Running costs

si-forks

si-forks

Dedicated Member
Joined
Dec 5, 2011
Points
34
Location
worcester
Model of Z
1.9
I'am thinking of moving up in the Z world from a M44 1.9 to a bigger engine 2.8 /3.0 or S50 might even go Z4 2.5 /3.0 what i would like to know is what
Are the true running costs of these cars ,tax ,mpg ,brake pads on a ZM etc the real running costs .Maybe be useful as a buyers guide
Si-forks on tapatalk
 
I would suggest getting insurance quotes for each model.
My 2.8 avg 28-30mpg
My S50 avg 25mpg

I don't think cost of parts are that different for Ms..

Biggest differents is price you pay for the car..
A good 2.8/3.0 Z3 3-4k
A good s50/Z4 7k+
 
I've had the 1.9 for 3 years and love the car but with my 2 girls at university now i'am looking to get away more , been all over Europe on my Harley with the lads now looking to do the same with the Z the 1.9 would be ok but a big 6 would be better

Si-forks on tapatalk
 
Si, I'm starting a 'Living with the Z4' thread at the moment. It's a work in progress, and will be added to as time goes on...

Perhaps we can get some more of these being put together? Be reallly useful for other potential owners!

http://zroadster.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=52&t=725
 
i have the 2.8 and the only real running cost is petrol. currently averaging 22.9mpg which is a combo of lead foot and short 2-3 mile trips but the car had a 30.5 avg on it when i bought it so not bad. I think a years road tax is £220 which was the same as my old 1.6 rover and in the 3 months ive owned it ive not had to spend a penny on it. Maintenance items are what you make of them, oil/filter/plugs/pads can be done for under a tonne if you shop around. I wouldnt think it would be much more than a 1.9 to run.
 
Is it right that the 3.0 z3 is better on fuel than the 2.8 ?

Si-forks on tapatalk
 
I can get 38 MPG on an a motorway run, not sure a 2.8 would mange that.

I was bored on a long journey recently so reset the trip computer then drove like Miss Daisy for about twenty mins, it went between 39 and 40 MPG.

Otherwise I find it to be very cheap to run. Servicing and parts are generaly the same price as any other Z3 and it never goes wrong. Don't forget, the initial cost of buying a 3.0 would be higher. The difference in MPG wouldn't be that great so the 2.8 might be the one to go for if you are on a budget.
 
my 2.8 is a 97 so only a single vanos, one of the later ones or a 3.0 they are twin vanos which give you an extra 2-3 MPG. IIRC 97 was the last year for single vanos but im not 100%.
 
My 2.8 was a twin vanos 99 and could return 35mpg long journeys, I even had 40mpg once when I drove like a grandad.. It all depends how you drive but normal mixed drives was 28mpg

It all depends what you want from your zed.. ?
Adrenalin rush go for S50
Good all rounder go for 3.0 z3/z4
I also beleave the late 2.2 Z3s are good, sound lovely
 
I do sometimes wish the 3M had the six speed box in it when stuck on motorway journeys which would drop the revs nicely when cruising.
 
board said:
I do sometimes wish the 3M had the six speed box in it when stuck on motorway journeys which would drop the revs nicely when cruising.
Click to expand...

I'm glad they didn't.. The six speed boxes in the evos were rubbish... Prone to syncro failures...
 
si-forks said:
I'am thinking of moving up in the Z world from a M44 1.9 to a bigger engine 2.8 /3.0 or S50 might even go Z4 2.5 /3.0 what i would like to know is what
Are the true running costs of these cars ,tax ,mpg ,brake pads on a ZM etc the real running costs .Maybe be useful as a buyers guide
Si-forks on tapatalk
Click to expand...

Si, for me it depends on how the car is being used - whether it's a weekend toy or your daily drive. I've been running a 3.0 Z4 coupe as my everyday car for just over 4 years now and I have to say I'm extremely happy with the running costs. 12 months tax is £260, insurance is reasonable (but I'm an old bugger), and it returns about 30mpg in normal driving. On top of that, I've not had one issue with it in all that time <touches wood>. The service interval is 15k too, and I've found the servicing to be pleasantly afffordable. My biggest cost by far has been tyres, which to be honest is totally my own fault :D

In my opinion, if you're after something to use everyday, go for a Z4 - it's more suited to the job and is a better all-rounder. If you're after a weekend toy to give you an adrenaline rush, go for an M roadster. My 2 cents worth... :-bd
 
z3cade said:
board said:
I do sometimes wish the 3M had the six speed box in it when stuck on motorway journeys which would drop the revs nicely when cruising.
Click to expand...

I'm glad they didn't.. The six speed boxes in the evos were rubbish... Prone to syncro failures...
Click to expand...

Maybe not the one out of the Evo then :) but one that worked and just drops the revs on the long boring bits of road between the fun bits
 
What i'am looking for is a car to tour around Uk and Europe but still fun to drive at weekend i would love an ///M but i think i will end up with a Z4 the only thing that i don't like about the Z4 is the dash

This was on e-bay ticks all of the boxes 3.0 se manual
aimg.tapatalk.com_5adacc59_21d0_1d10.webp


Si-forks on tapatalk
 
Si, from what I have found in the last 3 days of ownership the Z4 certainly ticks all my boxes.

It's more comfortable for a start. I used to get leg pain driving the Z3 for any great distance (despite changing the seats for ///M's), no problems in the Z4. Cruising is so much better with the 3.0 engine. Same speed on motorway 4000rpm in the Z3, 2500rpm in the Z4 (that was on Saturday).

At the moment it feels a little more clinical to drive, but it's putting as big a smile on my face as the Z3 did! A lot of that is down to the 80bhp increase under my right foot!

I'm looking forwards to planning a grand cruise when I can afford to, but hopefully HT's Cruise will be a reality for later this year.
 
We looked at changing to a z4 middle of last year, all i did was shut the door then i walked away. Just sounded too tinny when you close the door not like the Z3 that goes clunk.
We have used ours overseas just last May and returned 32mpg. Its almost as fast as an M but not quite. Has loads of torque. Its the best compromise in my mind. You have the fastest z except the M approx 7mph 0 to 60 5.8secs, but is way more economical to run. Tyres are expensive but depends what you go for. Discs for the front including pads around £260. Shocks can vary again depends what you go for Bilstiens are around £170 each. Servicing should be around the same price as the 1.9. Brake calipers around £80 each. Apart from that i dont know as nothing has gone wrong.
bill
 
I have no idea what car i will end up with,when i see it i will know maybe Z3 or Z4 at this point i'am still gathering information

Si-forks on tapatalk
 
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