HEy guys - just wondering what you thought about last gen M3 in comparison to your Z's... I have not driven a 350, (and I need to soon) however I have driven a couple M3s (95 and 97) and they are amazing vehicles - Im thinking along the lines that a good M3 would only be about 20k for a super clean one, and the Z would be about 32ish how I would equip it.. Now, other than horrifying repair costs for the BMW and not knowing what years of abuse it has experienced vs. the newness, warranty, and japanese reliability of the Z what else should i consider?? any interesting race stories too??!?

mmmm

M3's Rock.

About the only thing I can say is that the M3 is just about taped out power wise(plenty of it thought).

The 350z has a whole lot of aftermarket choices and loads of power adders out there that wont make you have to sell your kids(might have to sell you house though).

thats hard, I'd go with a m3 but in like 10min i'll probably be going with the 350. Research them both and all. If you have had an 350 or 300zx, 240 or what ever in the past though i'd say m3 for a change of pace. +1 for the m3.

You won't need to spend 20 grand on an E36 M3. A very well maintained one can be had for under $17,000. It all depends on what you're looking for. The Z will probably be more reliable, but the horror stories of M-series cars are less common than you would think. Not too say they don't have problems, and that it will be cheap to maintain, but not awful.

And I find the modification potential of the M to be more appealing than that of a Z. You go FI on an E36 M3, very few cars will be able to keep up with you.

Plus, I6>*.

Though they are both good cars, so you really can't go wrong. I'd say a test drive is in order.

Not to get jack your thread M3racer but how in the world did you get your nico ranking to be "jew golden" LOL.

I test drove both cars before I purchased the Z. I liked the M3, and enjoyed driving it. However, the Z was a funner car to drive, and overall I thought it had more performance than the M3. You should test drive them both and see which one you like better.

Don't rule out the G35 coupe. It has the backseat, and nearly matches the performance of the 350Z. (Same car underneath the leather and backseat...) Repairs will be cheaper that the BMW for sure.