Infiniti G35 Sedan 2006 and earlier

joes230

ivan_99 said: "I find the VDC interferes too often"

Holy cow! I find the G35's VDC has a fairly high trigger threshold. On a dry road, you have to really push the car to activate it. Just how hard depends on your tires and suspension option.

You can get Bridgestone Potenza S-03 Pole Position tires in 225/55-17. This is a maximum performance tire that would enable you to drive at your current agressiveness without triggering VDC. Of course maybe you'd just drive yet faster, ultimately triggering VDC again. At least this tire would give you the option of safely maintaining your current driving style.

I'd suggest you either do this or slow down a little.

-- Joe

ktcarguy

Dr- Assuming that your LE Pathfinder is a nice truck with 4X4, it should be worth about $22,500-$23,000 and if the 3000GT is not the SL it should be worth about $5500. These numbers are based off of Manheim Market Report which is one of the largest auction houses in the country. If your local dealer gives you more, take it. Sell 'em yourself and you will make close to $5000 more combined (assuming they are in decent shape)

ivan_99

The VDC usually kicks in when I'm merging from a stop, such as a side road, or making a quick turn.

The back end waggs out a bit, but the VDC comes along and cuts the power...making me feel like I hit a sand trap.

I don't mind the back end getting sideways, it straitens out with very little counter steering.

This is my only source of freedom during the day (boss all day...wife all night...heh)

karz10

for a few days, i agree the vdc is a little too quick to engage, i don't know if i'd want to turn it off, i might forget i did that, but i wouldn't want to turn it off everytime i get in either, since some think it too quick others think it too slow to engage, does anyone know if there are succesful uses of 'scalable' vdc's like how some set the suspension to their driving, you could set the vdc to your driving style, only to engage when you are really at risk of losing control, which for some would only be when the tailights are passing you...lol

btw, when do these things safely shift?? i was trying to be nice while testing the limits of this already broken in g, but when i shifted manually before the redline, it didn't actually shift until WELL into the redline, any thoughts?

karz

slasher617

I also noticed a delay in the time it takes for the gears to shift while using the auto-stick. I have tested this on 4 different G35s and the lag is anywhere from 1-3 seconds from when you shift to when the transmission engages that next gear. This issue is one of the reasons I am still considering the BMW as their auto-stick is seamless. I would hate to be in a situation where I needed to shift and due to the lag, the situation got worse not better. I would add this to the short list of things Infiniti should improve for the next model year.

cloth

The manual mode on the G35 is programed to only hold/shift up to a set gear. Shifting is dependent on how much you are pressing the throttle. So, if you start in 1st and floor it, and then shift to 2nd at 4500 rpms with the pedal still floored, it will shift at red line, not at 4500 rpms. If you were to let up on the gas and shift, it will shift quickly, but lacking the clutch it is hard to really feel when to give it gas again. I simply use it to hold 2nd or 3rd when I'm driving in the twisties, or getting on the freeway.

karz10

I liked that feature of holding the gear in hilly, curvy or traffic situations, definite plus, i just thought it was interesting that the car was shifting under full throttle at well above redline, even tho i was trying to let it shift just before, i mean if that's how the car wants to be driven, fine, i just didn't know if some computer would show somebody redlining consistently and have some dlr somewhere claim you didn't drive it properly and void a warranty or something, maybe that's crazy but it crossed my mind

karz

cdalu

I have been reading several post concerning price of vehicle. I have found the best way to purschase this vechile since it is in such high demand is to contact the fleet manager at the dealership of your chose. With the proper attitude you can get the car at invoice plus a .5 to 2% mark-up. I just ordered the car with all the options except the nav. Its just another toy. This car is awesome. If anybody has any questions please post. CD

joes230

I encountered the same thing. Unlike a manual, you can't wait until redline to shift the manumatic. You'll hit the rev limiter, causing power loss.

The manumatic reliably prevents upshift above the selected gear. Unfortunately there's evidently a significant delay between selecting the next gear and the transmission making the shift. This command->response delay is different from the normal delay in actual gear changing, which is pretty fast.

For this reason it's probably better to just let it shift itself, and use the manumatic solely for holding a gear in terrain and situations where that's beneficial. I tested acceleration several times and didn't see any improvement using the manumatic. Turning VDC off does improve things.

-- Joe

cloth

I agree, but did notice better acceleration with the transmission set in 3rd with VDC off than just set in D

jrct9454

Well, I guess there is the obvious question: where did you buy the car? I'm also in NorCal and may be looking come September.

rogerab

I have been informed the All Wheel Drive G35 will be introduced in March, 2003. Does anyone have any information about this car.

mbarto

Just released from Nissan News Bureau.

Pics URL:
http://www.nissannews.com/multimedia/infiniti2003/g35sportcoupe.shtml

Specs (280 hp/ 270 ft. lbs of torque) URL:
http://www.nissannews.com/infiniti/2003vehicles/g35sportcoupe/specs.doc

Cheers!
Mark

stsurbrook

I just looked at the specs and was REALLY impressed by the "turning diameter" of 18.7 feet! Wow, almost 1/2 that of the BMW 3-series. I also was impressed that Infiniti is going beyond the other manufacturer's with a "savor" spare tire. I guess it is supposed to allow you to enjoy changing the spare more?

Guess, Infiniti should have had a better proofreader and changed the diameter to radius and savor to saver...

However, I'm not too impressed with the interior volume (~12-14 less cubic feet than the sedan) or the trunk (about 1/2 the size of the G35 sedan).

But you just HAVE to love those engine numbers and the other performance options. I MAY have to see how much the 18" wheels are as they look good and would be great on a G35 sedan... :0

Scott

stsurbrook

Judging by the drive ratios of the 6-speed, it should be quite a bit quicker than the sedan (I think that R&T had the 350Z doing 0-60 in 5.4 seconds and it only has 7 more horsepower, achievable in the Infiniti's with a better air intake). Probably around 0-60 in 5.6 seconds and the quarter-mile in about 14.4-14.5 (the 350Z did it in 14.0).

However, judging by the gearing, I would guess that you will definitely have to shift into 3rd to get to 60mph and will have to do quite a bit of shifting in rush hour/stop-and-go driving. No word on the gas milage, though highway will probably be 2-3mpg better.

I hope that Infiniti will offer the better engine and other options in the sedan for those who want to pay. With 20hp and 10ft-lb more power, manual tranny, and the Brembo brakes, it should make the sedan a real dream to drive.

Oh, yesterday on the way home I saw a BMW 540i Sport and after looking at it enviously, I realized the only thing I was really looking at enviously was the amount of rubber it had on the road. With the 18x8" wheels from the coupe, even that would not be an advantage for the BMW. Would almost be no chance that any BMW (shy of a racing version) would touch the G35... (Ok, maybe I it seems like I'm trolling a bit, but I'm not, just commenting on how much I love to drive this car!)

Scott

g35guy

Alright, I could probably find this in the owner's manual, but I'm too lazy and you guys know it all anyway.

When I have my headlights on "auto", I have two issues. First is that they are too sensitive. They'll come on going under underpasses or a group of trees hanging over the road making me look like I'm flashing my lights like an idiot. Can the sensitivity be adjusted? Second is that the second tier of headlights also come on--not sure what these are supposed to be (driving lights, foglights??). Anyway, are they supposed to come on with the xenons on "auto"?

Also, doesn't this car have rain sensing wipers on the premium package? What exactly does that mean?

Thanks for your help (particularly so I don't need to read the owner's manual!!)

fnt

I read that there are several settings that can be changed by your dealer. One of them is the auto headlight sensitivity:

"Auto Light On (headlights turn on as it gets dark)
Mode 1: Factory setting
Mode 2: Lights come on sooner than factory setting
Mode 3: Lights come on later than factor setting
Mode 4: Lights come on later than Mode 3"

The G35 doesn't have rain-sensing wipers; it does apparently adjust the wiper speed according to the car's speed, however.

-fnt

havoc

Anyone else completely mesmerized by those G35 coupe pics? These are the first "official" hi-res pictures. I will come right out and say this is the most beautiful car new car on earth! I'm almost tempted to eat the $4000 negative-equity on my 2001 I30 and buy myself a birthday present come November...:-) Silver really shows off the lines of the coupe.

As a side note...my brother who's a Nissan salesman says they are getting their first allotments of Zs. They apparently have a metallic burnt-orange color out. I guess it would be wishful thinking for Infiniti to offer the same color on the coupe.

sanandton

Well, I finally reached the limit of the G35 sedan this weekend. On a very curvy mountain road that links upstate SC with Foothill of NC I pushed the G past its limit of grip. It was a hair pin turn rated at 15mph. I entered the turn at about 50mph with no problems grip was sure. As I hit the apex of the curve I gently pushed on the accelerator. When I hit about 60mph the back end broke loose and I found myself sliding sideways as the curve straightened out. In a brief moment the VDC kicked on and flung me back into a straight path. It was an ominous feeling not to have control over the direction. The car just took over braking on wheels that I was sliding into. What an awesome feature. Now I have a chance to really act my age. But one thing for sure... This novice will not touch the VDC switch unless it is to clean it!

obiwankenobi1

If my brother doesn't buy one, I am gonna kill him! I can't because I just bought my 2002 Maxima SE a year ago and can't afford to step up that much.

Oh well, at least I still get to enjoy the VQ V6!

Obi

lsc

While the design is definitely impressive, the coupe sacrifices a lot in practicality. Especially since the sedan is a model for having style and practicality. Isn't that one of the reasons why the G35 is such an attractive alternative to the 330i.

Any other opinions on this?

jrct9454

...but then I've always favored 4 doors over 2 whenever the choice was offered with essentially the same chassis. Don't understand the preference for the 3er coupe over the sedan, either. The C-coupe at least offers something different and practical [the hatch with fold down seats] over the C sedan, and is $5-7k cheaper to boot. But to each their own...

jd35

I remember reading a post about the different options for the auto settings in the G35 (eg. light sensitivity etc.) I have looked back at 100's of posts and cannot find it. I would like to change some of the settings if I could (my infiniti dealer is over 150 miles away!) Does anyone remember the post - I did not bookmark it!

fnt

Here goes:

Door Lock/Unlock (with single click on keyfob)
Mode 1: Unlock left front door only
Mode 2: Unlock all doors
Anti-lock Out (prevents locking keys in car)
Mode 1: Master door lock switch can activate door locks w/ key in ignition
Mode 2: Master door lock switch cannot activate door locks w/ key in ignition
Dome Lamp Timer
Mode 1: Interior lamp comes on when left front door is unlocked
Mode 2: Interior lamp does not come on when left front door is unlocked
Retained Power (Amount of time windows and sunroof will operate after turning off ignition)
Mode 1: 45 seconds
Mode 2: No delay (Will not operate after ignition key is turned off)
Mode 3: 2 minutes
Auto Light On (headlights turn on as it gets dark)
Mode 1: Factory setting
Mode 2: Lights come on sooner than factory setting
Mode 3: Lights come on later than factor setting
Mode 4: Lights come on later than Mode 3
Head Lamp Battery Saver (applies when headlights left in “on” position, not in “auto.”
Mode 1: Shuts lamps off after 5 minutes
Mode 2: No time delay (headlights turn off immediately)
Headlamp Illumination delay (time headlights remain on after exiting car when headlight is in the “auto” position)
Mode 1: 45 seconds
Mode 2: No Delay (lights turn off immediately)
Mode 3: 30 Seconds
Mode 4: 1 minute
Mode 5: 1 ½ minutes
Mode 6: 2 minutes
Mode 7: 2 ½ minutes
Mode 8: 3 minutes
Hazard and Horn Reminder Mode (key fob allows you to choose between modes 1 & 2, but there are 4 others)
Mode 1 (C Mode): Lock = 2 flash, 1 horn /// Unlock = 1 flash, 0 horn
Mode 2 (S Mode): Lock = 2 flash, 0 horn /// Unlock = 0 flash, 0 horn
Mode 3: Lock = 0 flash, 0 horn /// Unlock = 0 flash, 0 horn
Mode 4: Lock = 2 flash, 0 horn /// Unlock = 1 flash, 0 horn
Mode 5: Lock = 2 flash, 1 horn /// Unlock = 0 flash, 0 horn
Mode 6: Lock = 0 flash, 1 horn /// Unlock = 1 flash, 0 horn
Remote Auto Locking Function Mode (Doors automatically lock after exiting car)
Mode 1: 5 minute delay
Mode 2: Function disabled
Mode 3: 1 minute delay
Remote Panic Alarm Operation Mode (activates when button on keyfob held for approx. __)
Mode 1: .5 seconds
Mode 2: Function disabled
Mode 3: 1.5 seconds
Remote Trunk Open Operation Mode (activates when button on keyfob held for approx. __)
Mode 1: .5 seconds
Mode 2: Function disabled
Mode 3: 1.5 seconds
Remote Power Window Down Operation Mode (activates when button on keyfob held for approx. __)
Mode 1: 3 seconds
Mode 2: Function disabled
Mode 3: 5 seconds

Hope this helps.

maxcat1

I took my G in for its first checkup/oil change and asked them to change the auto on feature for the lights so that it wouldn't come on as quickly. I also asked them to make a couple of other changes, e.g., to have the lights come one twice when locking the car and once when unlocking the car (no horn). Sacramento Infiniti didn't know what I was talking about and couldn't change anything. Basically, they didn't know what I was talking about. Talk about duh.

stsurbrook

Just out of curiousity, where did you get this great information? Did it also come with procedures that we can refer the dealership to for changing the settings?

Thanks.

Scott

afty

The information came from a post to Altimas.net regarding settings on the Altima. Someone figured out that the settings were pretty much the same for the Maxima and G35 as well.

Original post was here:
http://www.altimas.net/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=49156

jimxo

Anyone info when the G35 sedan will offer the manual trany?

hicaira

Nissan corp says Feb, 03. Expect that first allotment to be pre-sold at MSRP or above.

jimxo

WOW!

dthobart

I have a loaded G35 (except nav) silver w/ graphite interior with about 8000 miles on her.

About 7 weeks ago, it wouldn't immediately start in the morning. It took about 6 tries (turning over strongly but not firing) for it to fire up. I didn't bring it to the dealer then, since I felt it was probably just a fluke. It didn't happen again for several weeks, but about 3 weeks ago, it happened 3 times in a 1 week period (each under different circumstances), and the last time it wouldn't start for about 10 minutes of trying continuously (I was actually on the phone with the infiniti road service when it finally started). I brought it directly to the infiniti dealer (only 5 miles from my work) and left it with them. They tried to recreate the problem for several hours and finally it started the same behavior. They hooked up the computer to it and found out that it wasn't reading a proper key code from the encoded key. I had to go home and get all of the keys so they could reprogram them. Since they did that, I think that it might have happened once again, but it only took two tries for it to kick over. If it happens again, I'll have to return to the dealership though.

My other main issue is the slow response in the auto climate control. I live in Maine where the daily temps vary considerably (from 50 in the AM to 90 in the afternoon). I find myself having to continually change the temperature setting in order to maintain a comfortable temperature. In the mornings when it's cool, I have to drop it down to the mid 60s in order to get any cool air flowing (its 50 outside, but warm in the car), in the afternoon, if its over 70 outside, I have to raise the temp up to 70-73 or it is freezing in the cabin. If the outside temp goes over 85, I have to raise the inside setting to 75+ to keep it from freezing me out.... None of my other auto climate cars ever reacted like this. The dealer spent quite a bit of time in it and agreed that it did not cut the fan back properly when the outside temp was high and the inside of the car was already cooled and said that they were going to try it out on other G35s on the lot. Anyone else experienced this?

BTW, I cross posted this to the Problems & Solutions board as well...

jrct9454

...ALL of MY climate-controlled cars behaved the same way in the kind of temperatures you describe, which are not uncommon around here in CA, as well.

MB E320, Honda Accord EX, MB C220, or going way back, any of my '80s Mercedes or BMWs behaved the same way - there was no such thing as set-and-forget.

That's not to say your car indeed may have some fixable problem, but I have yet to encounter the system that actually "controls" the "climate" inside a car without some routine adjustments on a regular basis, sometimes twice daily.

fnt

I haven't had this happen or heard of anyone else with the same problem. However, I'd complain loudly to Infiniti customer service about it and make sure that they've opened a file on this in case your dealer can't rectify the problem.

wishnhigh1

Wow...these codes and such make it sound kinda like I-Drive!

dthobart

Well, I don't ever remember having to change the temperature so frequently in my 98 Explorer, 00 300M or even my wifes 02 Sable... All of those cars seemed to maintain a comfortable interior temperature (with varying outside temps) without having to change the interior setting 3 or 4 times/day. It gets downright chilly in the G35 with the temp set at 73 and the outside temp > 85, it's definately not measuring the inside air temp too accurately.

Maybe I've come across a function where the American cars are simply better engineered than the overseas competition.... hmmmm...

jwilson1

The local (Boston) dealers have started to advertise now. One (Norwood) is even promising tickets with a G to the Odyssey, a dinner cruise in the harbor that usually goes for around $100 -- that's sort of a discount, I guess.

The ads are talking about MSRP, so I don't know if they're actually negotiating.

Go Bluejays!
Joe W.

thornick

Let me first say that I have been a tried and true Germany fan, however I got the opportunity to test drive the G35 yesterday, here are my thoughts:

Ride is very solid and Germany like, first Japanese car I have found that has captured this feel. I did not push it on cornering though (no roads nearby to do so!).

I found the interior to be very nice, although bigger than a 3 Series, but smaller than a 5. Loved the seats, especially the reclining seats in the back. Found the drivers side to be a bit narrow (I am 6' 2", 205lbs), but not uncomfortably so.

Brakes were definitely "grabby" as I had heard, but I did adapt after awhile.

Engine was strong and responsive. Not quite a 540 but very good.

The car was impressive and will get my consideration once a 6-speed is available (dealer said that would be in November of this year, not February as reported). However, he quickly mentioned that they will be sold at a premium.

Just my take! Tom

maxima4

Very briefly:

1. Have you brought this to the attention of the Region Sales Manager of Infiniti in the Boston area?

2. Have you tried www.clarkhoward.com? I 'm sure his site will have tips on how to approach car problems and how to solve them. Have you tried www.edmunds.com for tips on how to solve car problems?

3. There's that saying that the "squeaky wheel gets the grease". Be persistent and do not back down until you are heard and have received the answers and results you deserve.

stsurbrook

I was just out at tirerack.com and saw that Eibach has their Pro-Kit spring set available for the G35 for $280. Will be available in September (2-3 week). The springs will lower the vehicle about 1.1" and are progressive to maintain a soft ride in normal conditions, but are much stiffer at the limit. Should be interesting to see how they improve the performance of the vehicle, compared to the "sport package" that Infiniti offers (essentially, stiffer springs and "better" tires).

Scott

kd6aw1

Yesterday the temperature reached 108 degrees F here in El Cajon, California and the clatter and noise from the A/C was unreal. The noise was there at all rpms. The cooling was fine but the noise was so horrible that I was tempted to turn off the A/C and suffer with the heat, so much for my luxury car! This is an otherwise fine car but this flaw is inexcusable! Almost six months into my complaints and no action. Either Infiniti is asleep or just doesn't care, shame on them! How hard could it be to fix a problem like this? Wonder if things like this will slow down their sales?

jrct9454

...is yes. I personally was ready to move on a new base G35 sedan, but have held off waiting to see how Nissan responds to this problem. So far, I'm not impressed. It's my belief that Nissan the corporation has too much on its plate right now - too many new product launches, with attendant problems that always accompany same.

stsurbrook

Well, I would take it down to the dealership, park it and tell them to fix it and NOT take it back until it was fixed (and give me my loaner car)! They are supposed to fix problems that are as obvious as the one you are describing, under warranty.

If they give you a hard time, then I would inform them I was contacting the Infiniti of NA, Infiniti of Japan, the BBB, and the Attorney General of CA (in order) to follow up whatever process (ie. with Infiniti) and legal options that are available. It kills me that this is happening to you, especially from a company whose moto deals with "customer experience". In your case, this "customer experience" appears to be one of pure manure.

What has happened to "customer service"? Don't these firms realize that "customer service, so long as it is easy" doesn't count? EVERYONE can do that, it is how you take care of your customers when it they have DIFFICULT problems that demonstrates a company that is superior (something that would seem to be a competitive necessity in the luxury car market).

Maybe this is a legacy of Renault having controlling interest in Infiniti. Renault left the US market due to underperforming vehicles (in all aspects). I hope this isn't an indication of things yet to come.

ARRRGH!

Scott

mike1650

Wow what a [non-permissible content removed]. I offed by 330I after having an underhood fire, being without my car for one month, and discovering afterword they installed the same faulty piece that had caused the problem to begin with. Customer service? There was none. I wanted them to buy my car back but they would not as it did not meet the letter of the lemon law which I guess means I have to have three fires in the same area to be considered a lemon. I have had no problems with the G yet and I sure hope I don't. I would never by a BMW again based on this experience. Many people had the same problem when the 330 was first introduced and most I heard of were treated the same. Good luck.

kdshapiro

In general it's posts like this that had me wondering. In the 80's I knew a few people that had problems with their BMWs, expensive cars and I said to myself, self never get one. Well a few years later I ended up with my 330i. I recently took it to the dealer to ask them about a small scratch on the whell and whether it could have been caused potentially by a car wash. Well they took a look at and order me a new rim.

I recently knew of two instances of the most reliable car in the world having problems. One instance the owners were treated terribly and finally had their Honda bought back from the lemon law. The other was treated very well after his tranmission blew in his Accord. And the third case an new Altimas air conditioning went in the middle of the heat wave - took Nissan two weeks to fix it.

Cars are mechanical they all will have problems, dealers are people and people make mistakes, hopefully though our dealers will take care of us.

BTW I never heard of any hood fires in BMWs, this is the first time. I guess our most recent encounter with the dealer is the one that sticks in our mind.

mike1650

caused by the electric fan problem. In my case I was 200 miles away from home. You can prob. still search fire, fan, on bimmer.org and find posts. This was a common problem. Anyway, I'm glad I don't have to deal with them anymore.

afty

There was a recall on an underhood fan that could cause fires a few years back. It was a big deal, made it into the newspapers and everything.

kdshapiro

Now that you mention it, I do remember hearing about it. Thanks for reminding me. But or me it has no bearing on today as far as I am concerned.

mike1650

Memory of the incident, the resulting customer service, and the joy of seeing it drive away in someone else's hands.

blueguydotcom

Is this discover infiniti in kearny mesa? If so, you gotta just go nuts on them - andn threaten to tell everybody and their mother about this. I'm quite saddened to read of such poor customer service as my friends thus far have been blown away by how nice and attentive they've been to customer needs.

purwin

How is it that in the latest sport sedan comparo that the G35 has such low performance numbers as compared to when C&D
tested it in the May issue? I.E. 0-60, 7.1 sec vs. 6.2 sec; roadholding, .80G vs. .84G; sound level at 70mph cruising, 70dba vs.
66dba; 1/4 mile, 15.6 @ 92 vs. 14.9 @ 96; braking 70-0, 191 ft. vs. 162 ft. Are they going to blame it on tires? Or German bias?