Real life drive 2.5si vs 3.0si

[coldel]

So as some of you may know, I recently sold my 3.0si Coupe with the intention of getting something else, like a 987 Boxster or the like. But I find myself throwing a 3.0si roadster into the mix too. Finding one though with decent spec is not easy...but I do keep seeing advertised very clean 2.5si's

Given I came from a 3.0si ... if I went for a 2.5si - those that have driven them back to back, is the difference big enough to warrant hanging on for a 3.0si to hopefully turn up or would a 2.5si give me 90% of what I had before from a performance perspective?

Yes, I will get out and drive one when I get the chance, but in the meantime would appreciate any sage advice from anyone that has driven both.

 

[Z450]

You will likely get a mixed opinion on this one!

For me personally I think there is a notable difference between the two, and you may notice it that much more coming from a 3.0.

Also generally find a better spec with the 3.0l. The 2.5si came with manual seats as standard although this may not be important!

 

[coldel]

thanks Z, yes my coupe had heated electric memory M sport seats...I kinda liked them!

 

[deltasierra]

3.0si Roadsters are at a premium currently you will pay £2k extra for similar milage for that you get 50hp extra and more torque, you will notice the difference, the 2.5si is visually almost identical and there are plenty of other hot wheels that can outperform you these days, whichever you choose
You pay your money and make your choice both are great value and look the part.

 

[Mr Tidy]

I've never driven a 2.5si Z4 but did have an E91 325i with the same N52 engine. It just felt a bit sluggish, although very high gearing and extra weight of a 3 Series wouldn't have helped - so after a year I replaced it with my current 330i!

3.0si E85s are pretty rare which may be why there is a price premium, but any extra you pay for one you'd probably get back on selling.

You'll probably only know for sure once you've driven a 2.5si!

 

[coldel]

Thanks all. I think there will be a noticeable difference. I am almost thinking just go for a 3.0i which I can then play around with and tinker with. Although it again is hard to find one that doesn't have moon mileage that has m sport seats/heated etc. and without those god awful pop up screens!

 

[deltasierra]

Thanks all. I think there will be a noticeable difference. I am almost thinking just go for a 3.0i which I can then play around with and tinker with. Although it again is hard to find one that doesn't have moon mileage that has m sport seats/heated etc. and without those god awful pop up screens!

Thanks all. I think there will be a noticeable difference. I am almost thinking just go for a 3.0i which I can then play around
with and tinker with. Although it again is hard to find one that doesn't have moon mileage that has m sport seats/heated etc. and without those god awful pop up screens!

A “3.0i” with the M54 engine is a different animal the performance is very similar to the 2.5si. The facelift cars have quite a few upgrades not least a 6 speed gearbox which makes cruising much nicer. 3.0i cars are advertised for around £3k, if you’re on a budget great value.

 

[Sidewaze Samm]

Prior to getting my E85 3.0si I ran a 2.5si for a couple of years.
Yes, the 3.0si certainly has more beans, but I'd say it depends largely on how you drive and the roads you drive on. The extra torque is noticeable and I certainly trigger the DSC much more often than I did in the 2.5si. But I still had fun in the 2.5si.
I'm guessing you may possibly notice the difference a little more due to being used to the diff ratio of the E86? (I've never driven one).
As mentioned above, the 3.0si will typically have a higher spec (though nothing a 2.5si can't have). Personally I'd rather do without the electric seats due to the manual seats giving a greater scope of movement.

 

[docster]

Thanks all.

A “3.0i” with the M54 engine is a different animal the performance is very similar to the 2.5si. The facelift cars have quite a few upgrades not least a 6 speed gearbox which makes cruising much nicer. 3.0i cars are advertised for around £3k, if you’re on a budget great value.

A “3.0i” with the M54 engine is a different animal the performance is very similar to the 2.5si. The facelift cars have quite a few upgrades not least a 6 speed gearbox which makes cruising much nicer. 3.0i cars are advertised for around £3k, if you’re on a budget great value.

The 3.0i with M54 also has the same spec as the 3.0si, less some power. But more than the 3.0i of the post facelift cars. The M54 was 2003-2006 cars I believe. I have one, with the 6MT and it’s not that different from a 3.0si besides a slightly less powerful feel, with a different power delivery