Z3 Comparison 4 vs 6

[jacksonjones72]

Hey guys...

Any danger with o going costs and maintenance between these 2?

1997 4 Cyl 1.9 E36-7 Auto vs 1999 Z3 E36-7 Manual

Like gearboxes cost more or maintenance similar on these 2... obviously 6cyl cost more to run?

Any basic information on the 4cyl v 6cyl appreciated.

Thanks from Down Under

 

[jacksonjones72]

The 6 is a 2.0 litre engine ... is there gonna be much difference between the 4 cylinder 1.9 vs the 2.0 6cyl? I have both near me to test drive and potentially buy? In the market

 

[Duncodin]

I don't remember when the different models were made but I think the 97 4cyl would be 16valve 140hp so, performance wise, not much difference.

But given the choice now I might lean towards the 6cyl. Maybe a bit more torque at lower revs.

Running cost. I don't know. But overall cost of ownership probably isn't worse on the 6cyl because in the longer term it might hold its value just a tad better.

 

[t-tony]

I had a 2.0 2000 Z3 Auto and running to work each day it did roughly 27 mpg. I would think you would do better in a 1.9.

Tony.

 

[Mike Fishwick]

I would bet that running costs and performance will not be much different - but remember that the 2 litre model will be at least 3 years newer, as they were launched in 2000. Against that, a good 1.9 is preferable to a poor 2 litre, and the 1.9 has 50 pounds less engine weight in front of the axle line, making it probably the best-handling Z3, particularly when fitted with 16 inch wheels.

Gearboxes last well, with auto boxes can be more expensive at high mileages and ages. A new clutch is cheaper than an auto box overhaul.

Do not be persuaded by a full BMW service history, as all services ar glorified engine oil changes. Look at the overall condition - and if possible the owner's age! A sensible mature owner if preferable to a 'Drop the clutch at 5000 rpm' type.

 

[Ianmc]

Give or take a couple of spark plugs, can't really see any significant difference in maintenance cost. Body work and consumables (such as suspension bushes, dampers, springs, brakes etc) are where hidden costs may arise on all cars.
I am very fond of the M44 twin cam engine for a sports car (it likes to rev!) with a manual box; others will prefer the 6 cylinder cars, perhaps with auto for cruising. Personal choice really.

 

[Duncodin]

6cyl would be face lift? Whereas that 4cyl is pre facelift. So. As Mike said, it'll be a few years younger and, Inoring the engine, look at the body shape. The 'face lift' is actually a very nice "ar*e lift" too. Lovely curve over the back wings.

 

[Jam03]

Have a look here for the variants.

onlyZ3

OnlyZ3, your best source for Z3 Coupe (E368) and Roadster (E367) information.

www.onlyz3.com

 

[Duncodin]

Mines a pre facelift and although it's nice to toodle about the country side with the roof down I really (really) would not want to do a few hours at speed on the motorway with the roof up - it's NOISY.

Look inside - is the roof lined? The extra layers in the roof make a noticeable difference especially of you do any motorway miles.

 

[MuttyMax]

I’ve got a 1.9,auto and to be honest it’s a very decent day to day drive as well as a reasonable M way cruiser. Really depends on where and how u want to drive it to be honest. I’ve got a K&N free flow air filter on the 1.9 plus a full (genuine) Ac Schnitzer exhaust system on it and it’s pulls really well. Never driven a 2.0 so cannot comment there. One to def avoid is the 1.8 ….

 

[the Nefyn cat]

4cyl all very well, but a nice screamy 6? No contest. Try both if you can, and go from there.

 

[AntStark]

10hp difference between the 1.9 (M44) and the 6 pot 2.0…but.. as Mike said the 1.9 is carrying much less weight and arguably much more fun in the corners. If you were going 6cyl I would go bigger 2.2 or 2.8.
The real 1.8 was only available in the US. A few facelift 1.9s (M43) were badged 1.8 for a time, I assume to differentiate it more from the new 2.0.

 

[Eddie Zedder]

All 2.0l (150bhp) are facelift models (1999 -2000) and should have a lined soft top. You do have to push them quite high in the rev range to get the best out of them, but you are rewarded with a great exhaust note that you won't get in a 4cyl.

 

[Richard29]

You have to push the 2.0 6 hard. But it does sound nice

 

[jonco]

......... but you are rewarded with a great exhaust note that you won't get in a 4cyl.

Haha - got a lovely exhaust note on my M44 with a Cobra Sport cat back. There's a neighbour biker who really enthrals about it - so much so I get a bit worried at times