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

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!

Chan Chee Hoe

370z are quite reliable,but best stay in stock form.....

axmea?

Reliable motor, tranny, and electricals. Lots of reasonably priced parts. If you will be modding get one that hasn't been modded. CSC is a common issue. Never run low on gas and do a fast right. Steering lock issue on pre '12 models.

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DeliriousClam

isn't that fixed by a different fuel pump?

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Zipper 104

A friend told me she'd read somewhere that the 370 is most the most reliable vehicle in Nissan's lineup. It'll be in a whole different league than your Beemer for sure.
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104

nis350

No comparison....

That M3 has so many big dollar problems - subframe, smg, cam bolts, rcab/fcab, rod bearings, alternator, ps hose leak, rear differential leaks, cpv leaks, timing chain tensioners, starter etc...

Not sure the mileage and condition of your M3, but I personally wouldn't own any with more than 60k miles even with excellent maint records. Unfortunately, most of these M3's are driven very hard.

Performance wise, z and e46 m3 is very close, but the z is much easier on our pocket. the m3 inline 6 is a wonderful motor and it is a wonderful car if it wasn't for all those problems.

UNKNOWN_370

Get a sport or Nismo. You're picking a great car. Very few problems. The main problems have already been mentioned.

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axmea?

The CJM solution.

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Jhill

I was a tech and started in the German field then went to Asian and last before leaving the field last year was USA. Never was a BMW or Nissan tech but in general the stereotype of Japanese cars is 100% true. I would never ever own German, BMW seems to be the better of the bunch but still, conn rod bearing issues, vanos issues, power steering line issues just more and more and more followed up with pricing that would make you think the parts should last right? But oh no we just jack the price because our techy clientele that need that status symbol will continue to pay. USA isn't better but their pricing is more in line.

Did a lot of research before buying my z and father had three vq35de cars with no issues on any of them and he travels a lot (western regional rep) so puts some time on the cars. Sound electronics too and no issues in that area either.

The thing you will see with Japanese is they aren't actually the first to market with crazy advanced electronics (which is why I like working on German because I like that stuff) but they rely on proven simple systems and will continue to test the new tech and refine it before they go to market. A simple example would be the door switch on the z is still a simple door switch (I believe I didn't look in the manual to verify) it isn't using one integrated into the latch that is also tied into the CAN system and is actually another module like you would see on a MB all the way back to early 2000's. The US is somewhere in between but then they cheap out on the connectors and have tons of connection issues over time.

That's my opinion so yes I would recommend the z. My friend has a track spec e46 m3 and he is quick and his has been reliable aside from the power steering hose and he hasn't hit that magic number to start having vanos issues but on an overall % the z will be more reliable im sure.

ramoszx12r

Also the maintains parts is more money. I will never buy another German car ever again.

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Tony Ramos

Jhill

Oh as for this cars weak points the only glaring one I have come to see is oil cooling. So pick yourself up a good 34 row cooler and problem solved. And the csc of manual but again there are aftermarket permanent fixes for both.

NRGz

A month owning the Z and so far thrown 3k miles as a DD.. Only issue is that for me, it likes to run hot even at night driving. Im sure an oil cooler should solve some of it. I dislike the huge blindspots- even when trying to back out. Other than that.. Not enough selection for mods on the engine (for me).

felix0121

For me, Nissan's reliability is just normal and acceptable. I've done my best for all maintenances at dealership only following its manual, but I'd had to change some parts when broken. (I still love my Z though)

If you want more superior reliability, then you'd better select one from Toyota or Honda.

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mayday813

Nissan reliability is very good. I've got 60k miles on a DD with no problems. Paint on the other hand, is too soft so I'd suggest a 3M plastic front bra (can't remember the trade name.) I've got a BMW too and the paint on it is far superior to that of the Z.

tonythetiger

My Z has been my daily driver since day one, tracked it a few times, high spirited driving, 5 1/2yrs later still running strong. Just stay on top of oil

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