BMW Z4 28i vs 20i

[steamdave]

I'm considering buying a Z4 (but also considering other makes/models).

It is the 28i Msport version that I'm interested in, but they are not around in abundance, particularly with auto box and well spec'ed. None for sale at the moment in Ireland, where I live. Much as I would like the 35i, I can't justify paying an annual road tax of 1200 EU for a 3rd car in the family. So. I may have to lower my sights and look for a 20i Msport.

My questions are: What did BMW do to the 2 litre engine to up the power by about 30% from 184 to 245 bhp? Presumably the uprated engine wasn't overstressed (or was it?) putting out the extra power.
Did they uprate the oil or water cooling systems, uprate the gearbox or brakes or were these components standard across all power outputs?

Dave
The Emerald Isle

[steamdave]

Thanks, Gents for your replies.

Looks like I can look for a 20i and get it 'sorted'.

Dave
The Emerald Isle

[steamdave]

Deep Thought said:

Its a very tunable engine and i'd have no doubt you could remap it easily to 28i power levels. I'd it in my Cooper S and had mine modded to around 240 BHP.

Personally i'd rather do that than pay potentially £,£££s extra for a 28i.

I'd spend extra for a six cylinder variant, but not for a 28i.

We ran a black 20i for three years and loved it, btw

Over here in Ireland, the road tax on the 20i and 28i is the same at 590EU but for the 23i, it jumps up to 1120EU. And as mentioned earlier, the 35i would be 1200EU. These rates are based on emissions.

I take your point about getting the 20i and using the savings to get the engine remapped.

It's all moot at the moment because there is (as far as I know) only 1 Z4 2012 - 2015 (which is what I would be looking for) for sale in Ireland.

Dave
The Emerald Isle

[steamdave]

Deep Thought said:

I'm in NI, so just up the road from you!

The 23i was a 2.5 litre. I meant the 30i variant with the 3.0i litre.

I'd be more than happy with another 20i and a remap rather than a 28i. If i was putting 28i money in, i'd go 30i to get the straight six 3.0 litre, but your taxation regime is different so a moot point.

Any scope for importing one from the North or the UK mainland? Might be worthwhile to get the car you want?

Also try facebook.co.uk but search in NI. I take it you've tried donedeal.ie?

I've had a look at UK/NI sites and there are a few alright. Only problem is that I'm not prepared to travel to UK under the present cv-19 situation.
To give you an example of what delights the Irish Revenue have in store for imported vehicles (new or used), I've just found one for sale
https://www.theaa.com/used-cars/cardetails/94-1537... When it lands on Irish soil, I will have to fork out an extra 7480 EU within 28 days for the privilege of using it over here. The amount is based on what the Revenue call the Open Market Selling Price. So, even if I got the car for £5.00, I would still have to pay the 7480 EU. Barstewards!

Dave
The Emerald Isle