Hi Folks

[Ianmc]

Am considering buying a cheap Z3 roadster for "local running" duties. Had an early 1.8 in the late 90s (gutless) that I traded in for a MR (S50), and subsequently the MC (S54), purchased around 9 years ago.

Just wondering if 1.9 is considered OK these days, or is 6 cylinders the only way to go? My "normal" car is a 6 cylinder E92 325i touring, so I think I know the answer, but 4 pots may be fine for its main purpose.

Grateful for any opinions.

Ian

 

[hard top]

@Ianmc welcome to the forum.
Nothing wrong with an M44 16V 4 pot should see you OK for what you are looking for.

 

[GazHyde]

Welcome @Ianmc,

There is little wrong with the M44 1.9 and we have many happy owners on here with one. Personally I've only driven the six potters though, so can't comment too much.

Cheers, Gary

 

[jonco]

from me too. Nothing wrong with the M44 for what you seem to need it for, if you want a then by all means go bigger.

 

[DavidM]

Welcome from Ireland Ian!

 

[Shelly]

Welcome to the forum Ian

 

[Ianmc]

Thanks for the welcomes/comments folks. Already have the "race car" in the MC, but don't like to take this out unless for a decent run - it takes 6 plus miles to come up to temperature, so keep under 3K revs for the warm up period. Will look at the M44 1.9 (significantly better than the 1.8?) and/or 2.8/3.0 then - guess bigger engine cars are likely to have more "essential" options (leather seats/electric roof etc)?

 

[mini]

Welcome Ian ,,,I'm a belter !!! , I couldn't tell you if mines a 4 potter or a 6 potter as they say ! But it is a 1.9

 

[BMBabe]

Welcome from Aylesbury you will love it here

I Saw a silver coupe yesterday it was nice

 

[Ianmc]

I hadn't realised the difference between the M43 and M44 1.9 engines (4 pot (cylinders) mini!!) - 16 valve v 8 valve and an extra 20 odd HP with the M44. Thank you.

 

[mini]

Sorry you've lost me again ! I just like a shiny car !

 

[zedonist]

Welcome Ian, the M44 16v is nice to drive it likes the revs, but needs a few mods to make a drivers car especially in the handling department, if this is what you need with out modification I would recommend either the 2.2 sport or 3.0 sport variant, these come as standard with uprated lowered suspension, if not then the 1.9 is fine and fit for purpose. The only other downside for me is that the M44 is only available in pre facelift narrow body configuration, although you can change to wide body quite easily as I have done.

My advice go and test drive a few

 

[Jack Ratt]

Hi from Cornwall

 

[oldcarman]

Hi Ian, welcome from Canada!! I can tell you that a zed like the 97 1.9 which I imported from the UK this past summer will go a long way to serve you well for your intended purpose. They are quick enough and do love to rev. I have trouble keeping the needle on the tach out of the red zone yet it will lug me around town in fifth gear without protest. I think, you need to try a few out and make your own decision based on the feeling you get in the seat of your pants. This is my first BMW Z3 but won't be the last and after driving many high HP American cars find this very adaptable. Good luck and enjoy once you decide!! JIM