LexFather

mmarshall

If reliability is a big factor in the decision, go for the 370Z...it is likely to spend less time in the shop, especially for electrical problems. The 370Z might (?) also come up with potentially better resale value, as BMW and Mercedes have a nasty habit of introducing and then dropping small cars in the American market.

Otherwise, go for the 135. Like most Bimmers, it is a delight to drive, with tactile steering, handling precision, and a superbly engineered chassis with an ideal balance of handling and ride comfort. BMW provides free service for the warranty period (and, trust me, BMW parts/service can be expensive). The 3.0L turbo in-line six, in a car that small, gives it muscle-car performance. The 135, of course, while still a small car, is roomier inside than the relatively cramped, 2-seat 370Z. You have a small back seat that you can at least put children or packages in. With the 1-series, depending on options, you're not necessarily stuck with the annoying, difficult-to-use (IMO) I-Drive. The 135 also has better visibility out the back...rear vision in the 370 is like a Peek-a-Boo slit. That's important when trying to park in tight areas.

92 SC400

I'd have to agree with those saying if he wants to keep the car long term, then the Z might be the better bet because of reliability. However, if he needs any sort of rear trunk space or seats then he would probably need to get into the 135. If he only plans to keep the car within the warranty time frame then I'd probably go with the 1er.

I'm still not a huge fan of the 1 but it has slowly grown on me. I don't love the Z but I don't hate it either. I think the cars really are a little more different than some might think.

LexusChris

iTrader: (1)

I like the 370z, now if you meant 3-Series coupe, 3-Series coupe ftw.

darkdream

Why not 335i? It is only a few thousand more than the 135i and is more practical.

joe80

for 40k i would buy

1. Genesis Coupe v6 track and spend $10k on mods
2. 2011 Mustang GT
3. 370z
4. 135i
5. G37 coupe



but of course if i had more money, i'll take 335ic over anything under 50k.

IS-SV

Z if he wants something resembling a sports car.

(Cj)

Yeah this really hits the nail on the head.

Does he want something that looks like a sports car (370Z/Z4)

Or does he want something that looks like a luxury car (G37/135i)

All 4 of those cars from their respective brands should be on your dads radar and he should try them all out.

They all fall in pretty much the same price bracket with the G37 and Z4 being a little bit more money, but both the G37 and the Z4 are a little bit more car as well.

MannyRCF

Go with the 370Z...dum chicks think its a Porsche...I swear back in 02 when I first got my 03 Z...there was only a handful on the roads back then....and it had that exotic look..as most normal cars were shaped well like normal cars...I remember hooking up with 2 chicks who thought my car was the new P car...i remember one girl was sitting in the passenger seat looking at the Z on the steering wheel and saying I love you and your Porsche...go with the Z...if you want a car that drives and looks like a sports coupe...this is the way to go.

And yes this is a true story..Im getting another Z...soon as a second car...hands down the best car I have owned...

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

Tough choice since the 135i wouldn't be my first choice for a BMW, but I'd still have to take the BMW in this case.

sam430

iTrader: (10)

ZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz z z z z


I meant Z!!!

The sporty look and the reliability.

lamar411

I like the 135i better then the 370z. Looks sportier then the 370z imo.

2SwiFt29

iTrader: (6)

I guess it also depends on budget. They are similarly priced, but if budget is not the case, I rather wait for the 335is coming out.

gengar

Actually, many reviews on the 135i as far as handling and feedback are at least somewhat negative, with some being quite negative (see MT, evo, etc.). I would say the 135i is, in fact, very unlike a typical BMW.

Agreed, and not just on the practical standpoint, but in driving characteristics as well. If desiring something truly sporty, the 370Z and 135i are not where to look.

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

2011 Mustang might be one to watch out for too