370Z or 135i?
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,328
Likes: 236
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
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.
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.
Lead Lap
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,593
Likes: 5
From: CA
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.
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.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 0
From: somewhere out there
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.
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.
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 441
Likes: 4
From: Vancouver
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...
And yes this is a true story..Im getting another Z...soon as a second car...hands down the best car I have owned...
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,285
Likes: 43
From: NV
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.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
05RollaXRS
GS F (2016-present)
13
Jun 9, 2017 05:08 AM
DustinV
Car Chat
22
Feb 25, 2009 03:13 PM
