I was doing that journey I'd mix it up with some longer weekend runs & change the engine oil much more often.
Good luck looking for a nice car
Rob

 

[papman]

Cheers Rob

 

[paddy wright]

Both good engines- as said 2.2, 2.5 and 3.0 are all the same engine block and ancillaries. You are more likely to find a 2.5 or 3.0 as us 2.2s are rare Welcome. And good luck with the search!

 

[papman]

There's a 2.2 only a couple of miles away from me - it's the first link. Might pop round a and have a look but I know I can get a 3.0 for pretty much the same money

 

[firebobby]

Try the 2.2 and then try a 3.0, then make your choice. I would always go for the bigger engine, but my ones a toy I'm sure that when you get behind the wheel, you will find that you will want to just keep going, so the short journeys will end up much longer

 

[MACK]

Manufacturers always specify a oil use tolerance that most of us would find unacceptable, I have seen handbooks state 1 litre every 500 which is clearly unacceptable but it does protect them from warranty claims. As others have said these engines are not known for excessive oil consumption and apart from vanos seals (plenty on here and other forums about this) are pretty damn reliable. The only exception to this is if the engine breathers (crankcase ventilation system) get clogged, them they can drink a lot of oil, however its a fairly easy fix, just like the vanos seals which are not too bad either.

 

[papman]

Ok all sounds good. Will try a 2.2 then a 3.0 and see how it goes

 

[RickRob]

Two thoughts:

Get the biggest engine you can!
If the Merlot one is still available then get to see it - that is a beautiful colour.

Good luck with the search and remember...........we need pics of new purchases ASAP!

 

[papman]

Yup the Merlot looks good. Will go see it in the flesh and only one owner from new. Nice doggy btw!

 

[buzyg]

The 3ltr is the one to go for. The Zed is not a car for very short journeys though. 5+ miles to warm the essentials through after which you should drive it properly. :driving:

Welcome aboard. :wink:

 

[srhutch]

Just a shame the Merlot hasn't got a black interior. If I had to take one of those it would probably be the blue one as I couldn't like with the beige interior.

Not read anything else though so no idea on specs or condition.

 

[papman]

I like the beige interior with that colour which kinda suits it! Must be my middle age and failing eyesight... 8)

 

[firebobby]

I like the beige interior with that colour which kinda suits it! Must be my middle age and failing eyesight... 8)

Nah, certain combinations work, beige goes well with dark colours

 

[papman]

I will have to see it in the flesh. There is a black with a beige interior same spec and I understand what you mean