Torn.
 

First off I know nobody can make my decisions except for me. With that being said I am simply looking for some knowledgeable real opinions. I am looking into purchasing two different cars; either the 370z (once the overheating issue is resolved) or an e46 BMW M3. I will be using this car primarily as a daily driver but also will take it to the track at least 3-4 times a year. Price and warranty are not an issue as I am simply looking for opinions of the machine itself.

The thing is, on paper these cars are very similar. For example...

e46 M3 / 370z

0-60: 4.7 sec / 5.1 sec
1/4 Mile: 13.3 sec / 13.7 sec
Skidpad: 0.91g / 0.97g

(according to Road & Track)

Just a curious person looking for a straightforward answer from a great community of car enthusiasts.

It's been resolved with an oil cooler. From what I've read in the forums, certain dealerships will install it without voiding warranty.

Where did you get those times from? The Z is a good bit quicker than a 13.7 if anything you have the 1/4 mile and the 0-60 reversed...

I just pulled the numbers from road and track's website. I just grabbed both for both cars from the same site for a "better" comparison. I know the numbers may not be entirely accurate but I just threw them in as an example. Like I said I am just trying to get some opinions from other car enthusiasts like me.

Both are really great car! If you need 4 seats, def go for the E46. Since you mention it'll be a daily driver, I'd suggest you to buy the E46. But you have to keep in mind that you're buying a used car. Someone who purchased the E46 new, def had need for speed. So, carefully inspect the car. I'm not sure what car you drive now. It'll be easier for us to give you an idea if you can live with the 370Z or not. Some thinks it's noisy and stiff while other like us (who came from 350Z or other sports car), thinks it's the perfect suspension till date!

Good luck with your hunt and feel free to let us know what you decide.

I'm going to say the Z might be a better choice in the long run. Yes as a daily the M probably would be a little more comfortable with possibly more amenities. But I'm going to have to think on the negative side of things. German cars are expensive to fix, and the M is not going to have much of a warranty left if any. If you know what your getting yourself into and the prices that could come along with the M then by all means go for it. Both are great cars.

A used M will depreciate less than a new Z... Might want to consider 2009 Z when the 2010 is released, if you're pinching pennies... 370, once set up a bit, makes for a great dual purpose car - track and street

As far as previous cars I have been a BMW person all my life (not that long as I am only 24, but hey.) I started out with an '82 633CSi when I was 16, then at about 21 I got a '98 328is that I set up for track use (suspension and lightening it up) but also used it for a daily driver so super hard suspension and noisy as hell does not bother me. After I was rear ended and put under an SUV I picked up a 528i that was too slow and soft for me but worked because my wife and I had just purchased a house and I didn't need to pick up a car payment. last June I was T-Boned by a kid (who was texting :mad: ) and now I drive a Chevy Avalanche (my wife convinced me that we needed a truck while I was on pain killers, and at the time I didn't care because my back was destroyed) and it is killing me.

Okay, sadly there is my history of cars. I still love BMW's but we bought my wife an '09 Altima and we had a great experience with Nissan so I am looking into other options. And its hard to find too many rwd cars anymore.

I have talked to the dealers in my area and have not had any luck. Most of them seem to have no idea about the problem in the first place.

Sorry about the accidents and your back problems. Since you're a long time BMW admirer and have hx of back problems, I suggest you to get the BMW. It's a little softer than the Z (I believe) and you'll like the interior amenities. Also, since you mention the wife, it's more practical . (Z is one of the least practical car you can buy). You ARE correct, there's not many RWD sports car in the market. If you still like the Z and want to give it a try, I say take it out for a spin. Feel the power and suspension. If you like it, go for it. If it's too harsh or loud, then go with BMW.

As for hot oil temp, I could never go past 220 (240 max) with regular driving. You will need oil cooler if you track your car. Some dealers are respecting the warranty if you have the Nissan Motorsport oil cooler installed at their place. Once the Nismo unit comes out(which should be soon), then IT IS under Nissan warranty.

Of course the Z! BMWs are nice, but only the M series. A bit to pricey though. Good luck with your decision!

I am sure you know since you have owned BMW's before. But maintenance costs are going to be really high especially with the used M cars. You should check out edmunds long term test of a 2002 M3. They loved it but were not fond of the costs.

2002 BMW M3 Long-Term Road Tests Blog on Edmunds' Inside Line

They also have a 370z in their stable.

2009 Nissan 370Z Touring Long-Term Road Tests Blog on Edmunds' Inside Line

doens't BMW have 0.9 financing right now and 50k maintenance free also??

Take that into consideration also. Maybe even a 335i, can't beat I6 wih tt's.......

Either would be a fine choice, I almost bought a 135, but in the end the options were just too expensive.