Engine size......What size suits all ?????

[sata]

So, after so many replies it seems like "most" like the straight six models for the noise they make...lol....and those who have the 1.9's are happy enough with what they have, and those with the 2.8's are overjoyed with the power available, which really makes me wonder as to "if" a 2.8 is the way to go, as most may be ragged to death.... I therefore think that the 2.2 is in the mix, along with the lower models... hope this doesn't offend those 2.8 owners.... one thing I did wonder was.... there seems to be loads available that are showing mileages around the 120 to 150k mark..... what would be the average mileage that these cars get to before "major work" is undertaken on them... ie top end or bottom end rebuilds, new rings etc.... ????? oh and are the "older engines" pre facelift, better or worse than the facelifted models.....

 

[EnthuZiaZT]

So, after so many replies it seems like "most" like the straight six models for the noise they make...lol....and those who have the 1.9's are happy enough with what they have, and those with the 2.8's are overjoyed with the power available, which really makes me wonder as to "if" a 2.8 is the way to go, as most may be ragged to death.... I therefore think that the 2.2 is in the mix, along with the lower models... hope this doesn't offend those 2.8 owners.... one thing I did wonder was.... there seems to be loads available that are showing mileages around the 120 to 150k mark..... what would be the average mileage that these cars get to before "major work" is undertaken on them... ie top end or bottom end rebuilds, new rings etc.... ????? oh and are the "older engines" pre facelift, better or worse than the facelifted models.....

Rather depends on how they have been looked after, some owners pamper their cars, those would be the ones I would look out for, full service history with loads of receipts as evedence.

Mike

 

[andyglym]

So, after so many replies it seems like "most" like the straight six models for the noise they make...lol....and those who have the 1.9's are happy enough with what they have, and those with the 2.8's are overjoyed with the power available, which really makes me wonder as to "if" a 2.8 is the way to go, as most may be ragged to death.... I therefore think that the 2.2 is in the mix, along with the lower models... hope this doesn't offend those 2.8 owners.... one thing I did wonder was.... there seems to be loads available that are showing mileages around the 120 to 150k mark..... what would be the average mileage that these cars get to before "major work" is undertaken on them... ie top end or bottom end rebuilds, new rings etc.... ????? oh and are the "older engines" pre facelift, better or worse than the facelifted models.....

Not sure about engine rebuilds for high mileage as mines only got 77k miles on it (2.8) with loads of history. Low milers are out there. Right time and place.

 

[mwpe]

If they are looked after, most BMW engines are good for very high mileages. My 3.0 Z has only 109,000 on the clock and still feels like new, it was happily revving up to 6,000 playing in the mountain passes in Italy and Switzerland last week. Although the M54 engine has a reputation for using oil, I have just topped up for the first time in 4,000 miles.
I have recently sold my old E30 325i with 235,000 miles and it was all original.

 

[hard top]

M44 1.9 is bullet proof.
And I seem to remember (I think) that @TaffZee owned one and on one of his cruises, the 'big boys' could not keep up with him.
Better handling on the twisty bits.

 

[hard top]

And also, none of that bloody Vanos stuff.....
M44 is 16 Valve, M43 is 8 Valve.

 

[Aga Doo]

Hi. I have got 1.9 and im loveing it! It might not be a dragster but it still fun to drive it... Power in my eyes its not everything and if i had something more powerfull i would probably kill myself As my right foot is much shorter so i have a bricks attached to it

 

[andyglym]

Hi. I have got 1.9 and im loveing it! It might not be a dragster but it still fun to drive it... Power in my eyes its not everything and if i had something more powerfull i would probably kill myself As my right foot is much shorter so i have a bricks attached to it

That's why I've never bought a bike, I'd be a boil in a bag soup at the first corner.

 

[sata]

So interesting to read about what others think..... life tells me that whatever engine I go for it will not be as good as my daily driver.... sorry.... may sound a bit of a daft thing to say.... but with 276k on the clock and still original with no rebuilds needed or been done its a little hard for me to find out where bmw are with their engines.... ask me about Volvo... which the daily is.... and I just feel at home with them.... BUT.... a V70 2.4 does not go around country lanes like a roadster and also I have a few issues with getting one in a soft top....lol....

No seriously though, I know more now than what I did and thats a good thing, it helps me to find just what I want which is as follows.....
something that doesn't require me getting the spanners out every weekend....
something that doesn't require a petrol tanker following behind,
something that puts smiles on my face for its roadholding..
something that is more cruiser than dragster....
speed isn't everything, but comfort is....

bear in mind I am 51, not 15.... and have done all the speed I need to do....for me anyway.....

I hope from that someone can point me in the right direction....

Thanks to all concerned for taking the time to reply....

cheers

Lyndon

 

[andyglym]

So interesting to read about what others think..... life tells me that whatever engine I go for it will not be as good as my daily driver.... sorry.... may sound a bit of a daft thing to say.... but with 276k on the clock and still original with no rebuilds needed or been done its a little hard for me to find out where bmw are with their engines.... ask me about Volvo... which the daily is.... and I just feel at home with them.... BUT.... a V70 2.4 does not go around country lanes like a roadster and also I have a few issues with getting one in a soft top....lol....

No seriously though, I know more now than what I did and thats a good thing, it helps me to find just what I want which is as follows.....
something that doesn't require me getting the spanners out every weekend....
something that doesn't require a petrol tanker following behind,
something that puts smiles on my face for its roadholding..
something that is more cruiser than dragster....
speed isn't everything, but comfort is....

bear in mind I am 51, not 15.... and have done all the speed I need to do....for me anyway.....

I hope from that someone can point me in the right direction....

Thanks to all concerned for taking the time to reply....

cheers

Lyndon

I'm biased, 2.8 for me. You won't regret it. Top quality lazy man's cruiser with a nice little sting if you feel the need. Oh. 50 years of age

 

[Tfp]

No seriously though, I know more now than what I did and thats a good thing, it helps me to find just what I want which is as follows.....
something that doesn't require me getting the spanners out every weekend....
something that doesn't require a petrol tanker following behind,
something that puts smiles on my face for its roadholding..
something that is more cruiser than dragster....
speed isn't everything, but comfort is....

bear in mind I am 51, not 15.... and have done all the speed I need to do....for me anyway.....

I hope from that someone can point me in the right direction....

I'd say any engine would suit you, just go for the nicest car you can find for the budget.

Tim

 

[Grumps]

I have a 2.8 and love it. There is a single and twin vanos engine in them. The earlier car like mine has more scope to draw extra bhp if that's your thing. I love the low down torque. 30 in 4th, floor it and it goes! The 2.2 is not far behind in power though running costs are almost indentical. I think for me personally the 2.0 6 pot is the one i would dismiss. Only a little more power than the M44 yet the running costs of a 6 potter.The 1.9 is a different animal altogether. It feels more revvy but they are brilliant fun. Golf gti territory if pushed.

 

[roadvoyager1]

No seriously though, I know more now than what I did and thats a good thing, it helps me to find just what I want which is as follows.....
something that doesn't require me getting the spanners out every weekend....
something that doesn't require a petrol tanker following behind,
something that puts smiles on my face for its roadholding..
something that is more cruiser than dragster....
speed isn't everything, but comfort is....

For spanner free weekends look for a comprehensive maintenance history - if it has been well maintained (dealer, indie or owner) it is likely to be less work for you - the history should give you a good feel for the car. At 80 - 90K miles the suspension will be pretty tired and ready for replacement if not already done. Water pumps are generally good for around 70K miles and belts will be starting to age. All parts are readily available and not too expensive. Note I have not mentioned engine size!

Fuel consumption for 6 cylinder models (not Z3M) is higher at around 30mpg, than for the 4 cylinder models where 40mpg is reported. Of course this is normal road driving. Try hard and you can reduce this by 30% or more.

You will smile in a Z3! 4 cylinder models are claimed to have better balance.

They are all cruisers. Bigger engines are more relaxed and as others have mentioned they sound so good.

For comfort look for a car with sports seats and a mesh or Perspex screen behind the seats. In general I understand that standard suspension and wheels (16") give a more comfortable ride than lowered suspension and bigger (18") wheels, albeit at the expense of road holding.

Get out and drive a few or at least get a few rides, decide where you can compromise and get a good one.

 

[Sean d]

If you want a quick one without ///M it has to be the 3.0l at 0-60 in 6 seconds its the quickest of the lot, if speed doesn't bother you any of the range will do, however all the 6 pots hold thier price better and seem to get more expensive the bigger the engine,
Come on @Grumpy a standard 1.9 won't get near a golf gti, thats 2.8 terratory

 

[hard top]

When I went on the New Forest run last year, I jumped into @David's M43, that thing had enough power to keep up with the 'Big Boys' on the road, would probably be totally useless at Santa Pod, but who goes drag racing every day?

 

[Sean d]

When I went on the New Forest run last year, I jumped into @David's M43, that thing had enough power to keep up with the 'Big Boys' on the road, would probably be totally useless at Santa Pod, but who goes drag racing every day?

Its all about handling HT, I was behind an Astra a couple of weeks ago, don't know what model but he did me on the straights, however on every set of bends I was having to back off as I was chewing on his rear bumper

 

[andyglym]

Its all about handling HT, I was behind an Astra a couple of weeks ago, don't know what model but he did me on the straights, however on every set of bends I was having to back off as I was chewing on his rear bumper

Vauxhall are a tad limited in the handling department compared to Ford, VW etc so no surprise there. Always have been. Fast in a straight line usually but that's about it.

 

[GazHyde]

Thread tidied to keep it on topic to Zed engines!

 

[andyglym]

Thread tidied to keep it on topic to Zed engines!

Sorry

 

[Marvin]

I have learned that my M44 16 valves is a very reliable engine. 160K on the odometer and hits 130MPH with the top down and about 1200 rpm's left on the tachometer till redlining. It is slow on takeoff but you can feel it starting to pull hard at 30MPH. Only change has been to fogg the air box. Would love to have the M version but I am married with children. 3 years left and the last one will be out of school. Then the hunt begins. Marvin