Newbie Southerner

K

KevBrowne

Member
 Surrey/Hants boarder
Hi guys n girls, new to forum & after advise - what a surprise!!
I currently have a Z3 & a '73 2002 - both just as fun cars.
I'm thinking of selling my own daily driver & the Z3 & buying an E85 Z4 as a daily driver & need a bit of feedback. I'm 51 & currently still have most of my teeth, so would like this to continue - how bumpy are they - really?
As they are all over 10 years old, I'm presuming none will still be on the dreadfull run-flats, so lets not mention them again :(
Does anyone have first hand experience with comparing Si & SE spec cars?
Being 50+, insurance is not an issue, so I'm really only after a 3.0, unless an exceptional 2.5 comes up.
Are there any differences between the 230bhp & 265bhp 3.0 - apart from just figures on paper.
I'm aware of the roof motor & vanos things, anything else to look for?

Also just seen a coupe advertised near me - has anyone had both & can comment on likes/dislikes??
Many thanks, Kev
 
Hi and welcome to the forum. :thumbsup:

I'm not far from you - in Berkshire but only a mile or two from the Surrey & Hants borders.

I was 55 when I got my 1st one and although they do have a stiff ride I've never found it a problem, and mine is still on run-flats. :roll:

In fact I've just put my Coupe up for sale, so if it's a Blue one you've seen with dodgy photos that is probably it!

The 230 bhp 3 litre was the pre-facelift model from 2003 to 2005. The facelift 3 litre models are all Sis and have a later generation engine which is totally different to the earlier models, hence the 265 bhp. When the facelift happened there were SE and Sport models. Sport models have M-Sport seats (very desirable and even used pairs are expensive), M-Sport suspension (stiffer and 15mm lower), M-Sport steering wheel, usually different wheels and in a Coupe an anthracite headlining. All Coupes (other than the M) have the 3.0Si engine, but there was a facelift 2.5Si E85 that had 218 bhp.

I've only had Coupes so cannot compare them to Roadsters, but you'd be welcome to have a look at my Coupe (or better still buy it) :lol:

You can't use the Private Message function until you have made 3 posts, but if you were interested I think I could send you a message with my contact details.
 
Welcome fellow southerner

Yes, had both though since you're looking at 12-17 year old cars the most important thing is condition & history... IMO you’ll love them both

I went Coupe 2nd because of nostalgia, the vert is all about fun - The most noticeable difference, IMO, is between a standard Z & the S54 enabled M. They just drive & make u feel different... & lighten your wallet to different degrees
 
Not far from you in North Hampshire. I have a pre facelift SE and my mate an Si (post facelift). We’ve both driven each other’s a lot - main difference for me isn’t in BHP (you really don’t notice the difference) but in engine characteristics. The SE M54 is more relaxed than the later N52. I’d describe my mate’s Si as ‘always on’ and my SE as ‘there when you want it’.

If that makes sense, hope it helps!

Stu
 
Hi, knackered vanos seals seem to be less of an issue on post facelift si cars using the n52 engine, they do have an electronic water pump that tends to pack in anywhere north of 70k miles which cost a few hundred quid to replace.
Apart from that they’re great :thumbsup:
Rob
 
Hi and welcome
Ride quality was a concern of mine before buying a Z4 but I'm pleasantly surprised by the ride quality of my Z4. Having said that my Z4 has normal tyres on the original 17 inch daisy wheels. I would guess larger wheels would make the ride a lot firmer. I had a few TVR's before the Z4 and the ride is far nicer on the Z4.
Good luck
 
Wow, quick responses guys, thanks, there are a few of you quite local to me - might be handy :wink:
Mr Tidy, yes, it sounds like it was your car I was looking at on gumtree, it does look nice. I do think the coupe looks better but was originally after a conv, to replace the Z3 - now I'm have mixed feelings...... :?
Might have to scratch that itch... :thumbsup:
 
Hi and welcome :)

Just to advise

Si = engine designation 2.5si or 3.0si (facelift) along with 2.0i and 2.5i and in pre facelift 2.0i, 2.2i, 2.5i and 3.0i.

SE = trim level. All pre facelift are effectively SE where as facelift are either SE or Sport.
 
I’ve had an e85 3.0i for a couple of weeks now. A well cared for pre facelift with a lot of work done to it for preventative maintenance/serviced.

I’ve got run flats unfortunately, which means the ride a a tad hard, but once they’ve worn out I’ll switch to standard tyres!

Good luck on your search, I’ve had the roof down a few times in December and it has definitely put a smile on my face!
 
Welcome. I have a pre facelift 3.0 manual roadster. Having driven the facelift model I felt that the power delivery in the M54 engine was fairly linear whilst the N52 comes on cam after about 3500 rpm from memory and feels livelier but can’t argue with the M54 performance overall.
I bought the roadster for the roof down driving experience but a friend has a coupe and they are beautiful looking machines. I’d happily have one of each if I could find a manual coupe for sale over here in NZ.
 
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