BMW Z4: Do You Need The 3.0 Litre or Will the 2.5 Suffice?
Vložit
- čas přidán 5. 08. 2024
- For the E85 generation BMW Z4, I've always said it's worth having the 3.0 Litre model. But is that true? Today I compare it to my Dad's 2.5 Litre E85 Z4.
So Do You Need The 3.0 Litre or Will the 2.5 Suffice?
Code your BMW with Carly, use code JOEL15 FOR 15% OFF :)
➤ bit.ly/carlydiscount
Here's a Link to the Watch I'm Wearing:
➤ amzn.to/2IOB7Em
Subscribe to It's Joel!
➤ bit.ly/2yCTc4V
Follow me on my socials:
➤ Instagram: / itsjoelw
➤ Facebook: / itsjoelw
➤ Twitter: / itsjoelw
Music by DJ Grumble
➤ / gbeats
----------
➤ Tip jar: paypal.me/itsjoel - If you enjoy my content and want to leave me a tip, this is how you can. (all money goes towards paying for MORE content!)
➤ Any questions? - Email me: hello@itsjoel.co.uk - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Carly's Black Friday Sale is on until NOV 30!
It's now 25% off the reader & the subscription too!
Go through the link below, and use code BLACK25
www.mycarly.com/?ref=joelwignall&AffiliateUK&
I drove both cars and bought the 2.5 with the standard suspension and 16 inch wheels instead of the 3.0 because it was more comfortable to drive and felt more like a lightweight sports car. The 3.0 had the stiffer sports suspension and bigger wheels which gave it a lousy harsh ride. Way too many people think that 'more is better' and nothing could be further from the truth in the automotive world. Folks, if you drive a 2.5 Z4, I guarantee you will run out of driving talent long before you run out of car.
Same applies for motorbikes mate, well said.
Get the 3 litre
bro id rather have the 2.5 with a 5 speed so i can have the least amount of fancy shit thatll break lmao
@@chriswells506 for what dude? i have a 530i and it's so fast i can never really use the power. if i keep my foot in it for more than a couple seconds, next thing i know i'm going 80-90 mph. and the car hides that speed so well you feel like you could keep going. in a z4 you really don't need a 3.0 to have fun.
Wuzz up Joel? I got a 2.5i and I've been driving it here in New Jersy for 10 yrs. No complaints so far. Keep up the good work!
Awesome dude. Thanks for watching
So I watched this video astutely prior to deciding on a Z4 as a fun cheap convertible. I ended up with a 2004 2.5L, mainly because of the mileage (29K) and the price @ $8.5K. Couldn't find anything near this mileage at this price available anywhere. I have no regrets as the performance vs. my previous BMW (1.9L Z3) is very good and it certainly is a fun car to drive. Handles and rides well on these bumpy north midwest roads. Having previously owned a 00' Viper GTS and having every goofball wanting to race at every freakin' intersection, this is a nice change of pace. I will be keeping it for a while.
The question I have been asking myself over and over in the past weeks
Can’t wait to watch this when I get home
GadgetMart hope you enjoy it
New owner of an older 2.5 [2003] 150000 miles... damn thing still scrathes 2nd gear !!!! I still get excited when I get behind the wheel ... thanks Joel
jay lemmons thanks jay for watching
Nice review!
I also have both engines, M54B25 & M54B30 and differences are as you mostly mentioned:
1) The difference is mostly at low rpm. B30 is noticeably stronger @ low rpm.
2) You can also feel difference at higher speeds acceleration (>150kmh), which somehow is obvious - B25 has less hp. For instance B25 slows acceleration at speed level of >210/220 kmh, while B30 still willingly accelerates until 230/240 kmh. I found Vmax 230/235 in B25 comparing to 245/250 kmh in B30.
3) Fuel consumption of both engines is comparable
4) I found that much more often I keep B25 on higher rpm and B25 engine is way more agressive. Most probably due to shorter piston stroke in B25 comparing to B30. B25 likes revving, it jumps to redline much quicker, especially crossing 4k rpm. B30 is more "even" or "flat" in characteristics
5) B25 and B30, as mostly M54 engines, are heavy oil drinkers :)
I'd love to see a comparison between an M54B30 and an N52B25si
The Si engine to me feel next gen in terms of free revving and power delivered.
It's not far off the M54 3l unit but delivers in a more exciting way. It builds to redline.
My old 2.2 M54 Built until about 6200 then made a higher pitch but no more power.
The N52 2.5si makes more power all the way to redline which encourages you to push it to it's redline and it's happy to do so.
It also seems a lot more keen to rev like it's got lighter engine components or maybe a lighter flywheel.
I love the engine and I love the car with it. The M Sport also brings lower springs and stiffer suspension which I'll grant with the runflats is a nightmare but put high quality non-run-flats on it and it is very comfortable as well as amazing when you ramp up the cornering speeds.
I'd love to ry a 3.0 N52. I bet it goes like stink.
Luv and Peace.
I bought a 2.5 because it was cheaper than a 3.0 and I found a great deal on one. The 2.5 has an easier final drive ratio so it revs a bit higher for any given speed / gear. This makes up a bit for the power difference. I'm used to some pretty quick BMWs and I find the 2.5 Z4 is fine, loads of fun.
another good vid Joel ! I'm on the verge of getting a 2.5 auto and you have convinced me to go ahead
Ive got the 2.2 and have to say having a sixth gear is the only thing about it that id change, great daily sports car. thanks for another good vid joel
Oliver Smith thanks Oliver
Funny thing is, i was going to buy the 3.0 last month after i sold my car. Been walking 6 miles to work, rain, snow or wind and decided to go car free, but i decided to still stay subscribed as the content is so good.
photosmithy thank you sir!
Jesus you walk 6 miles??
Brilliant mate,lm looking forward to seeing back to back with your dads car 👍
You’ll regret not getting the 3.0i because running costs are basically the same
Tell that to the insurance company. The only reason why 2.5 owners will regret not getting the 3.0 is cavemen like you have the need to constantly make themselves feel better by reminding everyone that the 3.0 they overpaid for is actually better.
El Chupacabra it is better don’t kid yourself, usually have better specs too
They are cheap now and you get the extra money paid when you sell so overpaid is a non argument
@@69elchupacabra69 Just ran a comparison and got about the same quotes for both, actually slightly cheaper for the 3.0 (about 300£ vs 290£, both of whice are actually slightly lower than my wife's 2007 Diesel 1 series).
Past a certain number of license/NCB years and car age, the car you drive almost doesn't matter for insurance premium (as long as it's not modified). It's all about your own driver info, much of it things that actually have nothing to do with your driving history like where you live and what your job is.
Maybe when they were new you could save some money going for the 2.5 and you wouldn't miss the extra power too much, but today there is really no reason to buy the 2.5 over the 3.0. Similar used prices, same maintenance, same fuel consumption, same insurance costs, even the same road tax. They handle the same (possibly actually better spec/brakes on the 3.0) and the 3.0 has more power, it's a no brainer.
@@BigUriel I would normally congratulate you for writing such a novel but then you just assumed your situation is the same situation every person in the world would experience.
My point still stands, the greatest downside to getting the 2.5 is hearing about it from people like you when the 2.5 is more than enough to enjoy for some people.
@@69elchupacabra69 I'd say the greatest downside to getting the 2.5 is the buyers' remose in knowing that you could have bought something better for the same money but hey whatever works for you.
My situation is not the same as for every person in the world but it is the same for most people in the UK realistically thinking about buying a BMW Z4 (which are not 18 year olds who just got their license).
Good informative advice for anyone looking to buy a Z4. More power = more smiles 👍🏻
Nick Matthews thanks nick
Thanks Joel, another great informative video, really really enjoy viewing them! I set out looking for a 3.0 but ended up with a 2.2 because of good spec & low mileage, but like Pablo I love it too... Fortunately mine isn't my daily & drive it just for fun & any Z4 can't help to put a smile on your face no matter what engine size!
Michael Young thank you for watching Michael
I own a e85 with 2.0 later engine and is much than enough for me , 150 HP to 1200 kg weight ...still is good ratio , good mileage and still she can give me a great start from the red lights, roundbouts and great acceleration when I'm overtaking , so for first car I'm happy with her :)
Good video Joel 😊
Tr3X Sounds thank you for watching
Great video! I am looking at purchasing a Z4 and was frantically looking for a video of the comparison between the 2.
Robert Reffell glad you found this video then!
No one:
Joel’s Subscribers: 2.2i is the best
Taylor Yeates 😂😂😂
I have an ‘04 2.5L auto. I was looking for a manual 3.0. I bought this one because of it’s low miles 40k and is in perfect showroom condition. I am not disappointed in the 2.5 power. The auto has a manual (slap stick) mode, which makes it a little more fun to drive.
Cool video Joel, kinda miss my 2.5i Z4 :P
I just got the deal of a life time, I have been looking at these cars for a couple years now and was thinking about picking one of these up sometime this summer but I run across a 2006, the lady that had it was in her 70's and it has only 17000 original miles and I paid more for it than what I seeing one that year going for it is in brand new condition
Nice video Joel. I’ve got the 2.5si and for British roads its plenty fast enough and sounds sweet!
Thank you sir
Useful vid thanks
Just recently bought a 2.5 which was my preferred model over the 3.0. I was selling these when they were launched in 2003 and all the 3.0 models had the sports suspension as standard and coupled with the standard fun flat tyres that were fitted at the time the ride was too hard and uncomfortable ( for me ). The 2.5 had standard suspension and the 2.5 was a " sweeter " engine. It revved more freely and it revved slightly higher and at 192bhp it was enough for most. I also preferred the 5 speed box because you could rev it longer in each gear and it was less frantic. The 2.5 is great choice, still had the sport button too which makes a difference. With its standard suspension I have the 18" wheels with non run flat tyres and the ride comfort is superb. They are great cars in either the 3.0 or 2.5. I would choose the 2.5 over the 3.0 everyday.
Good subject for a video mate. As u mentioned at around 10 and a half minutes, it's more spec for me. I never wanted lower than a 2.5 but mileage and spec were more important. In hindsight I now which I'd have held out for the M sport seats though. When driving hard the standard seats are totally useless at holding u in.
I agree / although our seats are a lot more comfortable. But you might as well be sitting on a sofa when you go round a corner! 😂
Thanks! Very helpful insight
WOW VERY EXACT INFORMATION ! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK !
Glad you found this useful mate, thanks for watching
Pulled the trigger on a coupe on Friday, cream seats, dark navy paint. Absolutely stoked. Cat back exhaust already on route 😉 Used to have a convertible, and the difference on a B road is noticeable. Can carry more pace with confidence over my old 3.0 soft top.
James Cole nice one James enjoy it!
Interesting to see someone thats driven both and not just commenting on something they have no experience of. Im about to buy a 2.5, not in preference to a 3.0, id rather have the extra power but ive been looking for a cheap one and there just aren't any 3 litres about for the money I have to spend, the one I'm hoping to get is a 53 reg with 75000 miles and a long mot for just over 2 grand. I also found a company that does a remap taking it up to 207 bhp for just £350 so it should end up pretty close to the 3 litre in performance and ive no intentions of doing much motorway driving with it so the lack of 6th gear won't bother me. I might even make a before and after video on the remap as there's nothing like that on CZcams but since I've been looking for a z4 ive been watching all yours so keep it up mate, well done and thanks.
Sounds like a great buy Andrew you’re gonna love it! Thank you for watching the channel
Buy a 2006 2.5si. It's a new engine and makes 218bhp. Almost as much as the old M54 3.0. It also revs much more keenly. N52 ftw.
Luv and Peace.
I think you sum this up really well Joel. I've owned 2.5 and 3.0 m54 engine BMs and agree that the difference is not significant. I'd say the main difference is more the feeling you get from driving the two. When in the 2.5 you have a feeling of "I wonder how much quicker the 3.0L would be?" Owning the 3.0L gives you a feeling of content and you're not left wondering what if?
Good comparison mate. In NZ the majority of E85s are imported from Japan and are autos which sucks. I have the 2.5 as the price was right but I would love the 3.0 in 6 speed manual. 2.5 is plenty powerful for our roads if you turn DTC off!
Great video, very informative for a newbie. When was the facelift of this model ?
Great video mate!
Andras Pajer thanks dude
I had a 2.5i for a few years and have recently traded it in for a 3.0i. Initially I found little difference bar the extra gear, ride height and slightly stiffer suspension ... but I actually think the big difference comes at 4000 revs; the 3.0i comes alive!
Interesting, that’s where I noticed it the least! The best way to find out would just be a drag race I suppose... haha. Thanks for watching
As reference: I own a 2005 Z4 3.0i E85/M54 5-speed auto. When it was new it was rated at 215 hp for use in California. Fifteen years later I have 152,000 + miles. I can only get 91 octane fuel with 10% alcohol added in. About three weeks ago I had my Z dyno-tested for the first time. It came in at 187.39 hp @ 5,930 rpm and 183.92 pounds of torque (249.36 N-m) @ 4,870 rpm. Keep these numbers in mind when you get your Zed tested.
I have the E85 2.5 pre facelift as well. Only thing I don't like is the sticking steering. Nice manual transmission.
I own a 3 litre and didn't even consider anything else, because I wanted the 'full fat' Z4 experience. But having owned it now for 18 months and being totally realistic I would say that it doesn't really matter which you choose, because our roads are so poor and overcrowded you can rarely experience the full potential of any of them. The only thing I would add is that you really do need the soundtrack of a 6 cylinder to give you the feeling of driving a proper sports car. Keep up the good work Joel. 👍
Andy Domanski thanks Andy, agree with your points!
There really is no substitute for Cc is an exceptionally good rule of thumb...if you just want driving involvement, but if you need to take fuel, running costs etc... into account, it's different.
Interesting video. I love my 2.2i Z4, but like the idea of a three litre. Sixth gear and sports mode would always be fun! Probably going to have to sell mine and buy a slightly more sensible car which will take a baby seat though. Any suggestions welcomed!
Both super smooth, but sonorously the 3.0 litre does sound more rounded, plus I do get 40mpg with the 6 speed 3.0 😀. Great video again. I have had a £200 remap so now 249 bop and extra torque so low 5 sec 0 to 60 times 😀😎😎
captainchrislee awesome - maybe I’ll do a remap one day... thanks for watching
Thank you Joel for your informative videos, I've watched many of them! Love, love, love my 2004 E85 2.5si, feel like it's got plenty of power though I will admit that I do feel like there should be a 6th gear. Mine's not a daily, but a fun weekender and I bought it because it had things that I felt were important to me: low mileage, good clean body, nice well kept beige interior, beige soft top, everything in good working order. Yes, and heated seats! I get 25/30 mph on mine and I'm no light foot. I had always wondered about a comparison between the 2.5 and 3.0, wondering if I was missing out and your video answered it for me - doesn't look like I'm missing anything and perhaps less cost in insurance. Thanks from a very happy Z4 driver in the US.
Thanks for watching!
Hey Joel! Thanks for making all these great videos!! I have a 2.5i and really love it. Can you do a video on maximizing the gas mileage? It seems like there's a big disparity between different drivers. I see some people say they're getting over 30mpg with a 2.5i and others say more like 20mpg overall. Are there any mods that can boost gas mileage? Don't get me wrong - I didn't buy this car to get good gas mileage! haha But, if it can be improved, then why not? Thanks, mate!!
I’m happy to sacrifice some mid range torque for an engine that is willing to rev out. The 2.5 is that engine, it’s much keener (or appears to be) to rev out. Hit 4K it comes alive.
The 3.0 whilst a lovely engine in its own right, is very linear. Nothing wrong with that - it’s just preference. If I went auto then the 3.0 is a must, for a weekend play thing - the manual 2.5 with some simple mods is where I’d go.
The Boxster on the other hand - id go with the 3.2/3.4 over the smaller lumps everytime 👍
Hello Joel! Got a 2.5 and always wondered what I was missing from the 3l. Such an informative vid as ever. Felt very relevant to me, so much appreciated! Big thumbs up
kaiseroscar101 glad you found this helpful, thank you for watchingb
Good review
Keep up the good work dear chap
Thanks mark
Need? Nope. Want. Oh yeah!
The 3.0i is a fantastic engine. Love mine dearly.
Is there a power steering extra cooler to install. I have the 3lt in Australia and on hot summer days (we have a lot ), the wheel goes into no mans land on roundabouts. I have read it has to do with the power steering oil overheating.
I love my 2008 Z4 M Roadster. The 3.2 Litre engine is amazing!
Dear Joel, can you make a comparison between 3.0i and 3.0is? Maintenance prices, performance, brakes, interior (because of lifting...) btw. Your vids is gr8! :)
Thanks bro. Subscribed! :)
Thanks so much!
I'm shopping for a Z4. Pretty much decided on the 3.0 litre. My problem in British Columbia is finding one with a manual transmission.
is it worth installing the gravity performance exhaust bmw z4? or is there enough native exhaust?
Owned both a 2.5i and 3.0i
Added torque and HP of the 3.0i is definitely worth it IMO 🙂
Always felt the 2.5i just kept me wanting, but the 3.0i is just enough power to have a proper good bit of fun and put a smile on your face.
Wasn't much difference between insurance or fuels costs and tax bracket is exactly the same so a no brainer really
Good video. ❤
My dad has a 2008 2.5 SI, and he loves it.
i have the 3.0, always replace the vanos vitons when its the first original, they get old and leaky so there is less torque in lower reffs. it counts for all M52/M54 BMW engines.
How does everyone feel about yhe maintenence of this car? I'm thinking of getting the 2.5?
The real test is the 2.5si with the N52 vs the older 3.0 with the M54.
Luv and Peace.
I have an '04 2.5 liter . I might have preferred the 3.0 L but this one only had 42k miles on it, so that seemed much better than a 3.0L with 120k to 160k. So far, im loving it. Lots of fun as a fun car, but a few tbings wrong with it.
The roof not working is so common its expected. I just do it manually until i get it fixed. But the electric power steering going out is a more serious problem, and its $10,000 at the dealer to fix it. Thats more than i paid for the car. It only goes out occasionally and i can still drive it but my wife cannot. So i am the one driving this one for now until i can solve the problem. We do have our main daily driver cars, so this is just a fun weekend car for short little trips around the area. As such, its a great fun little car.
Beware the steering column problem. Its common and more than the car is worth to fix
highway speeds land my 2.5i at ~2.5k rpm. I think the gearing is just a little less spread out on the 5 gear box.
When you are working out fuel economy, are you going off the OBC or are you working out figures from filling up? I'm looking at buying a Z4 at the moment so been watching loads of your video's, but one thing I remembered from my old E46 330d was the computer would lie about the fuel consumption by around 9mpg! If I buy a Z4 it will have to be a 2.5 or a 3.0, I'm not too concerned about any power difference as like you say, in the real world I don't think I'd notice it drastically. Hope there will still be plenty Z4 content alongside your new daily driver!
im looking at either the Z4 3.0 or Mercedes slk 3.5, the mercedes seems cheaper but unsure which would be better and more reliable.. nice video by the way.
Hello Joel i have 2.5 192hp.. Really is not big different 3.0 with 230 HP 3.0? Its interesting for me
Hi Joel I've always wondered what the 3.0 litre Z4 is like so thanks for answering my doubts about having bought the 2.5 instead of the 3.0. Ohh and by the way my 2.5 has a six speed and it also has the M spec suspension with the 18inch M Sport rims. Keep up the great videos. Warm Regards from New Zealand
Thanks for watching Howard!
want to sell your car? im in waihi
@@danielthomas8507 hi Daniel, thanks for your kind offer. But I’ve finally found my very last good time dream machine. 😊
The E85 is my all time favourite car and I’ve got the 3.0Litre
The E85 has been my favourite car since 2012 and I’ve enjoyed driving it since I got it a couple of months ago
I own a 2007 2.5si facelift (6 gears) straight pipe. Horrible in low revs, very quick in high, but due to the pipe its fu*king loud).. Oh and get heated seats if you're in the market! Nice video Joel 👌
Sam Woolsey nice! Thanks Sam
If you mount the passenger camera a little more to the rear you won't see it while you're driving from the left. I own a 323ci 2.5 and a z3 3.0, no comparison when it comes down to edging out another vehicle on the road. And every KIA and Toyota truck will test your limits, so better have that edge if you like to stay ahead of the game.
Drove both and went with the 2.5. Geared lower than to there 3.0 so it is really quick off the line but just does not have the top end speed. Perfectly fine on the back road twistys and really fun to drive. The 3.0 was really quick but in a light car almost seemed almost too quick? Either one is fine and is up to your driving tastes.
There is a 3.0si also with 40 more horsepower than the 3.0i. I believe the M Sport suspension is an option and not standard on the 3.0i.
The 2.5 model was BMW's price leader, competing with 4-cyl rivals like the Merc SLK 200 and Audi TT. But it only ever made sense as a base model. The 3.0 came standard with sports suspension, part-leather seats, and 17" wheels , all of which were options on the 2.5. Once you added the missing options back in, the cost difference between the 2.5 and 3.0 were minimal. The 2.5 has adequate power, but the 6th gear on the 3.0 and sports suspension make it a better cruiser and a sharper drive overall. Now, with price diferences between the 2.5 and 3.0 even smaller, it makes sense to go for the 3.0 model, unless you find a really exceptional 2.5 at a great price.
I had the 2.5 liter E46 and that was fun on mountain roads but I would have enjoyed it more with a 3.0 liter. So I know that if I'm going to own an E85 or E89 Z4 then I just got to have the 3.0 liter. There is no deterring me in that.
I buy and sell quite a few Z4's and 3 series and the 2.5 has always seemed to be extremely smooth and surprisingly peppy. I have a 2005 Z4 2.5 right now and is an absolute pleasure to drive. In my opinion I would probably prefer the 2.5 for an every day car.
How many shift gears? 5 or 6? Auto or manual?
yyeah i think im gonna grab a 2.5i with minimal options/tech and the 5spd, itd be my second car so i could split the miles driving to work and stuff.
I have the 2 Liter inline 4 and im Happy
Insurance wise when my wife was a new driver and I was an experienced driver of 30 years strangely enough adding her to my car insurance as a spouse and vice versa made her insurance incredibly cheap compared to new driver insurance on her own. Her first car insurance quote was expensive, but after adding myself to it the insurance dropped down for her. We do take turns driving anyway so it is not a cheat, but it is usually a way of lowering insurance. Check quotes as adding yourself and dad etc to each other's cars insurance, you may be surprised how the experienced driver on the policy drops your own and vice versa go compare Lol ;)
Actually I would try to find a 3.0 SI that's the BMW Z4 that you want other than m, anything under a 3.0 is rather slow and the torque just isn't there. The handling will be relatively the same however there's a lack of power that just can't be ignored. I drive a BMW Z4 coupe 3.0 SI is my daily driver, it's a lot of fun and I wouldn't want to drive a Z 4 with less power
I have a 2006 2.5i MSport. So it has the facelift body, the old engine and a sixth gear (which does improve the mileage based on what you’ve said). I’d like the 3.0si but almost twice the price for similar mileage at 80k ish
If you have the sixth gear and the M Sport package you probably have the 2.5Si which was the newer engine. N52 vs M54. 218 bhp and 3 part vanos.
The N52 engine revs much more keenly and has double vanos as well as the two stage vanos intake.
7000rpm is available and it builds until redline.
IMHO the peppiest engine to have.
Luv and Peace.
Its better to have 2.5i in good condition(no rust, NO oil consumption, low and real mileage) instead of 3.0i in bad shape.. I have 2.5i(M54B25) with absolutely no rust and absolutely no oil consumption. Car goes 0-100km in 6.4 seconds so better than claimed in catalog ;-) In poland and other countries like germany etc you have to pay like 10 000 euros for car in.good shape so UK is different world ;-)
I too have a z4 E85 2.5, was looking for a 3.0 but this one came up with a somewhat low mileage (80k) and overall in good shape at a very reasonable price and so ... i bought it. I'm enjoying it a lot but the question of the 3.0 still pop up in my mind every so often and i think in few month i will sell my 2.5 to get a 3.0 because the 2.5 is nice and clearly good enough for everyday but sometimes i wish she had just a little bit more ....
Alex White I think my dad feels the same about his!
Hey Joel! I was wondering if you could do a drag race - you in yours vs. your dad in his. Then swap cars and go again. I think this will help highlight the difference for people and I think it will get you a big boost in subscribers - get you to that 10k mark no problem!
Also definitely get the 3.0 because as many people have said, the running costs are practically the same. Also in a few years time a manual 3L will potentially appreciate a little while the 2.5L in unlikely to. Though I may be biased as I have 2 of them...
Would love to do that. Just need to rent a private airfield to do it properly/legally!
mine is 2.2 and i love it...plenty fast enough on the British roads, cheaper insurance, cheaper tax and better petrol mileage.... win win
That is true, my road tax on the 2.5i was a killer (plus it had many issues)
I used to have a 2.2i then bought a 3.0i it’s allot better and same running costs.
@@tayloryeates9484 exactly. Anything below a 3.0 if your concerned about tax and fuel etc just get a Mondeo tdci. If your gonna get an e85 it's 3.0 all the way. Or the m if ya loaded lol.
coaldust Agreed. Anybody who tries to justify anything lower than a 3.0i is better are lying to themselves.
@@tayloryeates9484 depends which country as tax and insurance is more on the 3.0i
Do the two sound different?
Great and interesting video. I am not sure Joel what the difference is between your fathers 2.5i and my 2.5si. Mine is on the 2007 plate and has the 6 speed manual gear box, does it mean that mine is closer to the 3.0 litre.
Yours is a facelift Si model, so comes with a 6 speed in the 2.5 and has more horsepower (about 215 I think) the equivalent 3.0si has 260 odd horsepower compared to my 230. Hope that makes sense!
@@itsjoel it does thank you Joel
I think you have a Chris Harris/clarkson type delivery, especially lately.. Onwards and upwards, I predict a Top gear future.. 👍👍👍
Tigerlei Kong thanks so much! Hope so...
Joel' you'll never know if you don't get it, go on...Treat yourself (I moved from the 2.5 to the 3.0 and it has that little extra ,power for a good blast , plus which is also great for cruising at motorway speeds at lower revs.
I have a 2.5i 2007 with 177hp facelift version, and I someTimes also think why didnt I go for the 3.0 liter, I really like my car but sometimes I wish he had some more power, I am selling it now so i can get something with more power, but I dont see any car as beautiful as the Z 😢
3.0 has sport suspension as standard, even on 'SE' spec unless the first buyer deleted it on the build spec. It's not a great suspension on UK roads.
Mr it’s Joel your car needs a good clean 😂 great video Joel, don’t understand why 80% of viewers aren’t subscribed 🤷🏼♂️
iskillcorn1 haha me neither! Subscribe subscribe!
It's the mole. I guarantee if had it removed subs will skyrocket. Truth is harsh, I know, I'm not a looker myself.
@@69elchupacabra69 Prick!!!
@@iskillcorn1 it's not a pimple, you can't prick it. Need lasers and shit but shouldn't be expensive.
I find the suspension on my 3.0i ridiculously hard., like you actually have to slow down on bumpy roads as it just can’t cope. Yes the 3.0 all have m sport suspension.
Does the 2.5 rev sweeter at the top revs as it should have a shorter stroke ? I find the 3.0 is a bit lazy at high revs , I don’t rev it out that much. I think the 3.0si engine improved that.
And I was surprised how good the economy is with my 3.0, it is rarely under 30mph average.
Insurance and economy is about the same for all the 6 cylinder models.
Nitrorory, Yes, 2.5 revs quicker and more willingly. This engine is asking for revving it all the time. Of course, low end is smooth, the same as in 3.0. 3.0 is as you mentioned a bit lazy, but low end is stronger than in 2.5. I have both engines in my BMWs and could compare.
The same story was in M52 engines (I had also e36 323i and 328i). The same observation. 323i (2,5L) revs much quicker and has bigger verve than 328i, even though is obviously weaker in HP/Tq. So, shorter stroke is an issue :)
Rgds!
You need the 3.0 had mine written off, bought a lovely late 2.5 but can’t bond with it, it’s dull in comparison, might sell.
How about a video ...z4m vs 3.0..is it really worth all the extra $$$ (I have a Z4M)
Charl Zeelie think I’ve covered this before in a Z4M video!
@It's Joel Currently looking into a Z4 for my first car. Cant decide between the 2.0,2.5 and the 3.0.
Any advice on which one to buy?
What sort of mpg do you get around town out of your 3.0l?
Also its highly possible good 2.5i to be faster than bad 3.0i (vanos issues, bad disa valve etc)
FIT Rodzeństwo yeah good point
Slight difference but I have a 3L e46 and through 1st 2nd 3rd gears it’s an absolute lion of a car
Gasoline just dipped under $2.00 per gallon. Time to burn some.
Brian Dechant if only it was that cheap in the UK!
$10 a gallon In uk
I've got the cheaper four cylinder 2.0L and it's quite fast enough to get me in trouble. Quiet and silky smooth and does over 40mpg as well.
I think any model of this car is honestly phenomenal I would imagine that 4 banger sounds amazing as well but god bless you man and take care ❤️🙏
Thank you for you kind wishes. The same to you. I love these old sports cars and with care ,they can give one as much pleasure as cars costing many times as much. Have a wonderful Christmas.@@Smok0z
@@quietenglishman4179 I couldn’t agree more with you and yes sir these cars are a phenomenal experience 20 years later still one of the best bangs for your buck nowadays but you have a merry Christmas too god bless you ❤️🙏
The same to you. It's a blessing to be able to get the family together to enjoy Christmas in a traditional manner with good food and good cheer. (The Z4 is going to stay wrapped up in the garage waiting for some drier weather. At least I've had the heater mended now.)@@Smok0z
@@quietenglishman4179 I couldn’t agree more with you I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas with eachother and I hope you get to cruise in the z god bless you man I appreciate your kindness a lot ❤️🙏
To me 2.5 has enough power at all. (But have never driven 3.0 - experience compared to Golf MK 4 1.9tdi 😊)
Mine is having sport button and heated seats but manual roof. Miss the 6th gear though...
PS: Installed sound generator from 3.0 so at least it sounds as fast as 3.0 from the inside 😎😎😎
Super film, także szukam i raczej kupię 3.0 te same koszta w Polsce
I’d like to see a drive of a 3.0si with the 265bhp engine to compare to the 3.0i which I also have. I think it had a much better top end zing
Exactly. The N52 is pretty much ignored here. It's by far the better engine in these cars. Revs more keenly and higher and makes much more power per liter too.
Luv and Peace.
Bought a 2.5 manual, and it was to short legged on the highway. Should have bought a 3.0 6 speed and would still have it.