reasonably stated.

Lol. I drive my Z 160+ miles a day for 5 days of the week. I think maybe 30k plus miles a year? Yeah, this car makes me smile every day, no doubt. And the reliability of this car is just incredible.

On topic though I wouldn't mind getting the BMW but the reliability issues and what not just turned me off to how much I would be driving a day. Mashing on the gas pedal and pushing me back on my seat power would be great but going through curves and corners at speeds I wouldn't be able to on cars that are comparable in price, nothing beats the Z for what it does.

I agree, the Z brings, reliability, suspension, and value for your money to the table.

Nobody believes in the BMW's anymore, what a shame. I have no experience with them, I just assumed they were well put together and reliable. That's what I would expect for the money you spend.

I actually had the pleasure to drive an 135i convertible for a week. The steering is definitely firmer and more predictable than the 370. I had more confidence at higher corner speeds than the 370. I don't know if it's the run flat or what. The launch control was pretty fun too. Stock for stock, they are very identical in acceleration when lined up.

You can either be lucky or very unlucky with the Bmw reliability. A family member just leased a 2016 428i and within the first day, the tpms went out and they had to change out all sensors and antenna. With out warranty, that would cost around 20 Benjamin franklins. All German cars have too much unnecessary computer chips that will break sooner or later. There is a reason most people lease. I wouldn't dare touch one without certified or extended warranty.
Have you considered leasing a new model? Free maintenance too.

Although my 2011 Z is mostly reliable after 63000 miles of hard driving, it did had some issues.
-steering lock left me stranded for 3 hours until I found the wonderful info in this website
-rear axle had to be lubed or else it clicks

Good luck on the decision

I'm a BmW fan prior to owning the Z.
Hands down BMW are reliable but once you reach the 60k miles to 100k miles the required maintenance cost is astronomical hurt you.

Why do you think BMW only lease their cars up to 30 to 40k miles because once you go beyond this range cost of the car drastically drops due to pending required maintenance. If you can afford an extended warranty then you are good.

Most affluent people they don't buy luxury brand cars they mostly lease them.
They only use them for business and for power play social gatherings.

But a BMW 1 vs a Z? Hmm...
The 1 is nothing like a daily small sized sedan for me.
Go for the big guns the likes of the 335s or the M division if you really want to go the high road of having fast luxurious cars. But that is my opinion.

I'll probably get more attention with my Z than the BMW 1

Thanks. I wasn't even going to consider the carmax warranty as it can be suspect, but after hearing so many warnings, I would almost have to purchase it for peace of mind alone. Their warranties get mixed reviews, but the carmax I'm purchasing from gets nothing but great reviews. Buying any used car is a risk, especially if you don't even get to see the people that were driving it prior.

I don't trust any inspections dealers or carmax claim, or CPO, they are still used cars and unknown territory. So many purchased and sold at auction that nobody knows much about the car until they already bought it.

If I'm that close to the threshold of expensive maintenance preventative, or failure, I am definitely leaning toward keeping the Z. Most of the responses say the same thing. Very tuner friendly and potentially quick, but unreliable enough that so many make mention of it. I know if I asked the question in reverse, nobody would even mention reliability regarding the Z.

I am glad your keeping the z :)

Since your going to keep it, I would spend a few bucks on gears for the diff, if you haven't already, and hold out for the next Z with the TT 3.0.

It's so funny how all you guys are the voice of reason (even the 135 guys are), and I appreciate it. I'm a guy that usually goes against reason, but 90% of the time it has benefited me in life. I purchased the Z impulsively and that was one of the best decisions I have made. I purchased my ZX6R Ninja without ever even riding a bike or any motorized vehicle besides a car in my life. That was another great decision as I couldn't imagine not having a bike. Theo only bad impulse decision I made was joining the Army and serving 7 years (2 of which in Iraq). But even then, it has benefited me just as much as it has impaired me. I got married impulsively just before my second tour in Iraq (I figured I wouldn't make it back so what the heck, hahahaha). It was the best decision of my life and we only dated for 10 months or so. Had I not, I wouldn't be here right now. Sorry for the personal talk, I tend to rant.

I have been researching non stop over the past few days and it looks like the 2012 135 with the single turbo is relatively reliable as compared to the earlier n54 twin turbo models. I've been driving the hell out of my Z the last 2 days and having a blast, but it's like that girlfriend you have had for a long time, the passion starts to fade over time. I always think the car I buy will be, "the one," and I will never get rid of it. I grow attached to them, but I also enjoy a new platform to play with. I have never had a car with significant tq, it would be nice to see what it's like. I'm actually enjoying all the responses and feedback in general.

What will the change in gears do for me and what would I be looking at cost wise? Pardon my lack of knowledge in this area.

:iagree:

Not sure of cost for the Z, there are a few threads on here about what you need part numbers and cost. But it will pull some top end out of the car, but it will accelerate quicker. Feel like more torque.
Some of the guys that have done it in the Z can tell you more about the seat of the pants difference is like for the Z. The cars I've done it in, one was like I added 100HP, gears in it were hwy gears (2:29)and crap, went to a 3:73, the truck I did, for sure a difference, but not as much, went from a 3:08 to a 3:73. The Z you can do a 4:08, can't remember what stock is.

Worth looking into if you want more pull out of the Z, it will make a bit of a difference for sure .

interesting, thank you for the advice.

There are a few guys on my street with BMW's, a 135 an M3, an M4, a regular 4 and a regular 6 and I can tell you that they all drool when they see my Z.

I doubt anyone with an M4 would be drooling at a 30k Nissan... Lmao.

i doubt any bmw leaser would drool over any other car... cause u know..

We should let the kids continue living in their little dream world, I guess. :bowrofl:

Sooo... How does your logic translate when you married? Lmao just busting your balls :stirthepot:

Btw, it's not the large engine component you should be worried about. It's the small electrical, sensors, hoses that goes bad frequently in German cars and are expensive as h€ll to fix

Depends on how it's dressed, Z's turn heads when there done right and real car guys don't put a price tag on customization. If it's hot, it's hot, could care less if it's $30k or $300k.

yah, only problem is a lot of these bimmer folks arent car folks at all... just all show and bad, arrogant driving.

Former M3 owner here and always a true car guy, must be the new generation.

i didnt say all.

just a lot of bimmer folks buy the cars for status, not so much the car itself.
a 30k car is not much of a status..

but we all knew this already..

Oh I know, but the prevailing attitude here on this forum is that the 370Z makes everyone jealous and makes everyone's panties drop... man or woman. It's just hilarious to me how many on this forum tend to act. I've never been part of another community that takes itself this seriously. :roflpuke2:

i want to see panties drop for a honda fit. then dat is funny

Really........ I never caught that vibe, but in my own defense, I hardly ever pay attention, Lol. Cars don't mean Shiit to me as far as status to me cause I've known guys who have Lambos that were ducking the repo man, True Story!!! Houses and vacation homes show status to me in the little that it does show, but who cares right.

It happens in pretty much any "versus" type thread. I always get a kick out of it.

I'm like you, I don't care about status. I just drive what I like and don't give a **** what anyone else things, good or bad.

Some of these people, though, are like:

http://cdn1.theodysseyonline.com/fil...be%20liked.jpg

yah, when people i know come to visit me, my garage door closes. they dont need to see my toys.
all they need to see is my honda fit.

Same here, I have a few, but I'm know for the guy that has the little blue SmartCar.

:iagree: Even my car the way its set up I drool looking at my own car..and this is what I do when I see an m4:roflpuke2:

Personally from driving is250/350 , audi a4, c 300 I can say that the 335 was by far the most exciting drive.

No ifs ands or buts.

However once you reach 60k miles be prepared to 'Bring My Wallet'

Maintenence is expensive and worst of all don't ever follow their manual. Mine said 16000km oil changes.

Anyways why not get a m2?

Oh and most of the bad crowd BMW are leases. Or the 328... lol

I had a BMW 535i. That bitch leaked and leaked. After 4 trips to BMW it still leaked. Sold it right away. Worthless piece of crap.

Edit: No offense.

Meanwhile I'm over here looking at X5s. :icon17:

easy gentleman, no reason to get into a brand war, that's so silly. I have now driven both and I can say the 135i is fun to drive. It has a lot of potential and I was pleasantly surprised. Eye of the beholder guys, both cars are fun. Remember, I have had the Z for 4 years. I have had a ton of fun in it and drove it like it should be driven. It's not about which car is better, this isn't motor trend, it was just about speed and power potential. The Z eventually taps out with typical bolt ons without spending a fortune on FI. The BMW has a lot of potential and it will be a great journey to make it quicker, and hopefully better looking.

I was shocked they let me drive the bmw solo. I drove it like it was stolen, even in the rain no TC. I know it's going to be a blast when it's dry. I just drove it home today and I really do enjoy driving it. I love the tq and it is already pretty quick in stock form. I can't imagine how fun it will be when I install the JB4 and a couple small bolt ons. They are great at the Carmax by me, I see why they get such great reviews. They are holding my Z for the entire 5 day return period, so worst case I grab it back no harm no foul. I doubt I will though, I'm already enjoying looking up parts and all the possibilities. Someone will grab that Z and have a blast with it just like I did. It's so much fun just getting used to a new beast. Two totally different cars. I'm focusing on the positives instead of the negatives (mainly having a back seat).

The BMW was perfect, not a scratch on it. I can tell it has been a commuter car all it's life. It sounds like a prius, but I will change that soon. I'm going to paint the stock rims gloss black, toss on some springs, tints, and it will be good to go for the winter. Summer time I'll get a nice set of rims/tires. I don't have buyers remorse at all. They didn't even care if I bought the car or not. Zero pressure, didn't even try to get me to buy the 2k warranty. I was already prepared with my rebuttal and didn't even get to use it.

I'm so appreciative of everyone who responded. Had I not gotten all this feedback and done my research, I would have been lost. I will let you guys know as soon as I get the JB4 installed over the next couple days. I'm pretty sure that will make up my mind for me.

BMW makes great cars, man. They are a joy to drive!

Congrats I would do the same trade in a heartbeat these days. 2 or 3 years ago I would of only traded it for a Porsche or vette. I really want a more luxury quick feel. the z is just not practical either getting v8 gas mileage in the city when and having to floor it just to get it moving the way you want.

I went the other way. BMW to a Z. I could no longer put up with a car that had one problem after another. I can't understand a company like BMW, supposed known for engineering excellence, but can't make a car that you can depend on. It reminded me of American cars I owned growing up. Except that it handled like a dream. The Z is more fun, and knock wood, has been completely reliable.

Enjoy the bimmer! Post lots of pics when you get the chance.!

A bit on the arrogant side there, aren't you? I believe you are misinterpreting what I am writing. So just to clear it up for you while you are luao, I wrote " they drool when they SEE my Z" not drive it. Do you comprehend the difference? From an aesthetic point, the Z is a much more sexier car than any BMW. That said, we are all entitled to our opinion.