1998 Z3 1.9 Roadster

[DennyS]

Hello my name is Denny Schaal and my car is a 1998 Z3 1.9. I’m 73 years young and I very much enjoy driving my roadster with the top down. The photos are of my older brother and I in the Oakmont PA Memorial Day Parade. My brother was the Parade Grand Marshal. I’m interested to know if any of the BMW 6 cylinder engines would be a transplant candidate for my Z3 and use my same 1.9 5 speed transmission and pretty much plug and play install Thank you for welcoming me to this forum and I look forward to many enjoyable conversations.

 

[Shelly]

 

[IainP]

Welcome.
Yes, you can swap in the 6 cylinder engine, you’ll need the engine wiring loom and ecu though, either from a Z3 or e36. Never done it myself, but YouTube has lots of vids of folks who have.

The 6 cylinder cars have vented front discs and wider calipers, different front spring for the extra weight, I’d swap those over too.

 

[Duncodin]

Mine is a 1.9 The 16 valve M44 engine. I love the engine and would not swap it for a small 6 cyl even if the 6 cyl engine and all the work was zero cost.

A nice 2.8 or 3.0 on the other hand are interesting. I would consider that. But then, if I was thinking of that I think I'd just go the extra mile and drop a v8 in there instead.

 

[DennyS]

Thank all for the kind replies. Have a great 2024.

 

[DennyS]

Mine is a 1.9 The 16 valve M44 engine. I love the engine and would not swap it for a small 6 cyl even if the 6 cyl engine and all the work was zero cost.

A nice 2.8 or 3.0 on the other hand are interesting. I would consider that. But then, if I was thinking of that I think I'd just go the extra mile and drop a v8 in there instead.

I have to say the thought of an LS swap did cross my mind. Thanks.

 

[Duncodin]

I'm building a 507 kit on mine. Some people wonder why I'm building a 507 kit it on a 4 cyl engine. A 6 would be better they say. But the original 507 had a v8 but only had around 150HP which is not much more than a 16 valve 1.9 anyway so performance would likely be pretty much the same.

But one day. If I get bored and everything else has been done I might, just might, look for a V8 and the LS swap would cross my mind too.

 

[DennyS]

Yeah. Lov that LS rumble with headers

 

[PHILIP BAXTER]

Hi, and welcome from me in Cardiff.

 

[DennyS]

Thank you. Happy 2024

 

[hard top]

to the Forum.

 

[Pond]

I have to say the thought of an LS swap did cross my mind. Thanks.

Hi and welcome.
I know someone in the US stuck an LS7 in a Z3, which is a biggie!
Apparently it travelled 8 miles before crashing! Just sayin'.

 

[colb]

Welcome aboard, all you will ever want to know can be found on here, I have a M43 engined Z3 and find it quite adequate, also run a 2.5 Z4 which is a completely different drive with loads of power. Style wise I much prefer the Z3.

 

[Althulas]

Hi and welcome from me.

 

[DennyS]

Thank you

 

[Mint]

Hi Denny and to the forum from me too in Stafford, England.