Proud Soon-to-be-Owner

[audiblescholar]

I'm less than a month away from being the (very) happy new owner of a BMW Z4 . I do have one last question before I take the plunge, though.
I'm trying to decide between the 3.0i 2003-2005 model, or the 2006 3.0si. My question is, are the extra features (and power) worth the extra money for the 3.0si? Looking for informed opinions.

 

[gannet]

Id go for the newer car if you can afford, mainly because it will be well newer

Welcome to the forum and hopefully some more informed answers to follow

Ive no problems with my 2004 model and love it

 

[AlanJ]

I think when you buy a 'pre-owned' vehicle it's down to how the vehicle is presented, maintenance history etc etc. A newer vehicle may have been less cared for than one a year or two older but in better overall condition. Remember there are plenty out there so take your time and if in any doubt walk away – and always offer a silly price if you are serious.... just sometimes the seller will accept and if not you can start bargaining. Good luck in your search.

 

[Robb]

3.0Si love mine

 

[WLH]

audiblescholar, welcome to the forum...
I've previously had both a 2003 3.0i and a 2006 3.0si. Both were amazing cars and for me trouble free. I would give the nod to the 3.0si. IMO it is/was the best value of all the Z4's produced. Excellent performance, fuel economy and the improvements that came with the 2006 face lift models. Also,take AlanJ comment into consideration as well.

 

[un1eash]

Dare i say it, facelift models look better, go for the 3.0si

 

[m44rrt]

I would do some research into the 2006 3.0 engine as I am sure I have seen a few posts associated with this
Mine is a 2004 3.0 SE and it goes really well

 

[Andy]

The Si is a great engine.. only just shy of the /M on power but a lot more comfortable and economical. Plus.. the facelift is prettier IMHO and will sell easier.

But.. let's be honest, if you had a 2003 3.0 it's still a cracking car.

 

[srhutch]

I would do some research into the 2006 3.0 engine as I am sure I have seen a few posts associated with this
Mine is a 2004 3.0 SE and it goes really well

Hydraulic lifters I guess is what you are referring to, it affects all facelift 6 cylinders cars (ex ///M), but also 3 series and so on, anything with a N52 engine. As long as you have a BMW warranty should be able to sort one way or another.

 

[+49]

I would do some research into the 2006 3.0 engine as I am sure I have seen a few posts associated with this
Mine is a 2004 3.0 SE and it goes really well

Hydraulic lifters I guess is what you are referring to, it affects all facelift 6 cylinders cars (ex ///M), but also 3 series and so on, anything with a N52 engine. As long as you have a BMW warranty should be able to sort one way or another.

When i hear design faults like that it complely puts me off a car/engine choice...

 

[WLH]

I would do some research into the 2006 3.0 engine as I am sure I have seen a few posts associated with this
Mine is a 2004 3.0 SE and it goes really well

Correct and there was a service bulletin out on the n52 engines where lifters would cause an excessive ticking sound. In many cases the sound would go away once the engine is warm. BMW claims that no harm to the engine would result. However, the design of the head itself does not allow for oil to reach the lifters properly especially when cold and hence the lifters do not work properly causing the ticking sound. The service bulletin calls for the lifters to be bled-which is a procedure where they keep the engine at 3k rpms with no load for 3 minutes and repeated 5 times. If this does not work then they are replacing the cylinder head with cams, valves, springs and anything that goes in a cylinder head with an updated re-designed head that allows proper oil flow to the lifters. I also remember reading that this problem was more common with those cars not driven frequently. To find out more do a google search on "BMW N52 Engine Problems." I put over 45,000 miles on my 2006 3.0si and I never experienced this problem.