I traded it on a 2004 BWM 330CI last evening. Altho I only have 100 miles so far the BMW, I'm in heaven. There is just no comparison in the quality of ride and workmanship.

Granted the BMW is not as fast as the Z, but as I found out the hard way, speed alone does not make a quality car. The Z certainly has it's good points, my only complaint was the ride. I have never had a problem that required a trip to the dealer in the 10.5K miles I had it.

There was window streaking, but livable, not enough for the dealer to mangle it worse. No tire problems that I could see. I was starting to develop a few rattles from the rear though.

I still got a good value on trade, $30K, but I wouldn't bank on the Z holding it's value much longer, especially once word gets out about all the Trans/Tire/Bose issues.

I drove the bimmer off the lot for $12,500 plus the Z, not bad for a $44K BMW. This included tax and license, everything. And the BMW has a 4 yr/50K mile warranty plus 4 yr/50 free maintenance. That includes oil, break pads, wipers blades, EVERYTHING including free loaners.

All I need to do is add gas once in a while.

And I really did enjoy the Z when on good roads.


I want to thank all the people here for all their help and information sharing over the past year, it was invaluable.

Enjoy your Z's!

 

$44k for a 330? OUCH!!!!!!

 

thats costly , next time call me i couldve got u a much better deal. maybe like 29 for a brand new fully loaded 330ci !

 

Comparing Apple and Orange here.
I traded my Z for a Aztek, although it's not as fast, but man....look at all the utilities and storage space. Not to mention the better ride.

Never get those dealer maintenance program, changing oil does NOT cost $25, changing 6 spark plugs does not cost $200, rather than 6 bucks a plug plus 20 min of your time.
Yeah, 44k is a LOT for a 330.


Sometimes people are better at making money than saving money....I respect that though.

 

Isn't the CI a convertible? That would explain the 44k...

 

Congrats on the bimmer! Now join the BMWCCA!

I actually went the other way around (1999 323i -> 2003 350Z Enthusiast). I love the Z, but as soon as I can afford multiple cars (i.e. when I move out of manhattan) I'll definitely add another BMW to the stable. But I won't get rid of the Z for a while, I definitely love this car.

Anyway, good luck with the BMW.

Also, to jedoublery - the OP did not buy any dealer maintenance programs, BMW includes free maintenance with all of its cars. It's actually quite nice never having to pay for anything (other than gas and tires) for the first 4 years of ownership. Wish Nissan would do it.

Jason

 

Glad to see you went back to your roots. As far as performance goes, BMW isn't where it's at. I mean sure the M3s are very low 13s,but for the same price I can jump in a Z06 that will demolish it . Oh wait I forgot, you can't stand rough rides
At least your tampon won't come out in the Bimmer!

Relax, I'm just playing with you. Enjoy the new car man

 

44, thats almost an M3

 

Perriz350, you can get a 2004 330ci fully loaded for $29K?? Where do I sign?

 

Opps, did not know that.
Yeah, wish Nissan would do the same.

 

Nice car. I considered that instead of the Z, but it was out of my price range.

I love my Z too, but as I pass a year of ownership, I am starting to see where the cost cutting took place.

 

44K is what the window sticker said.

If you consider the Z is worth MAYBE 25K on trade, plus $10K puts the 330CI at about 35-36. The extra 2.5K would be for Tax, License and all fees. So I actually feel lucky to get out of the Z so cheaply.

I agree that you can get 325i for under $30k, but not a 330! M3's are going for $55-60K and M5's are around $75K.

And you're absolutly correct - My tampon will no longer fall out!

Lets see what used Z's will be worth in another few months!

Keith

 

Well, you CAN get a used E46 M3 for that, and almost a new one.

 

Lets see what your bimmer will be worth in 2-3 years... Sorry man, but it's the SAME thing, maybe worse.

Not trying to be rude or anything, don't take it the wrong way, just wanted to point that out, and it is VERY true.

 

2002 330Ci, Avg Miles, Excl. Cond. 37k
2001 330Ci, Avg Miles, Excl. Cond. 32k

The coupes and sedans are wll into the 20's I'm sure.

ANY Mass produced car is going to drop in value a LOT.

EDIT : That is high blue book value, they could deffinitly be selling for a cheaper price.

 

I was in the market for a 330ci before landing the Z, and all of my shopping around produced coupes for the CI model (though I'm sure the badge also applies to the converts also, same naming conventions apply with M3 coupe and M3 convert equalling no difference).

The relatively inexpensive price of the Z is what eventually reeled me in towards the Nissan side...

 

OOh I forgot, the CiC is the convert I think. The CI is the coupe.

So yeah, couple of years old and its in the upper 20's

"2001 BMW 3 Series 330Cic Convertible 2D" $32,700 <~~ Convert

"2001 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Coupe 2D" $26,720 <~~ Coupe


OUCH.

Again, those are high blue book values.

 

"2001 BMW 3 Series M3 Coupe 2D" $37,100

 

LOL my buddy had an 02 330ci and just LOST HIS A$$ when he traded it on a g35. Unless it's an M3, bend over, lube up and get ready for a raping when you sell it.

Oh also, the new redesigned 05' 3 series will be out soon. So in a year, we'll all have current model Z's, and you'll have yesterday's 3 series...which let me tell ya is great for resale.

btw I have no bounce whatsoever in my Z; you shoulda just bought the s-tune suspension and saved yourself a whole lotta cash.

Sorry if this sounds harsh, but you come on here saying haha I just bought a 3 series like those cars are somehow automotive perfection...my buddy's 330 engine's valves got bent WITHOUT over revving and bmw MADE HIM pay for it. 1500 bucks. They said he MUST have over revved it. Same thing they initially said to all those e46 M3 owners who've have had engines blow up.

Happy for you that you got a car you like, but don't come in here and act like your **** don't stink and ours does...cus it sounds like you are the one with the **** end of the stick here.

 

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