So seeing as how I've got 2 nice months a year here in Edmonton I decided to go car shopping today. Maybe trade in the Z for something useable in the winter.

Went to BMW and test drove an 06 325i. Lets just say I've been on ride on lawn mowers with more power. So enough screwing around I test drove an 01' M5. My thoughts?

The car HAULS ***. So much torque. Honestly i really enjoyed everything about the car but at the end of the day the trade numbers etc just didnt make it worth it..

But what this has tought me.. Nissan doesn't know CHIT about clutches. I've always hated my girly light, high engagement clutch.. But after driving the M5 for the day. The Z clutch felt abolsute horid. The M5 is nice and stiff. Engages off the floor and you can feel it. Took me 5min and i was drivin it like i'd owned it for years.

Just sharing my days story.. If you like your clutch. Do not drive a BMW. It'll show you what a real POS the Z clutch is.. With that said.. I was expecting to get in my Z and it feel slugish.. It didn't..

 

350Z's have soft clutches? Err...I hate the Z's clutch. It's like pushing down on a bag of sand.

 

I second that!

 

the Z's clutch is very light...in a way its both good and bad.

 

If you guys think the Z has a light clutch you need to broaden your sports car horizons.. I'll admit I have an 06' so its a lttle lighter, but I've driven 03's too..

The M5 is at LEAST double the stiffness.. And i loved it.

 

Hey BabyZ, you got that white Z right?.... is yours dropped by any chance?... just wondering cuz I have a black one with same rims but tit gm same offsets... sorry for the off topic post haha..

 

Many people have raised their voice over the soft 2006 clutches as well. A true sports car should have a harder clutch.

The good thing is that softer clutches won't kill your leg during rush hour traffic..

 

just upgrade your clutch and call it a day....

 

Good analysis godzilla but the M5 would be an awful winter car just to let you know... you should test drive a 330xi or something.

 

Am I the only one that prefers a lighter clutch? I think it adds to the quick and agile feeling...

 

+1

I loved the feel of my early 03 clutch. It had a higher clamping force than the later clutches, had a noticeably heavier feel, and engaged right by the floor.

The later model years clutches are absolutely horrible. I've driven 04.5+ Z's and they feel like absolute crap. Clutches are weak and the engagement point is right up when you barely move the pedal.

 

I wouldn't get a BMW AWD, there are too many reasons I don't like the 330xi to begin, but I'd be all over an S4 before that.

My 328 even had a way better clutch, but in the Z's defense the clutch is at least predictable and consistent, I can launch consistently....

 

Funny you should mention that.. Part of the thing that turned me away from the M5.. I went to pickup an AMP off a guy today while test driving.. Turns out hes got an 04' S4 with low KM's for sale.. Going to go back for a test drive soon.. Loved the look of it though.

 

I have family in Edmonton, I visited there last month. Where in edmonton do you live?

 

The light clutch sucks.. But the worste is the high engagement.. Its alot harder to get consistant starts/launches when theres such a long throw..

It definately helped that the M5 had so much torque i didn't need any gas off a light.. Clutch out and off she goes. The Z clutch just doesnt have that "bite"

 

Im on the North Side of Edmonton. Kinda by clareview.. Its all pretty much the same though.. Bad roads.. Big trucks..

 

m5s are pretty sweet performance wise...but services, reliability and repair bills along with the initial investment...i just couldnt do it. I feel the same way about audis...the technology is great but I know way too many people with way too many problems.

 

i sat in the new 07' M5 when i was at the dealership and the clutch was nice and stiff

M5 > Z

by a mile

M5 = not winter car

 

So get yourself a new clutch.

 

Gee why didn't i think of that?

It was my comparisson of two stock sports cars.. The Z is a $52,000 SPORTS CAR (Canada). My first upgrade should not be a clutch..