Z4 - 2.5 vs 3.0

DiscoDave

DiscoDave

DiscoDave

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Hi Chaps,

Im looking for a Z4 ~2007 model. There's a tidy 2.5 version near me but I have also seen the 3.0 version elsewhere. Looking at the performance specs

2.5:

Engine power 177 bhp
Acceleration (0-62mph) 7.1 seconds
Urban mpg 23.9 mpg
Extra Urban mpg 46.3 mpg
Average mpg 34.4 mpg

3.0

Engine power 265 bhp
Acceleration (0-62mph) 5.7 seconds
Urban mpg 22.8 mpg
Extra Urban mpg 45.6 mpg
Average mpg 33.2 mpg

It seems (on paper at least) the 3.0 engine gives substantially more power than the 2.5 without hitting the tank as much.

The 2.5 would probably be fine for my needs, but looking at the figures, is there any reason to pick the 2.5 over the 3.0?

Thanks,

David
 
I honestly don't see the point in 170bhp in a car like the Z4. Loads of bog standard Golfs have as much as this. It's a sports car, get the 3.0...would be my entirely uneducated opinion.
 
I think you will find the 3.0 you are referring to is 3.0si and the 2.5 is pre-face lift.

the facelift 2.5 (i) is actually 192bhp

I never ever see more than 23-25mpg unless I drive boringly, I think they are actually the same engine with different stroke depth or something like that. Fox will tell you all you need to know :cool:
 
Yeah those z4 2.5 figures look wrong, as do the 3.0 numbers.

if it isn't an Si it'll be circa 230bhp and the 2.5 should be circa 200bhp as above.

However, there still isn't any reason to buy the 2.5 over the 3.0, unless it's in substantially better condition / cheaper imo.

The Si will do an easy 35mpg if you're able to give it a bit of steady driving, by which I mean A road type driving but not motorway the M54 (3.0) will be a little less economical maybe 3-4mpg and the 2.5 will be the same
 
Will Gill said:
I think you will find the 3.0 you are referring to is 3.0si and the 2.5 is pre-face lift.

the facelift 2.5 (i) is actually 192bhp

I never ever see more than 23-25mpg unless I drive boringly, I think they are actually the same engine with different stroke depth or something like that. Fox will tell you all you need to know :cool:
Click to expand...

Oh, perhaps Autotrader is giving me incorrect stats? It's showing me a Z4 2.5i SE 2007 model as having 177bhp
 
I know the 3.0si is definitely 265hp and the same 2.5 is definitely up on power from the old variant :)

pretty sure my face-lift figures are correct
 
Actually, it looks like the facelift does have a lower powered variant.

on a 2007 car or whenever it moves over to the N52 it looks like the 2.5si is the only one close to 200bhp (well more actually, 218 which I'd be perfectly happy with) whilst the Se is 177bhp.

Never knew that - avoid!
 
Drive one and make sure it's for you, other than that it'd be good if it's had the roof changed but there isn't really a lot to go wrong with them!
 
Yep lol you are right, there are seemingly endless variants.

I think I am right that the 2.5si and the 3.0si share the same engine, trying to find reference to it somewhere :p
 
rodenal said:
Actually, it looks like the facelift does have a lower powered variant.

on a 2007 car or whenever it moves over to the N52 it looks like the 2.5si is the only one close to 200bhp (well more actually, 218 which I'd be perfectly happy with) whilst the Se is 177bhp.

Never knew that - avoid!
Click to expand...

Well, that's a bit confusing! Thanks for clarifying. Looks like some decision making to do..
 
Will Gill said:
I think you will find the 3.0 you are referring to is 3.0si and the 2.5 is pre-face lift.

the facelift 2.5 (i) is actually 192bhp

I never ever see more than 23-25mpg unless I drive boringly, I think they are actually the same engine with different stroke depth or something like that. Fox will tell you all you need to know :cool:
Click to expand...

Those are the figures I thought were correct. With the old 3.0i having (EDIT) 230bhp

I had both the 3.0i and the 3.0si versions. Don't bother with the 2.5, the mpg is very similar as I believe are all consumables and servicing.

I got 39mpg over 280 miles once. Averaged around 24 with mainly town driving.
 
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ecksmen said:
I'm also considering a Z4 - anyone got any advise? Good / Bad points etc...?
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Check the roof! Not sure about the facelift models but I spend 2 days literally taking my Z4 apart to replace the roof motor. I was quoted around £1000 from BMW. In their infinite wisdom they decided to put the electric motor near to the drain for the roof.

I cleaned all the drains out, cleaned the motor up, dried it in the oven :D and it worked for months after that with no problems.

You can tell when they are struggling as theres a noticeable difference in the time it takes and can also sound as though its struggling at the start.
 
Well it does appear there more of a diverse range of power units with the Z4, starting from 150 up to 265. Guess I'll need to take the 177bhp version out for a spin and see if it's powerful enough. Coming from a civic sport I guess anything will be quite a lot faster.
 
Don't waste your time, it'll be harder to sell on later.

You'd be as well driving a 2 litre one. They're OK and will give slightly better economy.
 
DiscoDave said:
Well it does appear there more of a diverse range of power units with the Z4, starting from 150 up to 265. Guess I'll need to take the 177bhp version out for a spin and see if it's powerful enough. Coming from a civic sport I guess anything will be quite a lot faster.
Click to expand...

It does seem to be a niche item in the range.

My budget allows me to stretch to a 05/06 plate 3.0si. Perhaps my money is better served with that model.
 
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