its not great but its not completely terrible either. i heard upgrading slightly improves alot.

Yes - you will want to upgrade. The Bose system (while not bad) isn't up to snuff. Custom will fix it quick!

The stereo sucks azz... if you are an audiophile. Buy the base+sport because its extremely expensive to mod the bose system due to very complicated oem install method. People will say its decent. But if you are asking it means you like quality sound. This means it really sucks bad. BA SE60 pro with JL audio W6v2 in an enclosure and an amp of your preference will kick major azz in the Z. The rear glass will make it kick super hard but still have the clarity and concert like sound you will be looking for.

The Z has much more of a cockpit feel than the BMW. I was also cross shopping but went with the Z. While the 135i looks good, the Z looks much better and will keep you smiling every time you walk up to it which is a HUGE plus in my opinion. Also, with the Z you'll feel more like your part of an elite family. The Z isn't practical but it's fantastic! I'm 22 and live in SF and ******* love this car. I barely get to drive it (2010 with 5,300 miles) but when I do its pure sex.

The BMW is definitely fast but the Z has a more complete sports car feel.

Buy a sport package Z. Add an exhaust (F.I.) and you'll not regret it!!!

:iagree:

From a guy that went down the same road....

Bought a base 350Z always wanted those upgrades inc ... limitted slip especially.

So, when I bought my 370Z I popped the extra $1900... used it's less. You get VLSD, better wheels, better brakes and syncro rev shift (big deal)... etc... Well worth the $1900

The stereo in all the Z's is so, so.... But, not horrible if you like front presence only.

I like a little more from rear stage .... So, I saved up $500 for a new stereo and WOW what a difference and aftermarket stereo and a couple of low priced 4" in back make.
I was able to get touch screen, blue tooth, rear camera, SD, USB, MP3 and I can download movies to watch in the car.... Better than stock imo... Don't need nav but, can always tack that on for another $300 if I decide I want it later. I have a portable nav ... but, rarely use it .. I'd rather print out Google Map before I leave to go. Backups: Portable Nav / Nav on my phone. Don't need more than that ... Oh, had a nav in another car disc wouldn't read after a few years and it was going to cost more to repair it than this system so I bought another one for that vehicle and love it too !!! As well as for my Motorhome. I can't say enough about Pioneer AVT3300BT. Rant off

Quick shot of the stereo:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y25...Z/IMG_3272.jpg

I highly recommend the Sport Package.... It's worth waiting for :bowrofl:

I considered the 1-series. Pass. Would rather buy a used CPO M3 if I went the BMW route.

Tremendous review! I like my Bose stereo. The 1M is one of the few cars that could replace my Z. Not the 135i. The turns are too important for me to compromise.

After years of FI, I like the ready power of NA.

How much do I like the 370? I have been thinking about another car just for track driving and I am drawn to KillerBees 370 over an M3. His car is not that different from my own. I can't help but think I should get an 8 cylinder for the track.

When i bought my Z at the same time my best friend bought his 135I, i came from sivic si and he came from G35, well he mooded his bemer JB3 then JB4 chip we actually put them in together all i did to my car was changed all fluids And i do have the sport pakg also does he.

Now till this date am driving my N/A engine were his turbos now pushing 17psi after the JB4 install, well car starts braking, downpipe craked he bought a new one then intercooler craked he brought a new one then fuel pump went he bought a new one then in the same week me and him crashed our cars :shakes head: 1 month later we where back on the road.

two weeks ago his car died again starter went cuz his car keeps dying allover the place i think the pump is going again well i still drive my N/A after the crash and still drives like new and i got 12k miles friend got 14 k miles, i have to admit it the car makes lots of touque in low rpms than Z and makes aroung 450whp at 17psi wich is very nice, BUT when i let him drive my Z the first thing i hear from him is " man i miss this car, keeps reminding me of my G"

if u get 135i and mod it All i can say is hope u got a deeeeeeep poket, Me and my Z i still like it more than 450whp 135i, cuz it feels verry frigile to me where the Z is like GGGRRRRRRRRRmmmmm MRRRRROOOOOOMMMMMMMM yeah that feeling i like it more w/ my louzy 280whp:tiphat:

hope this helps pal, He still loves his bmw but weit till i get my twin slugs then gooodbye bemer in my mirrow hahhhaa

I got a used 2011 with Sports package and already-installed Stillen catback exhaust, tint, illuminated kickplates, splash guards, floor mats, trunk mat, and K&N drop-in filters ...with 1000 miles on it... for $27500. This was from a forum user!

I put in a Kenwood DNX-6980 nav unit with a back-up camera (for blind spot backing up = way more confidence I won't run a little kid over.) For other 'blind spot' issues, tilt your mirrors all the way out like they are supposed to be.

Windshield is for looking forward.
Side windows are for looking sideways.
Mirrors are for looking diagonally backwards.
Rear-view mirror is for looking behind.

None of those should repeat an object you just saw (you shouldn't see behind you with the side mirrors.. that's what the rear-view is for)

i was looking at the 135i's too when searching for my hobby car after having a cool MINI for 6yrs that constantly had electrical problems. 135i's looks werd... it looks cool from like one angle in pitch darkness and the rest is werd. :icon17:

then i looked at the S2000CR. almost bought one, sales guy played too much with the price. i gave him a reasonable offer and told him it was non-negotiable. i forget how much i said i would pay but he was like 'no ken i can't go THAT low.' so i walked away.

2 days later he called my mobile 'ken, guess wat good news, i CAN do that price you asked, come on over and we'll talk.'

so i told him excellent, we can talk about my brand spanken new 370Z! :D

he said i suck. :D hahahahahaha.

That's a tough decision, they're both good cars with different things to offer. The only thing I can comment on is, get the sprt package, you will regret it later if you don't.

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm enjoying reading the input/experiences. I'm about 95% sure I'm going to hold out for the sports package now.

How often do you guys bottom out/scrape in your z?

Check the used car section on this site. 27k for a base isn't a deal to me.

I'll check on that thanks!