Infiniti G35 Sedan 2006 and earlier

maxima4

VDC is standard not an option on the G35

ryoken

I'm sure we all agree that traction and stability controls are great for daily street driving in bad weather. I never turn mine off on the commute to/from work. However, when you push the button to turn the system off, we want it to be totally off, not mostly off.

ihaberman

As the launch of the AWD G35 is greatly anticipated here in the northern part of the U.S. (Chicago), thought I'd get the conversations rolling...

(1) I've been told thus far to expect first shipments around November.

(2) Hoping for some new colors to be added, which will hopefully extend throughout all '04 models. I haven't fallen in love with any of the current '03 and '03.5 colors. The only one that caught my eye was the deep blue of the '03, which they changed to some silly caribbean blue in '03.5 The deep gray that's currently avail on the coupe might be a nice addition.

(3) Hoping for some better looking aero package on AWD -- i.e., the coupe's front bumper standard maybe?

(4) Looking for thoughts on AWD G35 vs. RWD G35 with snow tires.

(5) Comparisons to BMW 330xi, A4 Quattro, and Volvo AWD S60 are welcome. Though the BMW, through other posts, is certainly perceived to be a smoother engine, and the A4 has received high marks for interior quality vs. the G35, I'm concerned about the size of the back seat. Feeling is there's not much reason to buy a 4-dr in the first place if you can't seat people comfortably back there...and I'm still a single guy in his low 30s.

(6) Where does the AWD system come from in the Nissan/Infiniti family? Is it a good one?

Look forward to a lively discussion...and to the launch of this auto.

afty

(6) Where does the AWD system come from in the Nissan/Infiniti family? Is it a good one?

I'm guessing it will be the ATESSA AWD system from the Skyline GT-R, the same system used in the FX35/45. It is supposed to be one of the best on-road AWD systems in the world.

kdshapiro

Actually the best AWD system in the world is on a Porsche. Second best is supposed to be the Quattro. Everyone else is third.

robmarch

which one are you referring to?

959?
996 C4s?
Cayenne?

the 996 C4s is a pretty simple system that's primarily RWD with a multiplate clutch that is slip activated. It's always active around 5% until wheelspin occurs, because the OD of the rear tires is different from the front, if I recall correctly.

The 959's system was totally state of the art adn computer controlled, and I think is similar in philosophy to the nissan ATTESSA system with electronically controlled multiplate clutches.

I'm not sure what the cayenne's system looks like.

boomer23

Regarding the rear seat on the G sedan, it is in a different class from the A4 and BMW 3 Series. I have driven with two adults back there and they are very comfortable, with the front seats adjusted where the front passengers are comfortable. The Audi and BMW have tighter leg room and are narrower.

maxima4

jhaberman...The rear seats also recline if equipped with the premium package which makes the rear seat even more comfortable.

ihaberman

The reclining option is a MUST. For no other reason than the others in its class don't have it...and it usually comes with cars 2x the price. Nice little touch.

cdnpinhead

assumes you don't care about any kind of a fold-down option: carrying a bicycle, skis, or anything like that.

jedmonds

To be honest i could care less if my passengers in the car are comfortable. If they want reclining seats, they can either drive their own car, or pay for me to get the premium package. I think the premium package is a rip off, 3200 bucks for reclining seats, that I personally wouldnt be using, dual climate control, homelink, and bose stereo. It should come with the nav for that price. Another thing that bothers me is that you have to get the premium package to get the nav. sorry for my rant. Don't get me wrong, I love my G35 Sedan!!! just don't like the pricing of some of the options.

ryoken

You forgot the sunroof. The sunroof is $1000 of that $3200. And the auto up/down rear windows, automatic headlights, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and memory seats. The pricing of its options is right in line with pricing of similar options from other luxury brands. And I do care if my passengers are comfortable, which is one of the reasons I have a G35 instead of a 330i.

I guess it just depends on your personal preferences. My G35 is loaded, and I feel it was worth every penny.

As for the split/folding rear seat, that may be nice, but both my last cars had it, and I think I used it maybe a dozen times in 10 years. There is a pass-through for skis and other long, skinny objects. If I need the cargo room, I'll just switch cars with my wife and take the Jeep.

kdshapiro

More often than not I have used the fold down seats and when they are needed, they are really needed. That's why thankfully, all cars are not clones of one another.

norbert444

I bought a base version of G35 leather sedan. No packages or options. However, there is one feature of the Premium Package that I would like to have: auto on/off headlights feature. It requires the four-position light switch. I have a three-position only (OFF-parking lights-Main lights, but no AUTO). Yet, there is the autolamp sensor on the dashboard that normally triggers the headligts and dashboard lights (the latter works ok on my car).

I contacted two dealers re modification to replace the switch. They said it is impossible. Infiniti Customer Service even said something like "Don't dare or we'll void the warranty!"

Has anyone done this switch replacement? And how?

Thanks ... Norbert

bgall

I've heard that the AWD G35 will be out in July, but it's all hush hush and subject to change. Not sure the dealer really knows for sure.

greddygtr

I find it funny when certain people assume that anything German must be some kind of paragon of excellence unmatched by anything other parts of the world might produce. Of course the effectiveness of an AWD system is a subjective matter but I feel that the racing pedigree of cars like the Impreza and Skyline show that Japanese manufacturers are capable of producing excellent AWD systems. As far as stating that "the best AWD system in the world is on a Porsche" as if it's some kind of undeniable fact, that's just amazingly pompous imo.

cybersol

kdshapiro - I was wondering if you have even bothered to drive the G35 yet? Last time I checked, you still had not.

kdshapiro

Yes, I test drove it, only from the passenger seat though, sort of like a front-seat driver.

fnt

Back seat comfort (for my two kids) was one of the primary reasons I chose the G35 sedan. If that weren't one of my requirements, I would have bought the coupe.

greddygtr

After taking a look at the specs on the new Maxima I noticed a few oddities. For one, it's rated at 265 hp, 5 more than the G35 sedan. Granted the 5 hp difference is basically nothing but I thought Infiniti was supposed to represent the top of the line for Nissan's offerings? The Maxima is also available with 245/18 tires, much better than the comparably skinny 215/17 package available on the G35. It looks like Nissan will need to upgrade the G35 just to stay ahead of its corporate cousin.

JBaumgart

In its recent review Car & Driver criticized the front-drive Maxima for excessive torque steer, whereas the G35's rear drive does not of course share that problem. Personally I would disregard the Maxima's 5 extra hp and would much prefer the better balanced handling that the G35 offers (assuming you don't need the extra back seat room that the Maxima would provide).

greddygtr

I agree that the G is a much better sports sedan overall. However, since it's an Infiniti I feel that it should be equally or better equipped than the Maxima in every way. I mean isn't that the whole point of a mass market manufacturer having an upscale division?

cybersol

greddydtr - Good point about the stats versus the maxima, but if they just update the sedan to make the same hp/torque as the G35 coupe and FX35 everything would be fine. I've been hoping they would do this regardless.

kdshapiro - Good to here you've been a passenger. Try driving or just keep holding on for the ride.

bigorange30

On the coupe side, the G35 is based on the 350Z and the Z also has about 8 more horsepower. However, Car and Driver says that the G35 beats the Z on the track mainly because of the exhaust upgrade. I would be surprised if the sedan didn't have the same kind of advantage over the Maxima on the track because of the same kind of exhaust upgrade.

jwilson1

Being a superior automobile doesn't depend on horsepower.

JW

ihaberman

I agree that the back-seat room in the G is a big reason for purchasing the vehicle. Otherwise, I would probably buy an A4, S4, or 330i. Whole point of having a 4-dr car is to be able to fit people in the back at least fairly comfortably.

As for the rest of the premium package, I think it's a must-have. Otherwise you might as well buy a Nissan. The premium package is what makes this car an "Infiniti" on the inside.

ihaberman

Re: a July launch, I've heard much closer to Oct/Nov, which would make sense...launching it as an '04 upgrade. I'm anxiously awaiting this car, and the changes made to the rest of the '04s as I live in the cold midwest. I also started a separate discussion board titled AWD G35 to focus on this model.

thebug

Hi guys, I read the owner reviews (I read all of them for cars that I didn't select), and under suggested improvements, I see most people had similar suggestions that I would have had for the G35.

I looked at a series of cars ( well actually it was only four; BMW'5s, MB's G35, and the CTS), and finally narrowed it down to two cars. It was a close call between the G35 and the CTS.

I chose the CTS because it has almost all the things that the G35 is missing (most of which are standard) for the same price, and I really don't like sunroofs, it's a safety thing.

Many owners complained about the Bose system. I don't know what happen with the G35, but the Bose system is awesome in the CTS. I listened to the one in the G35, and thought it was pretty darn good. Maybe it's just them.

The HP is a little lower, but the gas mileage is pretty good, and it still provides pretty good output for 220HP, and the handling is SUPERB. I do miss the auto-manny tranny though.

I may still buy a G35 (sedan) in the future if they drop the mandatory sunroof, and include some or most of the improvements that current owners have recommended. I hope you all enjoy your G35 as much as I'm enjoying my CTS. Can't seem to put the darn thing away.

Happy driving... ~(8o)

thebug...

stanny1

1. Restrictive Exhaust System (Motor Trend)
2. Battery Mounted High in Engine Compartment (should be in trunk)
3. VDC cannot be totally shut-off (And Nissan corporate is uncooperative) "SportsCar"
4. Six-speed tranny is "notchy" (C&D)
5. No LSD available (but can be transplanted
from 350Z).
All 5 problems can probably be solved in the aftermarket but Nissan can also deal with this "at the source".
Almost there, but if you are into real performance driving, the car is just short of the mark.
But for 95% of consumers, the G35 Sedan is the best value going.
If I can find out how to deal with #3, I'm getting a six-speed in July.
I'll fix the other 4.
Don't bother calling Infiniti Public Relations. They don't return their calls.

don725

Okay, I can understand 4 of the 5, but what does the placement of the battery have to do with the performance?

Just curious...

Don

stebu

Please...don't ask. If you really want to know his reasoning, just search back though the posts. He keeps bringing it up on a fairly regular basis. Bottom line, it ain't gonna happen, not now, not tomorrow, maybe never. Sorry stanny, nobody wants it there :-(

pat

Join us tonight, 6-7pm PT/9-10pm ET for another
round of automotive trivia and member-to-member chat.
Test your skills (or multiple choice guessing ability)
against other Town Hall members.

http://www.edmunds.com/townhall/chat/townhallchat.html

Hope to see you there!

ryoken

I test drove a CTS in my search for a car. Oddly, I didn't go with it because I thought the interior was a bit cheesy for a Cadillac (and it lacked oomph). The interior of the G35 seems to be a common complaint, but I actually like it. Go figure.

gee35whiz

Got my blk/blk G35s a week ago and what a blast! Just can't seem to drive it enough and I can't wait to get through the break-in period. Just wanted to thank all the members for all the useful info on the boards in helping me make my decision about the G and also for tips on problems and solutions.

The ride is definitely not as smoothe as the Avalon that I traded in but the handling is so responsive...so much so that I am having to learn not to over steer so much. Also interested to see what kind of gas mileage I will be getting; especially in this age of HIGH gas prices. Did all of you find that your mileage got better after the break-in period?

Thanks again fellow board members...i'm proud to be a member.

stanny1

Ok, it's not a biggie. I'm sure the engineers condidered battery placement.
In the 80's, many Japanese cars had the battery in the front of the engine compartment and on the driver's side, the worst possible spot.
Of course, in Japan, the battery was on the correct side to counterbalance some of the driver's weight.
It's like the radio controls. A complete conversion to left hand drive requires a change of the volume contol location as well as many
other "reversals".
The trend for some years has been to locate the battery to the trunk. This costs more and can increase radio noise.

32caddy

The G35 is somewhat nice, but the company is owned by the french--- so I have been told!!

thebug

I think both cars are pretty nice. I'm just in disagreement with the option grouping that's offered with the G35.

I understand that they have to group them to move certain items, but to mix things that have no commom bound in a package is kind of strange.

To me it's as strange as saying, in order to get the dual ac, you have to purchase the trunk liner, (just an example of strange).

In both models, many reviewers have mentioned the excessive use of cheap plastic bits in the interior materials. Now would that be as opposed to the expensive plastic use in the higher priced competing models, or what?

I like the cockpit arrangement of the CTS, (got the blk on blk), because it flows, as everything is at my fingertips. This makes them easy to operate without having to look. Voice control feature is very nice as well. Just have to remember which car I'm in.

So I understand what you mean by liking an interior that others seem to freely jeer. As far as power, I'm very satisfied with the 220HP. It's more than adequate, I can cruise at triple digits for long periods with relative ease and still get good range from tank to tank.

As with any auto purchase, the one making the payments has to be satisfied with the total package, and I sense we both are. That's what really counts.

thebug...

don725

I'm too lazy to search back thru posts. It just stood out, so I asked. I really am not that interested. I love my G just the way it is. 4200 miles in 5 weeks w/ no problems or regrets.

Don

2003.5 G35 Black on black- premium, nav, winter, wood

ryoken

stanny1, according to Nissan/Infiniti, having a slight front weight bias instead of an even 50/50 has some advantages. If they wanted a straight 50/50, I'm sure they'd have put the battery in the trunk. You can argue the logic behind their goal of 52/48, but that's what they were aiming for.

ryoken

I guess their options packages don't really bother me because I want a loaded vehicle. But I do think that as long as you're willing to wait for a custom order, a car factory should make the a la carte menu available.

robmarch

I doubt they would move the battery to the trunk to achieve a 50/50 weight balance. Cars in this segment are judged on interior room and trunk space, so moving the battery to the trunk would hurt their volume measurements.

Stanny1 - have you driven the G35 with a manual? I'm wondering if you agree that the shifter feels "notchy?" I actually would prefer notchy to vague, so I don't necessarily think that this is a bad thing. Some people think the M3 gearbox is notchy, but I like it a lot. Transmissions that handle more torque seem to be notchier, from what I've seen. S2000 and Miata gearboxes have to handle less than 160 lb/ft of torque, but have excellent feel.

I agree with your points on the VDC and LSD. The exhaust is a compromise for quiet performance, so I don't fault Infiniti for putting a louder, higher performance model in a luxury car. This one is easily addressed in the aftermarket, the VDC and LSD are tougher

chinee

I remember reading that the weight distribution was targeted at 52/48, so that when the weight shifts to the rear during accleration out of a corner, the distribution then approaches 50/50. The reasoning was for increased chassis stability or balance, (or something along those lines), not a big deal to a commuter like myself.

ihaberman

Though color choices tend to be subjective, I'm looking for thoughts on how well the willow leather goes with the titanium tint offered on the sport package. Most every picture in the brochures (for both '03 and '03.5) only showcases the dark interior. Though I really like the dark, I've had dark interiors on every car of mine for the past 15 yrs. Thinking of finally making a change, and I really like the dark exterior colors on this car (still hoping they bring back the dark blue from '03 vs. Caribbean Blue in '03.5). I'd choose the wood option, but that's not available with the sport package.

stanny1

As we speak, Magnaflow is designing a new cat-back system for the G35 Sedan to be sold/branded by NISMO.
If you want to know more, and lobby for them to work faster, E-mail Bruce Wayne, Media Relations Manager at: bwayne@magnaflow.com
Magnaflow's system for the Lincoln LS was vastly superior to the Borla product.

thebug

I agree, but you can probably only do that when you shop in the RR Bentley range. This line of vehicle doesn't have color choices listed. For the money you shell out for one of those, you can have any color you want I guess. Well, it's back to the war.

thebug...

ryoken

The look of the silver trim with the willow interior clashed, as far as I was concerned, and made me go with the graphite interior. I'd actually prefer a medium gray interior, but they don't offer it. You really should find a car that has the sport package and willow interior and take a look for yourself, though.

BMW, as I understand it, doesn't have packages in Europe. Everything is a la carte. The packages are set up by BMW North America for our market. (I've heard of people finding the order codes and ordering BMW's with cloth seats.) So you don't have to go as far as a Bentley, but you might have to move to Germany.

kfhmail

I talked to a salesman in Huntsville Alabama last night and "he said" that the midnight blue exterior color will return next year. The plan is to alternate the blue colors during the year. Half the year will be midnight blue and half of the year will be carribean blue.

This does not make sense to me, but it is what a salesman told me.

Other - I am hoping for a medium gray interior color also. Would like to see more interior color options. To me the willow color just does not look good. Willow on the carpet and trim is OK but I do not like it on the seats. To me it would make sense and be smart to offer a minimum of three interior colors (light, medium, dark). I understand the more options they offer the more expensive for the auto maker (less efficient...small quantities)...but it would be better for the public...the one's buying the car in my opinion.

bigorange30

and maybe another green color. The gold color on the QX4 is a great color too. I prefer a black interior. I love it in my QX4.

ihaberman

I would love to see them bring back the Midnight Blue...but that would require the willow leather interior in order to coordinate. To that end, still looking for a current owner with the willow to say that the sport package titanium-tint meshes well. It says a lot to me that every photo in the G brochure shows the graphite leather interior...except the full airbag deployment photo which shows the willow. I would love to see a wood dashboard (in addition to wood trim) offered on the '04s. That might make the willow leather a more popular option.

jwilson1

If you go to freshalloy and look around there has been a recent discussion of this combination and a couple of people posted large pictures of their consoles. I just looked and couldn't find it; I'll post a link if I run into it.

My own feeling -- test drove this combination in a laser red -- is that I like it a lot, but it is subtle because the titanium doesn't make a striking contrast to the willow as it does with the graphite.

But then I love the Carribean Blue ... just hope I can get it when the time comes.

JW