E46 330ci vs Z4 3.0l

[dhutch]

I have often wondered how much difference there was between these two cars, in terms of the under pinnings. Obviously they share the same M54 engine doing 230bhp, with the Z4 being 200kg lighter with 200mm shorter wheelbase.

Presumably there are few actual shared parts in terms of the front arms of one fitting the other, but are are they totally different cars with the same engine or basically the same running gear tweaked for the body type?

I own the 330ci, and nearly bought a Z4 in place of it but couldnt quite face not having some practically.


Daniel

[Jakg]

They are very similar. Lots of suspension / brake parts are shared for example.

Suspension / brakes etc are also similar to the Rover 75 / MG ZT.

[Mr Tidy]

Yes, they share a lot of mechanical, suspension and braking parts - as well as wheel sizes and offsets.

But a 3 litre Z4 is a bit quicker than an E46 330i due to it being lighter.

[sparks_E46]

I saw an early Z4 this morning in that beautiful teal blue colour they did, definitely aged well and it sounded great too.

[Mr Tidy]

I think that would be Toledo Blue. It's a great colour, although I prefer Merlot!

But facelift Z4s (early 2006 onwards) got the N52 engine from the E9* 3 Series, so the 3.0Si has 265bhp - which luckily is what my Z4 Coupe has!

[dhutch]

Cheers all.

Mr Tidy said:

But facelift Z4s (early 2006 onwards) got the N52 engine from the E9* 3 Series, so the 3.0Si has 265bhp - which luckily is what my Z4 Coupe has!

Ah, I did notice some had 265bhp so that makes sense.


Daniel