Nissan 300zx Convertible vs BMW M Roadster

I'm looking to replace my 99 Miata with something a little bigger and faster. I've found the cars I want but could use some outside input to finalize my decision.

1993 300zx Convertible with 28k miles (yes 28k)
222hp, 3200+ LBS
VS
1999 BMW M Roadster with 37k miles
240hp, 3100+lbs

0-60 the M kills the Z but in overall performance its not so cut and dry. As I plan to have the car for some time long term reliability and maintenace issues must be considered. One of the great benefits of the Miata is being able to drive the thing at 5k rpm all day without a worry. Is this reasonable to ask of M or Z?

So, the question that must be answered is: which car would be more enjoyable to own?

I'd say the M Roadster easily. Its handling isnt quite as good as the M3, but it should still be a bit better then the 300zx. I've always found BMWs to be the most enjoyable cars that an average person could possibly afford. BMWs just have this feeling of connectiveness and response that you'll be hard pressed to find in any other cars. I also think that the M looks better. Buy Bavarian!

Are they the same price? Then go with the BMW, it will have better straight line performance, better handling, and what's more reliable than a bmw?

and what's more reliable than a bmw?just about anything :lol2:

BMW and most other European 'Luxury Cars' rank in the lowest percentages of reliability...I'd go with the Nissan, which will most likely have much cheaper parts in the event that something does go wrong.

BMW and most other European 'Luxury Cars' rank in the lowest percentages of reliability...I'd go with the Nissan, which will most likely have much cheaper parts in the event that something does go wrong.

The reason BMWs reliability rankings have been lower recently is because of the IDrive system in the new 5, 6, and 7 series, which is prone to problems. However historically BMWs are pretty reliable cars when properly cared for. Not sure on the specifics for the BMW Z cars, but I know that most of the powertrain in the 1999 M Roadster comes from the E36 M3, a very well built car.

I would argue that things are less likely to go wrong on the BMW then the Nissan. So its kinda a give or take situation. The Nissan is more likely to break, but when it does, it will be cheaper to repair, and the BMW is less likely to break, but will cost more to fix.

Z =$13-15K
M= $18-20K

To me it seems the z3 line experience the majority of its problems in the first few production years, most noticably 96' when the car was released. BMW did a poor job of addressing many non drive train issues prior to its release. Problem is I don't find much info specific to the M Roadster on reliability.

The Z is well known for its reliability but with age I'm not sure one can expect that same level of reliability. Especially considering how cramped and complex the car is.

Neither is very oriented to the weekend mechanic something that makes me hesitant with both. I do enjoy at least being able to do all the basic maintenance myself. And it sure saves a buck.

well, with the 28k miles on the Z. the only thing you may need to worry about is 60k mile timing belt changes. and nissan's are prone to alternator problems, but thats just nissan. the n/a Z should not have any serious problems (nothing more than your average car) until you start getting into the engine's life span. the n/a is a very reliable car...the engine will last well into the 200k mile range...and since you are buying it at such an early stage in the engine's life, you can make sure it gets the proper care that the Z cars strive for. plus with the extra cash that you will save, you can steal that 0-60 time that the BMW once owned, with a couple modifications.

but on the other side of that,the BMW is newer and it is a BMW so it is a well built car with good engineering.

if it were me, hands down, i would go with the Z because i cannot deny the looks of the Z. but i guess you could argue my point and say my opinion is very bias. :D

M Roadster every day of the week. Factors:

1) Better looks
2) Better performance (despite the US not getting the 'real M Roadster')
3) Age

Finally, i wouldnt worry about reliability. As del mentioned the main reliability problem for BMW is in the electric department, Idrive etc...
Here in Europe BMW always ranks near the top in reliability surveys.

A crack addict, drunk, hundover, stoned fish is more relibale then a BMW. There not that good when they are running...and your bill to repair them will make you want to die. If your looking for a daily driver for 20g's thats fast...your way off man....Get a freakin supra! Well between these 2 cars i would take the ZX...But i recomend getting a turbo if you get one...Nissans are much mroe relible, And don't cost more then the car did when you got it to repair....

A crack addict, drunk, hundover, stoned fish is more relibale then a BMW. There not that good when they are running...
The BS that some people come out with :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

How many BMW's have you driven to say they're (note correct spelling) not that good?

I find it amusing that BMW's good reliability record is coming under fire against an early 90's Nissan of all things. Newsflash, this 300ZX was built in 1993, now whate else was Nissan building in 1993? The P10 Primera and A31 Cefiro, now I know many owners of these cars who have been dogged by constant electrical cock-ups or total failures (and in the case of Cefiro's, rust). Yes Nissans have very strong engines and drivelines, but in my experience the electrics of the late 80's/early 90's models are up there with those of FIAT and Renault for being completely useless. I haven't heard of many complaints about 300ZX reliability though, but I'm still skeptical on the basis that it's a Nissan from a time where the only thing that mattered was how many different cars they could make.


The Z3 has a top reliability record, constantly top of the tree in every reliability survey over here in Europe and no iDrive, which means the car is unlikely to give you major troubles (Which is not to say it'll give you none, you can't be too sure).


So I'll take the M Roadster on the basis that it's

1) Faster
2) Handles better (Was DESIGNED as a roadster, unlike the 300ZX)
3) It's newer, most likely less wear and tear that age as opposed to milage brings)
4) Has a better constructed interior

As del mentioned the main reliability problem for BMW is in the electric department, Idrive etc...


no respect...

I find it amusing that BMW's good reliability record is coming under fire against an early 90's Nissan of all things. Newsflash, this 300ZX was built in 1993, now whate else was Nissan building in 1993? The P10 Primera and A31 Cefiro, now I know many owners of these cars who have been dogged by constant electrical cock-ups or total failures (and in the case of Cefiro's, rust). Yes Nissans have very strong engines and drivelines, but in my experience the electrics of the late 80's/early 90's models are up there with those of FIAT and Renault for being completely useless. I haven't heard of many complaints about 300ZX reliability though, but I'm still skeptical on the basis that it's a Nissan from a time where the only thing that mattered was how many different cars they could make.


well, i am a Z owner and i talk to many many guys with Z32's and i have never heard of any complaints with the Z32's except for the early 90's....the first ones made had a few minor problems, as expected with any new car. problems: valvetrain (nissan fixed in their 91 line-up) and power transistor unit(was recalled and fixed for free). also, these were the only ones i have heard of with electrical problems...caused from your average corroding and wear and tear on harnesses. most people i have talked to do not experience any wiring problems with the 1990 z32 until they get some serious miles and on it. and the ones with 91 and above usually dont experience any wiring problems.
i have a Z that was made in august of 89...coming up on a 100k miles on the ticker. i had to replace the starter. otherwise nothing else has been touched *knock on wood*...and i am supposed to have one of the z32's with problems. :dunno:

if you have any specific questions about the z32 convertible, you might want to shoot joel grannas an email or just check out his site ....http://www.z32power.com/

no respect...
My bad, my brain has been all over the place lately :icon16:

since it cam up...the car will be a garage queen, a fair weather auto that most likely won't see more than 6k miles in a year but how I drive those are hard miles.

I've considered the TT and M couple as both are superior performers but I really enjoy dropping the top. If I could afford two cars I'de be taking home a TT and M Roadster.

Ever consider a Boxster?

Yes, I've considered a Boxter. They may be great cars to drive but Porsches are not great to own. The Boxter does not have any where near the reliability of the Z or M, and thats something I'm not wiliing to give up to say, "I have a Porsche".

I thought Porsches had a good overall rep as far as reliabiliy in the Euro sports car market? The newer do have RMS leak problems but it is not as common as some think.

Yes, I've considered a Boxter. They may be great cars to drive but Porsches are not great to own. The Boxter does not have any where near the reliability of the Z or M, and thats something I'm not wiliing to give up to say, "I have a Porsche".
Who told you that? The Porsche Boxster has an excellent reliability record.

quotes like this from owners are what make me think the Boxster has sub par reliabiilty, "...my 1999 Boxster was NOT reliable, after being on a flatbed 3 times in 10 months, I wanted out. I loved the car, but it just wasn't reliable enough...",and this is just one of many.

How about the S2000. I too would say the Boxster is the better car here. But out of the BMW and Nissan, the BMW it would be. It dosn't look as dated as the 300ZX, and the noise from the in line 6 is glorious.

quotes like this from owners are what make me think the Boxster has sub par reliabiilty, "...my 1999 Boxster was NOT reliable, after being on a flatbed 3 times in 10 months, I wanted out. I loved the car, but it just wasn't reliable enough...",and this is just one of many.


The older 97-99 2.5L boxsters did have some problems but porsche ironed most of them out for the 2000-2004 models. I'm sure there are horror stories on the net about every make...including BMW M cars and Nissan Zcars.