WTB 05 or 06 3.0 Sport Manual

[SloMo]

BIMMERPOST / Classifieds

Asking Price:

None

Item Interest

Guys, just moved to San Francisco from the east coast and sold my z4 there couple of months back. Now back in the market trying to find a clean mint condition z4 2005 or 2006. I can't seem to find any ones in good condition around the West Coast for sale that have the sport package, and are manual. Prefer under 75k miles.

Any leads are appreciated!

[Twixboy]

Huge difference between the 2005 3.0i and the 2006 3.0i. You'll find the 06 3.0i to be underpowered coming from an 03 3.0i.

[SloMo]

really? So if i go for 2006, i should go for the 3.0 si to be comparable then?

[Big_CG]

Originally Posted by Twixboy

Huge difference between the 2005 3.0i and the 2006 3.0i. You'll find the 06 3.0i to be underpowered coming from an 03 3.0i.

I disagree completely, having owned both. The N52 is a fantastic motor and is a ton of fun in the 3.0i. The three stage manifold and ecu (3.0si) generates much more torque and pulls harder than either 3.0i, but I would never call the N52 3.0i underpowered. This is coming from a guy who used to own a 450 hp 335i.

That said- I have an 07 Z4 roadster with sport and 6 speed manual that I would consider selling to the right person for the right price. Its a 3.0i that has been converted to a 3.0si with a AA tune and 3 stage manifold Its higher miles than you are looking for at 118k. I just replaced all front suspension components and it runs/drives great. Also, its probably not quite mint condition as you described you are looking for (minor chips or door dings)

PM me if you want to talk more.

[Twixboy]

Tthe 03-05 3.0i made 214 ft-lbs of torque and the 06-08 3.0i only made 185 ft-lbs. That's a pretty significant difference - much larger than the difference between the 3.0si and the old 3.0i. The official 0-60 for the newer 3.0i is 6.7 seconds compared to 5.9 seconds for the older 3.0i. As you know they stopped making the 2.5i in 2005. In terms of trim (e.g. engine choices), the newer 3.0i is basically an upgrade over the old 2.5i and the 3.0si is an upgrade to the old 3.0i. So basically, 3.0si > 03-05 3.0i > 06-08 3.0i > 2.5i. The best thing to do is to test drive both of them back to back, preferably the new 3.0i first then the old 3.0i.

[SloMo]

Thanks guys, very useful info. Much appreciated! Based on that then i'm really leaning towards either the 05 3.0i sport or an 05 3.0si sport.

[SloMo]

bump

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by SloMo

Thanks guys, very useful info. Much appreciated! Based on that then i'm really leaning towards either the 05 3.0i sport or an 05 3.0si sport.

3.0si was only available for 06-08

[SloMo]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

3.0si was only available for 06-08

Sorry, typo, i meant 05 3.0 Sport or 06+ SI Sport.

[Big_CG]

The si versions are getting pretty rare, if you can find a n52 model that you like, the upgrade to si specs is cheap and easy..just a tune and intake manifold swap. The other differences (brakes) aren't a huge deal

[SloMo]

Hm..that's interesting. You're right they are so hard to find. I'm not technically challenged but I'm not a very hands on mechanical person beyond basic stuff. If I had to get the upgrade done by a professional, any idea what kind of range I should expect to spend?