Which 2.8?

[RickyBobby]

Doesn't take much but I find myself in my normal state of confusion.

Since my recent purchase of T86 KJF I have throughly enjoyed Z3 ownership and have already started looking toward my next acquisition - as you do.

The problem is that having narrowed my focus to the 2.8 wide bodied variant I have subsequently found out that the pre-facelift model comes with 2 engine options - the M52 & M52TU.

So my question is which would be the preferred power plant or am I looking in to to much detail on the basis I won't notice any difference?

......obviously there is always the option to stick with the M44

 

[andyglym]

Either or mate to be honest. The TU is a bit more technical but essentially bumps out the same power and is more difficult to get extra power from if you mod it. The TU came in the facelift model bar a few that were in the pre-facelift.

 

[RickyBobby]

Either or mate to be honest. The TU is a bit more technical but essentially bumps out the same power and is more difficult to get extra power from if you mod it. The TU came in the facelift model bar a few that were in the pre-facelift.

OK thanks that explains why I've only seen the M52TU in a few of the ones I have looked at that seem to have been built closer to the facelift date - I am not looking at modifying it so I guess it doesn't matter which I go for on that basis.

 

[Bampz]

My 2.8 is an preface M52TU and a Nov 98 build , excellent engine with bags of get up and go and a nice drive, but don't dismiss your 1.9 being only a four pot it is so much lighter and in My opinion a far more nimble car to drive especially round the country roads

 

[Slam]

I too have a pre facelift 2.8 TU build 3/99 bags of torque and a pleasure to drive.

 

[Delk]

If you are not looking at major modifications either car will do.

The TU engine was only built for a few years and the MS42 DME not supported by anyone for major modifications. The earlier 2.8 has alot of support including plug and play ECU's if needed that are direct replacements for the MS41.

 

[RickyBobby]

My 2.8 is an preface M52TU and a Nov 98 build , excellent engine with bags of get up and go and a nice drive, but don't dismiss your 1.9 being only a four pot it is so much lighter and in My opinion a far more nimble car to drive especially round the country roads

Basically I need to stick with what I've got and stop looking at other options - something I always struggle with but admitadly can see the sense of.
More driving and less thinking - I like the sound of that

 

[SYMZ3]

Having only ever owned and driven one 2.8i Z3, I am amazing at how civilised and tractable the big 6 is. It’s so easy to drive either fast or slow. My previous E85 2.0i was a fab drivers car and I don’t feel as confident in chucking the big Z around the Snake Pass as I did with the smaller engined E85.

having said that, it’s a real experience driving the Zed. The 2.8i (I am sure the 3.0i is wonderful as well) is a cracking GT type sports car.