Z3 2.2i now bought

[James S]

Hello forum members,

It's good to be here. I've always been really into the classic, retro shape of the Z3 roadster and I'm hoping to buy my first one within the next couple of weeks. The dream is to take a reasonably well-maintained, low mileage car back up to near mint condition, and then to keep it till it's past its 30th birthday, adding just a thousand or so miles each year.

In my search so far I've been looking at 2.8 and 3.0 versions, but recently have started looking at the 2.2 litre 6 cylinder facelift models. I slightly prefer the facelift looks and 170 bhp seems like plenty for my purposes (I'm not buying this for modern sports car performance). For the money, these seem like a bargain compared to the larger displacement models, especially the 3.0.

Any advice on that engine choice?

Looking forward to sharing progress pics with you once the journey's underway.

James

 

[t-tony]

Many owners rate the 2.2 very highly James. By the way welcome from me near Lincoln. I had a 2.0 Z3 and now have a 3.0 Z4. Both great cars and totally different. There is a very nice 2.2 for sale on here located near Grimsby, Lincs. that would fill your shopping list.

Tony.

 

[Mazza]

Hi and welcome to the forum from Bognor Regis

Lots of help and advice on here when you need it.

 

[James S]

Thanks for the welcome. Tony, I'm looking at a couple of cheaper options right now but thanks for the heads up on the one listed here. It looks very nice (and very well described!).

 

[andyglym]

to the forum from West Cumbria. Whichever engine size you end up with I'm sure you'll enjoy.

2.8 is best

 

[DavidM]

Welcome from Ireland!

 

[PHILIP BAXTER]

Hi, and welcome from me in Cardiff.

 

[Bozzy]

James from me near Nottingham.
The 2.2 is cracking motor, especially if you can find a decent sport model.

Steve.

 

[Sean d]

Hi and welcome, stick with your initial plan and get a 2.8 or 3.0l, if you get smaller now you will more then likely regret it as I did.

 

[James S]

Hi Sean, what was it you regretted about the 2.2?

 

[mwpe]

Hi james and welcome from Surrey, I have only ever driven the 3.0 so I cannot comment too much on the others but the 2.2 and 2.8 have quite recpectable performance. You can get a Facelift 2.8.

 

[Slam]

Hi and welcome from London, mine is a 2.8 preface lift they have bucket loads of torque so you can drive it lazily or rag it should you so desire.

 

[pgunter]

Hello and welcome to the forum. Regarding engine size, I own both a 2.2 and a 3.0. The 2.2 is a great zed and really good fun to drive. The 3.0 has the edge on power with the extra horses and torque making it worth the extra.

If you are after a great Sunday driver, I would go for a 2.2 or a 2.8TU, which is the facelift 2.8. The 3.0 is worth it too but might be too much for what you are looking for. Have fun and enjoy driving what ever you purchase, plenty of great advice and banter on here for you.

 

[Ianmc]

I went through a similar thought process last year and bought a M44 1.9 to sit alongside the 3.2 M coupe. Great decision IMO. Get a well speced one for much less money. They are great fun to drive (140bhp) and handle well.

 

[Low Rider]

Welcome

 

[Nodzed]

Hi & Welcome, I cant really help on the 2.2 smallest I've had is a 2.8 (cracking engine) but the 2.2 does sound fantastic. They are certainly powerful enough but I'm guessing the extra torque of the 2.8 is a benefit. That said with the roof down at 50mph when the sun is out the engine is really irrelevant I guess Good luck with the search.

 

[TaffZee]

For a keeper I would go for the wide body rather than the facelift.

 

[Mazza]

For a keeper I would go for the wide body rather than the facelift.

That’s exactly what the Manager of West Bromwich Albion should have done

 

[Grumps]

Hi from Mansfield. Bang for your buck a 2.8 would fit the bill well.

 

[Shelly]

Hi and welcome from me too