Infiniti G35 Care and Maintenance

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Comments

  • mlee3mlee3 Member Posts: 1
    #209 It happened to me too. I took my 2003 G35 for 30K schedule maintenance at Thousand Oaks Infiniti, CA. Service advisors gave me an estimate for around $680. It seems too expensive for the service, so I questioned and was told that 30K service was like a major service except no new spark plugs. After picked up the car and saw a detail price of each item, I found the dealer added power steering flush and break fluid flush to the 30K services. In the manual, these two items are not recommended for 30K services. I complained to the service manager and she gave me credit for the cost of power steering flush and break fluid flush. Although I got my credit back, I felt like I can no longer trust them.
  • ana1ana1 Member Posts: 10
    Just got my new 2005 G35 coupe and drove it for the first time at night and when I got into the garage and played with the headlights...automatic, manual..and then one head light went out but then it came back on. It did it twice and now works. Anyone have anything like that happen? Since it now works dont know how the dealer will be able to check it. Does this mean it is the electrical wiring rather than the light bulb itself?? I am so disappointed since the car only has 100 miles on it.
  • colonel35colonel35 Member Posts: 108
    It's an obnoxious practice, but I think most dealers do it to, obviously, inflate their profits. (It's interesting that most dealers--for all automakers--make more money on service than they do sales.) My dealer likes to add a $10 "oil additive" at the 15k/30k mile visits, which I keep having to remind them not to do (not only is it not called for in the manual, but the manual actually recommends against it!).
  • derfoderfo Member Posts: 36
    Send that info to Infinity!!! Let them get on the dealer!!
  • vtmetsfanvtmetsfan Member Posts: 8
    Got my G35x about two weeks ago, and the first thing I noticed was that the RPM reading seemed to be on the high side for a car with plenty of power. The RPM gauge hits 2000 at 50 MPH, and 3000 at 75 MPH. As a measuring stick, my 2000 Maxima hit 2000 at 65 MPH, and 3000 at 90+ MPH. I expected similar readings, if not better, from the G35x.

    Anyone else with a G35x seeing these kind of readings on their RPM gauge at the specified speeds? The car still has not reached the break-in point, but I don't think that makes a difference.
  • esfoadesfoad Member Posts: 210
    My G35X is also two weeks old. I knew about the rpm's being higher on this car than some others before purchase. That's why the throttle is so punchy, in addition to the 280hp. I believe that's also why the fuel mileage is not the greatest. But the car is so competent and so much fun to drive, I can live with it no problem. On the highway at 80mph, you don't hear the motor so it's not annoying.
  • vtmetsfanvtmetsfan Member Posts: 8
    I am really loving the car! And yes, the car is VERY fun to drive and surprisingly responsive to the driver. I knew about all the other cons such as subpar gas mileage, brake dust, and what else? I can't think of anymore!!

    Thanks for your response. Glad to find out that I am not the only one experiencing this. The engine does let out a pleasant growl to let you know it means business. I do agree with you that the engine runs as smooth as silk. I am also impressed with the quiet ride. They must have used better materials to insulate from road noise.

    BTW, congrats on your purchase and new baby. I did plenty of research out there to find the best bang for the buck. After reviewing my choices countless times, I was convinced time and time again that the G35x was the perfect blend of luxury, performance, safety, and practicality at a reasonable price.
  • esfoadesfoad Member Posts: 210
    You are right on, my friend. I looked seriously at the new Avalon, the Maxima, the Acura TL and the Ford 500. I tried each of these for at least a day. I actually drove the G35x four times until I was sure that was the right choice. I'm not disappointed! The Ford was too slow. The Acura too small. The Avalon too boring and too much torque steer, same for the Maxima though not boring. Having been raised on rear wheel drive, the G35x, with it's rear wheel drive bias, gives me the best feel all year round.
    Mine is a midnight blue on wheat with premium package and XM radio. I did not choose Nav because we have a Garmin portable and I have difficulty paying that much money for something I will sell or give back after a few years. As a bonus, I love the extra space of the two additional baxes liberated without the Nav unit.
  • vtmetsfanvtmetsfan Member Posts: 8
    I also looked at the Maxima and the TL, in addition to the ES330 and Volvo S60. The Maxima and TL had too much power for their own good (being FWD), and you can tell by the annoying torque steer. IMO, the new Maxima looked like a boat, and the interior was not something I can grow into. Although the interior of the TL was dazzling, the handling was mushy at best. I loved the interior of the ES330 and the Mark Levinson audio, but its performance is lagging, and I don't want to impress old ladies. Same could be said about the S60, although it was quite responsive.

    With respect to the G35x, I love the fact that you can enjoy the safety benefits of AWD, and yet enjoy the handling and performance of a RWD, thanks to the intelligent AWD system. Living in the snowy Northeast, AWD is a must. And quite frankly, I was getting tired of swapping tires during seasons.

    I got the brilliant silver with premium package, but no XM. Heck, I can burn all my favorite songs on an MP3 and cruise on the highway for hours! Therefore, I opted not to get the XM radio. It would have been nice to tune into Z100 in Burlington, VT. But I can live my life deprived of Z100 in the morning. Anyway, my friends are all very jealous of the MP3 playback feature. As for the Nav... it's a cool gizmo, but like yourself, I cannot justify spending $2000 on it. My wife loves putting our cellphones there anyway... so there you have it.
  • ana1ana1 Member Posts: 10
    Just filled up my new G35 coupe with super premium gas as required by the manual and that turned it to be expensive. Is is really necessary to use the super premium? Will it ping if I dont? I had a Stealth in the past I never used premium and it drove just fine.
  • esfoadesfoad Member Posts: 210
    If your car is a manual with 298HP, then premium is required. If you have an automatic with 280HP, then you may use regular or midgrade but the performance will be reduced somewhat.
  • silvergirlsilvergirl Member Posts: 1
    I bought my silver G35 2004 with 8300 miles on it. I was offered a chance to get a "like new" extended warranty 6 year/100,000 for $1,790. Covering manufacturing defects, but not wear/tear.
    I was looking at third party extended warranties for $1,300 that covers wear/tear. What I am wondering are extend warranties worth it? Has anyone had experience with how they actually work?? :confuse:
  • opimaxopimax Member Posts: 73
    Speak with the person that will be dealing with their claims and benefits such as the service advisor. They will tell what really works and is covered

    Mark
  • rsandersvarsandersva Member Posts: 10
    Tire pressure monitor lit up and buzzed the other day. Pull over, look at tires, can't really see any difference. Get home later that day, check tire pressure. Rear left is at 20 psi, all others at 35 psi. Add some air, back to 35 psi. Drive around, light on instrument panel still lit. Next day, go to work- tire looks like the others- back home, check pressure again, back at 20. Take tire off, sure enough, there's a screw in the tread. Put spare on, adjust pressure, drive around, light stays on. Call local service dept, tech says that spare (full size) doesn't have pressure sensor, need to plug the tire and put it back on for light to go out. Also says that if it doesn't I have to bring it to the dealership, hook it up to the computer and reset the computer. Anyone else run into this yet? '05 G35X
  • mike995134mike995134 Member Posts: 2
    Yup, that sounds about right.

    A similar scenario happened to the '04 G that we have for company use. The Low Tire Pressure Warning Light came on.

    Discovered a screw in the right front tire. Took it to Goodyear, they removed the screw and plugged the tire. After mounting the tire back on the car, the warning light stayed on for about a mile after I left the shop ... then it went out.

    The Goodyear guy said that sometimes the computer needs to be reprogrammed after a tire fix ... and sometimes it doesn't.

    Also, prior to this ... the Low Tire Pressure Warning Light was on. Checked the air and all tires were at 35psi. Happened to be close to the dealer, so swung in to ask about it. The SA said that sometimes they have to re-program the settings and in this case it was reading 35psi as being too low ... hence the light. He brought the car back about 15 minutes later ... the light was out. No issues since then.

    All this technology in today's cars is great ... but I often feel like we're driving around with Uncle Bill's PCs. Just as at home or in the office ... if it doesn't work ... "re-boot" ... and the problem disappears :>)

    Cheers ..... Mike
  • jim2kjim2k Member Posts: 8
    I had the low pressure monitor warning light up too. My Left rear tire was low on air due to a screw. I changed the tire w/ a spare and the light didnt go out. I ended up making an appointment with the dealer.

    The dealer charged me $90 to reset the computer and had the car for two days (they gave me a loaner). Worst part is that the work order says the computer didnt record any tire info in the computer.

    I have a 04 G35X.
  • nanjnanj Member Posts: 6
    I figured out why the scheduled maintenance visits are so hideously expensive. If you look at the Infiniti website under Maintenance Schedule, you will see that Infiniti has created a "Premium Maintenance" level of service in addition to Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 levels. It states that the Premium level is only an option for "the owners who want the ultimate in premium maintenance" - or, as I read it, for the owners who want the dealer to have a really nice yacht. On the website it also states that this level is only an option, not following it does not effect the warranty.

    I took my car in for the 30,000 mile maintenance and was charged $623 (Indianapolis), which is better than some of the posts here. I am so angry at the dealer for doing the Premium level without giving me the option to choose, and I am so angry at myself for not doing more reading to discover this before hand. Our dealer sends a survey for us to fill out after every visit to Service, so they will hear about this!

    Infiniti's website:http://www.infiniti.com/form/0,,action-IMaintenancePublic_sctid-52045,00.html
  • dec1dec1 Member Posts: 1
    Looking for help to resolve ongoing noise (creaking/grinding) problems in my 2003 G35. Noise seems to be centered around the windshield pillar on the passenger side. Anyone else having this problem?? What can be done to eliminate? Noise occurs when vehicle goes over speed bumps, going up or down inclines, etc. I've been told by the local Infinity dealer that this is a common problem with the G35. How about it?
  • harvardjayharvardjay Member Posts: 1
    I've had my Infiniti G35 Sports Coupe since December 2004 and have about 3500 miles. The tires are all Michelin 245/45R18 96W (Performance Tire Package) but one of them just got a nail right near the sidewall and tread.

    I brought it to the dealer and 4 different tires places and all of them said the tire cannot be plugged or patched. Is this tire still under warranty? I never purchased the tire protection plan but shouldn't this be covered?

    If not, where can I get a good deal for this tire? Everyone is charging $275 + for one tire. Thank you.
  • whywhywhywhy Member Posts: 13
    I had the same. I think even the manual says if you change tires you need to take it to the dealer to fix that damn light. After the tire change I didnt know why that light was on. I went nuts checking pressure etc.
  • whywhywhywhy Member Posts: 13
    As an example of how bad things are. The local Honda dealer was trying to charge $460 for a 30K service on my honda civic (my other car). This is completely insane.
  • colonel35colonel35 Member Posts: 108
    Tire warranties cover defects, not punctures due to road debris or conditions, unless you buy one of those supplemental "tire protection plans" (really, an insurance policy) that does cover such things.

    Check www.tirerack.com--they generally have among the lowest prices, and can ship the tire directly to a shop nearby that'll mount it for you.
  • jayellesevenjayelleseven Member Posts: 150
    I put this up in another forum section cuz I need help!
    Ok i ran into a stupid trash can goin REVERSE! And so my driverside mirror got messed up! I thought it simply flipped back but it only moves when you hit something going forward!!! Man! Does anyone know how much the replacement part is that attaches the mirror to the door. I drive an 05 Coupe, not sure if its diff for the sedan. The piece looks to be made out plastic and its very stiff but I was stupid enough to manage to crack it! How much do you all think the repair will be???
  • geekaygeekay Member Posts: 51
    Hi New to this forum. Bought a black G35 sedan 6 mt. Am aware that black needs polishing/buffing to get the bes look. Can anyone recommend the best Waxing and method of getting and keeping that shine?
  • colonel35colonel35 Member Posts: 108
    I recommend reading the articles at http://www.carcareonline.com/howto.aspx. The company also has good prices on a wide range of car care supplies. Personally, I've been happy with the 3M Imperial Hande Glaze (polish) and One Grand Blitz wax.
  • geekaygeekay Member Posts: 51
    Thanks colonel, I will read up and go that way.
  • will6889will6889 Member Posts: 1
    FYI...I just had to replace my passenger side mirror and paid about $165 for a 2003 coupe. I had a friend install it, took about 15-20 minutes. Works like a charm.
  • jayellesevenjayelleseven Member Posts: 150
    Thanks for the info, I estimated an amount around that. However, it seems like you replaced the entire side mirror, I only need the part that connects it to the drivers door (its like a dense plastic). Maybe that part's not available and I will need to purchase the mirror too! Ahh... costly mistakes_
  • phtbddhphtbddh Member Posts: 15
    I need some advice. I just purchased a new 2005 a black g35x and was wondering if the paint on the 2005s are any better than the 2004. I've read that the 2004s and prior was prone to chipping.

    I've also heard and seen great things about the Zaino products. Has anyone else had experience with the Zaino system?

    My idea was to Zaino my car with 3 coats and then add a clear bra. Does anyone have any advice on types of clear bra, like brand 3M or other third party protectors? Also has anyone had any bad experiences with clear bras, like discoloring, dirt trappings? Last but not least, any recommendations on a clear bra installer in the Northern VA/DC/MD area?

    Thanks!
  • acerocaballoacerocaballo Member Posts: 4
    Just bought an '05 Coupe with the premium and sport packages. It's an Auto. 2000K miles so far. Anyone have any suggestions on anything I should check as far as tightening, etc.

    Also, i was impressed with the factory ram air system on the car. I also found that a K&N Cone filter will actually fit in the thing perfectly! Has anybody run into any issues with putting a K&N Cone type filter in the car. I haven't really noticed any particular peformance increase, but perhaps there is some slight increase. It's probably just my "feel" for it as it obviously has a nice throatier sound.

    My new baby is Keystone Slate...I've named her appropriately, "A.C." or Acero Caballo which is spanish for "iron horse". Anybody happen to know if I have the spelling right on that?

    Prior to this car, I owned a '99 Benz E-320 (which I loved, but was afraid of (transmissions)). I've been impressed with how European the car is finished as well as how the top end and sound is very Euro like.

    I also have a fairly heavily modified 1990 Miata which supplements my urge to fly through the twisties....~smile~

    Happy Motoring to all....

    CGT
  • colonel35colonel35 Member Posts: 108
    I've installed both the Invinca-Shield and Xpel paint protection systems on my last two cars, and have been pleased with them. There's been no discoloring, and dirt trapping is impossible (because the material is bonded tightly and evenly all around). Some people may not like the visible line at the edge of film, but I figure it's sure better than seeing paint chips all over the hood, and from most angles it's not that glaring. I'd recommend installing it, though, over paint that's as clean from dust, debris, and wax as possible; use something like Dawn or Ivory to de-wax thoroughly.

    I believe nearly all of these are manufactured by 3M; these distributors order up sheets of the stuff (it's offered in different gauges) and cut their own kits. Some professional installers buy the virgin sheets as well and custom cut for their customers. Self-install isn't too difficult, but it does take patience to get it right. I live in the DC area as well, but don't know of any installers; Try calling some of the dealers to see if they can recommend anyone.
  • phtbddhphtbddh Member Posts: 15
    Thanks colonel35, now if i can find a good recommendation on someone in the area (DC Metro area) that's good with clear bras. I was thinking of possibly installing a bra on the entire hood to eliminate the line issue. Has anyone done this?
  • esfoadesfoad Member Posts: 210
    Guys, while I can appreciate protecting our cars, let's be real and say that if you put the clear bra on the entire front end, you'll get a stone chip on the windshield or some idiot will dent your door in a parking lot. I'm not wishing any of these on you but these cars a a joy to drive. Do that and don't worry so much about what you can't control. Just my opinion. Don't mean to offend.
  • phtbddhphtbddh Member Posts: 15
    Point well taken esfoad. This is actually my first new car, so i thought it was worth the time to invest in protecting the paint. After all this i'm thinking about tinting the windows. Anyone recommendations on an installer in the dc metro area (va/md/dc)?
  • jsheridanjsheridan Member Posts: 2
    I live in NoVA and just dropped my 2005 G35 off to a llumar installer. They specialize in just paint protection and tint. Hopefully they'll do as good of a job as they say. I'll find out when tomorrow morning when I pick up the car. I'll let you know how it goes, if you're interested I'll pass along their info.
  • phtbddhphtbddh Member Posts: 15
    Sounds good jsheridan. I look forward hearing about your experience.
  • jsheridanjsheridan Member Posts: 2
    I picked up my car this morning and am very impressed with the results. The installer and materials used are without a doubt top notch. If I didn't know it was on the car I probably wouldn't even notice it. The only thing that is really noticeable is a fine line that runs across the middle of my hood. The visibility of the line changes depending on the angle and light on the car. It can be visible, to nearly invisible depending on the conditions.

    Is there a way for me to post some images to this site? If not, I'll still take some pictures and can email them to those who are interested.

    I paid $850 for the film, and it comes with a lifetime manufacturers warranty. The shop also promises to honor that warranty so if there is a problem they'll resolve it for me.

    I hope this info helps. I'll take the pictures over the weekend, and see about emailing/posting them in the next few days.
  • phtbddhphtbddh Member Posts: 15
    Wow 850??? That's a lot of cash for the film and it does not cover the entire hood??? I've been hearing about 500-600 dollars for the install. Did you get tint also? I'm interested in seeing the pictures. Can you send to phatflave@hotmail.com? Thanks.
  • naveenpanaveenpa Member Posts: 2
    Hi,

    I just got a diamond graphite with black leather G35x (AWD) with premium C pkg in seattle area. I paid $34,000 ( not including taxes and title). The dealer was very insistent on selling me a chip guard protection film from 3M. it is a film applied on the hood and mirrors. he was quoting me about $1000 for it and said that it would have a 4 year warranty and it wud prevent chipping. the warranty wud cover any paint chippings and the headlights too. does anybody know about this? it is worth the money paid? I went to the chip guard website and saw that it only costs about $500. can I get this from outside and get it professionally installed and if i do, wud it void any manufacture warranty?

    Thanks,
  • redz06redz06 Member Posts: 25
    I have had my X-Pel (3M) clear bra on my G-35 sedan for almost three years now and there are no negatives to report. Put the film on as soon as humanly possible as you will be accumulating chips up to the install. My car has had Zaino all of its life as well. Do not Zaino before the bra install, as it will only have to be removed for the install anyway. After the clear bra, just use Zaino on the film as well. Discoloring has not been a problem for either this car or my red Corvette, which has had the film for even longer.
  • colonel35colonel35 Member Posts: 108
    The warranty they're talking about must be either their own (the dealer's) or the film company's, not Infiniti's. You're certainly entitled not to buy it from them and have someone else install it for you if you choose. Bear in mind the installation is labor-intensive (it took me the better part of a weekend to install the complete kit on my car, but even a pro would take several hours for a quality job), hence the markup over the kit price.
  • ramboamboramboambo Member Posts: 1
    i did more or less the same, except i hit the bumper, causing a bad dent and some ugly scrapes.

    what's the advice? should it be repaired, or replaced?

    i am sick about this, as the g35 coupe is only 4 months old.
  • eunchulleeeunchullee Member Posts: 1
    Hi,

    I am also new to this forum, as a proud and thrilled new owner of a G35x in ivory pearl. Could anyone give me suggestions on how to maintain the exterior of the car? I've done some research on paint maintenance in general, but there are just so many options and products. Any leads would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    You may want to take a look at these two topics in M&R.

    Store Bought Waxes Part II (No Zaino Posts)

    And for the Zaino enthusiasts:

    Zaino Car Polishes/Products--Your Experiences (Part 2)
  • kevin13kevin13 Member Posts: 12
    Hi all. I'm considering purchasing a 2005 G35 coupe, but I am concerned about having to spend $1200 every 20,000 miles for new tires. What's your experience on how often you have to replace tires? Also, I only see summer tires on various tire websites. Have you found all seasons that may last a bit longer (with some performance penalty obviously)? Thanks for your help!
  • colonel35colonel35 Member Posts: 108
    I recently bought a set of Continental ContiExtremeContact from TireRack to replace the original summer tires on my '03 Coupe, which lasted until about 40k miles. I hardly drove gingerly, so if you only got 20k miles out of yours, either you're racing them or something sounds suspect.

    The Conti's offer nearly the same grip performance, but offer true all-season capability as well; they held their own during a couple of snowstorms this winter, a feat which the original Michelins (?) were amazingly incapable of doing.
  • jayellesevenjayelleseven Member Posts: 150
    So did you replace the bumber or get it fixed, I prollie would have replaced the entire bumpber cuz fixing it wouldn't been a guarantee of absolute resotoration, you know? Man it sucks, I still havent fixed the mirror attachment, you can't notice it tho, still, its cracked. It'll be like 200 I think...
  • jayellesevenjayelleseven Member Posts: 150
    Ive heard of it costing more that $1200 for a new set of tires (summer or not) and colonel is right. You should get more than 20,000 out of the originals. Now you prollie won't get 40K miles because the new Coupes (6MT or with sports packg.) have the 19's (like mine) so Im estimating like 20-30K miles. Ive heard of more but then again, I don't drive like my grandmother!
  • temple_kidtemple_kid Member Posts: 8
    My G35 Coupe is up for its first scheduled maintanence and I looked up the owner's manual and I don't want to do the premium maintanence (or whatever they call it). So the other schedule requires me to do just an oil change. I called up the dealer (where I got my car) and they said that the oil change is $50!!! They are also going to lube my door and stuff. I am like no I just want an oil change! Is $50 normal? I guess I am not used to owning a fancy brand name car. What do people think about just regular oil change at some place like Jiffy Lube or something? I love my car so I just want to do what is right for it, but would like not to spend too much doing it. :D
  • colonel35colonel35 Member Posts: 108
    Call other dealers; it shouldn't be more than $30-40. Or, you can learn to do it yourself if you want to invest in an oil extractor and jackstands (both would pay for themselves within several oil changes). Note that, unless you're driving in harsh/dusty conditions, the oil changes can safely be extended to 7500 miles (as per the manual).

    If it's any consolation, the oil changes on BMW's and Porsche's (where synthetic oil is required) generally run $100+. And, in case you're jealous of that neighbor with the Ferrari Enzo, he pays about $700 per quart.
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