I'm looking to get an 06' Z. The other years don't really appeal to me due to the clear engine superiority in the 06 model. Currently I have a 94' FD that is seemingly dying and a 97' 240SXLE, but I need something with some (reliable) power.

I have also been really thinking about getting a used M3 for around 35-40k, but after hearing about the kind of maintenance pricing I might have to pay for, I am really leaning toward the 350z (or RX-8, Evo, STi, but they lack the class and prestige).

Now if I had the money to be able to afford the maintenance and repairs on the M3 I would no doubt be picking it up, but sh*t happens and because of this I'm indecisive. I want another Japanese car but according to BMW owners, there is nothing like a bimmer.

What I would like to know from you guys who already own Z's is this... what pros and cons would you give on your Z? What things did you discover that you wished you would have known before you got the car?

What package would you guys recommend for DD and occassional street racing?

And also... how does the car fair as a DD (with forced induction , turbo preferrably)?

 

ever considered an s2000 before? i have one

 

yes... the car is awesome and is finely tuned, however the late peak power is not appealing to me, i plan on racing from a stop not from a roll

 

Drive both cars. Buy the one that you like.

 

If I am not mistaken fairtex gave two alternatives: 350Z or M3.

 

fairtex, you should be able to get a certified M that comes with service and email/text message reminders when your car is about due. That will last for the first 3 years or so. Any Bimmer dealer would tell you that.
As for the Z, if you want go from a stop, the Z might have better low-end torque. Everyone tends to think Honda made up high revving motors, but really, its all the MFRers that are in F1 racing: Ferrari, Renault, and, yep, BMW. But I tell you, racing from a stop is only the first 13 seconds of the race. What happens in the next 2 minutes is what really matters. You want a drag racer, go with a WS6 or GTO. You want superb balance, stick with either of the two you suggested.
If you really are that indecisive and think you're going to get bored of a car soon after purchase, then the Bimmer might be okay because of the service plan that comes with it.
The 06 Z seems to have a lot of oil leaking issues on this forum. Don't know what is up with that, I haven't been reading those as they do not pertain to me, but every thread that pops up is either about how to drive MT (as if it was any different in a Z) or oil leaking. Make an educated guess is the best choice.

 

if you can swing it... M3

 

If you can afford it go M3. I used to have an E36 M3, and nothing drives like a bimmer. I prefer BMW over any brand. I want an E46 M3 right now, but budget restricts me to a used 350z. The 350z is a fine car (if it wasn't I wouldn't be looking at it), but M3 all the way.

 

If U get an M3, dont forget to take the BMW certified Attitude course! Where it teaches you to drive like you own the road, bully people, tail gate if anyone "dares" to cut infront & generally act like a *****! Then, get the M3

 

The M3 is a very nice car. Mainatance is bad if you let the dealership do it for you. But if you do your own maintanance and repairs it's not too bad. I personally prefer the feel of the 350z. The m3 to me felt a bit too soft on the road. It feels more like a comfortable cruiser to me, even though the car handles like crazy when it's needed.

I would test drive both. Maybe find someone who has an m3 and someone who has a 350z, and drive em for a few days. If you need the extra 2 seats, the extra power, the comfortable ride, and the very nice interior, go with the bimmer.

 

deleted

 

M3 is nice, but feels heavier when driving around. Also, buddy got one and is in the shop all the time. Half his summer was spent taking it to the shop. I'm sure he can't wait until the warranty expires. I guess that's why it's so easy to buy 3-4 year old bmw's. I still like them though. As for the '06, it has a little more horsepower, but lost torque and is heavier. I was thinking about selling it for a Lotus, but my 350 has been so good to me, I couldn't do it. It hasn't had one problem.

 

Ive got a 350z as well as a 06 M3. I prefer the Z. Mainly because it has less seats and I really have no where to put anything in my Z. So if I am going golfing with my buddies well they have to pick me up or I just drive myself. I really dont like other people in my car so I like the Z better. I do have the SMG option on the M and it is alot of fun that is for sure it revs like hell. But for fun the Z does have it beat it just feels sportier in my opinion..

 

My business partner as an 05 M3 conv., and it's faster than you would think. Definately faster than a stock Z, even with bolt ons. They are both great cars. Like someone else said, drive both and then decide.

 

Thanks for all the feedback. I'm going to be shopping around at all the Nissan and BMW dealerships within the next couple weeks. Hopefully I can find an M3 within my price range that still has a warranty on it, if I can't find one with a warranty I think I will have to go with the Z.

 

Someone that I know has a 04 M3 with 30k miles and couldn't get it started. Got it towed found out it was the fuel pump. Nice car but has reliability issues. Well major ones like the engine blowing up.

 

GO Z!

R350z

 

I am actually in the process of selling my '05 Z in favor of an '03.5-'04 M3... Besides my love for the E46 M3 since they were released, other things factor into my decision...

Firstly, every car has it's issues... A number of problems plagued the early E46 M3's as well as the early Z33's. The Z suffered from feathering, faulty transmissions, defective stereos, etc... The M3 had a defect in the motor causing them to blow up under stress among other things... One key difference between the two companies is service. I think everyone here can collectively agree that Nissan service does not exist.

Sure the M3 has issues, but lets discuss the issues with my 12,400mi Z33. At this mileage, my interior already looks spent. The dye of my burnt orange seats is cracking off and basically wearing away, the upholstery is separating, and one of the TPMS sensors has gone bad... I went to the dealer to have some of the issues services under warranty and each time I go it's like I have to fist fight the service advisers and managers to get something done. All that happens when you try to get service is get excuses as to why the issues are your fault and not covered under warranty. Granted, issues with the interior might be considered wear and tear, but at less than 9,000mi (when I first started reporting the issues) some of these problems shouldn't happen. I can assure everyone on this forum that I treat my car with utmost care and still, the car comes apart. I managed to have a section of leather replaced in my car and I made the decision to sell it. A real shame because I really love the car.

I have a friend with an '05 M3 with Competition Pkg., It's at 30k miles and has had a number of problems since its delivery. His rear diff. clunks and has had to be replaced at least 3 times that I've heard. The drive shaft came off on a trip to Orlando and it has had at least one instance where the transmission was replaced. The difference? Each and every time the car went into the shop for major mechanical warranty work, there was no question asked and he was given a loaner and his car repaired within the week.

I may be comparing apples to oranges here... After all, the M3 can easily be a 60k car versus a maxed out Z at 40k...You pay a price for BMW and a Nissan is just a "Nissan". But I don't see it that way, my Z stickered at 38k and for that kind of money, I expect better. I can only imagine what is to become of the GTR... Imagine paying upwards of 70k for a car that might fall apart and still get treated like **** by the service dept. It's an issue that's been discussed over and over. Even the low end 325i's get the same stellar service that can be had on the high end models whereas my top of the line (Touring) Z doesn't get the time of day and looks and lately feels cheap... just cheap...

I am probably partial to the M3 but I think we can all agree that in almost all areas, E46 M3 > Z. Even used vs. new...

 

Motherfawking 3

 

m3, but the Z is cheaper to mod