[XutvJet]

Originally Posted by B58togo

^^

Probably has $10k into that motor/exhaust/tuning to make 370 whp STD. Ouch. Probably sounds good at 8k rpm though.

Agreed. That is crazy impressive for a VQ and Nissan has really done well offering a high rev NA V6 in a affordable sports car. Prior to that, BMW and Porsche were pretty much the only ones doing it. I bet that built 370whp/300wtq VQ is crazy responsive above 4,500rpms.

With that said, that built VQ on E85 doesn't make as much torque as a stock M235 N55 and a simple piggyback/flash would put the M235 at 370whp and over 400wtq. Both cars would likely post similiar performance numbers where as the VQ is probably being run to within an inch of its life where as the N55 isn't being pushed very hard.

I've become pretty spoiled with the well sorted N55 and am pretty lazy when driving it as it makes very usable power in most any gear assuming you're above 2,500 rpms. I had a Stage 1 2012 WRX prior to my M235 and it required you to shift a lot to stay in the power band (just like this VQ) plus you had to be careful not to go heavy throttle at a low rpm or else you could risk spinning a rod bearing thanks to the crappy Subaru ECM tuning and narrow rod bearings. The very robust N55 and advanced DME allows you to be quite lazy (i.e., heavy throttle most any time, minimal shifting) and drive the car as if it were a decent displacement V8.

[Taskmaster]

Originally Posted by B58togo

^^

Probably has $10k into that motor/exhaust/tuning to make 370 whp STD. Ouch. Probably sounds good at 8k rpm though.

10k seems excessive- 5k would be more accurate, and you could do it for less easily.

[vlad1966]

I live in the Chicago area. How are the M235i non-xDrive in the snow with good snow tires?

[B58togo]

Originally Posted by Taskmaster

10k seems excessive- 5k would be more accurate, and you could do it for less easily.

Just the intake manifold was $3500. He had a lot of one-off custom built parts; intake manifold, runners, HV dry sump oil pan and pump, headers, cams etc. The end of the thread divulges there was close to $15,000 just in go fast parts.

[amw896]

Originally Posted by Taskmaster

10k seems excessive- 5k would be more accurate, and you could do it for less easily.

I think 10k is about right. Straight from the Z forums, a stillen supercharger kit is the best way to get you to approx 415whp and 350wtq. Decent gains but expensive as hell. With 91 octane stage 2 bm3 flash and catless downpipe I'm running 370whp/420wtq for a fraction of the cost.

[vlad1966]

Also, concerning the M235i xDrive I'm looking at at the beginning of this post, should I be concerned that they fixed the transmission leak correctly, as the dealer thinks?

What about potential differential problems with the xDrive? Is that common or rare. Better to look for non-xDrive car?

Thanks.

[CP911]

Originally Posted by vlad1966

Also, concerning the M235i xDrive I'm looking at at the beginning of this post, should I be concerned that they fixed the transmission leak correctly, as the dealer thinks?

What about potential differential problems with the xDrive? Is that common or rare. Better to look for non-xDrive car?

Thanks.

You are going to get mixed opinions on xDrive vs. RWD, but my advice is if you are going to buy a BMW, be patient and get one with RWD. RWD + 50:50 weight distribution =

[Taskmaster]

Originally Posted by B58togo

Just the intake manifold was $3500. He had a lot of one-off custom built parts; intake manifold, runners, HV dry sump oil pan and pump, headers, cams etc. The end of the thread divulges there was close to $15,000 just in go fast parts.

Half of that wasn’t needed for his goals. Especially the dry sump and oil pump.

The intake manifold, headers and tune (2014 prior to VVEL unlock) are really all that’s needed.

[kivyee]

I drove a 2010 370z convertible touring sports 6 speed for a total of a few hours over several days and found that the power felt lacking. I'm sure on a timed acceleration run it would be pretty close to my m235i, but the way the power builds is so gradual it felt slow even when shifting aggressively. Funny thing is that it "feels" slower than it's sort of twin the Infinity G37 - the differences likely attributable to slightly different tuning and the automatic transmission in the Infinity.

Driving wise I remember the Z being adequately nimble and communicative, but didn't leave a strong impression at the end of the day. With the massive amounts of torque on tap with the m235i it feels much more ready to rotate, translating to a livelier car at "normal" city driving speeds despite being almost 10% heavier. I don't autocross or road race so I wouldn't be able to speak to that but stock for stock I suspect the Z will have a slight advantage.

The value proposition of the Z however is undeniable. Yes, the interior is cheap and yes, the platform is old. But a brand new car will generally have less issues that a used car, especially since the M235i the OP is looking at already has a transmission leak (weeps are common on BMWs oil gaskets). So if you want a fun car to drive that's going to have a full warranty, the Z is the way to go. If you want a "funner" car that is also more practical (Z has a hard time even carrying a couple full sets of golf clubs), more luxurious and are willing to pay more for parts and service likely more often, then the M235i is the way to go.

[rainfall]

I think it comes down to if you prefer comfort or driving experience. I think the 370z must be more raw to drive, for the good and for the bad. The 370z is about 300lb lighter and has good power.. .so it must be a blast to drive. For the exact same reasons it's lighter, it's also less practical (fewer seats, less cargo space, less sound insulation).

I don't know how they compare in a track battle, but the bmw is definitely going to feel better in daily commutes.

Not to say that bmws aren't fast and fun to drive. They are! I've owned my m235i for 6 months now and is the best car for my purposes.

Don't get the X-drive unless you absolutely need it (like you'll go ski every weekend). Even if you live in places that snow, you can still do well w/ rwd and winter tires. Go on nick murray's youtube channel where he talks about it.

I live in a pretty rainy area and it almost always snow here every year. I still got the RWD version for the fewer parts to worry about, less weight and better handling.

[Pray for Mojo]

Originally Posted by vlad1966

I live in the Chicago area. How are the M235i non-xDrive in the snow with good snow tires?

They are fine, 4 winters in and zero issues.

[mayday813]

I had a 2011 370 Z sport touring six speed until I traded it in for a 2017 M240 xdrive. Had about 85k miles on the Z with no real problems. If you're primary use of the vehicle is a daily driver, the M235 is much more comfortable, quiet, and performs better in my opinion. That being said, BMW's are costly to maintain. N55 engine has been around for a long time and very reliable.

If you intend to take the vehicle on long trips, the M235 is a better road car. The 370Z's are loud unless you insulate the trunk area. As mentioned, the engine sound of the M235 is superior to the 370Z's.

I drove the 370Z year around which requires winter tires during the winter months. My M240 xdrive also has the high speed feature and summer tires which requires separate winter tires during the winter. Both handle very well in snow/ice conditions with the exception of snow depth of over 5 inches where both vehicles plow the snow thus making travel impossible.