They used the same N52B25 (and N52B30) in the E85 Si models. N52B25 power is equivalent to the previous M54 3.0i engines.
Z3 or Z4? I'm weighing things up....
- Thread starter BoxClever
- Start date
The did Gaz, my mistake I meant the N52. A bit early for me. Brain not fully engaged.
Tony.
Totally agree, my missus had one, brilliant engine and a joy to drive. Great car
@BoxClever, many interesting points made on this, but many ignoring the 4k 'ish budget. I think we all agree that the Z3 is the best looking roadster for the price produced in that 90's/ early 2000 period, but a low 'ish mileage good condition 2.8 or 3.0 is going to be over 4k. The E89 s are 8k at least so the obvious choice is an E85. I didn't like them at first, but after driving a couple I know it's a better 'sports' car than the Z3. Plus plastic front, rear and sills with an aluminium bonnet and the convenient proper electric roof with the biggest boot of the lot. 4k will buy a good one.
Any of the 6 cylinder engines, from a personal point of view and through experience at work I wouldn’t buy a 4 cylinder 2.0 because they are known for cracking exhaust manifolds.
Tony.
Tony.
23i best option for me if one day i upgrade from my E85.
Thanks mate, you're right to pull it back to the budget I had in mind. The E85 is my focus. I'm talking with a guy about a 2.5 53 plate Z4 that looks lovely. But as I'm chatting he says it has a months MOT and will want more if he has to do some simple jobs.. and I quote:
"It’s a lovely car that if I were taking it forward I’d polish the headlights, I’d do the rear top mounts first (ever so slightly wander-y) - then maybe those big bushes that sit in there if you feel like it. The airbag light is on - plugged it in it’s that cable that sits on the positive battery terminal. The brake wear light is on but all good so assume the little plug in harness on one of the wheels. The radio doesn’t work for some reason but it does have the uprated system with the big speakers behind the seats."
It's in sterling grey, working roof, goes well, ellipsoid 18's and he wants £3K as it stands. That sounds OK to me but I'm new to this thinking.
Any thoughts?
Agreed! It's a part time BMW trader, no real history and the plate is RA03SNY - MOT history is OK, not great but nothing to worry about, on 127k miles.
Plenty of Z4 s on facebook marketplace. Shop around, that one doesn't sound too good to me.
Bit of a generalisation but cars that fail their MOTs on tyre wear/damage, brake pads, windscreen wipers or bulbs.. tend to have been owned by people who haven't given the car the care and attention you would want.
Yeah, I am. The main reason I messaged him was he said he'd take a PX and he seems interested in my Z3. He's coming back to me with numbers on me PXing mine and him MOTing his. He won't straight swap.
I agree - I've bought and sold 6 cars in the past 12 months and these are the fixes I immediately sort if I'm selling straight on - little things count.
Airbag light and pad wear light on are both MOT fails, could be simple (cheap) fixes but maybe not.
Tony.
Tony.
And he knows that which is why I think he's hesitant about MOTing it as it will bring up a huge list of fails and advisories.
I’m sure there are better cars to be seen.
Tony.
Tony.
- Joined
- May 9, 2022
- Points
- 44
- Model of Z
- Z3 Roadster
Wow, easy choice for me, buy my tastes and needs are different. I've always thought the post face lift Z3's were the best looking of the lot. I've never cared for the looks of the Z4....huge step back IMO. Also, my Z is strictly for fun, so room in the boot and such are non-issues. It's a fair weather car for drop top 3 pedal fun. The 3.0 has plenty of grunt.
Good luck in your search. I'm looking forward to pics (even if it is a Z4).
Good luck in your search. I'm looking forward to pics (even if it is a Z4).
Thanks @Hwk-I-St8 - i totally agree about the Z3 and i don't care about boot space either but mine is for commuting as well as the fun stuff which is why i'm considering moving up to a 6 cylinder Z4. But for now the Z3 is being enjoyed and driven
So just an update - this is a thinking thing and I'm not looking to get out of Z ownership anytime soon. I'm gonna carry on as I am doing and use and enjoy this car for now and as with any secondhand car buying it is sometimes a case of "the grass is always greener" and "better the devil you know" so i'm off out in the Z3 for a drive in the drizzle with the roof down!!