Possible switch from 1.8 to a 2.2

[NicolasH]

Hi,

A 2001 2.2 liter Z3 has popped up nearby and I'm considering switching my (1998/1999) 1.8 Z3 for it. Although I'm wondering if it's worth switching because the 2.2 has about 75K Kms more on the clock (194 000 vs my current Z's 119 000). Has anyone here had a similar choice to make?

Reason I'm not considering switching to a 2.8 or 3.0 is due to the sometimes insane car prices in the Netherlands (an average 1.8/1.9 Z3 goes for between €5000 - 9000). But I do find the 6 cylinder appealing and the 2.2 might offer a more sportier experience without having to pay premium.

I'd love to hear what you guys/gals would pick.

 

[mrscalex]

Both have plenty of fans.

But the 2.2 is materially more powerful and a 6 cylinder engine is a smoother and more refined experience.

I have a 2.2 for sale but I guess you are specifically looking for lhd.

 

[Jjim]

2.2 is a great engine, sounds good and surprising fast.

 

[NicolasH]

Both have plenty of fans.

But the 2.2 is materially more powerful and a 6 cylinder engine is a smoother and more refined experience.

I have a 2.2 for sale but I guess you are specifically looking for lhd.

Cheers, yeah I'm sticking to domestic for now but I appreciate the offer.

 

[Mint]

I love my 2.2, it's a great all rounder. Sorry never driven a 4 pot so cannot compare directly

2.2 is a great engine, sounds good and surprising fast.

 

[colb]

Love my 1.8 Z3 1999 very low mileage, a keeper so went and found a Z4 to play with and ended up with a 2003 2.5 with 93k miles on it. Six pot is so different than the 4 pot and power is all I would ever want out of a car. Z3 is garaged and the Z4 lives outside.

 

[Althulas]

Depends on a few things for me personally really. The vehicle mileage 194k is abouts 120,544 miles is fine as long as the owner as regularly serviced it.

Worth weighing up the cost vs the overall condition taking into account if the suspension and bushes etc have been refreshed by now As they would be quite tired by now I would imagine. Also what’s the condition of your car? If you have done a lot of work to yours why not consider researching transplanting a 2.2 lump or see if you can add a turbo or supercharger to your 1.8 that would give you some considerable gains over a 2.2 engine.

 

[Mario]

The 2.2 engine it's a good sweet spot between economy and performance and in my opinion the best sounding of the 6 cylinder.

 

[Bumpa]

I agree about the 2.2 which is what I have. The engine is fabulous. Very, very smooth and free-revving. You can hit maximum revs so easily. And plenty fast enough for me.194,000 km is only about 120,000 miles so there should be plenty of life left in it. But nothing lasts for ever, no matter how good it is.

 

[NicolasH]

Little update for those that are curious. I decided against it because on closer inspection the poor car has been treated poorly and I feel I'd have to fix far more than I would like (upholstery and possible replace seats, repair hardtop, new rims, fix the paint). I'll still be on the lookout for a 6 cyl.

Cheers for all the opinions!