Buying soon 370z or 135i
 

Hey guys,

I just joined the forum. I wanted to put in my 2 cents and get some input. Below are my thoughts/experiences.

I've been driving a '67 bug my whole life and as much fun as that sounds, I hate it. With that being said I just finished college and got bumped up to salary pay at my job and my first priority is to get a new car. I originally wanted a 370 but didn't want to rush in a buy the first car I liked, so over the course of a couple months I've narrowed my choices down to 370z, g37, 135i. I test drove the g37 coupe and I felt like I was driving a normal car - nothing special. My friends are encouraging me to get a 135i which I've yet to test drive but the only thing I like about them are the headlights and the back seat.

I test drove a 370 last week, just a base model but it was so much fun to drive. I felt like I was in a cockpit the entire time. My thoughts are it would be nice to get a car that has room for more than one passenger but at the same time I'd probably hardly ever have people putting them to use. I don't really want a car that's the bland vehicle you use to get around when you need to go somewhere. I want a toy, something that I want to drive and play in as well as for my daily commutes. The 370z seems it would fit me more than any of the other cars I looked at even though it may not be the most practical car. I've been following the forums/reviews on all of the cars aforementioned and it seems like no body wants to own a bmw once they start getting into the higher mileage because of maintenance costs. Which presses me even more to get a 370z instead.

I have a buddy who's dad owns the Nissan dealership here in town and he works as the manager of the used car department. He told me he would sell me a 2011 base model z with about 14k miles on it for 27k. This seems like a pretty good deal to me. I'm not planning on going to the track all the time with my car (if ever) so I'm assuming the base model should suffice for my needs, but I don't want to regret not getting the sports option down the road. If I hold out I lose out on the deal my friend offered me. Should I just go with the base model or hold out anyway and is 27k a good deal for a 2011 base? I'm looking for some input and advice.

Thanks in advance

P.S. I'm not 100% sure this is the correct spot to post this thread. (I'm a new bee here)

This is really a decision you have to make.
There are pluses and minuses to both cars. What I prefer about BMW is...

1 Turbo engine is simpler to mod
2. DCT transmission
3. Engine feels torquier.
4. Higher quality interior
5. Sunroof.
6. Better manual shifting
7. 4 seats
8. Intuitive nav

What I prefer about the Z.
1. Better suspension
2. Better brake feel
3. More responsive steering
4. Driver focused cockpit.
5. More reasonably priced.
6. Incredible sport pkg
7. Better styling
8. Pulls 280rwhp of of NA V6
9. 2 seats
10. Intuitive nav

DISLIKES with BMW
1. Greenhouse looks discombobulated.
2. Parts are expensive
3. Questionable reliability
4. Corny computerized LSD
5. Aftermarket support is priced ridiculously
6. Stance from suspension sucks.
7. Cockpit a little to airy for a true sports car.

Z DISLIKES
1. No DCT
2. Manual can be better.
3. Stereo sucks, even the premium
4. Can use some more torque
5. No FI model.
6. Aftermarket is pricey, but still way cheaper than BIMMER. So its a positive negative.

When it comes to reliability I don't like to take chances. But in hindsight, I would have probably contacted DINAN to see how much a dinan modified 135I DCT would cost. But I still love my Z and have no regrets. I just prefer FI over NA.

I'm pretty sure you're going to regret not getting the sport package. But then again, I really don't know how much you value that option. I would hold out and get exaclty what I want the first time around, but we're two totally different people.

Thanks for the replies guys. I forgot to ask what do you guys do about the blindspot and how often do you wish you had back seats?

blindspot? I just hit the gas.

not honestly if you tip the mirrors out, there is no blindspot. You just can't look over your shoulder to see.


Back seats? of course sometimes you wish it, but I've always wished for a Z, so that trumps that.

I own more than one car so back seats don't bother me. The rear to me has no real blind spots. When you calibrate your mirrors properly, you can see everything behind you well. You just have to change habits from the last car. But there are some forward blind spots due to enormous side mirrors and wwide Apillar. Just double check when making turns or crossing traffic. But once you don't take your skill for granted and heed to this advice, you will overcome it rapidly.

Also check other places... you should be able to find a low mileage 2001 Touring/Sport for not too much more than what you are quoted on the base.

Check out this video should help a bit :tup:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8Po...e_gdata_player

If you are a girl buy the 1 series. If you look between your legs and see things hanging buy a Z:stirthepot:

135i has direct injection and those motors (like many DI motors with turbo systems) are know to have problems with the DI fuel pumps. Do your homework before you buy a DI turbo, I know a guy with a stock 135i who has had his replaced five times by BMW.

Had similar problems on my Mazdaspeed3 with the DI pump.

Also, the reason they make minimal HP vs torque is that the turbos (again like the Mazdaspeed3) dont breathe well up top as they are rather small. You can of course tune the motor and boost them up a lot to make another 75whp easy with exhaust, but the turbos and fuel pump wont last. Many cars just arent built these days to take that kind of stuff. The Z is pretty reliable for the money.

In short... turbo easy to modify but harder to maintain.
Non aspirated, more reliable but a b1tch to turn into FI and modify.

Me I'm going to go FI on the Z and I'm noticing how much work I'm going to have to do. By the time I'm done I could have owned a used GTR. Lol. It just really depends on what you want, really. I know in the end, I will be happy with a turbo Z. You get moresatisfaction knowing you made something happen that was not part of the plan. A turbo 370z. Sounds like heaven to me. So I'm doing it. :)

Thanks again for the responses guys. Unknown turbo z sounds awesome! I'm starting to lean towards holding out for a different z with sports option. Where would you guys recommend looking for z's?

If and when youre ready, the forum vendors on here are more than willing to lend a helping hand with buying your Z. Good luck with which ever car you decide on :tiphat:

Thanks, I'll have to look into that.

Another question, how is the car audio? I've heard terrible things about it. I just figured it's nothing a custom upgrade can't fix?