Infiniti G35 Sedan 2006 and earlier

lmacmil

I don't have a G35 though I'm lusting after one. My Olds Intrigue also has several nooks and crannies that don't seem sized for anything in particular. I think in a lot of cases, the interior designers turn any unused space into "storage" without regard to what might fit.

robertr

I have heard it is to hold a pack of cigarettes. Remember the right side of the car is the driver's side in Japan and most Japanese men smoke. Personally, I could have done without the ashtray and cigarette lighter in my G35, as it's size and design is not much suitable for anything else. The ashtray in my 2000 Maxima SE had a fuzzy lining and made a good coin holder. (If you wanted an ashtray suitable for cig butts and a lighter that was a dealer-installed accessory.)

carnaught

owner, I find that space for nothing irritating, but it's no biggy either. What I think is even more outrageous is the hollowed out space in the dash of more high ended cars such as the Mercedes coupe's (CLK) not equiped with Nav. Although this is a space that admits a small kleenex box or glass case, it looks very Toyota Corolla-like to me on a $60K car.

norcalmike2

As robertr mentioned, our beloved G's consoles are still set up for the Japanese right hand drive Skyline (thus explaining why our a/c and radio volume buttons are bass ackwards). I do not like to drive on long trips with my wallet in my back pocket. My tri-fold wallet fits perfectly in that little cubby hole, however, I don't put it there because I can't see it or access it easily. If I was zooming around in Japan in my right hand drive Skyline the cubby hole would be perfect for my wallet. The little ergonimic flaws in my G are a minor quibble. I'm just glad they brought the Skyline over here to the good old US of A.

tomalexm

I have two cars with projector beam xenon lights (like those on any BMW, or FX or Murano), which work very well. The G35 has reflector style lights, so can anyone say how they stack up against projectors? Is the only difference the lack of a sharp edge??? Is the coverage area the same???

adrian8

My G35 has 10K on it and I finally got to try it out in the snow and ice. I am pleasantly surprised how good it does with the Goodyear RSA tires. I experimented with the VDC on and off. I is a weird feeling to mash the petal to the floor and the car just creep up the driveway due to the slick ice. With the VDC off ..totally wheelspin when I revved up the motor. I added 3 bags of kitty litter to the trunk,(yes, still in the bag) and it really goes in the snow. Love the car, I do not need the AW drive.

chrisboth

I thought I was the only one with kitty litter in the trunk - it works like a charm too. Firewood has done well also.

erikahn

My parents just got a G35. They have one concern with the car that the buttons aren't lit on the radio or the climate control system in the center console, other than the light that appears once the button is pushed in. Is this true or does their car have a defect? I have seen on this site people complain about the steering wheel radio controls not being lit, and the clock being hard to see, but nobody has mentioned not being able to see the radio or climate control buttons at night.

ryoken

The steering wheel controls aren't a problem.. once you get used to them, you don't need to look at them to use them, so lights aren't an issue.

The center console should light up along with the driver's console when the parking lights/headlights are on. If they don't all light up, you should have the dealer look at it, as it sounds like something is wrong with your car.

tomalexm

Anybody know the performance of reflector xenons? (see post 8460). thanks.

rderizans

Definitely, all center console lights should be on when the headlights are on.

Play with the instrument lighting dimmer switch before bringing it to the dealer.

rderizans

My G35x is my first car with Xenon lights, but the light pattern is excellent and brightness incredible. Sorry, can't compare, but my headlights have been great.

bjvjs

I just picked up my G35x (black/black, Premium, XM). I bought it in Michigan but live in Ohio, which requires a front license plate.

What are my options for attaching the front plate?

Thanks

snagiel

My last car was a BMW 5-series with the (projector beam) xenons, which were by far the best headlights I'd ever seen. The reflector-types on my G are very good, certainly better than any old halogen system, but they seem to lack the crispness and overall brightness the BMW's had. Then again, this might just be an optical illusion, since--as you said--there's no sharp cut-off, and so the contrast between darkness and light is much more gradual.

snagiel

The G should have come with a plastic front license plate bracket in the trunk, which can be assembled onto the front bumper using two screws. If the thought of drilling is a concern, many states will let you display the plate through your front windshield. Or, you can just take your chances and leave it off. I see people all over Maryland (where I live) without the front plates, and I think the police generally only write you up if they've already got you for something else.

ryoken

I assume you're talking about the Coupe, since the Sedan has a cutout in the bumper specifically for the license plate, along with a blank cover plate for those that don't run the license plates.

For the coupe, you can get a license plate holder that mounts to the front tow-hook location, and does not require drilling holes. I know one source of such a thing is strictlyz.com. There are probably other sources. I have a sedan, so I haven't looked.

tomalexm

Whatever you do, you should mount a front plate somehow. I got warned by a (maryland) cop for not having one.

cjs2002

I live in ohio and I've never once had a problem with getting pulled over for my front license plate. I believe only once has it ever been mentiond and I told them in passing that I accidently his something and if fell off... I was waiting for the bracket to come back in. the officer said ok but you should get one on there... key word "should" its actually a matter of opinion, I'm planning on telling my dealorship to just give me the license plate and I'll put it on (actually I won't) but they dn't know that. my aunt is a cop in columbus ohio and she says with everything else they look out for, a license plate is the last thing they're worried about. she just told me to lie and say it fell off and I 'm getting it put back on. I personally hate the front licesnce plates and never put one on any of my cars for the past 5 years now I've never had one on the front and have yet to have a serious problem. just ask the dealor to give you the plates and not to put anything on the front bumper you'll do it yourself... mine said they couldn't do thatm, I said then I'll go somewhere else... they changed there minds and that was that... even if they did put it on I would just take it off, but then I'd be pissed about the holes in the front bumber where the screws or bolts were...

bjvjs

I have an 04 G35x sedan with premium pkg. The window sticker said there is a power/heated mirror. However, I could not find anything in the manual about how to turn on the heated mirror. Does anyone know anything about this?

Thanks

chrisboth

WHen the rear defroster is on so are the mirrors - took me a year to figure it out but it makes sense.

ryoken

My '03 manual, on page 2-16, says:

REAR WINDOW AND OUTSIDE MIRROR (if so equipped) DEFROSTER SWITCH

To defog/defrost the rear window glass and outside mirrors (if so equipped), start the engine and push the switch on. The indicator light will come on. Push the switch again to turn the defroster off.
It will automatically turn off in approximately 15 minutes.

chrisboth

Man - we look lazy next to ryo who is very familiar with the manual

ryoken

Not so much familiar with the manual... more like I have a PDF version of it and know how to user Reader's search for text function.

It's good to read the manual when you get a new car, though, so you know about all the little features. Say, for instance, you have an '86 Accord with a sunroof, and the electric motor that retracts it fails, and it's starting to rain. It's good to know that there's a tool in the trunk and a crank hold in the ceiling to remedy the situation off the top of your head.

ficuss

You might want to consider the fact that some police agencies log notes on street stops. The police computer system may have notes on your missing plates, your explanation for the missing plates and your promise to have them secured to the front bumper soon. The next time you get stopped for the missing plate, your explanation won't hold water and you might go directly to jail, without passing "go". You should choose your battles, this is a very minor one. Ask yourself one question, WWJD, to your future plans. BTW WWJD means What Would Jail Do. Wouldn't it be ironic if you got to make your own front plate while a guest in the Ohio penal system.

zerrylady

G35X...I ordered the car with just what the car comes with and no extra accesories. My deal was $2800 down and $380.00 a month for 39 months. The $2800 and the $380 includes all taxes and any thing else they wasnt to charge me. There is no charge when I turn the car in at 39 months. I ordered Black with a black interior. How does the deal sound to you all out there (Retail is about $32000)

cjs2002

thank you but like I said my aunt has been a cop for 15 years now and when I asked her she said that they are more worried about seeing if you've been drinking, doing drugs, or anything else. hehe trust me, I was a member of the national mock united nations, and I know how to argue, and chose which battles I can win. and a licsence plate is a battle cops rarely worrie about. my buddy was pulled over once and ticketed for not having his lisence plate on the front, he went to court and the judge dismissed the charge and I qoute "there are better things to do with our time, and I will not waste anymore with this case dismissed".

ficuss

you are correct, they stop you for no front plate then find out you are drunk, doing drugs or anything else hehe.

cjs2002

tru tru... but of all the things I worry about plates aren't my top priority, by the way I'm planning to go to the cleveland auto show at the end of this month, need to make my final choice. i'm thinking about either the G or the chrysler crossfire (though I also put thought towards getting a used slk since its basically the same car) but if I don't get the crossfire its going to be the G, so I'm really excited... finally... i've waited too long

ficuss

Is anybody out there?

cdnpinhead

be out there, but their e-mail addresses had better still be real. As much as people are paranoid, some may opt out if they think their e-mail address is going to actually be used for something.

Funny how several of the well-established boards have continued on more-or-less as usual, while others have gone stone silent.

twoof1

some boards (such as this one) are eerily quiet. It's kind of funny because Edmunds has had everyone's email address all along!
PS: I have never ever received a piece of spam from Edmunds

lmacmil

I subscribe to about 6 discussion groups and some days there are no new messages in as many as 4 of them. Could be coincidence I suppose.

isales

Outside side, sideview mirrors have heater/defrosters in them. They are automatically activated when the front windshield defroster is turned on, and are on a timer so they will turn themselves off.

luba1

Hi everyone,

Sorry for just jumping in like this, but had to let everyone know that I replaced a 2003 Saab 9-3 SSARC w/sport susp. and 17" (Saab repurchased under lemon law, lots of electrical and auto. trans. probs.) a month ago. The G35 sedan has leather,auto. premium,sport, diamond graphite w/black leather. Just tinted and added rear spoiler. Although I thought the Saab was a great handling car, for fwd, it doesn't hold a candle to the G35. The quality, performance, and Bose just blows away the Saab and they both had the same MSRP of approximately $34,500. Phenomenal car and dealer follow-up.

My question is- Does anyone know how large a tire you can put on the stock 17" rims? The Saab had 225/45/17 Pirelli Rosso tires and they seemed to have better grip than the Goodyear 215/55/17 on the G. Don't get me wrong the G outhandles the Saab, but on freeway exits the G loses grip before the Saab did.

Any advice is greatly appreciated. (Please don't say slow down, it can't be done with the G!!)

lmacmil

The G35 pulled .9g in the recent C&D skidpad test with the stock tires. If you are losing your grip on freeway off ramps, then obviously you are going way too fast.

luba1

Understand your concerns, if I see you on the road I'll slow down. Regardless, there is an exit I used to be able to take at 50 in the Saab w/o tires breaking loose. With the G I can only take it at 42 before tires break loose. I think the wider tire in the Saab allowed the higher speed.

P.S.-The G was made fast to be driven fast. Sorry you don't agree.

ficuss

there are many factors which contribute to handling, not just tires. One car is front wheel drive the other rear wheel drive. Weight distribution and whether your foot is on the gas or not will play a major role in rear end spin out, assuming you mean rear end spin out. One thing that will cause rearend spin out with a RWD car is taking your foot off the gas during the turn. As long as you have drive (foot on the gas), your rear wheel drive car will have will have more traction in a turn. The easiest way to fishtail in a turn is to remove your foot off the gas. I think driving habits will cause more spin outs than tires.

lmacmil

I don't have any problem with you or anyone else driving fast as long as they have control of their vehicle. If you are losing traction then clearly you are not in control. Maybe tires are the answer, maybe not. Good luck.

cdnpinhead

on a new car need time to break in before they'll grip as well as they're capable of.

I've gone through this on a couple of cornering-oriented cars I've had over the past 10 or 15 years.

snagiel

To answer your question, I believe 215/55-17 are the only preferable size for the standard wheels. If you want to invest in 18" or 19" wheels, you can move up to 225/45's or 225/40's, respectively. But purchasing higher-performance (summer-only) tires should also make a big difference in traction characteristics, albeit at a cost of being poor in winter and having a relatively short life span. You could compensate by purchasing a 16" set of steel wheels with winter tires, which would cover you well year-round, for an additional $1100 or so.

chrisboth

Many people are upgrading to a 225 or 235 or even 245/50/17 - on stock rims. That 50 may drop to 45 for a 245 - not sure.

jpdrain

ran around all winter with the blizzacks and loved them. now it is starting to get warm out...about 65 today. is there any reasonable rule about when to switch back? there shouldn't be a problem with the blizzacks when the temp gets above, let's say, 70? i live in the st louis. any thoughts? thanks

dklanecky

The snows will wear rapidly in temps like you describe. If your in St Louis, you don't need snow tires anymore this winter (IMO).

I'm in Milwaukee now (spent 3 years living in Florissant) and I was even thinking it might be time to switch for me. We hit 50 degrees this last weekend but I'll probably wait another couple of weeks here.

jrock65

1. The interior is a complete do over. Expect to see seat controls changed, higher quality leathers and an upgraded dash, possibly LCD instruments since that is what is coming in the new M35/M45. I also expect we will see aluminum pedals added and the titaninum painted center (or any painted trim) to disappear. This makeover of the interior is a 100% redo.

2. The sheet metal will not change but the front and rear bumpers will be totally redone and incorporate the aero kits, or something very similar to them, on both the coupe and sedan models. For those of you with 03 model sedans that have been wanting to buy an aero kit Infiniti has just reduced the price 23%. They are closing them out because next year they will be standard.

3. Don't look for a horsepower increase because there won't be one BUT you can certainly look for a price increase.

luba1

I didn't mean to say that I fish tailed, but that the tires were just starting to lose grip, at which time I reduced speed. The car and I were always in control. This is just an observation that the Pirellis (225/45) just seemed to have better grip than the Goodyears (215/55). I live in SoCal, so I assume these Goodyears are high perf. summer tires, not all season tires (but that would explain the inferior perf. compared to the Pirellis)

Please understand the G outperforms the Saab in all aspects, and I always stay in control, but I do like to know what the limits of my new car are.

Thanks again for all your responses.

pat

Consumers' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2004 Survey is posted and ready for your input!

stsurbrook

Hi all, LONG time no type to...

luba1,

Just thought I'd drop my $.02...

The non-sport G35 sedan comes with either Goodyear Eagle RSA's or Bridgestone EL42's. Both are high performance all-season W-rated tires. IMO, the RSA tires have a very slightly higher peak grip than the EL42's. However, in my experience, once they exceed their limit, they almost totally give up any pretense of grip until the vehicle slows down/comes back under control and the tires hook up again making, IMO, notably less confidence inspiring. They provide little or no warning (via squealing or otherwise) as they approach their limits.

The EL42's are VERY much more progressive in their handling characteristics. As they approach their limits, they let the driver know by increased squealing. Once they move beyond their limit, the grip remains basically the same, though the squealing may get louder. Because of this, I have found them to be much more manageable and enjoyable to drive.

I typically keep my tires inflated on the high side. This helps in turn-in, gas milage, handling, and tire longevity at a relatively small ride penalty. For example, with the EL42's we just replaced, I kept them inflated at ~40psi all around. I attribute this to my getting 32K miles (they have a 260 wear rating) out of the tires (still not down to the wear bars). These miles were put down at higher highway speeds and heavy driving in the curves, where appropriate/safe (higher highway speeds create more tire heat, increasing wear, as does heavy cornering).

Anyway, with the RSA's, you may be experiencing this less predictable handling by your description.

I just put same size Goodyear F1 GS-D3's all around. They are not the same exact size as the EL42's, so there is an issue with speedometer readings (something that cannot be inexpensively resolved in the G35). They appear to be consistent with the other Goodyear's I have driven the G35 with (both the non-sport RSA's and sport GSD's). They have extremely tenacious grip in both wet and dry (see Tirerack for their ratings). They funnel out water like you wouldn't believe!

However, their turn-in at Infiniti's OEM pressures is very non-responsive for tires of this level. Once I upped the pressure to 45psi, the turn-in is much better.

The only downside to having them now is that they exacerbate the slight body lean revealed by the stock non-sport package tires. The amount of body lean I have now is disconcerting, to say the least. Guess I'm going to have to get some sway bars as my next purchase. Such is the "problem" of having such sticky tires. I DO expect them to last at least as long as the stock tires as they have a 280 tread life rating.

Scott

PS. For those of you wondering when to switch back to your "summer" tires, a good rule of thumb I used to use before moving to the South was whenever I no longer expected to see any (heavy) snow or ice, I'd switch back because the summer tires these days are almost as happy in the wet as they are in the dry.

luba1

Thanks for your response, I do have the sport suspension with the Goodyear GS-D's. Someone else mentioned that new tires do have to "break in".

Since I have about 2500 miles, now, I have noticed stronger grip in the exit ramp that I mentioned in my previous post, so for now, all is well again.

Thanks

kid21

Does anyone ever experienced any theft from vehicle especially the xenon headlights on the G35 in New York? Tempted to purchase one but here in the city the xenon headlights are like gold.... Thanks.

kid21