Your choice... you can sell your bimmer privately for 40k+ easily, buy a Z and have about 5-10k left for FI

How well do those 540's handle? I'm guessing the Z handles a bit better given the 540's stature (luxury car)

 

Recall was not for the whole engine. Was for oil pump and connecting rod bearing. Lots of guys have had to swap motors though. Still, would you want some douche at a dealership going into the guts of your $50k car? Thats my view on it anyway. Seems like I'd be trading one headache for another.

 

You are talking about two different types of cars. Luxury sedan and sport coupe. What is your driving style? What makes you smile? You'd rather look rich and ride in comfort and take friends onboard or you like to corner hard, hear the tires and feel the road? and so on and so on.

I would not buy a luxury sedan in first place... If it's driver's car (BMW motto), why carry 4 extra seats around?

I don't think it's crazy to change 540 for a Z. If you made a mistake it's not too late to fix it.

 

Bigger dimensions, higher clearance, 600lbs heavier and two more doors... it's not helping handling at all.

 

Keep the 540, I'll take a 2003 540 6spd over a 350Z anyday. What you may gain with the sexy exterior will make you cry when you compare interiors.