135i or 370z
 

I went to Nissan and BMW yesterday and I am completely torn between the two. I was able to pull a White MT Touring w/ Sport package for 36,000 or I can have a Black 135i with coral red interior, MT, sport package and 4yr/50,000 mile free maintance including oil, brake, wipers etc for 37,000 and some change. The Z apr is about 7% the BMW is about 3.9% so whatever I pay more for the BMW now I make up in the long run! Suggestions please

Since pricing would be the same, which one do you like better? You can probably get a better rate on the Z if you try and find financing yourself.

Theres a thread comparing the two cars on here too, links to edmunds comparison I think..

If you're asking this on a 370Z forum, you should already know what people are going to state ;)

I have test driven both and both are right there as far as performance stock for stock.
The handling is far better on the Z hands down..edmunds did a comparo and they also chose the 370.
The BMW probably has an edge if you boost the turbo via a Vishnu PROcede and it will have it putting close to 400 whp. The New Z is going to be highly mod friendly in the long run soooo..

I read some where(could be this site,I've searched but can't find it) the 135i engines are taking a crap around 30,000 miles! It has to be taken out and tore apart! The way it was written I think the poster works for BMW.

For roughly the same price Id take the BMW. More "adult", free maintenance, back seats, more storage space, great performance, BMW name (if you care about that)...just a few reasons.

Can Nissan Beat BMW? 370Z vs. 135i

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I'd consider a 135i over the 370Z if I had the need for a backseat (I don't, that's what my G sedan is for). But ultimately I don't think I'd buy it. There are better 4 door sedans out there that offer more than the 135i for less $$$. In addition, the 135i isn't "adult" to me at all. It's like a junior 3 series and just screams "starter car" to me. It's like Peyton Manning-lite (sorry Eli) compared to the 3 series. Eli is a great performer but Peyton still does most things better than him and is more polished. It doesn't look that hot to me either, the front is cool but the side profile and rear don't look so good, esp. when compared to the 3 series. I'd say 370Z > than the 135i unless you need a backseat. They're completely different cars though and I wouldn't cross shop them (I know many will though).

I know they were having some problems with the early 335 turbo pumps, not sure if that was corrected or not.

Since when is a $40k car a "starter car"? No doubt the 3 series is really nice...its also much more expensive than the 1 series.


I have been following the 135i since it came out last year and I was convinced it would be my next car until I saw the 370z. Now the choice will be tougher. The main thing driving me towards the Z is the price ($5k or so cheaper msrp wise + more wiggle room than BMW). But if I could get either one for more or less the same price, like the OP can, then I would choose the BMW.

First of all a $40,000 car is definitely a starter car for a lot of people, it depends on how much $$$ you make. I wouldn't buy a 135i, I'd buy one for my daughter (if I had one) when she turned 16. Anyway, the 135i IS BMW's starter car, it's the cheapest car they make. The 3 series isn't that much more expensive than the 135i. The 135i starts off at $36,675 with no options and the 335i coupe starts off at $43,025 while the 335i sedan is $41,125. I don't call $5,000-6,000 to be much more when comparing cars and anybody that can afford a new BMW would cross shop the 1 series and 3 series depending on what they were looking for.

they both drive alot diff. one is a torque monster with a softer suspension. the other is NA with a tighter feel and steering. your best bet is to test drive them both and see which one you like.

the interior of both cars is also TOTALLY different. One is a cramped two seater with everything based around the driver and the other is a very bland though well done luxury interior that is designed essentially the same for every BMW.

Completely different cars in practice. This shouldn't be that much of a struggle. I test drove both, Z is way sportier...the interior in the 1 series isnt that great. All depends on you...also prepare to pay more if you want aftermarket on the 1.