Errr...not quite. 07 Zs have practically identical power to weight as the M3. And they handle marginally better.

I wanted to buy an M3 before I got my Z. But in the long run it simply wasn't worth it. I don't want to own a car that has a lower-end variant (3-series). Plus purchasing a warranty for the car didn't really fancy well with me.

 

Can't see it dude. I never understood why people need to put swear words in their links. Really retarded IMO.

 

I was in the same place as you are. 06 Grand Touring or 01/ 02 M3 and decided to go w/ the Z. I test drove both and the M3 just didn't feel that much faster than the Z, they feel about the same. The reason I went to the Z it is because it is newer and looks better. It also cheaper to maintain and its a new car ( 06 350Z GT to 01 M3 ) for about the same price or even cheaper.

 

LOL..no bmw have timeless designs..more like endless designs..only bmw that looked extotic was the m1..other than that bmw's are fugly imo.

 

Z owners putting down the E46 M3? Hilarious. The M3 outclasses the Z in just about every way possible...performance, interior quality, practicality, exclusivity, class, you name it. Of course, it should, since it's a much more expensive car...the comparison to the Z really isn't fair, except to fanboy morons of course.

The one big downside of the M3 is the cost of ownership, which is a colossal ***** once it goes out of warranty. And of course the cost of the car in general.

 

Hey your wrong to think that coming to a Z Forum. We love our sports cars. Most of us and the world for that matter, see the BMW's as a sports sedans for people that need four seats. Except of course the M1 or Z4.

M3/WRX = Sport Sedan
Z = Sports Car

Thought about a M3 but, didn't want people to think I hopped up Dad's car. Put not to mention the YUPPIE status that comes with it.

For me, there were a few good reasons for buying the Z: performance, looks, gas mileage and reliability.

Price was a plus.

BTW - No need to insult Z members in a Z forum.

 

I'm sorry.. as much as I love M3's...

-performance is almost equal.
-interior is subjective... personally I like the 350z interior more than bimmer interiors.
-quality... even bimmer lovers have told me NOT to buy the new M3's unless I like having my car in the shop. I have not had one problem in the Z.
-exclusiveness... ehh... in canada they are not THAT much more, plus nobody even knows it's not the same sedan as the old asian lady that parked next to you at Costco.
-class? How so? People aren't even impressed unless you have the very top of the line bmw's. Plus, put side by side, a vast majority will think the 350 looks better.


So what else should I name?

Weight? The bimmer weighs more.

Steering feel? I will choose the 350's feel over the Bimmers.

Maintenance? 350 is cheaper to maintain, and nowadays you can't even check the oil without a service technician.




I was 100 percent going to get an e46 M3, but I had 2 M3 owners at work tell me not to buy. The good news for them is that they got to test many loaner vehicles, since their NEW M3's were constantly being repaired.

So I got the Z, and have not had 1 issue. Plus, with my new suspension work, the car has no problems surpassing a stock M3.

Oh, and if you want to see emberrassment, I test drove an elise and an M3 wanted to race. M3's being the same cost or more than a little 190 hp elise. That M3 was spanked so hard, it makes me chuckle even now.

 

I was caught briefly in the same dillemma as you, 07Z and E46. I decided against the E46 because the probability of stuff breaking is much higher. It might not be hard to work on and the fundamentals of the car might work fine, but if your gauge cluster dies (I've seen lots of M3s on the freeway with dead cluster) or weather stripping falls off and you want that fixed, it's going to be a lot of money out of pocket. Don't forget other wear items such as the things like the solid balljoint links in the rear suspension...when those wear, the car gets real squirrely.

Also, a deciding factor was that BMWs traditionally hold their value extremely well until the direct replacement comes out. When the new E92 M3 comes out, expect the E46 resale value to plummet like crazy. If you don't plan on selling the car, you shouldn't care...but I'd care because it'd **** me off knowing that if I waited longer, I could pay 20-30% less for the same used car!

I know the Z is being redesigned or whatever, but chances are you're getting one new (As opposed to used M3) and for the most part, the Z seems like it'd cost a lot less for upkeep than an M3 and the probability for expensive failures is far reduced. Plus you have a massive aftermarket, etc.

Consider a 335i coupe...

 

Or wait for a 135i coupe.

The 1 series is based off of the E46 compact (not exported to the US), and they are throwing the 3.0 TT motor in, with a piggyback and exhaust some numbers above 350whp are not hard to attain at all.

 

New 350Z
used 350Z
used M3
GT-R
Next generation Z
or G37?

With respect, I am not taking this thread seriously.

 

Lol, I get the same smile from my 550I(360HP) as I get in my 515HP Z. Get the G35 coupe, best of both worlds.

 

A compact, ugly looking car compared to a beautiful well sized 2+2 GT? It's not all about speed!

 

personally, I'm a tad paranoid about tearing the subframe on a 135i. The E46 M3 didn't have the subframe tearing problem, but numerous 3-series did. Since the 135i is a non-M car and based on the E46, I'd worry about that a little.

It also doesn't look that sexy.

 

550i... yum ! when i grow up i'll get me one !

 

E46 Sport Sedan? That's news to me, because only an E46 M3 Coupe exists.

As for me, its not even a comparison. M3 hands down.

I think its a bit awkward how a few members see themselves side by side to an E46 M3; its not all about speed.

Ofcourse people will tell you get a Z in this site. But in all the other 1000+ forums you'll visit, I think the M3 will be the clear winner.

.

 

What forum you're posting in doesn't change REALITY, clown. And reality is that anybody who isn't a completely blind Z fanboy realizes that the M3 outclasses it in just about every way, including straight line speed.

Some of you are insane. You think your Nissan has a better interior than a BMW? Looks like huffing glue in your parents' basement did permanent damage.

I own a Z, and love it for what it is, but I'm not delusional.

 

Also the vert

Second, it depends if he can afford the maintanence of an M3. That is the only I can think of where a Z beats an M3. If it wasn't for maintenance, I would've kept mine. Both are fun cars but M3 might have a little more to offer?

 

I agree with you regarding maintenance. And I think the M3 has alot more to offer than just track capabilities...which is why it makes is such a well, great balanced car.

.

 

To one of the poster's above... A sedan can be either 2 or 4 doors.

 

Ahhhh How???? 7 years in the business and im stump'd at this comment?

2 doors = coupe

4 doors = sedan....

Although id love to be wrong so id have a story to tell... so tell me/us...
how does that work????