Replace My 04 325Ci with an 06 350Z???

Friends, I'm tempted by the fruit of another. Financial foolishness aside, why shouldn't I sell my 325Ci and buy an 06 350Z? I can't see a reason to keep my BMW anymore other than the great seat of the pants BMW feel. But the Z offers so much for the money. I've studied this a great deal and now I would like fellow BMW enthusiast opinions if you're so inclined. I realize I would be giving up a back seat and BMW quality (for what its worth

). Also, before you ask, I really don't like the G35 coupe. So, given all that, will I hate the Z after driving a BMW for 3 years? What has been your experience?? Thanks friends.

B

PS: The Z I want is the '06 Grand Touring Model with Nav, Side Air Bags, XM Sat, Alum Kick Plates, and Floor Mat options. CarsDirect price is $37,500. Invoice is $36,769 and MSRP is $38,719.

Reply » Replace My 04 325Ci with an 06 350Z???

I recently got carted around in a friend's 2005 350Z and really enjoyed the whole car. My only gripes are the cheap plastic interior and the incredible lack of space beyond the front seat. Other than that, it made me wish I had more seriously considered a 350 before getting another BMW. However, once I got back into my 325Ci, I felt I had much more room to move and a better interior. but that's just my opinion on the two cars.

Reply » Replace My 04 325Ci with an 06 350Z???

Thanks. By the way, I seriously considered an '03 350Z before getting my BMW, but I hated the interior and thought I needed a back seat. For 2006, the Z interior is much improved. Its liveable although not as nice as BMW obviously. But definitely tolerable for a sports car. In fact, its a huge improvement over '03 and even the revised '04.

Reply » Replace My 04 325Ci with an 06 350Z???

It just looks like they changed from silver to black to me. I agree the black looks nicer, but it's still the same basic interior.

Quote:

will I hate the Z after driving a BMW for 3 years? What has been your experience??

No, you'll like it at first, but I bet you'll hate it more than your BMW after owning it for three years. My experience tells me you're bored and want to get something else. If you want to change cars and can afford it, go ahead.

Reply » Replace My 04 325Ci with an 06 350Z???

If cost is a concern, I say buy the 350z.

of course I am sure you did your homework and realize these cars were plaqued with suspension/alignment and premature brake and tire wear thereby causing recalls and a lot of buyers to switch to 3rd party breaks in an attempt to thwart maintenance costs.

I am not sure a 350Z is a lower cost alternative, just an alternative. I do not know of any expensive car that is inexpensive to maintain.

Reply » Replace My 04 325Ci with an 06 350Z???

Phil, Thanks for the pics. True, the changes are subtle, but there is something that just feels better about the finish of the 06 interior. I think the dash material is different and they broke up the big cheap looking slab door panels with an insert and redesigned armrest that has a pocket and a cupholder in each door. You can't really tell in the photos, but the center console is reworked as well with center cupholders like my 325 and better button placement. Not major changes, but it definetly makes the interior better than before and worthy of a $30K car. Although still no glovebox and all the major storage is behind the seats. Don't get me wrong, I love my BMW but its not sporty enough and I can't afford my perfect car, an M3 unless I buy a very used one. The Z seems like a good comprimise

Chuck, thanks. Having free maintenance on the BMW has been awesome. I know Nissan made some changes to the Z to address tire wear and handling issues. I'm hoping the 06 has the kinks ironed out, but I would still be paying for oil filters and brake pads out of my own pocket. I bet those Brembo calipers use more expensive pads than usual.

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