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?

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!

I agree, 27k is a little high for 2011 base with 14K miles. Unless that's the OTD price with TTL included, then that's a great price.

Just a bit nit-picky, but its naturally aspirated instead of non. Non aspirated means it doesn't use air. :tiphat:

The sticker price was like 31,9 so if 27 isn't a good deal there is no point in getting it. Looks like I'm waiting for sports package.

I'm sorry to say it but honestly the 135i is like the fake BMW. I feel it's like I couldn't afford the 335i so got the cost effective one which is pretty ugly IMO. The lines are horrendous and looks like a box. That's how I feel. If you get that kind of car you have to do it right. Honestly Z and the 135i shouldn't be in the same sentence. Two complete opposites. If you want the BMW logo over the Nissan logo, I think that's why Z is overlooked for the BMW badge and status. All people driving an S-class or 7 series could've bought a GTR but probably didn't want to sport the Nissan badge at 100k. This is how it is I know many people who do this even in my family.

never. :)

Unfortunately I have a lot of speed bumps in my area so I'm hoping they won't be an issue.

Just hit them at an angle and go slow! You'll be okay

Yeah, I went over many speed bumps at stock height and had no prob.

I will scrape my front chin spoiler on certain things (driveways that touch the road at a weird angle) and have bottomed out my undercarriage on crappy driveways.

The font chin spoiler (sport package) is made of flimsy rubbery material or thin plastic...it's not a big deal if it gets bent back or scrapes because it's black and you don't really see it..and it's quite flexible. The undercarriage...well... out of sight out of mind ;)

This is an older pic of my chin spoiler. It is more worn now.