Noob questions engine size best year

[Justyjust]

Hi

I been looking around the past couple of days for a z4 the more I look the more I'm getting confused, I searched around for 2.0 at first then read up I would be better off with a 3.0. I am concerned about power I do own a saab 900 classic turbo 91 which as plenty of power. I do not won't to buy a car with similar power to my current..

How do the 2.5 and 3.0 compare? Also I noticed the 06 facelift is this something I should be looking for ? Also how do the 3.0 2003 compare to the 3.0 2006 ?? Also do all models have Bluetooth?

I would like to spend about 5000 but would go up to 7000, but the cheaper the better..

Thanks all

 

[mr.tourette]

7000 is borderline for a facelift but they do occasionally pop up , 3.0 all day long for most on here although the 2.5 is no slouch, you really need to get out and test drive some, 2.5 facelift is a possibility at 7k and has the extra power as long as you get the si model, the 2.5i has less power.

Essentialy at your budget a nice lowish mileage prefacelift (2003-2005) 3.0 with high spec is very achievable, as is a 2.5si facelift. If you're lucky and a little patient as I was (actually not patient but quite lucky ) you may sneak a 3.0si facelift for your max budget, Bluetooth was an option and not all cars have it, hope this helps and happy zed hunting

Edit... Forum car, nice spec... On the money, this is what you can expect i your budget

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=81845

 

[MattHall91]

The 2.5 is arguably less appealing due to relatively small price differences between that and the 3.0. When you add the marginal (if any) difference in economy and noticeably less power, it makes perfect sense to go after a 3.0. Simple man maths!

I can highly recommend the facelift if your budget will stretch. It's an extra 40bhp and the engine is a beauty. More than quick enough for 99% of driving.

 

[srhutch]

There is an engine option you have missed.

2006 2.5i or 2.5si smith 174 and 218bhp respectively.

 

[Justyjust]

Been searching for the 3.0 si and there aren't many, I found a si 2.5 sport 2006 88k £6200. If I was going to go for the older shape what am I missing out?. Apart from a couple of horses... Thanks for all the replies

 

[mr.tourette]

Yes si are very thin on the ground, dont think your missing out on too much although many are more clued up than me on the differences, subtle bodywork changes, clear lenses on the indicators, revised engine with less weight i believe, you wont go wrong with an earlier model though, a lot of differences in cars comes down to what options were picked by the original buyer, almost everything was an option on these cars so spec is important when you decide what you want out of your car, heated sport seats are very desirable, as are xenon headlights, for me i really wanted the 10 speaker stereo, wasnt bothered about satnav but got it, the more options the better imho

 

[mr.tourette]

Have a looky here
http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=169415#p169415

 

[srhutch]

Been searching for the 3.0 si and there aren't many, I found a si 2.5 sport 2006 88k £6200. If I was going to go for the older shape what am I missing out?. Apart from a couple of horses... Thanks for all the replies

Apart from the aesthetic changes, lights front/rear and both bumpers the major change is the engines.

The old M54 engines are very reliable though 2.2/2.5/3.0

I would happily go from a pre facelift 3.0

 

[jan_tekin]

Been searching for the 3.0 si and there aren't many, I found a si 2.5 sport 2006 88k £6200. If I was going to go for the older shape what am I missing out?. Apart from a couple of horses... Thanks for all the replies

Mine is a 3.0si and is with in your budget

 

[mr.tourette]

Been searching for the 3.0 si and there aren't many, I found a si 2.5 sport 2006 88k £6200. If I was going to go for the older shape what am I missing out?. Apart from a couple of horses... Thanks for all the replies

Mine is a 3.0si and is with in your budget

Didnt realise you had lowered the price.. Op Jans is a great buy, great spec and colour with nice suspension upgrades, definitely a great buy

 

[jan_tekin]

Been searching for the 3.0 si and there aren't many, I found a si 2.5 sport 2006 88k £6200. If I was going to go for the older shape what am I missing out?. Apart from a couple of horses... Thanks for all the replies

Mine is a 3.0si and is with in your budget

Didnt realise you had lowered the price.. Op Jans is a great buy, great spec and colour with nice suspension upgrades, definitely a great buy

Even gave it a wash today

I removed my induction kit today to help me part with it,

 

[Mike6]

Mine is a reasonably specced 2005 2.5 SE. Bags of power and I wouldnt really want/need more here in the crowded South East. I decided the 2.5 was middle of the spec range - didnt want the 4 pot 2 litre nor the 6 pot 2.2 and not really into the 3.00 which does have 6 gears but seems to be best on empty motorways - havent seen one lately. And frankly I do not believe those that say you can stick in an extra 500cc and not notice the mpg difference must be deluding themselves. Perhaps not when they are in 6th cruising down the motorway but as I said, not much used where I live.

 

[cj10jeeper]

Mine is a reasonably specced 2005 2.5 SE. Bags of power and I wouldnt really want/need more here in the crowded South East. I decided the 2.5 was middle of the spec range - didnt want the 4 pot 2 litre nor the 6 pot 2.2 and not really into the 3.00 which does have 6 gears but seems to be best on empty motorways - havent seen one lately. And frankly I do not believe those that say you can stick in an extra 500cc and not notice the mpg difference must be deluding themselves. Perhaps not when they are in 6th cruising down the motorway but as I said, not much used where I live.

Official brochure combined MPG 2003 models:
2.5 31.7 mpg
3.0 31.0 mpg

Close enough to be identical for normal road users in normal conditions.

For the auto MPG is identical at all measurement points of urban, extra urbam and combined, so yep you can have 500cc for free

 

[maxman]

Buy on condition not year.When viewing take along someone who has experience of the model.
I would look to buy off an owner who cared for the z and it was garaged when not in use.Dont buy off a chancer or someone who who looks like they can't afford to maintain it correctly ie crap tyres,poor service history etc.
There is a buying guide on the forum to help you.Good Luck and go for the 3.0 engine.