Z4 3.0 si vs SE suspension differences
- Thread starter Chrisk01
- Start date
Fairly sure that si related to the engine spec.
SE and ‘Sport’ were trim levels and hence changed the suspension.
From memory ‘sport’ suspension is 15mm lower than ‘se’ and sport meant to be a bit harder and ‘sportier’.
I’m sure someone else will correct me if I’m wrong
SE and ‘Sport’ were trim levels and hence changed the suspension.
From memory ‘sport’ suspension is 15mm lower than ‘se’ and sport meant to be a bit harder and ‘sportier’.
I’m sure someone else will correct me if I’m wrong
Mine is an SE pre-facelift car, but according the the VIN decoder I used, has sports suspension, so I’m 98.7% sure its trim level, with Si being updated engine as groovy_hippy says (also with the same caveats if I’m wrong!).
This is a good guide for all things Zed…
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=15177#p222850
This is a good guide for all things Zed…
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=15177#p222850
Correct. Si is an engine designation and came in either SE or Sport spec, although you could order a SE and add on some Sport options. Generally “Sport” got the M-sport seats (ironically the SE got ordinary “sports” seats), lower suspension, stiffer anti-roll bars and some interior trim changes.
So suspension changes are limited to lowered springs and stiffer ARBs afaik.
So suspension changes are limited to lowered springs and stiffer ARBs afaik.
One other question, I’ve read that the 3.0si rides pretty hard, so assuming the SE is a bit plusher than the Sport. Also that the 17’ wheels make it a little more comfy.
How hard is the Sport model with 18’ wheels? Are we talking about really hard, crashing over bumps etc ? I know this is subjective but any info appreciated.
How hard is the Sport model with 18’ wheels? Are we talking about really hard, crashing over bumps etc ? I know this is subjective but any info appreciated.
groovy_hippy said:
Mine is pretty crashy at the rear (had front dampers replaced last year) but not to the point of being uncomfortable or wince-inducing, though as you say, it’s subjective. I’m getting rear dampers and springs replaced with OEM parts at the end of the month, I’m not expecting night and day difference but it will hopefully make it slightly less crashy.
North West Surrey
Welcome to the forum Chris. 
As Zedebee said Si refers to the facelift engine regardless of the trim. So pre-facelifts are 3.0i, facelifts are 3.0Si. And facelift Sport models had the M-Sport suspension and steering wheel which were all options on the SEs.
Not sure about pre-facelifts but something tells me all the 3.0i models had the M-Sport suspension - but I could well be wrong!
Most owners find swapping the run-flats for normal tyres improves the ride whatever size wheels are fitted.
As Zedebee said Si refers to the facelift engine regardless of the trim. So pre-facelifts are 3.0i, facelifts are 3.0Si. And facelift Sport models had the M-Sport suspension and steering wheel which were all options on the SEs.
Not sure about pre-facelifts but something tells me all the 3.0i models had the M-Sport suspension - but I could well be wrong!
Most owners find swapping the run-flats for normal tyres improves the ride whatever size wheels are fitted.
My 2.2 would have come from the factory with se suspension I think. Previous owner put Bilstein B4s and Suplex springs and 40 profile non rf tyres on 18” wheels. When I bought the car I was surprised at how ‘comfy’ the car rode compared to one I had previously tested with sports suspension, 18” wheels and run flats. That nearly put me off buying one, luckily it didn’t, the ride is a bit jiggly but not that uncomfortable or jarring. It’s a roadster so it is what it is.