Supposed to take delivery of my manual Z4 M40i in a few weeks - toying with getting a Z instead

[Deleted member 4577]

Hey everyone,

I find myself in a great but tough spot and could really use some perspective from this community.

In a few weeks, I'm scheduled to take delivery of a custom-ordered 2026 BMW Z4 M40i with the manual transmission. I managed to get what I feel is an amazing deal, securing it for around 10% off MSRP. It's built exactly to my liking, and I've been incredibly excited for it to arrive.

However, I can't stop thinking about the Nissan Z. Even with the great price I got on the BMW, the Z is still around $30,000 less expensive with the current discounts. That's a huge price difference that's giving me pause.

I've started looking at the market and am targeting a 2024 Z Performance for around $44,000. For those of you who have been shopping for one recently, is this a realistic price to aim for?

This brings me to my main question for all the Z owners out there: are you happy with your purchase? Looking back, is there anything that annoys you about the car that you would now consider a deal-breaker? I've been doing my research and have come across some discussions, like the potential for fuel starvation when the tank is less than half full. I'm curious to hear about this or any other quirks you've experienced firsthand.

I'm torn between the two, and any real-world owner insights would be incredibly helpful in making this final decision. Thanks in advance!

PS - none of those cars is my "dream car" - that's why I am prioritizing a great deal over getting the slightly better car.

 

[Lvckv99]

You can’t compare BMW to Nissan. That's like comparing apples to oranges.

If you care about luxury and high quality things like leather, dashboard, speakers, speed, etc than go with BMW.

if you want something cheap, not high tech, etc, then go with the Nissan Z.

 

[ZillaZ]

I was a Corvette guy and was looking at a C7 (2014-2019) model and for the money I was willing to spend I could get a brand new Z. I have had other Nissan's in the past so knew the brand and I always liked it when I saw a Z on the road.

When I went to look at the Z close to me it was a Rosewood and I didn't have a color choice in mind but it was so beautiful, it was brand spankin' new and I could afford it. The style of it was incredible and I liked that the interior was not all touch-screen. The car has retro elements which I really appreciate.

I say if the BMW is exactly what you want and you can afford it, go that route. If the money savings are important to you and you like the Z's style while having a less luxury but everything that comes with that (cheaper maintenance and parts) while still getting a very capable sports car you can play with and modify if you want, go for the Z.

 

[tractng]

I say get the BMW and when you don't like it, there will be plenty of Zs for sale. My GF is a die hard BMW fan. I currently drive here old X5 cause she moved onto the next model.

Do you keep your car a long time?

 

[KCZ]

Do you want a coupe or a roadster? I replaced my Boxster with my Z, and while I like my Z more, I sure do miss the top-down experience.

 

[Apex_Z]

The bmw is going to be good. Very good. It's also going to have about 10 times as much tech in it to give you fun dash lights and subtract money from your wallet. The Z is a minimal frills "updated" sports car of yesterday. That may not sound like a big endorsement, but it is.

The frills it does have really standout. The responsiveness of the steering and chassis along with the suppleness of the suspension tune is a rare combo to find. The engine sound and feeling of more and more pull as it revs is exquisite.

On top of all that, it is super comfortable, you could drive it all day. Add in the styling and it makes a very compelling argument for buying it.

 

[RobotAZ]

If you plan on dumping the BMW before it turns into a nightmare, it’s just whichever floats your boat. I would never plan a long term purchase with any European car anymore. They’re designed to be amazing and tolerable until the warranty is up and then, in my opinion, the nightmare begins.

 

[tractng]

Do you want a coupe or a roadster? I replaced my Boxster with my Z, and while I like my Z more, I sure do miss the top-down experience.

The last two decades I have owned convertible. Can't beat the top down driving on a cool day.

 

[thesilverbullet]

i think it boils down to Germany vs Japan. Maybe you should buy both - the Z4 for the weekends and the Z for a daily driver. Or wait for the 2027 Infiniti Q50.

The Z4 was dead and toyota saved it with the Supra sales and both are on the way out. The Z4 is nice and made in Germany. but pricey and the service cost is going to rip you a new one.

I considered a M2, during my 7 year wait for the Z. i didn’t realize the M2 was assembled in Mexico - a deal breaker. then finally the Z’s price dropped and Z‘s were at dealers everywhere - at that point it was a no brainer.

No regrets, i love my Z.

from what I’ve read, the fuel starvation is a track only issue. No issues on the street. I have not experienced any issues myself.

 

[Bumflik]

If you plan on dumping the BMW before it turns into a nightmare, it’s just whichever floats your boat. I would never plan a long term purchase with any European car anymore. They’re designed to be amazing and tolerable until the warranty is up and then, in my opinion, the nightmare begins.

Should never get a note on a German auto. Lease lease lease unless you are a skilled mechanic. Get out after 3 years. But if you like to do your own modding and enjoy a throwback sports car with nostalgia go with the Z and much more affordable to maintain amd boat loads of after market parts.

 

[trackratZ]

The fact that you can afford either car, these two are really not in the same category. What is it you're going to use it for mainly? Need the open air convertible often, like local cruises or beaches, or just the fact that both are manuals? The Z has so much heritage but low on tech, but great styling and very pleasant to drive when not pushed too hard, i.e. 7/10ths. They are really different cars. With that $30K difference you can do a lot with the Z, if you're into upgrading. BMW ownership is also more costly over time. Test drive both and compare if not done already. My .02 good luck.

 

[mikecarpage]

as an older BMW owner, I'll admit a Manual Z4 is pretty cool. I was up close with a few last year but never got to drive one. If presented with the opportunity, drive both to decide. These are both cars that continue a long lineage of cars focused around a specific experience.

I bought my Z without driving it - in fact it's the first time I've done that. No prior Z car ownership history, so it's been completely new to me. Any regrets? No. I got the spec and trim that I wanted. As I've said before, the only regret might be not driving it more often. Nothing serious enough to call a deal breaker: but the cabin can be load on rough highways, a rattle behind the traction control button, the forthcoming interior wear.... after owning it and it becoming more "used", I tell myself it's just a Nissan. Japanese engineering and Japanese built is always good.

Regarding fuel starvation, I might have experienced this 1x in 3700 miles of road driving. But I recall I was immediately able to get right back on throttle. This might be different on a track.

 

[50thZ]

Hey everyone,

I find myself in a great but tough spot and could really use some perspective from this community.

In a few weeks, I'm scheduled to take delivery of a custom-ordered 2026 BMW Z4 M40i with the manual transmission. I managed to get what I feel is an amazing deal, securing it for around 10% off MSRP. It's built exactly to my liking, and I've been incredibly excited for it to arrive.

However, I can't stop thinking about the Nissan Z. Even with the great price I got on the BMW, the Z is still around $30,000 less expensive with the current discounts. That's a huge price difference that's giving me pause.

I've started looking at the market and am targeting a 2024 Z Performance for around $44,000. For those of you who have been shopping for one recently, is this a realistic price to aim for?

This brings me to my main question for all the Z owners out there: are you happy with your purchase? Looking back, is there anything that annoys you about the car that you would now consider a deal-breaker? I've been doing my research and have come across some discussions, like the potential for fuel starvation when the tank is less than half full. I'm curious to hear about this or any other quirks you've experienced firsthand.

I'm torn between the two, and any real-world owner insights would be incredibly helpful in making this final decision. Thanks in advance!

PS - none of those cars is my "dream car" - that's why I am prioritizing a great deal over getting the slightly better car.

You are on target

 

[50thZ]

You can’t compare BMW to Nissan. That's like comparing apples to oranges.

If you care about luxury and high quality things like leather, dashboard, speakers, speed, etc than go with BMW.

if you want something cheap, not high tech, etc, then go with the Nissan Z.

Build quality on the Z is very good for the money. The BMW requires some careful consideration on cost,cost,cost. It's the price you pay for bragging rights I guess. Like a Rolex not the best watch in the world but most people know what it is. I prefer my Breitling's and my Z. Have a great week!

 

[Lvckv99]

Build quality on the Z is very good for the money. The BMW requires some careful consideration on cost,cost,cost. It's the price you pay for bragging rights I guess. Like a Rolex not the best watch in the world but most people know what it is. I prefer my Breitling's and my Z. Have a great week!

Yes. Hence why it is cheap. My Z is only a year old, 10k miles, work from home, and I can already see some interior wear.

I also own an X6 and the build quality is out of the world. But like others have said, it is more expensive to maintain once warranty expires.