Z4 2.8i vs 3.0i

N

Northerner919

New member
Hi everyone,

I’m new to the group and have been doing some research on here and there is so much useful information.

I’m just about to buy my first Z4 and have whittled it down to the following:

1. BMW Z4 2.8i (2014) - 56k Miles
2. BMW Z4 3.0i (2012) - 18k Miles

The performance figures on the above cars looks really similar and the cars above (both auto with loads of options) are very similarly priced.

I’ve test driven the 2.8i (manual though) and liked the pops, sound and acceleration but keep reading the 2ltr engines aren’t bullet proof.

The 3ltr is slight more a year in road tax (£295 vs £195) but the engines do seem to be solid. I’m not sure if I’ll get the same sound from the engine.

I expect to do around 10k miles a year.

So would appreciate advice from the experts on here. Which way is the way to go?

I’m looking forward to joining some meets on here when I have it :)

Thanks in advance,

Tony
 
Assuming both have full service history, then 3.0 with lower mileage IMHO. Condition and mileage over age with a bigger engine to boot :D
 
Spooky, I was going to put up the same post, although i just bought a 23 I will be looking at upgrading next year and those were my two choices

2.0 has better fuel economy and performance is similar so cheaper to run, engine issues??. Will need to research this, it didn’t seem that long ago that 100bhp per litre was considered good, now we are squeezing out considerably more!! Also sounds expensive if those turbos pack in.

3.0 tried tested and much loved 6 cyl engine with a great sound track, but thirstier and more tax, other than that can’t see any other disadvantages, as it will be my weekend toy I don’t anticipate putting on shed loads of miles so mpg isn’t as big a factor so I think the 3.0 gets it for me for what is worth to the OP
 
One other question which I sure the OP won’t mind me asking , how much more expensive to run is the 35 compared to the 3.0.
 
Frankie169 said:
Spooky, I was going to put up the same post, although i just bought a 23 I will be looking at upgrading next year and those were my two choices

2.0 has better fuel economy and performance is similar so cheaper to run, engine issues??. Will need to research this, it didn’t seem that long ago that 100bhp per litre was considered good, now we are squeezing out considerably more!! Also sounds expensive if those turbos pack in.
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Only one turbo to worry about on the 4pots & little to suggest if there is a problem it will be with the turbo itself , bearing in mind the number of 4cyl turbo petrol engines there will always be fails but if you buy well / treat well then there's no reason why you will caught short .
Clean quality oil regularly ( as in every 6-8k ) avoid predominantly short journeys & never thrash from cold + allow a minute tickover cooldown after a decent run
Tough quandary for anyone facing the choice , as ever buy on condition , history , spec ,miles price :thumbsup:
 
Worth a read for anyone unsure of what wrecks a turbo & how to avoid it ( wasted on Busterboo he clearly knows better )

https://www.aet-turbos.co.uk/effective-turbo-maintenance-keep-your-car-in-top-condition-with-these-tips/

suggesting oil change every 5000miles :wink:

https://procarmechanics.com/maintenance-tips-for-turbocharged-cars/

https://www.autoserviceprofessional.com/article/94857/Engine-oil-change-intervals?Page=3

if anyone can find articles suggesting its better to keep the oil in 15k :rofl: please post them up :oops:
 
It a tough call, I had a 28i for over 3 and a half years.

You need to work out whats important to you, what are your priorities

28i Benefits I see
More economical to run and own - fuel (50+ MPG possible on long drives doing 60 mph) and car tax (marginal over 12 months)
Greater tunning capabilities (you can make it as quick as 35i, spending 1k)

3.0
Great Sound
Bulletproof engine

Is the cost of ownership really important to you?
10K miles a year the difference will be roughly an extra tank and half of the fuel a month

Don't get me wrong, low cc engines are the future with turbos - and I really loved my Z4 - and waved the flag for 28i ownership for a long time. Against straight six purists- whatever you chose - it has to be on your requirements - it might even be the specification that sways your mind.
 
mr wilks said:
Busterboo said:
mr wilks said:
Clean quality oil regularly ( as in every 6-8k ) ...
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Nonsense.
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You do as you like but in a turbo'd car even more so
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Do you have any idea whatsoever how a turbo works and the speeds with which the impeller shaft can reach along with the temperatures involved Busterboo? If so I find it too stupid for words how you can question very very regular oil changes.

And don’t give me some old bollocks about the service intervals BMW recommend, you don’t follow their advice on non run flats so that kicks that argument into touch.
 
OP, you need to try them both if possible before you decide.

I know the future is smaller engines with turbo's, but that's exactly why I like having a naturally aspirated straight 6 in my Z4! :lol:

Nobody makes those anymore AFAIK. :(

Anyway good luck finding the right one, and don't forget we like to see photos! :)
 
Thanks for all the replies, much appreciated.

It still sounds like a close call. 50mpg on the motorway sounds great though!

Thanks again, decision day tomorrow
 
john-e89 said:
Do you have any idea whatsoever how a turbo works and the speeds with which the impeller shaft can reach along with the temperatures involved Busterboo? If so I find it too stupid for words how you can question very very regular oil changes.
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Yes, I do.

No, I don't.

Modern synthetic oils are efficient throughout their working life.

Changing them early is a waste of time & money.
 
Busterboo said:
john-e89 said:
Changing them early is a waste of time & money.
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According to...??

Given the temps potentially involved plus the cost of an oil change being very similar to a tank of fuel who, who is an enthusiast and bothered about the longevity of their car, would seriously disregard early oil changes especially knowing how a turbo works?
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