2.0 3 Month Review

[Bmbards]

I bought my Mora Edition back in June, ignoring the often negative reviews on performance of the 2 litre. I thought I’d share my thoughts on ownership to date.

My daily driver is an F15 X5 and at the time I bought Z3 I also had an Abarth 124 Spider. My cars in the past 2 years include a Z4 3.0si Coupe and an E92 M3. So, on paper the Z3 was going to be some way down on power and torque. I specifically wanted the Mora, but could I live with the performance?

Initially the car felt a bit tight, even after a long blast on the motorway on the drive home, almost like it needed running in. It had only covered 10k miles in 11 years, so i decided to take things gently until I could get it serviced. I took it to Darren Wood and he reassured me I’d chosen well. The Inspection 2 done I started to drive the car a little more aggressively, and I’m delighted with the performance.

For me, in real world driving, the power is more than adequate. I’m not overly fussed about 0-60, in what is a 20 year old car. In comparison to say the 2.8 you do need to plant your foot a bit harder and change up later, but the engine responds and sounds every bit as good as the more powerful versions. I did test drive 2.8 examples and my mate has a 2.2, but I’m very content with the 2.0.

So, on performance, my advice would be to thoroughly test drive the 2.0, to see what it can do. If you just go around the block at 30mph you will think it slow, particularly if you’ve driven a 2.8. Open it up and you’ll get a different and very rewarding experience.

I’ve had the service done, the soft top was replaced last week and today it sailed through the MOT without any advisories.

I’m now thinking about fitting some Style 68m 17” staggered alloys with spacers. If I do I will slightly lower the car, but not to a silly level. I don’t want a boy racer look, not at 51, just to improve on what is already a lovely car. I’ve not made my mind up, I might keep it stock.

I will leave the CD Changer in place, it works well and sounds great, but disconnect it and fit Grom for my iPod. Anyone done this?

Nothing else planned, I’m just going to enjoy driving and looking after it.

 

[DrWong]

Thanks for that mate. Very nice insight, particularly given your recent car history (which is also v. tasty btw)

I often wonder if I should’ve saved some cash (purchase and running costs) and bought a 2.2 instead of the 3.0 (prefer facelift shape), as I’m not sure the extra power makes much difference in real world driving, and I’d still get to have top down jollies in a six cylinder Bimmer etc

But on those rare occassions that she properly lifts her skirt, I’m glad of my choice It’s like the Clarkson analogy about the watch that’s waterproof to thousands of metres. It rarely gets tested, but nice to know you have the option

 

[Bmbards]

Thanks for that mate. Very nice insight, particularly given your recent car history (which is also v. tasty btw)

I often wonder if I should’ve saved some cash (purchase and running costs) and bought a 2.2 instead of the 3.0 (prefer facelift shape), as I’m not sure the extra power makes much difference in real world driving, and I’d still get to have top down jollies in a six cylinder Bimmer etc

But on those rare occassions that she properly lifts her skirt, I’m glad of my choice It’s like the Clarkson analogy about the watch that’s waterproof to thousands of metres. It rarely gets tested, but nice to know you have the option

Hi mate, not sure the running costs would be significantly higher, but mileage would obviously dictate that. Definitely the purchase price for a good 3.0 is much higher.

I know exactly what you mean about having the power on tap, even if you don’t always use it.

I would have bought a pre-facelift 2.8 or facelift 3.0 had I seen the right one at the right price. I did consider a Dakar 3.0 and also a Z3M, but I think it was the Mora colour I wanted, as I enjoy detailing cars and the colour does reward the effort.

I think my interest may have shifted from performance, a sure sign I’m getting old.

Maybe I need to buy another speedster to keep me young

 

[DrWong]

On running costs, off the top of my head annual insurance and tax might be slightly higher, but yeah prob negligible compared to difference in purchase cost

Interested in your thoughts re: Z3 vs 124 Spider Comfort, handling etc. Guessing Z3 much more of an old school vibe? Which do you get most attention in??

 

[Bmbards]

Yes, the Zed feels very old school in comparison to the Abarth. It feels heavier, including the steering, but very safe.

The Abarth felt featherweight and I threw it around with the LSD. It was possibly the most fun car I’ve owned and I’ve had nearly 50. Great handling car and one that is a certain future classic, not least because of the short production run. The roof was so light to drop & raise, although less padded and noisier than the Zed.

I should have kept the Abarth, but then again I still say that about my Fiat Uno Turbo ie from 30 years ago and plenty of other cars.

The Abarth got attention everyday. On the first day I had an M6 driver drop his window at the lights and another driver giving me thumbs up. It was like that all the time, people young & old coming to ask about the car. My wife got fed up with questions when she took it out, including at the supermarket and petrol station. When I picked my lad up I had school-kids taking photos.

In comparison the Zed only gets looks from more mature drivers who appreciate the modern classic. At dealerships and garages etc. it gets loads of attention and comments, mainly for the the condition.

My wife and son don’t like the Zed, scissors and straighteners jokes are regular!

 

[the Nefyn cat]

Then you may need one of these

 

[Bmbards]

Shared with wife and son!

 

[the Nefyn cat]

Or one of these? Now, where am I going to find another nine people who need one of the nine I won't be needing.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/HAIRDRESSING-PRODUCTS-VEHICLE-OVERNIGHT-humorous/dp/B00P14567C

 

[Slam]

Nice and interesting review.

 

[Bmbards]

My mate with the 2.2 is actually a hairdresser, so the window sticker would be perfect for him.

 

[andyglym]

Good write-up. Any Zed 3 is a good Z3, just depends on what you want from it. For me, like you, colour is king, that's why i have my Cosmos Black pre-facelift 2.8. On the many Zed cruises I've been on in real World driving nobody gets left behind so I agree with you. However , when on my own, on occasion I like to open up the taps a tad. Drop her into 3rd at circa 55 mph and clog it is best for me or on the flip side just pootle along in 5th, as low as 20 mph and soak up the atmosphere. Oh, pre-facelift style for me, other views are available and respected