I have a 2004 BMW 325i Sedan, with a couple upgrades like aftermarket HID headlights with angel eyes, intake. Im going to probably try to sell it in the next couple of months. I will most likely be buying a new car in about 1 year.

I really want a fast car, after driving a 184hp sedan for almost 3 years, I really wanna step it up a notch.

The new 335i coupe from bmw is awesome, two small twin turbos give it 300hp, 300 torque but the price is about 10,000 more than a 350z,evo,sti which is alot of $$$, money that I could upgrade a 350z which is what I want to do. I know for sure that its way cheaper to tune a japanese car than it is to tune a german car, expecially a bimmer.

However I have some questions about the 350z, I hear that the viscous LSD is very sensitive and can get damaged easily any had any problems with it so far?

What do you all think is the better route to go, BMW 335i or a 350z?

350z is about 10k cheaper and the 335 doesnt have an LSD and it isnt naturally aspirated, it gets its 300hp from two turbos.

 

Buy the 335.

 

Tomato or Tomatoe... It's up to which style you are into. Drive both of them and see which one you would want to have. It would be hard for me to pick one, I guess the Z since I work for Nissan. But the BMW is a nice car.

 

And after driving a bimmer it would feel wierd not being in one again.

 

Just buy a 335i for practicality.

What do you need an LSD for? Are you really going to beat the car to crap where it's going to need anything more than a stock LSD or open-diff? (though our stock diffs being 'weak' is a first for me)

 

if you have to ask then you're not Z material. Z owners know it from birth

 

The car has a regular diff, LSD would be alot better for performance id think. All the M models for bmw have LSD.

 

Agree with that. Plus if I was in your position, I think I *might* opt for the 335 coupe. I don't know how much your '04 3 series is worth as a trade in though. That coupe is well past $40k. You could get a Z and upgrade, and be faster than the 335 for the same price. Tough decision.

What about people who went from Mazda Rx7 to 350Z, like me?

 

my 3 series is worth like 20k as a tradein 5k miles from now.

 

Well, these are 2 different cars.

The 335i is more like a GT car. Its made for good power and a comfortable ride, while having decent handling. The Z is more like a sports car. Its a little more brutish, but it is more designed for good handling and "max performance."

 

Which means you can get a Z for $9-12k or so. That or the 335 for $20-25k. $10k = lots of fun stuff on a Z. (course its not financed, so, depends)

 

Actually the 335i has amazing handling, thats actually one of its strong points. But I think a 350z would be a little bit faster and with the cash I spent buying one I could get a turbo and other engine upgrades to make it even faster.

 

I went to the nissan dealer today, they had no manual 350z's, I wouldn't even think about getting it automatic.

 

Given both good drivers at the 1/4 mile, I am thinking that BMW would win. Lots of torque. Very close though.

But what you said was exactly what I was thinking. APS single turbo, some nice shoes, etc....

 

The only regret I have from trading my old car in (00 328i) is the comfort and space. I don't miss the heft and speed (or lack of) though. Go for whatever you like more, both are great cars.

 

335i is faster stock for stock (aftermarket is a whole different story). If you like/are used to BMW interiors, you might not like the Z's so much.

Big question/difference is 4 seats vs. 2 seats (how important that is/might be for you).

 

Wait for the 08 Z they say it will be around 350hp.

 

You sound like a BMW kind of person. Stick with it.

 

just get a 2nd hand ferrari 355

 

I've never driven the 335 but here are a couple things to consider, in addition to what others have already mentioned

1. Ride. the Z rides like a sports car, it doesn't beat you up, but it's firm and especially over rough pavement, road noise can be an issue.
2. Styling. The Z is getting pretty old. Still looks great to me (and probably most people on this board) but the BMW has brand spanking new styling. If you're the kind of person who doesn't like things to look old, dont get the Z, as it's going to look old next to the 2008 model.
3. The "brand new" factor. The BMW is brand new and they may have issues that need to be worked out. I'm only guessing, but i'd say the Z will likely be more reliable.