How is the reliability/cost of maintenance of 370z's? Thinking of selling my e46 m3

AestheticCM1 · 08-02-2016, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BimmersFtw

I currently own a 2004 bmw m3 and i'm thinking of selling it and getting a brand new 370z. The cost of maintenance and owning my m3 is getting a bit ridiculous and it's always needing some type of work done on it. I'm somewhat handy with working on my car, I can do brakes, cooling system work, some suspension work and things like that on my own.

Basically what i'm trying to ask is how reliable are these cars and what are the weak points that have to be taken care of? How is the cost of maintenance once warranty is done? Is it a car that you can spend a weekend on wrenching on it yourself? I've already test driven one and I had a lot of fun driving it!

I'm a former bimmer owner as well. The high points on 370z issues have been mentioned already, so I'll simply say that in my experience, the 370z is considerably cheaper to maintain, and so far hasn't had any of the electrical gremlins that seemed to crop up every 7k in my bimmer. As far as dealership work goes, the prices are similar, but thankfully my Z hasn't required a single trip to the dealership outside of standard maintenance in 3 years. You will miss the exhaust note in your bimmer though, the Z's is comparatively unfulfilling.

Jhill · 08-02-2016, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AestheticCM1

I'm a former bimmer owner as well. The high points on 370z issues have been mentioned already, so I'll simply say that in my experience, the 370z is considerably cheaper to maintain, and so far hasn't had any of the electrical gremlins that seemed to crop up every 7k in my bimmer. As far as dealership work goes, the prices are similar, but thankfully my Z hasn't required a single trip to the dealership outside of standard maintenance in 3 years. You will miss the exhaust note in your bimmer though, the Z's is comparatively unfulfilling.

That's funny cause I like the z exhaust note while not really a fan of the e46 m3.

Magic Bus · 08-02-2016, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AestheticCM1

I'm a former bimmer owner as well. The high points on 370z issues have been mentioned already, so I'll simply say that in my experience, the 370z is considerably cheaper to maintain, and so far hasn't had any of the electrical gremlins that seemed to crop up every 7k in my bimmer. As far as dealership work goes, the prices are similar, but thankfully my Z hasn't required a single trip to the dealership outside of standard maintenance in 3 years. You will miss the exhaust note in your bimmer though, the Z's is comparatively unfulfilling.

Low budget exhaust!!

For $400 or less, you can have a really nice sounding Z.

In researching new M's, for better exhaust sound you're near $4k!

AestheticCM1 · 08-03-2016, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magic Bus

Low budget exhaust!!

For $400 or less, you can have a really nice sounding Z.

In researching new M's, for better exhaust sound you're near $4k!

I know the Z's exhaust note can be upgraded, but in my opinion no Z's exhaust can match the heavenly notes produced by an inline six.

lexluther · 08-03-2016, 12:10 PM

OP, I'm in the same boat but my mind is set on getting rid of my weekend toy, a 2005 M3. I've had it for 3.5 years and during my ownership from 87K miles to 120K currently, I've had to do the following...

SMG pump failed--I could have spent $3K replacing the unit, or $4K converting it to a standard 6 speed, so I had it converted.

Control arms, Rear trailing arm bushings, Vanos rebuild, CPV valve, oil pan gasket, 3 ignition coils failed so I replaced all 6 and spark plugs, rear shock mounts broke (luckily the subframe has never had issues), so I replaced shocks and mounts in the rear. Power steering line leak, steering column collar replacement, Diff fluid replacement, thermostat and water pump overhaul. Blower motor resistor (also very common). I'm sure I've forgotten some stuff too..

Here I am 3.5 years later and have spent probably close to $8K in maintenance and repairs with me doing some of the labor. Now I'm struggling to get $11.5K for the car lol.

Also, I'm not a huge fan of the high pitch noise our exhausts produce, even with aftermarket exhausts. It just doesn't sound very aggressive. I get it's the inline 6, Formula 1 sounding tone--but meh, lol.

yeah, I'm selling this thing and never looking back. Fun car, but not worth the headache.

nis350 · 08-03-2016, 08:10 PM

yeah.. the e46 m3 has a distinctive exhaust/engine sound at high rpm and it is better than the 370z, but I like the exhaust sound from the 350z or g37's more.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AestheticCM1

I know the Z's exhaust note can be upgraded, but in my opinion no Z's exhaust can match the heavenly notes produced by an inline six.

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08-03-2016, 12:10 PM	#5 (permalink)
lexluther Base Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: IL Posts: 41 Drives: 2017 Nismo Rep Power: 6721	OP, I'm in the same boat but my mind is set on getting rid of my weekend toy, a 2005 M3. I've had it for 3.5 years and during my ownership from 87K miles to 120K currently, I've had to do the following... SMG pump failed--I could have spent $3K replacing the unit, or $4K converting it to a standard 6 speed, so I had it converted. Control arms, Rear trailing arm bushings, Vanos rebuild, CPV valve, oil pan gasket, 3 ignition coils failed so I replaced all 6 and spark plugs, rear shock mounts broke (luckily the subframe has never had issues), so I replaced shocks and mounts in the rear. Power steering line leak, steering column collar replacement, Diff fluid replacement, thermostat and water pump overhaul. Blower motor resistor (also very common). I'm sure I've forgotten some stuff too.. Here I am 3.5 years later and have spent probably close to $8K in maintenance and repairs with me doing some of the labor. Now I'm struggling to get $11.5K for the car lol. Also, I'm not a huge fan of the high pitch noise our exhausts produce, even with aftermarket exhausts. It just doesn't sound very aggressive. I get it's the inline 6, Formula 1 sounding tone--but meh, lol. yeah, I'm selling this thing and never looking back. Fun car, but not worth the headache.