Opinions on 135i vert vs z4 vs 370z Roadster

[ray7792]

Hey good people,

I've owned my AT BRZ for almost three years now and I'm thinking of moving to something new.

If anyone has some time to chime in, I'd love to hear your opinion.

I'm looking for a convertible, 4 seater or 2 doesn't matter. Has to be manual, no dct/auto.
I don't like large limo looking 4 seater convertibles therefore I chose a 135i convertible as an option due to its shorter wheelbase.

For one reason or another I'm looking into a 2011 for all three, for the N55 engine on the bwms and the updates on the 370 made that year.

Hoping to keep it under 30,000 though the 2011 Z4 goes over a little.

I'm looking for a decent handling car, doubt any of them are better than the brz but 135i is probably the best among them.
Looking for good amount of power, the turbo N55 is pretty nice compared to the 370's NA in that respect
Also looking for Mod friendly
Reliability is without question, only reason I'm not going for a N54 - twin turbo is lovely but man do they have problems.

Anyone have experience with the three vehicles? Any problems? good/bad?

Open to other suggestions, Boxster S is out of the question, only boxster I'd get is the 981 and thats too expensive at the moment.

Thanks!

[Sideways&Smiling]

s2000 :P

[ray7792]

Originally Posted by Sideways&Smiling

s2000 :P

I've been looking at prices for AP2s and they are ridiculous these days, like 15K to..I've seen a few around mid 20s depending on mileage. Just doesn't seem worth it at that price. My brother had one for a long time and it is a wonderful machine but I'd rather keep the BRZ.

[Sideways&Smiling]

Originally Posted by ray7792

I've been looking at prices for AP2s and they are ridiculous these days, like 15K to..I've seen a few around mid 20s depending on mileage. Just doesn't seem worth it at that price. My brother had one for a long time and it is a wonderful machine but I'd rather keep the BRZ.

Did you ever actually drive it? The 135i vert weighs 3,638 pounds. I can't imagine how that would be more fun than an s2000, which is already more fun than the 86, IMO.

Reliable? Check. Mod friendly? makes gobs of power with forced induction. check. Short wheel base, great suspension, sharper steering and flatter cornering than the 86.

Perhaps, I am biased. haha.

[Porcupint]

Dad has a 135i coupe. It's certainly not a BRZ or S2k, but it's not a bad car either. Car makes power everywhere and is super comfortable while being fun to toss around too..

Go test drive them OP. Only way you'll figure out what's good for you and what's not.

[juliog]

Those 3 cars are super heavy —more so in convertible configurations— and none have what I would consider 'good handling' in stock form. They're all pushy AF.

Buy an S2000 and don't look back. Keep it clean, don't do ricer mods and when the time comes to sell it, you'll recoup a good chunk of what you spent on it.

Disclaimer: I've driven both the Z4 and the M135i coupe (euro hatch) on track. I own an S2000 (and an FR-S)

[DarkSunrise]

Given you're shopping convertibles, I'm assuming you're not going to track it? If so, I'd definitely go with the 135i. BMW's straight 6 turbo N55 is awesome. Loads of midrange torque, very smooth. Easy to mod for power. Should be a fun car.

[Mr.ac]

Miata(MX5). Rock solid motor, add a FI in it and it's even better. Way cheap, parts are every where. Just like the 86 but convertible
There's also the G37 decent about of power and plenty of room for 4 in comfort.

[Sideways&Smiling]

Also, the 370z vert is notorious for being the worst version of the 370z by far due to the extra weight. Not great for handling. This is generally true of all cars that were not designed to be convertibles from the ground up.

I'd definitely get a z3 or z4 well before the others, but I'd still take an S2000 over the rest if given the choice. I think we are coming from different places though. To me, the only way I'd really want a convertible is if it's a small, agile, great handling roadster. I don't actually care too much about the convertible aspect. You seem to be looking for more of a convertible cruiser type of car, so you should for sure go test drive all of your options.

[ray7792]

Hey thanks for taking the time everyone.
I've only driven the 370 and it is quite the boat despite its appearance, yeah I definitely need to test drive the bwms...
You're right, I am not looking for a track car, definitely more of a cruiser.

Seems like S2000 is quite the popular choice haha no surprise given the member base here.
Having spent the better half of my teen years around a turboed S2000 I really respect the car, but I'm afraid it isn't quite what I'm looking for. I'm looking for more torque and a little more creature comforts -- sounding a bit old now haha. I've considered an FI MX-5 or S2000, but I might as well just turbo the BRZ is what I'm thinking to myself which I am still strongly considering -- after almost getting full bolt ons, it is tempting lol

370z roadster is out I guess, Haven't considered the G37 but I feel like it would be the same as the 370. Might look into it.

Z4 or 135i vert...

Thanks again, helped narrowed it down a little bit more =D

[tyrantcf]

Out of those three, the Z4 would be top of my list. No, just no...on the 370z. The 135 has awkward body lines.

I too would put one more vote toward S2K though

[Mr.ac]

If you want the comfort I say it's go with the G37. It's not as big as it looks. I test drove all those cars when I was looking for a new car along with the brz.
As odd as it sound the BMW 1 series is lowly basic for a BMW. My sisters bf has a Z4 M series that's ok interior wise but the ragtop is dog crap. He has it replaced 3 times just from normal use on California roads.

[totopo]

the 370z's engine is super proven reliable, but the 2011 370z doesn't come with an oem oil cooler. It doesn't matter if you don't plan on tracking, but if you want to have the option of tracking i would say you need 2013 or newer. Never driven the convertible.

[EAGLE5]

I'd take the Z4. It's a prettier car than the 135i. Then again, you can fit people in the back of a 135i. Z4 is lighter. 135i has a longer wheelbase so it's probably more stable. I've driven an earlier 135i vert and a Z4. I liked the Z4 a lot more. There's a 5" difference in height between them. The Z4 is much lower. Being a purpose-built convertible, it's probably stiffer.

So prettier, stiffer, lower, and lighter vs rear seats, more stability, and slightly better fuel economy.

I do not like the s2k. I understand why people do, but I do not. A Z4 or 135i will be massively more comfortable, look nicer inside and out, and have more cache with the ladies. Well, maybe not on the outside with the 135i. Both the 135i and S2000 are homely at best.