Hey guys, so I am debating on switching cars after owning my z close to 3 years and ... it is hard letting it go !!!!

The thing is that I really need an auto as stop and go traffic where I live is really bad.
I sometimes go to the mountains with some friends and do open stretch runs on the weekend and this is where the 350z shines.
The problem is there isn't anything out there that really ticks all the boxes like my 2005 z roadster as it does everything well.

So if I have to let it go I really want something special in the transmission department and overall feel of the car as a daily driver.
Which lead me to post on "M3 post" to ask about the E92 M3. Everything is so good about it: the engine, the sound, the built quality, the style, THE DCT...
However I am torn as the power figures are not that impressive. I love the low down grunt the 350z has... whereas the e92 m3, you have to apparently rev the helloutofit to get that grin.
Also, the mileage is not that great but thats not the issue.

In m3 post I have mentioned that I test drove one and only reved it to 6000 rpm before the owner's water broke. I live in Morocco and you don't come across them too often. so when someone has one, they over baby it I guess... ( I am also considering the m135i and big turbo it, or wait a little, gather some money and go for the ALMIGHTY GTR)

This leads me to my question: Did anyone go from daily driving the 350z to an e92 m3 and was disappointed at some point ?? I am anxious to find someone with interesting feedback.

Many thanks in advance.

 

You may get more feedback on the Bimmer forum but gl!

 

My advice is to keep the Z and get a lower priced automatic sedan for a DD.

 

agreed ... I daily drive a truck and the z is my project/fun/weekend car.

 

I was thinking of buying a 135i auto for a daily, but can't afford to run 2 cars. and honestly one of the things I love about my day is driving to work in the Z. 2 cars is not really a solution for me. That Is why I was looking for a car that can do it all while still being fun. either the m3 or the GTR later down the line.
Thank you for taking the time to give me feedback !!

 

C6 corvette

 

My buddy has an e92 M3 4door.
The DCT is jerky and kinnda sucks in low speed and in traffic. All DCTs do
2 MAJOR problems and 1 serious issue happens and you will want to fix them as soon as you get the car.
1) The OEM crank bearings ware away super fast like 20-100k miles, its a time bomb. and if you dont fix them BEFORE something happens you will be paying 16k for a motor. they make aftermarket ones that last longer.
This is due to the mega thick oil they recommend due to it being an M car made for the track and small oil outlets on the crank. . If you dont drive the car hard this will be more of an issue. Use lighter oil if you dont drive it hard at all. This motor is made to be ran and you will damage it by not doing so.
2) The Throttle body actuators go bad. Replace both banks. ~1600-2400 dollar job. This happened to my friends at 42k miles.
3) Vanos adjustment and replacement. ~about 60-80k. This is the same as any BWM you can drive it with it not being perfect though.

The car grips like crazy. It feels lighter than the Z. You do need to get RPMs out of it, but i also have an HR with big primary Longtubes and VHR intake plenum so it feels the same. the TQ isnt bad downlow, but a DE will feel stronger. But oh man uptop.
It has Individual Throttle bodies and sounds ****ing glorious. The exhaust note, the intake note. Glorious. The Seats are worlds better than the Zs seats. but if you like aftermarket radios its going to suck as the placement of it means moving buttons. and you will have weird electrical issues anyone who tells you otherwise has never done a full aftermarket headunit.
It feel like its a better car than my Nismo. Just not enough better to justify the price and maintenance costs. Also considering I know my motor will last 200k+ with me beating on it.

If you like modding your car I dont think in the end its a better car than my Nismo.
If you want to stay OEM its superior in every-way and a damn good car.

 

the best advice

 

What do you mean you can't afford to run 2 cars but you want M3.
M3 is not cheap to own. The car maybe cheap but not for the maintenance. Just saying
I was a bimmer guy long time ago. They are nice. I want another one if i can afford it.
GTR... yeah don't ask. My dream car

 

3yrs ago I was looking to replace the Z with either a E92M or C63 & after a test drive of both I decided to get a 135i DCT (E82) and kept the Z since keeping two cars is feasible for me. If this is going to be your only car and have no intentions of going to the track get the C63 (it has tons of torque and its a hoot to drive at lower speeds). I was not disappointed with the car but felt that my money can be better spent elsewhere (considering the costs of some of the big $$$ maintenance items). The gas mileage is atrocious though


Actually the DCT trans is very reliable (more than the 6MT IMO) however the trans gaskets tend to leak at higher mileage depending on climate and it can be a chore to get them replaced.

 

Yep. Servicing the rod bearings & throttle body actuators alone will cost between 7-9k. At the price some of these cars are going for a 2018+ Mustang GT looks very appealing.

 

Hey guys, thank you for your feedback !! You confirmed what I was thinking... Definitely keeping the Z which I am still enjoying a lot. and getting a GTR later if funds approve!!
Reliability is a big concern for me and was considering getting the M3 just because its soo good in every aspect. But there is nothing like peace of mind when you beat on cars like we do !!

 

I say keep it and get a DD when you are able to, I used my Z as a DD for years, now I only drive her in sunny days.

 

Hey, Travlee been thinking about trading in my 2006 for a C6 give me some of the lowdown and possible things I should look for beside low mileage Thanks in advance!

 

I never said anything about its reliability.

 

will shoot ya a pm