Thinking about buying a Nissan 350Z? Compare it to a BMW 135i first!

 

The BMW 135i Overview

The 1 Series positions BMW's product offerings into a market segment where BMW has not had a presence in recent years. The 1 Series puts BMW squarely into competition with some models that haven't been considered BMW competitors before, and gives BMW a more favorable price point against some that were. Here's a field of key competitors for the two 1 Series Coupe models; click on the model for a brief analysis of how BMW's new compact Coupes stack up against each of their key rivals.

 

The Nissan 350Z Overview

The 350Z is 2-seater "pure sports car," but undoubtedly some 1 Series customers will cross-shop it. It comes as a Coupe and Roadster in many versions; here we focus on the middle-of-line Touring Coupe at $33,435. Like the related Infiniti G37 (both are built on the same Nissan platform), the 350Z got an updated V-6 engine for '08; however, it remains at 3.5 liters vs. G37's 3.7. A higher-performance, $38,775 Nismo Coupe, with aerodynamic kit, 18-in. front/19-in. rear wheels, trim and feature upgrades and - amazingly, the regular Coupe doesn't have them - side-impact and head airbags - is also new for '08. All 350Zs are expected to get the 3.7-liter engine for '09.



BMW vs. Nissan 


What BMW offers…

  • 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder twin-turbo engine, 300 hp/300 lb-ft., 0-60 mph 5.1 sec. MT, 5.2 sec. AT
  • Available automatic transmission is 6-speed
  • Near-optimum weight balance, about 52% F/48% R
  • Brembo 6-piston front/2-piston rear disc brakes
  • DSC can be set to DTC or de-activated (exc. ABS)
  • Cargo capacity 10.0 cu ft. + split folding rear seats
  • Standard front side-impact airbags and front/rear Head Protection System
  • 4-year/50,000-mile maintenance included
  • 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, 12-year/unlimited-miles corrosion warranty

 

What Nissan doesn’t…

  • Nissan V-6 engine's updating produced little performance result
  • V-6 now smoother, but not smooth like 135i inline-6
  • Automatic transmission is 5-speed, no shift paddles
  • Less balanced 53% F/47% R weight distribution
  • Stability control doesn't offer DTC mode
  • Conventional brakes; comparable brakes only on higher-priced Nismo model
  • No side-impact airbags or head protection (only in Nismo)
  • No included maintenance
  • 3-year/36,000-mile basic, 5-year corrosion warranty

 

 "We don't think it's going too far out on a limb to suggest that the 1 Series Coupe

is the most complete car in its class as far as performance and dynamics are concerned." - AutoWeek

Irvine BMW proudly serves Orange County - including Aliso Viejo, Capistrano Beach, Dana Point, East Irvine, El Toro, Foothill Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, San Clemente, Lake Elsinore, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Juan Capistrano, Silverado and Trabuco Canyon.

We will make our best efforts that posted prices are always accurate however, we are not responsible for any typographical or other errors that may appear on the site. If the posted price for a vehicle or service is incorrect due to a typographical or other error, such as data transmission, etc., this Dealership or Pixel Motion, Inc. are only responsible for the correct price, which will be provided as soon as we are made aware of such error(s). Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that the information is 100% accurate with the Dealer.

Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.

In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.

We will make our best efforts that posted prices are always accurate however, we are not responsible for any typographical or other errors that may appear on the site. If the posted price for a vehicle or service is incorrect due to a typographical or other error, such as data transmission, etc., this Dealership or Pixel Motion, Inc. are only responsible for the correct price, which will be provided as soon as we are made aware of such error(s). Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that the information is 100% accurate with the Dealer.

Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.

In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.