Both engines are good. The 3.0 has a lot more power but as ever a little less MPG.

Depends on how you want to drive the car.

 

Thanks for the response - driving style is fairly conservative (75/80 on freeways). I do want ample power though for mountain driving, hence my leanings toward the 3.0.

 

I think someone on here as a signature that says..."You can never have to much power"....

 

I purchased a 2000 Z3 with the 2.5L (2.3 model) and I am quite happy with the performance. Drove it to Alberta from California on the freeways. Handling was great and I had lots of power without any aftermarket mods. With the Canadian gallon bigger I get 35 mpg on a daily commute and it's got enough power to make cornering a blast. It leaves me enough if I need to get myself out of (or into) trouble. Anything can go fast straight, what you want is something to make the actual "driving" more entertaining.

Red Coat

 

I have a 5-speed manual and the 2.8L engine. I would say the 3.0L would be even better.
Not that Im unhappy with 193HP.
Get the big engine. :angel:

 

bigger is always better. Don't believe me? Ask any woman...



















...about a diamond. What'd you think I was talking about? :eeps:

 

How did they feel to you?? --both are great engines and don't forget you are only moving less that a 3000 lb vehicle--if you choose automatic trans then the 2.8 might be better. I had a '98 2.8 5 speed and it was plenty power---also I believe the '01 and '02 Z3's offered the 225 HP 3.0--a very noticeable increase in power. I now have a '03 Z4 3.0 and it is very quick..No mater what, all the 6 cylinder choices are great. Good luck:thumbup:

 

I started out with '98 1.9 for 3 yrs, then an '01 2.5 for 3 yrs., now an'02 3.0 for 3 yrs. all with manual trans.

To me, the 41 more horsepower and 39 lb./ft. of torque made a significant differece from the 2.5 to the 3.0. Also the electronic throttle (drive by wire) of the 3.0 improved engine response and the staggered 17" wheels, 7.5" front and 8.5" rear added to the cars ability to get to the power to the pavement.

Each Z3 seemed to be build with and without certain accessaries. A few asthetic touches I like on my 3.0 are: Clear 3rd brake light, Chrome door lock pins, and Chrone door release handles. My 3.0 does not have a power top which I do not see as an issue and certainly does not take anything away from the performance.

Z3 Engine, Types, Sizes, Throttles and Specs

Z3 1.9
1996 - 1999
Engine: M44
4-cylinder twin cam
140 HP
Torque: 133 @ 4300 RPM
iron block

Z3 2.3 Roadster
1999 - 2002
Engine: M52
6 cylinder single vanos twin cam
170HP
Torque: 181 @ 3500 RPM
aluminum block for the Z3 ONLY

Z3 2.5 Roadster
2000 - 2003
Engine: M54
6 cylinder double vanos electronic throttle
184 HP
Torque: 175 @ 3500 RPM
aluminum block
Sept 2000: The six-cylinder 3.0 replaced the 2.8 engine

Z3 2.8 Roadster
1999 - 2002
Engine: M52
6 cylinder single vanos twin cam
193 HP
Torque: 203 @ 3950 RPM
aluminum block for the Z3 ONLY

Z3 2.8 Roadster/Coupe
xxxx-xxxx
Engine: M52tu
6 cylinder double vanos (tu=technical update)
??? HP
Torque: ???
aluminum block

M54 Z3 3.0 Coupe/Roadster
2000 - 2003
Engine: M54
6 cylinder double vanos electronic throttle
231 HP
Torque: 214 @ 3500 RPM
aluminum block
Sept 2000: The six-cylinder 3.0 replaced the 2.8 engine

M Coupe/Roadster
1998 - 2000
Engine: S52
32. liter 6-cylinder single vanos
240 HP
Torque: 236
iron block

M Coupe/Roadster
2001- 2002
Engine: S54
315 HP
Torque: 251
3.2 liter 6-cylinder double vanos engine
iron block

Which Z3 you buy/drive is up to you and I can assure you that every Z3 is a thrill ride!

 

I have an '01 2.5 roadster with Conforti Shark, CAI, and Supersprint exhaust. I would guess it's putting out something in the range of 200hp, but I haven't had a chance to dyno it. Though I agree that more power is usually better, I feel that the power, weight, and handling of this setup are sufficient for my needs. I have plenty of fun and don't feel threatened by what I have on hand. Seems to me that you just need more seat time in both cars in order to decide for yourself. Good luck, I'm sure you'll enjoy whichever you choose!

 

With regard to the post about gas mileage, take a look at www.fueleconomy.gov, which actually rates the mileage of the 3.0 as being slightly better than the 2.5...

I'm actually looking for the same car, preferably with the factory hardtop included, here in the Northeast.

 

There are more benefits by selecting the 3.0 over just the horsepower bump. Spend a little extra money and you will not regret it. Upgrading a 2.5 is not easy as there are very few upgrades and you will never get to where a 3.0 is without supercharger or cam kit.

 

With the 3.0, you can feel the power when you want to go fast.

With the tough Ontario speeding law, it is not advisable to drive 50 km over 100km
the car will be impounded and a heavy fine.

Either 2.8 or 3.0, the Z3 is a fun car to drive.