I am still considering getting a Z3 and just wanted members opinions on the six cylinder 2.2 Obviously it has more power and torque than the 1.9/2.0 engines, but it also has the weight and fuel consumption of the 2.8, so is it worth considering, or the one to avoid?
Is the 2.2 Z3 worth buying, or is it worst of all engine options?
- Thread starter JimS
- Start date
For me it was the sweet spot. You get the good soundtrack of the straight 6 and enough power to have fun. If you’re close enough to London for ULEZ to be a factor, the 2.2 is compliant, whereas the 2.0 and 2.8 are not as far as I can tell. If you’re not hung up on having to have an original wide body, it’s a good option because the 2.2 can be had for a lot less than a 3.0.
The 2.2 probably has the best exhaust note of any Z3. for out right handling to me the M44 1.9 Z3 is the best. At 170 bhp the 2.2 has more than enough power and ask Dave Mint about reliability, his has done well over 200 k
I've had a 2.8 and a 2.2 Z3 and when driving on public roads is there much useable difference? No. Yes, of course the 2.8 has a bit more power, but the 2.2 is a great car and there are quite a few sport versions around like the one I had.These come with sport suspension, lsd, sport seats etc, so a good buy. Do I think the 2.2 'isn't worth buying'? Well I went out and bought a 2.2 Z4. Love it!
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2022
- Points
- 66
- Model of Z
- Z3 3.0 Auto
I had the 6cyl 2.0 and i loved it. It sounded good. But after a while i desired more power so got a 3.0.The excelleration in the 3.0 is adequate. The 2.0 was slow. I expect the 2.2 to be between these and some. Whatever z you get you will enjoy it.
I would imagine a 2.2 to be a likeable drive.
I would imagine a 2.2 to be a likeable drive.
Definitely not the worst of the engines. I have had a 2.2 for over 10 years and been very pleased with her, as Paul says over 202,000miles on her now. For reference I also have a 3.0 Z3 and previously owned a 2.5si Z4, and I prefer driving the 2.2. It has the 6 cylinder purr and has the best sounding (standard) exhaust of any Zed. Yes if you want to constantly 'push on' the 3.0 (or an ///M) is the one to have but for general driving the 2.2 is great.
You need to drive one to see for yourself
You need to drive one to see for yourself
I've also had both (still have the 2.2) there is not much difference really, the 2.8 has more torque, the 2.2 sounds better, the consumption is about the same, I originally wanted another 2.8 but got fed up looking at less than wonderful examples and decided to buy on condition rather than keep looking for a particular engine. I don't think you'll be disappointed with a 2.2.
Ron
Ron
That's all positive and interesting, particularly the exhaust note. A good sound is worth 20-30bhp isn't it?
I don't think loads of power is all that important in a convertible. There are plenty of other sensations to be enjoyed with the top down, without needing to do wheel spinning starts and gung-ho overtakes.
As long as the extra nose weight doesn't spoil the handling then it's fine. That's why the MX-5 is such a good fun car despite its lack of outright bhp. I have one or two to check out so I will see where that goes.
The boss wants me to sell the Z4 if I buy something else and that would be a shame, because it's a lovely thing in itself, but I do like the comparative simplicity of the Z3 shape and the greater involvement of a manual.
I don't think loads of power is all that important in a convertible. There are plenty of other sensations to be enjoyed with the top down, without needing to do wheel spinning starts and gung-ho overtakes.
As long as the extra nose weight doesn't spoil the handling then it's fine. That's why the MX-5 is such a good fun car despite its lack of outright bhp. I have one or two to check out so I will see where that goes.
The boss wants me to sell the Z4 if I buy something else and that would be a shame, because it's a lovely thing in itself, but I do like the comparative simplicity of the Z3 shape and the greater involvement of a manual.
I think the Z3 feels more refined than an MX-5, not quite as go kart like. No doubt the MX-5 is a better handling car, but the exhaust note makes up for it. Even with worn suspension bushes, the Z3 flows on a nice country road and doesn’t really feel nose heavy. It seems that Z3’s are slightly less rusty than MX-5’s too.
My advice would be drive a good M44 before making a decision. They handle well and the twin cam engine is an excellent 4 pot (150 bhp). A different drive to any 6 cylinder (also have a 6 cylinder E36 that is much more of a cruiser). All have pros and cons, depends on how a car works for you in the end I guess. 
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2014
- Points
- 174
- Model of Z
- 2.2i Sport
Nothing wrong with a 2.2, had mine for nearly ten years and still love it. There's always the M54 oil-consumption problem, of course, but that doesn't affect all of them. Does affect mine, though.
My 2.2 uses a little oil by modern standards, but so much of my earlier motoring life was based on engines that used a pint of oil in about 500 miles or much worse, that I am not too fazed by it. This will not be limited to just the 2.2 I suspect, any M54 may do it. My first three cars never needed an oil change (I told myself) as they had one on a rolling basis!
Hi I’ve had a couple of 1.9 m44 &. They’ve been brilliant fun & nimble a lot depends on what type of roads you’ll be driving on if it’s country roads don’t overlook a well cared for 1.9