Infiniti G35 Sedan 2006 and earlier

lmacmil

I doubt that you could tell the difference between a couple tenths of a second in 0-60 or 1/4 mile time. It's also unlikely that a 20hp gain would make much difference in a 3300# car.

I think it's all about marketing. There's a horsepower race going on. We'd all be better served if they worked on the mileage figures instead of hp or acceleration. Regular gas was $2.15 this morning on my way into work.

sysadmin1

I picked up my 05 Sedan 6MT on Wed of this week and it had a full tank. I drove it for a full day and then topped it off with premium. Then drove it for another day (I commute 150m a day) then topped it off. Although it seemed like it was using a ton of gas per the gauge, I thought it was, but after filling it showed I was getting 21mpg. Happy with that....My 02 Maxima usually only got 22-23mpg at best. This rev's about the same as the Max, meaning when travelling 80mph, it's arounf the 3K mark on tach. My friends 04 TL with 5spd auto turns 2200-2300 at 80mph, and he gets MUCH better mileage...I really wish they had given the G35 a REAL 6th gear overdrive highway gear... for economy when cruising, but not too big of a deal. Has anyone ever heard of retro-fitting a single gear in a manual tranny? Is it possible to just swap in a lower gear for whats there?

colonel35

I've never heard of such a thing as swapping out a single gear. Nissan/Infiniti don't offer any such customized subparts, and I don't think any after-market providers do either. You could, however, look for an after-market rear differential replacement. Tuners usually offer SHORTER final drive ratios for more torque/quicker acceleration, but you'd be looking for a TALLER gear to lower engine revolutions and increase fuel economy. I don't know if such a beast exists for the G35, and even if it did, the expenses would likely far outweigh any increased gas savings. Not to mention you'd effectively be losing engine torque in all gears.

tmitch

Whats a good price to pay for a 2005 G35 sedan with premium package and navigation? Dealers are quoting me $35,900 over the computer, but I know that they can do better. If thats the case, I'll splurge a little more and get the base 2006 M35. I've seen a few post on here where buyers got a G35x/premium/rosewood for $34,000. I only want the real wheel drive and not the G35x, but with the $2,000 nav I want, the price of a G35x without nav should be comparable to what I want to spend. Anywhere under $35,000 with the 2.9% financing their offering, I'll be the newest G35 owner in Houston. Give me your opinions on a ballpark figure on what I should realy pay for this vehicle. Before I get frustrated with haggling and order the new M35 at sticker price.

rayainsw

Short story. (Related, really.)

In early 2002 it looked like I might have to move back to New Hampshire (family issues) and I bought an AWD 2002 VW Passat W8. I had read the “Preview in Europe” articles published in all the major US magazines. Each suggested that the 3.00 to 1 final drive, while appropriate for Europe, where (sometimes and in some places, at least) one can sustain very high speeds (legally) and 0 to whatever is far less of an issue for most, the lack of acceleration would not be received well here.

So – They made a significant change from the European specs to the US import specs. Instead of altering fifth gear in the 5 speed Tiptronic (manumatic) trans. they altered the final drive ratio – to 3.50 to 1. A substantial difference. (16+%) I recall reading that for some technical / engineering reasons, the final drive ratio was MUCH easier to change than the fifth gear ratio in the trans. Though this was an automatic trans., I believe the same issues exist for the gearsets in a manual trans. - physical size and space may be one issue.

So. Having established that some of us ‘Mericans do like our 0 – 60 (and higher) acceleration to feel pretty quick (and likely seeing that cars like the 300C SRT-8 are receiving press attention) Infiniti clearly decided this was the way to go. At least for now. $3.00 per gallon gasoline may result in a different decision some day – possibly sooner rather than later.

Interesting that they have chosen not to offer an optional final drive – for those who might think very slightly less quick 0 – 60 and SS Quarter mile times are acceptable, and would prefer higher highway MPG. . .

Just my 2 gallons worth . . .
- Ray
Who would like the option of different final drive ratios on any car . . . Like many mfrs did offer in the 1960s . . .

magellan_nh

Hello,

I got my 05 G35x with Premium, Nav, Rosewood in January and I absolutely love it!!! The car rocks. I'm in the country and I get 19+ mpg on the highway (I drive pretty fast) and 23 or so on state routes at 50-60 mph.

Unfortunately, recently, I began to notice some subtle sound system distortion and faint crackling that seemed to be coming from the front passenger speaker.

Needless to say, I was quite bummed. I had always thought that the system sounded pretty good despite the mediocre reviews on the Bose. I play the system at 25 to 29 volume pretty regularly so I was afraid I may have blown something.

Now for the punch Line...

A few days earlier, I had put a few small things in the passenger door side pocket. I had completely forgotten about doing that and didn't associate it with the sound degradation.

In any event, these things were the culprit. They were quietly vibrating with the volume way up, but only if the sound contained certain frequencies. It was very subtle. I think some sort of harmonic frequency thing was going on.

After I removed the items, the distortion went away.

I had a few small items in the driver door as well but that speaker sounded fine. However, when I emptied out that driver side door, I swear there was an improvement in the overall sound quality. It might have been my imagination, but the system sounded more rich to me.

The bottom line: for the best sound experience in the G35x, leave the door pockets empty!!!

Hope this helps someone out there...

Jim

fandc

Swapping of a single gear used to be common with GTIs. Fifth was too short for long distance so many people swapped fifth gear with one from the Golf GL, which was taller.

All you'd need is a compatible gear. No idea where you'd find one. Also consider if changing the gear ratio would affect the ECU mapping.

If it were me, I would talk to Stillen Engineering (www.stillen.com). They have more experience than most.

ppnff

I am looking to purchase a G35 and ran into several G35 that dealers were selling as "retired" and had mileage under 6,000 miles. These vehicles had not been titled and would be sold as "new" with the full warranty, etc. Does anyone know what retired means? Thank you!

lmacmil

Never heard that term. With 6000 miles but never titled, I would guess they would be dealer demos or maybe the cars they let the sales people drive. They may have full warranty but they are certainly not new.

ppnff

Thank you for the quick response!
How concerned should I be? Obviously, I agree that the vehicle is far from new given the uncertain driving habits from 0 to 6,000 miles.

cdnpinhead

Bear in mind that Infiniti provides loaners for use during warranty repair/service downtime.

These loaners actually accumulate mileage, and probably not the most carefully driven mileage at that. Does the phrase "well, at least it's a rental (loaner)," normally said after hitting a pothole at high speed, sound familiar?

The fact that they're offering you one probably means you're pushing them pretty hard for a low price on a new vehicle. If they can convince you that these things are somehow more-or-less new. . .

Don't let them.

ppnff

Thanks for the response. All your comments are completely valid. I will focus on a NEW G35 and forego the "retired" G35.

g35mt6

I am a new MT owner. Does your REV light stay on orange?

sysadmin1

HAHA...the rev light is kind of a joke...

I felt/wondered the same thing. It is always there staring you in the face.REV....there is a little red box under the words REV that lights up when you get close to the pre-set limit. It has nothing to do with transmission temp or anything else. It is the one thing about my 05 6MT seddan that bugs me.

If you havent seen the square red light under the words REV either flash or go solid, then it is probably set real high so it never turns on. It is very easy to check.

Hit the trip meter button twice and you should see a number. You will see trip a, then trip b, then a number...probably 8000 or something. If you press now and hold for a few seconds it will start to flash. Now just keep tapping the button to change the number. It will start flashing the red light below REV around 500rpm before your preset limit and then go solid once you hit it. Once you decide what you set it at let go for a few second and it will stop flashing and you can hit the trip button to get back to trip a or b.

I wish it made an audible sound liek the wrx STi does. I can just see mine flashing out the corner of my eye when driving. I set mine to 4500 to be a reminder to keep it under the 4000 limit.

FYI

cuamba

I have a G35x. Have you been using only 87 or mixing the octane levels? thanks

ficuss

Only pure 87 octane from Citgo gas. Our northern Illinois blend is 90% gas and 10% ethyl alcohol. G35 runs very well. I don't do much gas pedal stomping, but I do go 80 to 85 on hiway. If the timing is being retarded due to lower octane, the resultant loss of performance (?) is acceptable to me. The car still has neck snapping acceleration when needed. Perhaps the higher than normal RPM's per given speed as compared to some other cars gives the feeling of additional power even when not needed. The car has never "lugged" as other cars have when put under similar conditions. Anyway, it runs fine with 87 octane.

aahire

Hi Experts and friends,
I am planning to buy a new Infiniti G35 sedan from a dealer in Redwood City, CA. The car I am interested in (Twilight Blue /wheat) has 188 miles on it. The dealer claims that the car has not been used as a demo vehicle. The dealer says that he had to bring the car from a different location (may be another dealer) as he didn't have the exact color. Should I be concerned about 188 miles on a new car or that is normal? My friend got a G35 a few weeks back with only 10 miles on it.
Thanks

carnaught

As long as the car has not been previously titled or had any prior damage, the mileage you quote is rather trivial.

aahire

Thanks carnaught.
I checked the carfax etc and the car has not been titled before. Other concern is the build date of the car. The build date is 09/04. That means it was built 6 months back. How relevant is that?

carnaught

"...the build date is 09/04........How relevant is that?"

IMHO, the build date is only important if it was consistent with the time of certain manufacture's defects or recalls. Otherwise, the important date is the date the car was put into service (usuallly the date of purchase). This is when the meter starts running as to the start of the warranty period. Therefore, you should ask when the warrany starts (or has started) on the car.

dklanecky

You can verify the dealers statement by looking closely at the window sticker. They usually tell you which dealer was originally sent the vehicle right on the sticker.

riccary

Has anyone found a Bike Rack that will work with the G35 Sedan with a factory spoiler ?

gooddeal2

***** The build date is 09/04.****

This car is build in Japan and shipped from there so the build date sould be a little older than those cars that are made in the U.S, say Camry...

However, this is a little bit old date that means the car has been in the lot for a while. As long as you get the deal that you want you should not worry about the build date that much.

carnaught

I'm considering trading my (early) "03 G35 for either an "05 or '06 G35. As of this Fall, however, they're going to have some real competition, at least in my mind, from the new 3 series BMW, Lexus IS350, and the new '06 Passat, all very nice cars.

nospam

I'm considering a G35x or an Audi A4 Quattro.

I'd love an M35x but can't justify the cost.

I'm hoping that some of the new features on the M35 might make it to the G35 in 2006. (Like the premium audio system, adaptive headlights, and maybe an improved interior)

I hate waiting so long - but perhaps in the mean time with the A4 2006's begin production - Audi might offer some great lease deals on the 2005.5's. (Only problem is I want the power of the V6)

I'd love to know what changes are coming on the '06 G35 - but I imagine it will be at least 4 months before we have an indication of that.

gooddeal2

*****I'd love to know what changes are coming on the '06 G35 - but I imagine it will be at least 4 months before we have an indication of that.****

I doubt they will make any changes for '06. They just make a lot of changes for '05. Did you look at the '05? It looks a lot nicer than the '04 or older.

nospam

I will probably drive a G35x and an M35x on Wed.

A couple of things that push me in the Audi direction - are a dealer that is located much closer to me, plus the "free" scheduled maintenace.

It does however turn out to be significantly more expensive than a comperably equipped G35x.

Audi's website is horrible - you can't even lookup local dealer inventory. (Ok other than that is is fine - but I can find no info on the run flat tire option - which I know is available)

terryl

I would appreciate any input comparing these two vehicles. Has anyone become quite familiar with them?

Thanks!
Terry

jstager

Hello Terry,

I also compared these two vehicles but have decided on the G35x and will be leasing one within two months. For me, it was mainly the value and power factor of the G35x that lured me to the bright side. In this comparison, I am going to use the G35x I will be picking up which is with navi + premium package + XM Radio. It is about $7K more than a comparable GT Limited.

The G35x will have HIDs, navigation system (bird's eye no less), auto entry/exit system, intelligent key system, better styling (subjective), more power, naturally aspirated engine, better fit and finish (subjective), better resale value and if it's important to you, better brand name recognition. Oh, and best of all, the G35x comes with illuminated steering wheel audio controls.

That's not even the full list of amenities offered over the Legacy GT Limited but it should be a good summary. In the end, I decided I'd rather have the technology and power. The brand identity, AWD and style are perks that come with the G35x at no cost.

So, there you have it... $7K will yield a much more advanced, gadget packed, power house of a car but for some people, $7K is out of their range. After all, there is a big difference between a Chevy Aveo and a Mazda3s.

lmacmil

"For me, it was mainly the value and power factor of the G35x..."

I agree with the value/feature/prestige part of your argument. However, if the car mag test are to be believed, the Subaru will smoke the G35x in a quarter mile drag.

terryl

Thanks for your input, jstager.

Imacmil, I think you might be comparing manual vs. automatic 0-60 times. Also, even so, aren't they pretty darn close (i.e., LGT 0-60 = 5.6 or 5.7 secs vs. G35x very close to 6 seconds)? My understanding is that LGT automatic times are in the 7 second range.

Tx!
Terry

jstager

No doubt the Subaru is fast... I'd be in one if they offered more tech features like navi etc. Subarus are great cars but taking a turbo on with an automatic (at least according to a few magazines that I've read) yields unfriendly shifting results. The GT begs to be a manual car which is great because it's designed more around the driver than the full package. But for $7K more, I figured getting a car with a V6, designed with the driver + 3/4 passengers in mind (reclining rear seats) was worth the money. If I didn't need use the car for real estate, I'd be in a Mazda3s.

lmacmil

Automatic Legacy GT numbers from Motor Trend Jan 2005 Car of the Year issue:

0-60: 6.5
1/4 mile: 14.8 @ 94.5

MT numbers for auto G35 from May 2004:

0-60: 6.2
1/4 mile: 14.7 @ 94.0

MT numbers for auto G35x from Feb 2004:

0-60: 6.5
1/4 mile: 14.8 @ 93.4

terryl

Interesting, thanks!

Terry

kjlauer

Numbers for the 04-05 G35x:

http://www.modernracer.com/infinitig35x.html

Top speed : 151 mph
0-60 mph : 6.5 sec.('04), 6.3 sec.('05)
0-¼ mile : 14.4 sec @ 94.3 mph('04)
60-0 braking distance : 120 ft
200 ft skidpad : 0.84 g

kfhmail

Does anyone remember when Infiniti made changes to the first year G35 (2003 model) and it basically began being called the 2003 and a half?

Infiniti made a few changes during the 2003 model year such as changing the trunk lid and trunk logo.

The 2003 started being sold in March 2002...so when did the 2003 and one half changes take place?

Thanks.

kfhmail

Has anyone bought from the Infiniti of Huntsville (Alabama) dealership? What was your experience...good or bad...for both the sales experience and the service experience?

Thanks.

norcalmike2

kfhmail;

My 2003.5 Desert Platinum G35 (that has a whopping 11,000 miles on it now) was built in November of 2002. I am told mine was one of the first 2003.5's delivered to
northern California.

lmacmil

"so when did the 2003 and one half changes take place? "

Based on Ebay auction pictures, sometime between July and September 2002. I have a picture of a July build car with the old trunk lid and a September build with the newer one.

shmoopy

Question:

I've heard some complaints that the Bose stereo included in the G35 premium package is not all that it should be.

I would appreciate a brief opinion from any current owners out there.

Thanks!

pisciotta

when you play the radio its not that great, But when you listen to cd's it sounds fantastic. I think its the reception.

terryl

Can anyone in the Alberta, Sask, Manitoba areas suggest what a good price might be for this vehicle with premium package? Does anyone know the dealer invoice?

Thanks!
Terry

gunit35

whats the maximum wheel + tire size that i can put on a 05g35x?
can the factory 19s on the g35c be fitted on the sedan AWD?

themdtn

I have a 2005 sedan and notice a problem with the Bose stereo. When you have the Bass and/or Treble setting set to +5, the next time you turn on the car/stereo, the sound doesn't sound as good as before you shut it off. It sounds like both settings are at 0, even through the settings still show +5. Now if you lower the setting to +4, the tone actually boosts up. This seems like a design problem of the stereo, and the work-around is to not set the Bass and Treble setting pass +4. I have mine set to +3 for Bass and +4 for Treble and they are able to retain the settings.
Can someone (especially with 2005 models) try this out and comment. Thanks.

shmoopy

themdtn,

Thanks for your input!

That does sound like a programming issue. I will see if I have the same problem and post here if I do.

Have you talked to the dealership about it? Does anyone else have issues with the premium stereo?

Picking my new G35x up tomorrow, can't wait!

Shmoopy

themdtn

Shmoopy,
Yes, I asked my sale person to check for the same problem for other G35 on the lot, but haven't got an answer back. And I figured a replacement head unit will probably have the same design/programming problem, so I haven't tried to have the problem looked at yet. Not to mention possible breakage and fit problems during removal and installation of the head unit. Anyway, this is so far the only bug I could find on my G35 sedan. Hope your will be bug-free.

anoonan

I have a 2005 Sedan RWD automatic equipped with XM. I just happened to get XM as an additional feature, didn't really want it. Question is, is there a way to program the steering wheel controls so that when I press the "mode" button to toggle through the stereo types (e.g., AM, FM, CD, Sat), that I can "skip" the XM stations since I don't currently subscribe and don't plan on subscribing (for now)?

Thanks in advance!

kdshapiro

No doubt the G35 it's fast but the Forester XT manual will smoke the G35..one site reported 5.25 to 60.

jstager

Yeah but let's be realistic. The G offers the best of everything. A Mustang V8 could probably stomp a G. The Forester XT, Legacy GT, Evo, STi could all probably stomp the G. BUT, not one of these cars offers even half the luxury features of the G35. It's a compromise and I think having a slightly high 0-60 time in exchange for luxury and, if my modesty will allow, prestige, is better than having one REALLY fast car for the same or similar price. It's a "compromise" I'm willing to make anyway. I was set on a Mazda3 until I found out the monthly payment and am now looking into leasing a G. We'll find out if I made the right decision tonight.

kdshapiro

The 5.3 to 60 is why Subie people are passionate about their cars. They are willing to forego some of the amenties and prestige in return for the AWD, LSD, turbo, standard and almost BMW like ride and handling for $15K less and maybe $10K less than a G35x.

As you aptly noted it's all about compromises. I already have the prestige, now give me the rocket.

/ot