Out of interest 2.8 vs 3.0
- Thread starter Simon Blythe
- Start date
Hi just found this. I am lucky enough to have a 3.0 litre Z3 but before I drove it I test drove a 2.8, admittedly for only a short while, but I then went and tested the 3.0l and bought it, the 3.0l felt so much quicker and stronger through the gears, much more powerful than you would think for an extra 200cc's. I'd go for a 3.0l
Simon Blythe
Zorg Guru (I)
It's that bloomin 3.0l itch that just won't go away!!!!
An extra 38 bhp of the 3.0 against the 2.8 doesn't sound much, but, against 193 of the 2.8 it's nearly 20% more.
For 7% increase in cc that's a big jump.
However, unless your engine (which ever you choose) is in perfect condition and well maintained a few of the horses will likely to have escaped.
For 7% increase in cc that's a big jump.
However, unless your engine (which ever you choose) is in perfect condition and well maintained a few of the horses will likely to have escaped.
Simon Blythe
Zorg Guru (I)
A manifold and remap seems to be a good compromise
Naaah, a 3.0 is the way to go .................... 
Tony.
Tony.
Simon Blythe
Zorg Guru (I)
Or just get a 3.0 Z4
too fat, get a 3.0 Z3 ... rarer too so will appreciate
Simon Blythe
Zorg Guru (I)
I believe all 3.0's were facelift models and not the more stunningly beautiful pre facelift fat, flat rear end.
Aaron MacQ
Zorg Guru (I)
Ah, so a low mileage 2.8 with the manifold might just be the car to have long term...
With regard to the engines, I did a lot of research in to the M50/52/52tu/54 after driving and being a bit disappointed with the Z3 2.0 I6 and trying to think how to make one faster if we'd bought it.
Anyway, from what I found, basically all generations were basically the same with minor differences between.
The M52 was an evolution of the M50, except with a Aluminium Block. However, they had to strangle it for the tax band so both inlet and ecu are crippled
The M52tu, added double vanos (still crippled)
The M54 added an electronic throttle and aluminium head and the restrictions seem to have been lifted, hence more power.
However, cranks and pistons were more of less interchangeable between the lot where the bore sizes matched, so you could without too much fuss create a 3.0 M52 with M50 mainfold , or 3.0 M52TU with M54 manifold and remap in a pre-facelift widebody to create the ultimate cruiser Z.
Simon Blythe
Zorg Guru (I)
A strokerAh, so a low mileage 2.8 with the manifold might just be the car to have long term...
With regard to the engines, I did a lot of research in to the M50/52/52tu/54 after driving and being a bit disappointed with the Z3 2.0 I6 and trying to think how to make one faster if we'd bought it.
Anyway, from what I found, basically all generations were basically the same with minor differences between.
The M52 was an evolution of the M50, except with a Aluminium Block. However, they had to strangle it for the tax band so both inlet and ecu are crippled
The M52tu, added double vanos (still crippled)
The M54 added an electronic throttle and aluminium head and the restrictions seem to have been lifted, hence more power.
However, cranks and pistons were more of less interchangeable between the lot where the bore sizes matched, so you could without too much fuss create a 3.0 M52 with M50 mainfold , or 3.0 M52TU with M54 manifold and remap in a pre-facelift widebody to create the ultimate cruiser Z.
New Pistons, rods and crank I assume? I take it the cams are also the same?
Aaron MacQ
Zorg Guru (I)
From what i found, head, cams, injectors shouldn't need anything doing to run well, but the standard ecu map in the M52's doesn't allow for adaquite fuelling with either the manifold conversion or stroker kits so that needs attention to get M54b30 performance.
Simon Blythe
Zorg Guru (I)
That's interesting but not overly surprising as its not economical viable to have massive variations in parts. I'm not sure what a stroker kit entails so cannot comment on that aspect.
For us simple people it seems a 3.0l bottom end mated to a 2.8 head with a 330 manifold and a remap could give you close to 231bhp - I stand to be corrected obviously by the experts. I imagine the cost involved could be prohibitive.
You talk a lot of sense Aaron. I have an M52 and intend to do the manifold, remap and ram air as and when money allows. It is a pre face lift car and will owe me a lot less than a 3.0.Ah, so a low mileage 2.8 with the manifold might just be the car to have long term...
With regard to the engines, I did a lot of research in to the M50/52/52tu/54 after driving and being a bit disappointed with the Z3 2.0 I6 and trying to think how to make one faster if we'd bought it.
Anyway, from what I found, basically all generations were basically the same with minor differences between.
The M52 was an evolution of the M50, except with a Aluminium Block. However, they had to strangle it for the tax band so both inlet and ecu are crippled
The M52tu, added double vanos (still crippled)
The M54 added an electronic throttle and aluminium head and the restrictions seem to have been lifted, hence more power.
However, cranks and pistons were more of less interchangeable between the lot where the bore sizes matched, so you could without too much fuss create a 3.0 M52 with M50 mainfold , or 3.0 M52TU with M54 manifold and remap in a pre-facelift widebody to create the ultimate cruiser Z.
apparently the mods to do are
m50 intake
big bore throttle body
delete viscous fan
US M3 cams
remap
m50 intake
big bore throttle body
delete viscous fan
US M3 cams
remap
Look at bimmerforums this stroker mod has been done. They love to tinker across the pond!
Aaron MacQ
Zorg Guru (I)
Since a remap would optimise for decent fuel (as we should all be using anyway) and lift the rev limiter to 7000 or 7500 (i've mine set at 7500), I'd be fairly certain you'd be happily over 231 bhp, but with a M52B28 (non-tu) you mightn't quite have as much torque throughout the revs since that's the magic provided by double vanos. Otherwise, the only real difference is the M54 weighs slightly less and has an electronic throttle.
I've had a 328i (M52TUB28), a 330Ci (M54B30) and now the Z3 2.8 (M52B28). All basically the same engine but I'm fully intent on the manifold conversion on the Z.
Just not sure when.
Simon Blythe
Zorg Guru (I)
I've got the conversion on my single vanos - you are welcome to have a drive.
And what's your opinion compared to stock mate?