Is it an si?

[Warsp77]

Is there any way of visually checking to see if the car is the si version? I've seen one I'm interested in buying, and advert says it's the si, however looking at pics where it has the writing on side by indicator it says 3.0 i.

[enzed4]

Difficult to tell as it may have been modded to add Si type features.
Check for m-sport seats, MFSW in black with the ///m logo, and the 135m wheels which I think were usually specced on the Si models.
Only way for sure is to put the VIN into a BMW vin decoder. If you're lucky it will also have the 'vin displayed on dash' option (or whatever its called), as mine does, which allows you to see the VIN from outside.

[mr wilks]

Is there any way of visually checking to see if the car is the si version? I've seen one I'm interested in buying, and advert says it's the si, however looking at pics where it has the writing on side by indicator it says 3.0 i.

What year registration is it ?

[enzed4]

Is there any way of visually checking to see if the car is the si version? I've seen one I'm interested in buying, and advert says it's the si, however looking at pics where it has the writing on side by indicator it says 3.0 i.

What year registration is it ?

Of course - good point. If it's pre-2006 it won't be an Si

[rally-chris]

Look at the engine cover - a 2.5/3.0si has the N52 engine that looks completely different to the earlier M54 engine (large silver cover up to late 2007 and then black cover thereafter).

If it's a coupe then it can only be an facelift model, I.e. Si.

Facelift models will also have white indicator headlights, rectangular front fog lights, no body coloured bar across rear lights and different lense pattern, etc.

[Mr Tidy]

As has been said, Coupes are all Si's.

The change came with the facelift in 2006 I believe, but even facelifts have the 3.0i badge!

Can you find a dip-stick under the bonnet? - if not it is an Si with the N52 engine and 265bhp, but if you can it isn't an Si so has the M54 engine and 231 bhp!

[Smartbear]

As has been said, Coupes are all Si's.

The change came with the facelift in 2006 I believe, but even facelifts have the 3.0i badge!

Can you find a dip-stick under the bonnet? - if not it is an Si with the N52 engine and 265bhp, but if you can it isn't an Si so has the M54 engine and 231 bhp!

My si had badges that said "3.0si"?
Rob

[srhutch]

As has been said, Coupes are all Si's.

The change came with the facelift in 2006 I believe, but even facelifts have the 3.0i badge!

Can you find a dip-stick under the bonnet? - if not it is an Si with the N52 engine and 265bhp, but if you can it isn't an Si so has the M54 engine and 231 bhp!

That only works with the 3.0 which I guess the OP is talking about.

Same can't be said about the 2.5 as they both use the N52 but only one is an Si.

[srhutch]

Difficult to tell as it may have been modded to add Si type features.
Check for m-sport seats, MFSW in black with the ///m logo, and the 135m wheels which I think were usually specced on the Si models.
Only way for sure is to put the VIN into a BMW vin decoder. If you're lucky it will also have the 'vin displayed on dash' option (or whatever its called), as mine does, which allows you to see the VIN from outside.

You are confusing Si which is an engine designation to a trim level which would either be SE or Sport.

[Smartbear]

Difficult to tell as it may have been modded to add Si type features.
Check for m-sport seats, MFSW in black with the ///m logo, and the 135m wheels which I think were usually specced on the Si models.
Only way for sure is to put the VIN into a BMW vin decoder. If you're lucky it will also have the 'vin displayed on dash' option (or whatever its called), as mine does, which allows you to see the VIN from outside.

You are confusing Si which is an engine designation to a trim level which would either be SE or Sport.

Even that method is full of vagaries as my 3.0si was an se but had all the sport features mentioned above specced from new!
Rob

[Warsp77]

It's an 03, so I guess it's not then

[srhutch]

Difficult to tell as it may have been modded to add Si type features.
Check for m-sport seats, MFSW in black with the ///m logo, and the 135m wheels which I think were usually specced on the Si models.
Only way for sure is to put the VIN into a BMW vin decoder. If you're lucky it will also have the 'vin displayed on dash' option (or whatever its called), as mine does, which allows you to see the VIN from outside.

You are confusing Si which is an engine designation to a trim level which would either be SE or Sport.

Even that method is full of vagaries as my 3.0si was an se but had all the sport features mentioned above specced from new!
Rob

I was just trying to point out that Si relates to the engine so it's easy.

SE vs Sport different ball game.

[kis]

Is there any way of visually checking to see if the car is the si version? I've seen one I'm interested in buying, and advert says it's the si, however looking at pics where it has the writing on side by indicator it says 3.0 i.

Seller doesn't know! 2003 is pre facelift so M54 engine and definitely not an si. Not uncommon but worth giving it an extra check over? I'm speaking from a mechanical POV. My reasoning being an enthusiast would know if the owned a pre or facelift. He/she would also keep things up to date ensuring everything is looked after etc.

[Buckz]

It's an 03, so I guess it's not then

100% not

[enzed4]

Difficult to tell as it may have been modded to add Si type features.
Check for m-sport seats, MFSW in black with the ///m logo, and the 135m wheels which I think were usually specced on the Si models.
Only way for sure is to put the VIN into a BMW vin decoder. If you're lucky it will also have the 'vin displayed on dash' option (or whatever its called), as mine does, which allows you to see the VIN from outside.

You are confusing Si which is an engine designation to a trim level which would either be SE or Sport.

Not really. OP asked how to tell the difference (and now that we know it's an '03, the question is moot), and I pointed out the most obvious, easy to check clues. I'd be surprised if there were a lot of 3.0i Z4's specced with all of the Sport options, unless they had been retrofitted after purchase. Happy to be educated on this though.
I Also pointed out that the best way to tell was to check the VIN, and this should really be the first thing to check, thus avoiding all the debate.
Edit - sorry, I see what you're saying now. Yes, Si is the engine designation, and no indication of trim level.
Cheers.