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

[Kelvin]

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.

Bro; I’ll take the BMW all day and any day and I own a 6peed Z Performance.

 

[Kelvin]

Bro; BMW all day, and I own a 6 speed Performance Z. I’ve driven BMW M’s and I will tell you, my Z doesn’t drive or handle like those BMW’s. So to answer your question- BMW bro.

 

[Kelvin]

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.

Yeah, you can’t compare Nissan with BMW’s performance and quality-period.

 

[johnuf78]

I have both. Get the Z4 if you can only pick one. Most of the Supra parts will work in the Z4 so it’s not lacking in any aftermarket if you’re into that. Pus you get the bonus of having a convertible and the car for daily use is laid out better than the Z. You’re not really sacrificing anything in how engaging the Z4 is to drive but you’re getting the bonus of added refinement. Sound system in the Z is really bad. The Harmon Kardon in the Z4 isn’t too bad. I have an AA sport cats in the Z4 with a valve controller and in my opinion it sounds better than the my Z Nismo with a Nismo exhaust.

 

[Houston.RZ34]

My .02

Pros
The Z4 is an instant classic, you're not going to lose value on it - at all.
The Z4 will sound much better + you can put the top down.
There's a ton of other Pros, (brand prestige, etc.)

The only real "Con" for the Z4 is, the B58 is hell once it gets older (much like the N54)


The Z?
It's cheaper quality wise, a lot of the Z34's quality issues didn't show up until after 10 years in (dashes cracking, etc)

You can drive it without worry, It'll be cheaper to keep on the road in the future

Both cars are rare frankly, I only saw Z4s on the road early on, I hardly see them anymore now and I have yet to see a stick shift one.

Zs are starting to pop up a bit more thanks to prices dropping to where they should have been in the first place.

 

[johnuf78]

Also wanted to add the manual in the Z4 is better feeling than the manual in a manual Z.

 

[Deleted member 4577]

I have both. Get the Z4 if you can only pick one. Most of the Supra parts will work in the Z4 so it’s not lacking in any aftermarket if you’re into that. Pus you get the bonus of having a convertible and the car for daily use is laid out better than the Z. You’re not really sacrificing anything in how engaging the Z4 is to drive but you’re getting the bonus of added refinement. Sound system in the Z is really bad. The Harmon Kardon in the Z4 isn’t too bad. I have an AA sport cats in the Z4 with a valve controller and in my opinion it sounds better than the my Z Nismo with a Nismo exhaust.

Wow, I didn't imagine I would be so lucky to have someone with both cars here. I would appreciate it if you could tell me more, maybe a short comparison between the two.

Folks, I want to clarify my perspective. Neither of these cars is my "dream car." There isn't a dream car for me right now that costs less than ~$200k, so both are a bit of a compromise. The Z4 checks all the boxes except for adaptive cruise control (it seems only Japanese manufacturers have figured out how to do ACC with a manual transmission! Come on, guys, it's really not that complicated!). I don't really like the way the Z4 looks, and while it seems to be an amazing car, it's still annoying to spend almost $80k (after tax) on a compromise.

I started to look into the Z because it seems like a much cheaper compromise without giving up too much, and actually gaining ACC!

The car will mostly be used for a short commute to work and at least two drives a week on the local mountain road. A convertible is very important to me, but it's not ~$35k important.

Edit: one more thing, I don't really care how much I spend right now, and I highly doubt I will be holding the car more than 3-4 years. I only care how much it will cost me when I sell it in 3-4 years (I know no one can know this).

 

[alienpoker]

My wife & I own both a BMW Z4 (but a previous year) and the current Z Nismo. The BMW is a better driver experience when zipping around.

I would think that once you took an M40i with manual (+$3.5K), paint (+$3K) upgraded Harmon Kardon Stereo ($1K?) and performance options (even if starting from the Z4 s30i)- you will easily can get to $70-75K so the price between the BMW and a nice Z is closer. But you would probably need to take lesser options compared with a discounted Z. I’m not sure what deals BMW will offer in the Z4 to sell you one.

I do not recommend the soft top convertible on the Z4, as they have been a problem- even on the previous year’s Z4 3.0i models. The top hydraulics or electronics will fail over time- it’s an expensive repair outside of warranty. Really expensive, in my experience. So that distracts from the Z4 appeal.

My wife likes the Z4, I bought the Z Nismo for me. But I’ve been a Datsun/ JDM & Nissan Z fan for years and so appreciate the heritage.

If money was no object, for initial purchase & future servicing… the BMW. Most would agree with this.

If you want a very nice car that that is more unique (imho) and will be less expensive over the years… get the Z Performance + do your own tasteful mods (or maybe just a Nismo). I ran out of love for modding (on a 370Z) and went with the 2025 Z Nismo when I went shopping about 6mo ago. I’ll keep it stock for now, then can decide if I’ll trade for the manual Nismo or go in a different direction.

Drive both, let your heart decide.

 

[johnuf78]

I think the Z4 just has less compromises. Trunk actually has quite a bit of room and the cabin is laid out better. Seems trivial but the infotainment screen and back up camera are from 2 generations ago. Suspension on the Z4 also doesn’t beat you up as much and the car is just as engaging to drive. Not saying the Z is a bad car… it‘s a bargain at current market prices. I did a cross country trip… around 2,200 miles in the Z4 and the not having adaptive cruise wasn’t as big of a deal. Felt pretty good after that trip actually… not sure if I would be feeling that fresh after being in the Z that long. The other car in the pic is a 992.2 Carrera T. That is def a car that can be driven daily and has less compromises than either the Z or Z4. Outside of Porsche’s GT cars that’s the best 911 in their lineup. All the other 992’s have gotten too far into the touring category that I would rather just get a M8 or AMG at that point and get a bigger back seat and bigger trunk.

 

[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.

I have owned 2 370Zs and my current Z loved them all. No issues for the time I owned them. The rear latch opening from the inside same issue I just get out and open it. Lots of fun.

 

[Pedropat]

I’m doing the opposite. I just sold my 2024 Z performance manual. Previous to the Z I bought a BMW M240i because I couldn’t get a Z without an ADM and the specs I wanted.
Even though I enjoyed the luxury of the BMW I missed the manual transmission.
A year or so later I found a Z with my specs and below msrp. I sold the BMW at Car Max for a OK price and went for the Z which was in the LA area.
I liked the Z but something was missing. After driving it for nine months I discovered the BMW Z4 m40i with the manual transmission. This is the best of both worlds, luxury, performance and fun. My Z4 is in the build process to my exact specs and I’m really looking forward to its arrival.
Not the smartest financial decision but at this stage in the game (73) I just don’t want to compromise. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still a big Z fan and get excited when I see one in the wild.

 

[rocksandblues]

My .02


The only real "Con" for the Z4 is, the B58 is hell once it gets older (much like the N54)

No it isn't. It is quickly proving itself to be a legendary motor.
You can say bias but None of my friends w b58 have even had a hiccup unless self inflicted. My b58 is chugging along on its 4th track season of 30-40 track days per season.

why am I on this forum? I keep holding out hope for another track option.

But back to OP, i have had a BMW convertible in my stable for the last 25 years at least. Including e36, e46,e9X and currently a e46 m3 vert. Never had a power top failure and the top down driving is really fun to where I always have to have that option it seems.

I have driven a Z. No argument the M40 is more car, better quality, handles better and so on.

But the Z has a compelling argument if you are looking for a handsome JDM cruiser. Go with your heart and know that as a car nut which ever you chose won't be your last.

 

[Bumflik]

German autos are amazing in tech, performance and styling. Unfortunately, big money pits and I love Porsche, BMW Audi and Mercedes.

 

[ZillaZ]

Drive both, let your heart decide.

I think this is it right here.
Just go with your gut. Mine said buy this Z after I drove it while I wasn't seriously considering it until that point.

I am not disappointed.

 

[Houston.RZ34]

No it isn't. It is quickly proving itself to be a legendary motor.
You can say bias but None of my friends w b58 have even had a hiccup unless self inflicted. My b58 is chugging along on its 4th track season of 30-40 track days per season.

why am I on this forum? I keep holding out hope for another track option.

But back to OP, i have had a BMW convertible in my stable for the last 25 years at least. Including e36, e46,e9X and currently a e46 m3 vert. Never had a power top failure and the top down driving is really fun to where I always have to have that option it seems.

I have driven a Z. No argument the M40 is more car, better quality, handles better and so on.

But the Z has a compelling argument if you are looking for a handsome JDM cruiser. Go with your heart and know that as a car nut which ever you chose won't be your last.

I dunno man, B58 v1 issues are popping up more and more (* = Turbo BMW classics)
- valve covers*
- oil filter housing gaskets*
- excessive coolant loss
- oil pumps
- VANOS solenoids*
- ripping oil filters
- thermostat heat management module
- high-pressure fuel pump*

And now, B58 v3 has cylinder head issues.

It's a kick ass motor - gains are TOO easy (N54 was the same way) but, they do like to break with a bit of age and a big part is how much plastic is in use with the drivetrain components

Not trying to hate, just stating what's out in the wild