1.9 (70K) or 2.8/3.0 (230K)
- Thread starter Luca
- Start date
- Joined
- Feb 18, 2016
- Points
- 231
- Model of Z
- Z3M Imola and Z4 (e89)
Tricky one that. Personally I wouldn't have the 1.9 for no other reason I wouldn't want a 4 pot, personal preference (not out to hack any 1.9 owners off)
2.8/3.0 with 230k that would definitely depend on the service history and whats be replaced and what hasn't. If the engine has been well looked after I probably wouldn't be over concerned about that, it's just the rest of the running gear, suspension, bushes, box, diff etc that I would be concerned about. That said there are quite a few very high milers out there that have been loved and are in excellent condition.
2.8/3.0 with 230k that would definitely depend on the service history and whats be replaced and what hasn't. If the engine has been well looked after I probably wouldn't be over concerned about that, it's just the rest of the running gear, suspension, bushes, box, diff etc that I would be concerned about. That said there are quite a few very high milers out there that have been loved and are in excellent condition.
We had the 1.9 and it was good 
I suppose it depends what you want it for
I’d go for the cleanest condition, the colour I like most , mileage , previous mot , etc .
But perhaps I’m just a lady and that’s why I go for these things
I suppose it depends what you want it for
I’d go for the cleanest condition, the colour I like most , mileage , previous mot , etc .
But perhaps I’m just a lady and that’s why I go for these things
I'd go for the 6 cylinder engine personally. 230k km equates to around 150k miles and to my thinking most 20yr old cars are going to have that region mileage. The purchasing prices in mainland Europe tend to be twice or even three times what we expect to pay in the UK but if that's the market price all you can hope to do is to negotiate a better deal.
Buy on condition and history would be my advice. Do due diligence and follow your instincts. If you have friends who share your interests in cars, bounce a few ideas off them.
Many roadsters tend to be 2nd cars and generally they do tend to be coveted so you should find a car that meets your values. The engines are pretty much bullet proof but the suspension can get tired if it hasn't been refreshed as can all the rubber and plastic bits in the engine bay such as air intake and hoses etc.
Good luck
Buy on condition and history would be my advice. Do due diligence and follow your instincts. If you have friends who share your interests in cars, bounce a few ideas off them.
Many roadsters tend to be 2nd cars and generally they do tend to be coveted so you should find a car that meets your values. The engines are pretty much bullet proof but the suspension can get tired if it hasn't been refreshed as can all the rubber and plastic bits in the engine bay such as air intake and hoses etc.
Good luck
230km is only 140k miles. I'd personally aslong as it's got a good history take the 6 pot engines. That's just my preference tho, I know of plenty of 1.9 owners here that are more than happy. It depends on your driving style?
I have a 1.9ltr 4 pot manual and have been very happy with it and done lots to it........
.....BUT....ever since I visited ZedShed HQ and Lee took me out in his 3 lt.....
.....
.......might just have to get a 2.8lt......but an auto, as I’m a lazy driver 
.....BUT....ever since I visited ZedShed HQ and Lee took me out in his 3 lt.....
............might just have to get a 2.8lt......but an auto, as I’m a lazy driver 
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2014
- Points
- 174
- Model of Z
- 2.2i Sport
Depends what you want it for. If it's for the looks, it doesn't matter which engine it comes with. If it's for the sound, you can't beat one of the sixes. And don't rule out the 2.0/2.2. Bearing in mind it's not going to be a new car, there'll be plenty of things that need doing, and most of the parts are common to all cars regardless of engine capacity, try to find the one in best condition underneath.
It don't matter which one you get, really, they're all lovely.
It don't matter which one you get, really, they're all lovely.
Is it 2.8 or 3.0?
3.0 has big oil usage issues (rings) and fly by wire throttle (i could never get on with that).
2.8 does not have these issues (MK1)
2.8 drivetrain really is bullet proof - a few of us have tried
4 pots tend to blow head gaskets
which country -230k in Germany or US could be very different to 70k ok bad roads and winters on Scotland for example.
3.0 has big oil usage issues (rings) and fly by wire throttle (i could never get on with that).
2.8 does not have these issues (MK1)
2.8 drivetrain really is bullet proof - a few of us have tried
4 pots tend to blow head gaskets
which country -230k in Germany or US could be very different to 70k ok bad roads and winters on Scotland for example.
Is it 2.8 or 3.0?
3.0 has big oil usage issues (rings) and fly by wire throttle (i could never get on with that).
2.8 does not have these issues (MK1)
2.8 drivetrain really is bullet proof - a few of us have tried
4 pots tend to blow head gaskets
which country -230k in Germany or US could be very different to 70k ok bad roads and winters on Scotland for example.
What do you want to use the car for?
3.0 has big oil usage issues (rings) and fly by wire throttle (i could never get on with that).
2.8 does not have these issues (MK1)
2.8 drivetrain really is bullet proof - a few of us have tried
4 pots tend to blow head gaskets
which country -230k in Germany or US could be very different to 70k ok bad roads and winters on Scotland for example.
What do you want to use the car for?
1.9 because I already have a 3.0
As said, depends what you want it for. If power and noise get the six. For just top down wafting, the four is perfect. In normal real world driving, I suspect the difference is negligible.
You’d hope the six would have had all the consumables refreshed at that mileage. On the four, it’d be coming up to the mileage where stuff starts failing
As said, depends what you want it for. If power and noise get the six. For just top down wafting, the four is perfect. In normal real world driving, I suspect the difference is negligible.
You’d hope the six would have had all the consumables refreshed at that mileage. On the four, it’d be coming up to the mileage where stuff starts failing
It’s Germany 230.000 km. The 2.8 would be a restyled model so no MK1, still good?Is it 2.8 or 3.0?
3.0 has big oil usage issues (rings) and fly by wire throttle (i could never get on with that).
2.8 does not have these issues (MK1)
2.8 drivetrain really is bullet proof - a few of us have tried
4 pots tend to blow head gaskets
which country -230k in Germany or US could be very different to 70k ok bad roads and winters on Scotland for example.
I wish but Where is your steering wheel?Don’t go for either ... go for my 2.0
Oops it’s on the other side
Then it’ll be the M52B28TU.
These are fly by wire throttle.
It does have more low down torque because if the twin vanos.
But as it’s the M52 they don’t have high oil usage issues.
Could even have an LSD fitted (a lot of cyl cars had them).
what type of driving will you do as that may not matter though?
As it’s Germany you would think that it’s pretty easy to do big miles on good smooth roads (and hope it’s not been a lot of winter use) so mileage may not be an issue.
Really have to look and drive each car though.
For me it would be a keeper I might use for short and long trips but I don’t think it will be for everyday use.
I know what you are saying but the few cars I am interested in are all over the place (4/5 hours or more in different directions)
Actually this is a Swiss car imported in Germany in 2017.