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Comments
His wife and family are GREAT and I just can't for the life of me figure out how he got together with her and how his kids turned out so great with such continuous exposure to him
Anyway, away from that subject...
Today I am going to replace the factory halogen foglamp/hibeams with some PIAA superwhites... I have to remove the front bumper to get at them, but with the service manuals things should go well.
I'm not certain wether or not the stock halogens they use are "average" or not, but they look almost a little too "pale yellow" against the xenons... the PIAA superwhites I got for my other car in comparison are much whiter and provide far more illumination so I think it should make a noticeable difference in the G35 as a complement to the xenons.
One thing I noted also from the manual is that you can apparently adjust the aiming of the low beams (xenons) with a screwdriver without taking anything apart. According to the manual there is a service hole and the description of the process says nothing about any required disassembly. Despite this I have not for the life of me found this service hole after about 10 minutes of looking. I should try again. My lowbeams seem to be pointed quite a bit "down" and I'd like to pull them up a bit without crossing over the line of blinding oncoming drivers.
When I was driving the loaner from Infiniti; a new I35 (best loaner I have EVER had) while the G was getting its first maintenance, I noticed that the xenons in that car illuminated MUCH farther! and the headlight vertical position is actually lower than in the G35 (G35 lowbeams are on top of a stack so in theory should work better)
I'll let you know how the adventure ends
Faenor/Dane4
Did you have an quality problem with your Saab 9-5?
Anyway, I thought that was an interesting comment about the difference betweent he G35 and I35 in the aiming of the headlights. I wonder if the key thing to note there is the fact that the xenons are on the top of the stack (~4" higher) as opposed to side-by-side in the I35? It would make sense that the higher off the ground the lights are, the more they would have to be angled down to keep from blinding oncoming drivers.
I am a bit disappointed that you have to take off the bumper cover just to change out the halogen bulbs. Are you sure you read that right? (I know you have the service manuals, but I'm incredulous that the car was designed that way.) Please keep us informed about how well those PIAA superwhites work. If I remember correctly, they are only about $25 each and would be a nice and inexpensive upgrade to the headlights.
BTW, how are you going to know if you have the xenons adjusted correctly? I know of an aiming procedure that could be used for the old sealed beam headlights, but don't think it would work for these (height, light dispersal pattern, etc.).
Also, if you get a wild hair and have a few minutes, could you check to see if the G35 uses anti-roll bars? I do not have any way to check this and am interested so that I can reduce roll and, hopefully, understeer.
Scott
jimmyj1945...I am 5 foot-seven like you. I think you will find the G35 just as or even more comfortable than the I30. Especially if you have the Touring model the Sport model ride of the G35 is much smoother/less stiff yet a world better handling as well! The cockpit really seems to hold you in snug which gives greater confidence in cornering. I think the people that *could* have problems will be the 6+ footers in the G35.
I'd like to take the G35 out for a extended test drive later this year. (after the initial demand surge has tapered a bit)
Had I not already been so excited about the G and all is has to offer, their commercials would have done nothing to give me that "have to see this car for myself"
they are aiming straight at the 3-series, A4, IS300 and C-Class and to me and many others have done great job taking a lot of people by suprise. Their ad campaign should reflect that sense of suprise and seek to evoke some real emotion when you see the commerical.
Off topic I know, but I work in tv, and it's very annoying when you see a product that excels and excites in so many areas to those "in the know," but when marketing the image of it on television misses the point. Say what you want about BMWfilms and that stupid Lexus "in this car I must drive" line uttered by that kid- you at least remember the spots and it just adds to some of the glamour and desirabilty of those cars.
That larger majority of car buyers aren't the extremely informed ones like you find here (I am not including myself in that grouping cause I only heard about this site two months ago *s*) and car commericals I am just speculating have some influence even subconsciously when many people are buying the car and evisioning themselves in that commercial
Okay..too long I know..maybe should've posted in the Owners forum, but just had to tell someone how I felt!
The G35 is my first Infiniti and so I defer that kind of knowledge to people who have owned other Infinitis...
At first, I thought that is was just me, and that the pool of light right in front of the car was the bottom end of the dispersal pattern and that most of the light was getting out directly in front of me... But then I noticed that when I go over small undulations in the roadway and the Xenon's aim up a bit with the nose of the car you can momentarily see VERY VERY far away!
That's when it dawned on me that the FRONT EDGE of the light pool ahead of the car was in actuality the upper limit of the total light pattern and not just "spillage" as the rest of the light went forward more. It's the absolute cutoff and it's not that far in front of the car.
I was driving along a frontage road the other night and there was a cardboard box in the middle of the road... First there was nothing, then "ZING" the box just suddenly flashed into view as it entered the light pattern that the HIDs were throwing on the ground... Before it entered the light I couldn't see it at all, just blackness in front of me. Good thing the car handled the wild slalom manuever well
The manuals have a very complex section on the headlight aiming and how the pattern should be measured, but for the life of me I can't understand more than half of the diagrams and charts
The way I was going to aim them was to go to this Safeway parking lot that I know... It's a multilevel parking structure so the levels are relatively flat (as opposed to a paved parking lot on solid ground) and I was going to move the pattern up gradually until such time as 1) I can see significantly farther with them at night, or 2) people start highbeaming me... So there is no real science I will be implmenting there... I was looking at the manuals last night and it looks like you don;t have to completely remove the front bumper (fascia the call it) bu you do have to remove two bolts that hold the ends of it on, then you pull down the end of it slightly to expose the two last screws that hold in the headlight assembly. The other screws that hold it in have to be gotten from the wheel well, were you have to take off the wheel well protector cover (plastic rotating snaps to remove)
No problem about looking up the anti-roll bars
I'll post later and let everyone know how the aiming procedure for the headlights worked out... I'll keep track of the number of "turns" of the adjusting screw and that might be enough for everyone to move from the factory default to the ballpark of something much more effective distance and illumination wise.
Faenor/Dane4
While I have to say that they are masterfully crafted and very stylish, they seem to almost be more of an attempt to make people who have ALREADY bought the car, more in tune with their purchase, rather than excite the uninitiated to go to a dealership and look at one.
I say this with the exception of the one that shows the G from different angles in the beginning along with some upbeat music and text flashing on screen with things like "260hp" "World class handling" etc... and they say something like "We'd tell you all the features of the G35, but who wants to sit thru a 14 minute commercial"
That one seemed to really smack the interest button and is well targeted
I really do love the Anthem commecial though, even if it seems a bit off focus and more of a theme message of the company rather than a car commercial. Does anyone know how much they spent on that one? Its very elaborate and extremely well done!
Speaking of well done and "effective budget" commercials, I think the best I have seen is the one where you are shown some very intense footage of a European Touring car race... You see BMWs and Audis and Porsches all slinging by with fire belching from their exhausts under downshift, then you see a Volvo station wagon in full race trim zip by passing a Bimmer in a corner... then the film goes on a few more seconds and stops, then goes in reverse complete with sound in reverse and you see the Volvo again go roaring by... and as it fades to black and shows the Volvo name you hear the voice over..
"That's right... it was a Volvo station wagon"
*laughing* that has to be one of the best one's yet!
Faenor/Dane4
I was kind of excited to see what the spots for the G would look like and see if it would generate more excitement among general population and I was just disappointed.
To me, a prevailing theme on this board has been the suprise of this car vs 3-series, C-class, A4 etc.. and all of the posts about "I just went in to see what all the fuss was about and wow!" I think that is what the commercials should've went for- suprise, suprise, Infiniti has a sport-sedan to play with and in many cases beat the big boys! It would have been funny to have all the established cars in that class in an oversized classroom in a school and have the G35 burst through the wall like the Kool-Aid pitcher used to do as the new kid in town as the other cars whisper and cower in feae. Literal yes, but a good comedy factor
Either way, I am still excited as hell to pick mine up in a few weeks.
Hope it helps!
Faenor/Dane4
It is message 704 in that thread...
Faenor/Dane4
Did I make the right decision? Guys, I welcome your opinion.�
Commercial One: (Seconds of the commercial included...)
0 to ~8 seconds (or up to ~15 seconds, see below): Show the G35, BMW 330i (auto), Acura 3.2TL Type S, Lexus IS300, Audi A4 3.0, (pick a couple more) all lined up in a "drag race configuration". Show the lights drop to green and GO for a 0-60. Have an overhead (filmed from a helicopter) show how they all start even and then how far behind the rest are (once the G35 hits 60). Have a MPH/second timer (to tenths) so that viewers can see the differences.
Only problem is may have to back up quite a bit so that all of the rest of the cars can be seen...
Would probably have to be able to extend the spot to ~30 seconds to explain that all of the cars are approximately equally configured (along with the MSRP of each). If necessary, could cut to 15 seconds again with an abbreviated explanation and "speeding" up the time between the "stops" where people can see the 0-60, 0-70, and 1/4 mile times. (Ala the movie effects where things are sped up and then halted for things the director wants the audience to see. ie. The Matrix)
Commercial Two:
Same basic idea, but with only 4 cars running a Solo II type event with representative times, average lap speeds, and relative distances covered by all by the time that the G35 crosses the "finish line" to demonstrate (real world) handling. Screen would be divided into four parts so that the viewer could see how each car was doing, matched time. Times could be based on actual acheived times by brand supporters to avoid bias accusations.
Commercial Three:
A general performance bit, that would "duplicate" the type of testing that a trade rag would put the car through (Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Automobile, etc.) Skid pad (and associated G's, compared to other cars), 0-60, 60-0 (70-0), etc.
Could also add the skid pad bit to Commercial Two above.
*** Of course, add the obligatory, "Professional driver(s) on a closed course, actual performance may vary..." type of disclaimers. ***
Commercial Four:
This would be a "luxury" bit. Show sound levels for G35 and 4 competitors at idle, full throttle, and 70mph. Then do an interior bit that shows off the "bells and whistles" while subtly showing the leather, wood, etc. Bells and whistles such as the key fob windows (someone had mentioned the stereo also), one touch front/rear and sunroof, rear reclining seat, spoiler (while showing the best angles of the car (show the angle, pan a bit, cut to another, pan, etc.), navigation system, etc. Would also do a trunk and under hood shot. Personally, I would do this one with the Graphite interior, don't like the Willow that much... Oh, with the "best angles" part, could also show different colors for each angle, just to show them off to the public.
IMO, if those commercials don't get people in to drive the car, nothing will...
Any thoughts?
Scott
PS. This idea is copyrighted (in case Infiniti would like to acquire the commercial rights...
Sounds like a GREAT price!
Scott
I should of looked to see the clock set to the wrong time (not working),I should of noticed that the sunroof was not operating and that the directionals also did not work, I should have noticed that the salesman slipped a set of cheap aftermarket all weather mats into the trunk ( instead of the Infiniti brand ).
I did however, notice the ding in the door.
Is it me? I was under the impression that Infiniti was above and beyond in regards to customer satisfaction.
One hour later when I arrived home, I called the salesman.
He told me to bring it back for service, service on a car with 50 miles on it.
Service that should have been completed BEFORE I picked it up!
I called another dealer and scheduled an appointment there.
Has anyone else experienced this kind of service from an Infiniti
dealer?
No dealer is flawless but what you are claiming indicates the PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection) had not been done at all. I guess I could see missing the clock as it is analog and you would have to check back a while after setting the time to notice it not working. You could potentially have a lawsuit for sending you out in a vehicle without working turn signals... If I were you I would get Infiniti North America on the horn and complain loudly. Part of the problem with taking the car to another dealer is the first dealer was paid to do the PDI and the second dealer was not. Hence the second dealer is getting screwed by having to do the PDI the first dealer failed to do. I might even consider taking the vehicle back to the first dealership and demanding cancelation of the deal. Doesn't MA have a buyer's remorse law? Go to the second dealership and do the deal there(they can probably get the actual vehicle from the first dealership in a trade). If you can't trust a dealership's service how can you spend your money there on the purchase??
I'm seriously considering trading it in on a G35 when the 6-speed becomes available later this year or early next. The fact of the matter is that I derived significantly more pleasure from test-driving a slushie G35 than I do driving my manual 330i on an everyday basis. As a result, I suspect (assuming they do a decent job with their clutch/shift action), I'll love the G35 with a manual tranny.
But first, a couple of brief observations:
1. I find it hard to believe that Infiniti has chosen to use a prop rod for the G35's hood (I don't believe they use such an obvious cost-cutting method for their other cars--I35, Q45, etc.). Perhaps they'll redesign with hinges for next year.
2. Is it true that the Infiniti's signature analog clock is not back-lit? Is there another clock (i.e., a digital one in the stereo) that can be read in the dark? Are the analog clocks in the other Infiniti's also not back-lit?
3. I'm not a big fan of their dash layout. In fact, I think it's kinda' cheesy. The BMW's no biggy either, but at least it's not cheese. While this isn't going to stop me from buying, I'd much prefer that Infiniti put in a decent dash (ala I35 or Q45 with that neat illuminescent lighting). Lexus did the same thing with their IS300 (stupid tachometer-watch looking dash while they've got cool dashboard in the LS, IS, GS, etc.).
4. Anyone else traded in an E46 for a G? Any observations on your part? I've read nothing but good things about Infiniti's service, and I'm sure it can't be any worse than BMW's (although I've heard horror stories, I've found BMW's service to be adequate--nothing more or less).
The clock is back-lit... barely. It is very hard to read. Probably the one feature of the car that I don't like.
I don't find the dash cheesy. I think that comes down to personal taste but it looks fine to me.
Regarding the fact that you've oonly opened up your hood once in the 2 months that you've had it, I take it that either you go to full-service gas stations (where the attendants check your oil for you), you don't drive very many miles (therefore you haven't needed much more than 1 tank of gas in 2 months), or else you don't much believe in checking your oil at every fill-up?
(If that's the case, I take it that you probably haven't checked the air in your tires recently either?).
;-)
Regarding the fact that you've oonly opened up your hood once in the 2 months that you've had it, I take it that either you go to full-service gas stations (where the attendants check your oil for you), you don't drive very many miles (therefore you haven't needed much more than 1 tank of gas in 2 months), or else you don't much believe in checking your oil at every fill-up?
(If that's the case, I take it that you probably haven't checked the air in your tires recently either?).
;-)
I came from an Integra GS-R (which I loved, BTW), and I think Acuras are fine cars, but now that I'm sold on the performance merits of RWD, I'm not even considering the TL-S (or any other Acura for that matter).
I haven't posted much (at all?) on the bmw board here, as I typically hang out on other bmw boards (not on Edmunds).
:-)
The salesman was almost apologetic for the prop rod. Yes, the hood is light, almost CHEAP light.
The car has nice design although it is some 2 years old, still it is very sleek. I will drive it one of these days to see hoe it drives. The doors do not have that nice/solid "thump" sound either when they close.
Obviously, I did not get the G35. Because the car is so new, the dealer wouldn't budge on price and he completely insulted me over my trade-in. The poor resale value of the Infiniti's was also a factor.
Now the Acura...Yes, I know it's front wheel drive, but so was my Nissan Sentra SE-R (pocket rocket) and I had no complaints. I had to replace the tires on the BMW after 25k miles. I wasn't looking forward to a $1,200 bill every 18 months or so.
For the money, you can't beat what the Acura offers. I'm sure I'll miss the BMW in some ways, but in the long run I think I'll be happier with the Acura.
And my tires are at the exact right pressure. But thanks for asking.
:P
That's because the hood is aluminum. And light in a GOOD thing.
I hope you didn't take offense to my post, because it certainly wasn't intended to be taken personally, although from your response it appears that you may have taken it as such. If so, my apologies in advance (even though it's no longer 'in advance').
In any event, I'm certain that whatever interval you check your oil and tire pressure is perfect for you and your driving conditions.
:-)
Jill, congrats on your new purchase too. The TL/TL-S is a fine, fine car, and an excellent value, even though it's not right for me (FWD). I'm sure you'll be very, very happy with it. Congrats!
The TL-S gets in before I do so his car is always there. Today I noticed he beat me in again, but when I took a second glance I noticed it was a previous gen Honda Accord (95 or so) with the same color.
While I really like the performance of the TL-S, I'd hate to spend in the low 30's and have my car confused with an old Accord (plus no interior room in the TL-S).
MPG 20.83 (overall 3 tanks of gas 20.88) 30/70 (pretty aggressive)
Also heard that people have been stealing the xexon head lamps from the TLs and putting them into the Accords.
My father-in-law (a Nissan man, currently drive a Premiera, a third one in six years!) took me to the a dealer one day and asked to test drive the Skyline but they didn't have one in the lot. There's a waiting list there! Well anyhow the treatments we received there was just incredibly pleasant. These guys are extremely polite and helpful even they know we had no intention to buy one. We walked out of there with a large envelope contained all the printed info including a glossy 48-page brochure with an enclosed cd-rom!
Well, according to the information I have there are four different models of Skyline: the GT350-8, GT300, GT250 and GT250 with AWD. The GT350-8 has 272 horsepower and the GT300 has 260, same as the G35 available in the US. The GT250 and 250 AWD have 215 horsepower each.
Sorry but I have to go, many things to unpack. I'll tinker with the CD-rom tonight.
It is interesting that people are selling the 330 for a G35. I don't know too much about either but the BMW has been around and they don't call them the Ultimate Driving Machine for no reasons.
If the couple of you here who are thinking of switching think the G35 is more enjoyable to drive, then the car must be something. I look forward to a drive we the snow melt.
On the prop rod, I got over that in a flash when I thought of the weight savings, along with the aluminum hood.
However, I do agree with a previous poster about how to check the oil. That dipstick is the devil to get out of there and then when you re-insert it and pull it out again, there's oil all over it. Does anyone have a good technique?
Hschultz, did you look at a Graphite interior or Willow? I agree with you on the look of the Willow interior, but the Graphite with wood touches is really quite nice.
Boomer
If you've spent time on this forum then you know that people have trouble with the dealers for all makes and all models--your vaunted Lexus included.
It does not come from the factory with tinting so any problems are from the dealer, not the factory. If I may ask, why did you take delivery of such a shoddily prepared car? Seems like the time to point these out was when you had your inspection?????????
"Baby" needed to go. She was starting to get expensive and I was starting to worry about the cost of maintaining her after warranty. And to be honest with you, she was strictly a driver's car. Nobody was ever comfortable in it. It got old. (Oh the BMW fanatics are going to flame me big time) Not only that, but the dealer totally turned me off. I cringed every time I would have to go there. Talk about full of themselves....Enough of that.
Don't get me wrong, the G35 is a great car, but the Acura made more sense $$$ wise. Maybe in a few years I'll get that bug up my butt again and I'll give the G35 a try. ;o)
I hope I can still lurk around this board. I enjoy reading the debates between all the cars. It truly is a hoot.
I agree with you that the TL is "mundane" compared to the G35, but I don't mind.
Stanny...The "kids" here don't know their front from their rear. I'm not worried about it. That is what insurance is for. Actually, insurance is costing the same as the BMW.
I hope I didn't mislead you with respect to my negative comments on the G's dash lay-out. To be perfectly honest, I looked at several G's before test-driving one, and I don't recall whether the interior was Willow or Graphite. And it really doesn't impact my thoughts, as my complaint is with the DASH LAYOUT--specifically, the orangle/black speedo, tach, dummy lights, etc. That's the part that I think is cheese. The info. center on the top/middle portion of the dash is fine (in fact, I kinda' like it). I just wish that Infiniti did a better job of the instrument cluster (ala the I35, Q45, Lexus LS, ES, GS, etc.).
Hope this clarifies.
hts
My G35 was immaculate when I picked it up and the tank was full. The sales person spent considerable time going over the car with me. Shortly after the purchase I received a phone call asking me if I was satisfied with my purchase experience and then I received the the Infiniti questionnaire.
Over the years, I've dealt with the body shop, service department and sales staff at this facility and never had a complaint. I think this is typical of their reputation and why they are so successful. The people who own and operate the dealerships are what make the difference, not the cars they sell. If they understand the importance of customer satisfaction and repeat sales, they will make sure things are done right. And, that's where we, as consumers, should take our business.
car from, Kelly Infiniti, Danvers Ma., had NOT done the pre delivery inspection.
The service manager came out to my car, opened the ashtray, took
out a fuse, and put it in the fuse panel. Done, everything works.
They take that fuse out at the factory so the battery won't run down
while it sits on the lot. Why the salesperson and the service dept
could not tell me that when I called to tell them my problem I just don't understand.
Also, I had only driven the car a few miles since picking it up from the first dealer, and I thought the car drove kind of hard, well they ONLY had 55lbs of air in each tire!
My next letter will be to the owner of Kelly Infiniti in Danvers Ma.,
Telling him or her what a wonderful job their dealership is doing at
keeping up the Infiniti customer service quality!
Oh, I just remembered the last thing the salesman told me before
I drove away in the unprepared car, "when you get the survey in the mail, make sure you check off excellent on the whole card, because its very important to us to keep our rating up."