1.9 test drive

[Christ87]

I've been toying with an idea just lately: I have a 2.0 Z3 which is a lovely car. But I have a nagging feeling I'd enjoy the 1.9 as it's lighter and I'm a big fan of light small(ish)cars.
But I've never driven one. Unfortunately @Paul Rice Z3 had already succumbed to failure before I could try out his.
So in the future (it doesn't have to be imminent) is anybody willing to let me have a go of their 1.9? You're more than welcome to try my 2l out.

 

[colb]

M43 or M44 engine versions, mine is M43 badged 1.8 from 1999 and is as nippy as I want, on the other hand my 2003 2.5 Z4 is a beast compared to the 4 pot Z3. Bit far away to offer you a test drive.

 

[Christ87]

M44 would probably suit my needs. No worries thanks anyway

 

[Vince]

M44 is the way to go, I’ve a nice low mileage 1.9 M44 you can try but I won’t be taxing it till April and it may be a bit weighed down with the amount of Waxoyl that I’ve pumped into the sills.
I like the engine so much that I also bought a 318ti as a hardtop version Z3 as I couldn’t afford a Z3 coupe lol

 

[GeoffZ]

Me too Vince. Once bitten . . . Plus a 77 MGB GT

 

[Christ87]

Me too Vince. Once bitten . . . Plus a 77 MGB GT

Me too!

 

[Ianmc]

For what it's worth, I think the M44 Z3 is very underrated. My first Z3 (1.8) was very hard to get going, especially with the aircon on! Subsequent two m cars (a MR then MC) were great fun (did over 200K miles in the latter) but are thirsty, many parts are dear and it's hard to exploit their potential in the real world. The M44 works well for me now, doing mostly local journeys with the occasional tour. A trip to southern Spain last year gave over 40mph and the car was fine on the autoroutes and minor roads. My E36 323i (2.5 ltr straight six) is a great cruising car but lacks the revvey urgency of the M44. Just my opinions based on ownership.
PS: also had a number of MGB and midgets over the years. My Z3s have had nothing like the rust issues these Abingdon cars displayed!

 

[Christ87]

M44 is the way to go, I’ve a nice low mileage 1.9 M44 you can try but I won’t be taxing it till April and it may be a bit weighed down with the amount of Waxoyl that I’ve pumped into the sills.
I like the engine so much that I also bought a 318ti as a hardtop version Z3 as I couldn’t afford a Z3 coupe lol

If I'm down your way I'll take you up on your offer. Thanks.

 

[Christ87]

For what it's worth, I think the M44 Z3 is very underrated. My first Z3 (1.8) was very hard to get going, especially with the aircon on! Subsequent two m cars (a MR then MC) were great fun (did over 200K miles in the latter) but are thirsty, many parts are dear and it's hard to exploit their potential in the real world. The M44 works well for me now, doing mostly local journeys with the occasional tour. A trip to southern Spain last year gave over 40mph and the car was fine on the autoroutes and minor roads. My E36 323i (2.5 ltr straight six) is a great cruising car but lacks the revvey urgency of the M44. Just my opinions based on ownership.
PS: also had a number of MGB and midgets over the years. My Z3s have had nothing like the rust issues these Abingdon cars displayed!

I'm beginning to feel I'm not alone in my thoughts. Straight sixes are not my first choice. Which as I said to Tony is a brave thing to say on a BMW forum. Mind you they've made some decent 4 cylinders not to mention V8s, V12s.
I loved my MGB but at the time I was still finding my feet with bodywork. Only now am I unphased with stuff I didn't want to tackle back then.
We'll see. I'm not ready to disown my 2.0 just yet.

 

[GeoffZ]

My first Z was a 2.0 six. I loved the sound of that engine but a sports car, it was not. The M44 1.9 came as a revelation though I do miss the soundtrack of the 6. I have the E36 Ti as my winter car, the M44 Z3 as my summer car and the MGB for its purity and simplicity but only when its not raining because it will rust in front of your eyes, the wipers are crap, the heater and blower rubbish, the windscreen vents crap, roadholding downright scary and no brakes but, I love it.. What more can a bloke want?

 

[Christ87]

She is missed

 

[Christ87]

My first Z was a 2.0 six. I loved the sound of that engine but a sports car, it was not. The M44 1.9 came as a revelation though I do miss the soundtrack of the 6. I have the E36 Ti as my winter car, the M44 Z3 as my summer car and the MGB for its purity and simplicity but only when its not raining because it will rust in front of your eyes, the wipers are crap, the heater and blower rubbish, the windscreen vents crap, roadholding downright scary and no brakes but, I love it.. What more can a bloke want?

Ye I agree. I think my Zed makes a great GT car though. The little B GT had so much character and has given me so many memories. If I had the space and a little more disposable income they'd be another in my garage. Preferably that one if I could track down the gentleman in Germany who bought it.

 

[Scooblitz]

I have a 2.8i and i still miss my old m44. There are very different cars. The 1.9i is al lot easier to handle and the pendulum swing 6cyl means you can feel a bit more confident. M44 with some super fuel is really nice and nippy. Had some troubles getting her through mot's. They tend to run rich. Never got to the bottom of its horrid emissions problems...sold to make way for .

Lots of great little m44s out there for pocket change. People can hardly get rid of them at the moment from what i can see lots hanging around for even years.

Good Luck

 

[handsomejackuk]

i have a 2.8 and a 1.9 had the 1.9 for 4 years now.. and while its no garage queen has served me well, currently on 116,000 miles does 40mpg on a run, handles better than my 2.8 in repsect that i can throw it around at any roundabout and no fear of it losing traction.. i could probably spend alot of money on my 2.8 and get it handling better, i have driven my 2.8 a bit and while the engine sounds great and has loads of power my 1.9 is more of a practical daily driver plus its easier to maintain and better on fuel...

i do quite a few runs up and down country not massive miles but for me i would use the 1.9 and just use the 2.8 for the ocassional blat around on a sunday morning... for fun...