Keep my '03 350Z or move on to a BMW 135i?

[romnation]

I've owned my 350z for 8 years, and while I have gotten plenty of enjoyment out of it, it is getting a bit old and I am considering moving onto a 135i. Has anyone compared both of the cars? I've test driven both cars and like them both a lot, however, I feel like the Z feels a bit more "raw". This may be due to the fact that it sits an inch lower or so than the 135. Do you think the 135 handles as well? It's definitely quicker, especially with the simple JB4 mod. The 135 is also an all around more practical car, and will be more comfortable as most of my driving is in the city. Before I drop the money on an '11-'13 135i, convince me to either keep the Z or move on to the 135.

Edit: Accidentally posted this in the wrong section of the forum. Can a mod please move it? Thanks.

[ShocknAwe]

The Z is definitely a more raw car. You can certainly make the 135i raw if that's what you want. I actually think the 370Z and 135is compare pretty well, with the 1 having an edge on practicality and comfort. Overall the better car IMO, but then, grain of salt: I drive a 1er variant.

If you can, you will want to find a N54 car and compare it to the N55 you drove. They feel different, and perform differently. You will prefer one to the other.

Hope that helped.

[infinitekidM2C]

Go with the 135. You will know where your money went when you shoot it (err i mean drive it).

[romnation]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

The Z is definitely a more raw car. You can certainly make the 135i raw if that's what you want. I actually think the 370Z and 135is compare pretty well, with the 1 having an edge on practicality and comfort. Overall the better car IMO, but then, grain of salt: I drive a 1er variant.

If you can, you will want to find a N54 car and compare it to the N55 you drove. They feel different, and perform differently. You will prefer one to the other.

Hope that helped.

How are the HP gains on the N55 with a JB4 compared to using the JB4 on the N54? Is it pretty much the same? I was considered an N55 because of the slightly better gas mileage and DCT option.

[c1pher]

You're in luck. I owned a 2003 350z Touring with aero pkg. I had some minor mods like Nismo exhaust, MREV and cold air intake. The 350z is somewhat raw and harsh where the 135i provides awesome feedback, has a somewhat wild side but is predictable. However the 135is can be that way too if you choose to make it that way. I like the power and delivery way better on the 135 especially with a tune. And while the 135 is considered spartan by BMW standards, it is still more technologically advanced as far as amenities. I think 135s are a relative bargain for what they offer as a German brand. I also like the 2007-08 350z too.

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by romnation

How are the HP gains on the N55 with a JB4 compared to using the JB4 on the N54? Is it pretty much the same? I was considered an N55 because of the slightly better gas mileage and DCT option.

The gains really aren't the same ballpark N55 vs N54 unless you change out the turbo on the N55. What it boils down to is what your goals are. You're right about better gas mileage. I think I'm lucky if I see 20mpg these days. Typically more like 18.

Have you driven the DCT? The first 1er I test drove was a N55 DCT, it's argumentative in traffic.

[romnation]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

The gains really aren't the same ballpark N55 vs N54 unless you change out the turbo on the N55. What it boils down to is what your goals are. You're right about better gas mileage. I think I'm lucky if I see 20mpg these days. Typically more like 18.

Have you driven the DCT? The first 1er I test drove was a N55 DCT, it's argumentative in traffic.

Can you point me to any numbers or links? How big is the difference in gains? I would likely keep the car stock aside from doing an intake. The car I test drove was the DCT, but we really didn't hit much traffic on the test drive.

[Ginger_Extract]

Have driven a 350Z HR, and a just recently a 370Z NISMO. The Z is much more raw, and handles so much better than the 135i, it's no contest. Even my modified 1-series is a total pig compared to the Z.
Of course, the 135i can be modified to be much faster in a straight line. The Z is much more reliable than a 135i. The 1'er is slightly more practical as a daily, it has a lot more down low torque and more storage space.
If you do any sort of performance driving that goes beyond a straight line, go with the Z. It will leave the 135i in the dust, every time.

[c1pher]

I don't know about all that reliability in the Z. I had to have my front end fixed after fighting Nissan tooth and nail. They finally admitted there was an issue but I got rid of the car after it got fixed. I had to have my stereo replaced because it wouldn't work because it was too cold outside (in Virginia), the rear windshield wiper reservoir would leak if you accelerated briskly and the only fix was to pinch the line or not refill it, and I had a power seat short out. Also the paint was softer than a babies' butt and even the most diligent care would result in scratches in the clear coat. That doesn't really help "super black" paint look all that great. Despite all that, it was a fun car and begged to be revved out....it was a NA V6 after all.

Also there were some issues (not mine) with cylinder air/fuel starvation in the rear cylinder banks due to the tapered design of the intake manifold. That may have been fixed later on though. I know some owners had them ported to help head off any problems as well as to help increase performance.

[Esteban]

My wife loves the Nissan Zs. She's had a 350Z and she's on her second 370Z. She hasn't had any problems with any of them. I'm on my second 1er; had an N54 and now an N55 with the DCT. I've been lucky and haven't any problems with my cars as well, other than the safety recalls. I like the DCT quite a bit and haven't had any of the issues that some other folks have had. Search this forum for DCT issues. Some of the DCTs also leak and that hasn't happened to me either (just had it checked). I prefer my 135i over the Z any day and my wife would never have a 1 series. She likes her 2-seater sports car.

[shawnyeeah]

I chose my 1er over a 370z because of a more mature/sleeper look while having similar performance and more rarity on the road. Also more comfort/practicality was important especially since this is my only car at the moment. I also enjoy having a turbo.

[FrostyDC4]

I think I have seen the OP somewhere before .

But yeah, if you want a 135i to turn & handle like a Z you will need copious amounts of negative camber up front & additional front stiffness to keep the tires from rolling over while cornering.

[JM98]

Originally Posted by romnation

I've owned my 350z for 8 years, and while I have gotten plenty of enjoyment out of it, it is getting a bit old and I am considering moving onto a 135i. Has anyone compared both of the cars? I've test driven both cars and like them both a lot, however, I feel like the Z feels a bit more "raw". This may be due to the fact that it sits an inch lower or so than the 135. Do you think the 135 handles as well? It's definitely quicker, especially with the simple JB4 mod. The 135 is also an all around more practical car, and will be more comfortable as most of my driving is in the city. Before I drop the money on an '11-'13 135i, convince me to either keep the Z or move on to the 135.

Edit: Accidentally posted this in the wrong section of the forum. Can a mod please move it? Thanks.

Depends what youre looking for, 350Z is a great all around sportscar with just enough HP. 135 is much more comfortable and practical but will feel like a boat compared to the 350Z. As far as straight line speed though, a lightly modded 135 will absolutely embarrass a 350Z, even modded. (excluding a power adder of course)

[juld0zer]

I have owned a manual 370Z for longer than i have owned my current N55 DCT 135i. The 350Z has better throttle response.

You'll love the comfort of the 135i. The cabin is much much quieter even in stock form, runflats and all. It has loads more torque which will make up for any power difference. Traction control is better calibrated and less intrusive than on the Z.

Agreed, the 135i feels like a boat in comparison to a stock Z. Steering isn't as direct or quick either. When things fail or break on a BMW it might be a bit harder to fix on your own than a Nissan. 135i only has an e-diff.

[IEATV8S]

saw your post and heres my experience. I use to own check point racing motorsports in Vegas from 99-04 and I currently have both cars (mentioned for credibility only). I use my z for drift events because thats how I set it up but I use my 135i for road racing and drags. they are both great cars with tons of after market support. everything for the 35i is double what it cost for the same mod on the z. thats the only difference in the cars I've noticed when you start to mod them. I change my setup on the z sometimes to road race it here and there but I never drift the 35i. 35i doesn't slide like the z does. the z is putting down about 450 na hp and has been 0 maintenance other then a clutch for 37k. the 35i on the other hand is putting down 537 rwhp and I've had to do little tings like the vanos replaced, injectors replaced, cleaning the intake valves ( yes I run a catch can ), plugs every 8k etc. small stuff but its also my daily so somewhat understandable. I should mention the 35i is a 2010 so I'm running the n54 motor on stage 2 turbos jb4 g5 with backend mhd flash. at the end of the day if you can afford it and it puts a smile on your face then do it. get an older 35i and keep the z. you will be happy to have both.

[FrostyDC4]

Originally Posted by IEATV8S

saw your post and heres my experience. I use to own check point racing motorsports in Vegas from 99-04 and I currently have both cars (mentioned for credibility only). I use my z for drift events because thats how I set it up but I use my 135i for road racing and drags. they are both great cars with tons of after market support. everything for the 35i is double what it cost for the same mod on the z. thats the only difference in the cars I've noticed when you start to mod them. I change my setup on the z sometimes to road race it here and there but I never drift the 35i. 35i doesn't slide like the z does. the z is putting down about 450 na hp and has been 0 maintenance other then a clutch for 37k. the 35i on the other hand is putting down 537 rwhp and I've had to do little tings like the vanos replaced, injectors replaced, cleaning the intake valves ( yes I run a catch can ), plugs every 8k etc. small stuff but its also my daily so somewhat understandable. I should mention the 35i is a 2010 so I'm running the n54 motor on stage 2 turbos jb4 g5 with backend mhd flash. at the end of the day if you can afford it and it puts a smile on your face then do it. get an older 35i and keep the z. you will be happy to have both.

How are you getting 420hp na on a Z without a motor swap?

[tracer bullet]

Originally Posted by yeezy4me

I chose my 1er over a 370z because of a more mature/sleeper look while having similar performance and more rarity on the road. Also more comfort/practicality was important especially since this is my only car at the moment. I also enjoy having a turbo.

Pretty much all the same things for me as well. Liked the Z a lot, loved the 135i though and it just edged out the Z for my last purchase (about 7 years ago).

That said, though it's a good contest on which to choose around that time frame, I'm not sure that today I'd move from a Z to a 1-Series. I guess if you are expecting it to be an even trade up for price, it's not the dumbest idea but still I think if I was looking to move on from an 8 year old Z I'd be looking at something else than a 1-Series. The question becomes what do you want to do with the car and what if anything don't you like about the Z other than just getting bored with it?

[JM98]

Originally Posted by FrostyDC4

How are you getting 420hp na on a Z without a motor swap?

Magic? Average guy will never get that out of a 350z without 10k in engine work. I think he actually said 450hp N/A lol

[FrostyDC4]

Originally Posted by JM98

Magic? Average guy will never get that out of a 350z without 10k in engine work. I think he actually said 450hp N/A lol

Yeah, I mistyped.


I think the record is 400whp and that car has a 3.7L shortblock, high compression, and ITB's.

[AFE712]

Never drove a Z, but owned a '05 Infiniti G35 Coupe 6MT for 2 years, which I know is a bit different and is a closer match with the 1 (rear seats, "luxury", etc.).

I like the BMW engine a lot more, smooth and impressive torque. But 370z is lighter, probably better response than the G. Buuut going for a 3 hour trip with 50% chance of limp mode in the way is something I never had to fear with the G35... Manual transmission is awful with Nissan, gear engagement has its own mind.

For road handling, my non-M-package 135i with Michelin PSS holds curves as well than the G with PZero, but feel less safe doing so. I need to stiff the suspension a bit to get it to my taste.