New Z3 Owner - Did I Mess Up?

[FanOfTinyBiscuits]

Recently joined the forum as I purchased a Z3 a few weeks back and have been loving it.

That said - it’s the 1.9 and I can’t help but wonder if I should have done the 2.2. So - how much am I missing? Everything I read says it’s entirely a different car.

 

[Synclare]

1.9's are great cars, being lighter at the front they are more nimble and 'chuckable', access is good for servicing and mine consistently does 42 mpg! Admittedly they lack that 6 cyl howl.

 

[Shelly]

 

[DomiMik]

That's a typical internet phenomenon, having doubts because of something you read on the internet. Of course the 2.2 has more horse power plus that six cylinder sound & feeling, but in my opinion every Z3 provides more than enough driving pleasure, even the 1.8.
After all it depends on what you expect from your car; if you're looking for the fastest lap on a track, then the 2.2 won't suffice either. If you're up to some sporty cornering, you'll certainly be happy with the 4 cylinder

 

[Markie]

Recently joined the forum as I purchased a Z3 a few weeks back and have been loving it.

That said - it’s the 1.9 and I can’t help but wonder if I should have done the 2.2. So - how much am I missing? Everything I read says it’s entirely a different car.

My opinion is that all Z3 cars have a beauty and give us all pleasure no matter what's under the bonnet, the 1.9 I believe is only a fraction behind in horsepower to my 6 cylinder 2.0. But is lighter.....enjoy and welcome.

 

[Lee]

Welcome. Quite a few members have their 1.9’s for a few year and really catch the Zed bug, then end up buying a 2.8 or 3.0. The 2.2 won’t feel like much of an upgrade from the 4 pot. The 4pots feel so nimble in the twisties you really notice the 6 pot engines extra weight up front.

 

[RickyBobby]

Recently moved from a 1999 M44 to a 1999 2.8 widebody - for pretty much the reasons mentioned above in addition to it having lower mileage and being in better condition.
Have to say despite the increased power the M44 was as much fun to drive on the type of roads I use it and I wouldn't hesitate moving back to an M44 in the future.

 

[mrscalex]

I’d park up any concerns. You’ll have plenty of fun with it. And you can always change later if you really want.

All I would say is the 6 cylinder is a different experience in terms of smoothness and sound and I do value that. Also if you have eye on financials the 6 cylinder cars tend to bear more return from restoration than the 4 cylinders. But let’s face it they’re all a mugs game financially!

 

[Marvin]

Bought my M44 six years ago and went through the same buyer's remorse you are. I am 57 years old now for what it's worth. A friend has a Mazda 3 turbo. Even though I am behind on HP, he can't stay with me in tight corners. Z3M44 has excellent weight ratio from center point forward and center point reward, 49/51 I believe. It sticks to the road like glue. When he jumps on the accelerator there is a lot of torque steer from the turbo pulling the car to the right. I prefer the rear wheel drive of the Z3. And as already stated repair costs are much less expensive. Mine is a 1998. I have had it up to 130 mph with the top down.

Put your money into keeping the M44 running in top running condition and replace bushings, shocks, suspension parts and you will have a great experience.

Only negative is I am an introvert. I drive it daily totalling 300 plus miles a week. At least 1 or 2 times a week someone wants to come over and tell me what a beautiful car I have. BMW made it, I just keep it clean and running but I will tell them what they want to hear and say thank you.

If you made it this far reading my post, you can tell, I have NO REGRETS BUYING A Z3M44.

Enjoy yours,
Marvin

 

[Marvin]

@FanOfTinyBiscuts, My OCD kicking in. I have owned my Z3 for 5 years and not 6.

It was a owner when I bought it. Previous owner drove it 5,000 miles per year. It is my daily driver, I average 24,000 miles per year the past 5 years.

Once I learned that the engine likes to be driven at higher RPMs it has been a blast to drive.

Also responding to your post I realized I had let my subscription to this forum expire.The forum doesn't require you pay any money however the members happily respond to question plus having a vast amount of information on your new Z3M44 in one place is well worth a $4 USD per month investment to help keep this site active in my opinion.

Regards,
Marvin

 

[Marvin]

Something told me to communicate with you when I saw your post. Had to have my starter replaced last week. Here is the receipt for labor only on the 1.9 liter engine.
Didn't brake the bank.

 

[Oddly Godly]

I have a 2.8 but they all look pretty identical. I like the extra power but I loved my 1.6 and 1.8 mx5s. 1.9 is perfectly ok and the most affordable. They are all good

 

[FanOfTinyBiscuits]

Thanks all. Just changed the rear springs today after having done the front shocks last weekend. Already enjoying it far more as it’s feeling better in the corners for sure. Didn’t realise how badly it needed that TLC. Feels much better and more fun.

 

[SYMZ3]

Recently joined the forum as I purchased a Z3 a few weeks back and have been loving it.

That said - it’s the 1.9 and I can’t help but wonder if I should have done the 2.2. So - how much am I missing? Everything I read says it’s entirely a different car.

I have friends with the 1.9, they have toured all over the UK and Europe and wouldn’t change their car for any other. Enjoy, its not a measuring exercise...

 

[IanBrown]

Recently joined the forum as I purchased a Z3 a few weeks back and have been loving it.

That said - it’s the 1.9 and I can’t help but wonder if I should have done the 2.2. So - how much am I missing? Everything I read says it’s entirely a different car.

Welcome! I have a 1.9 and a 2.8 and they're both great cars - different personalities but both loads of fun in their own way. I keep thinking I should just keep one but can never make up my mind which to sell so for now I'm keeping both!

 

[GeoffZ]

and 1.9s are a lot cheaper to buy even before you start chucking money at them. The M44 is very much more home diy friendly (so far) and feels like a proper classic. It costs very little to own and run and I wouldn't go back to a "six" no regrets on any front.