2008 Infiniti G35

rkok

You might want to look into a wireless package for the controls on the i-pod

http://www.amazon.com/Scosche-Wireless-Control-Transmitter-Charger/dp/B000EC19TU-

Im sure there are better ones just posted the first one I found. You can buy at wal-mart or target for around $50. The one I have I got at target works great

crienhardt1

KC,

Thanks for the response. I will try the center button controls.

Chris

crienhardt1

I am at the end of a lease on the 330i. While they do offer the free maintenance, It doesn't really amount to much. I had a two year lease with 50K miles. I drive a lot. The free maintenance amounted to two oil changes. They base it on your gas mileage not your mileage, so it doesn't necessarily happen every 15K miles like they tell you. The BMW is nice, but far more expensive than the G35.

crienhardt1

Thank you. Do you mean instead of the built in IPOD controls in the car? Would you connect the IPOD to the stereo via the AUX inputs?

CR

chisox

Picked up my new G35X one week ago today. It is beautiful and takes off like a pocket rocket. Over the weekend, however, I took it out on the highway for the first time. While driving at a reasonable speed (65 - 70 mph), the car bounced like it was on springs. I was driving on a fairly new, concrete paved road, which does have separate road segments every 10 - 20 feet, but I've never had this problem before. My rear seat passenger had to hold on, she was getting bounced around so much.

Has any one experienced anything like this before? Do you think there is a suspension problem, or is that just how the car drives? It did not act this way when the road changed over to asphalt which doesn't have these separate road pour segments, although the suspension still felt very soft. It felt like an old car with no suspension - bouncing up and down on springs. I have a pit in my stomach just thinking that I've got a problem already just 7 days out the door.

sjaieve

There is a suspension problem, mine rides very comfortably is the sounds of the road are pretty muted. I also have a G35X

jebell

My 2008 G35X rides great, very little bounce.

chisox

I'm conflicted over what answer I was hoping to get. Nobody wants to hear something is wrong with a car they just paid $35k + for. But at the same time, thinking that is just how the car rides is even more disturbing.

Looks like I'll be schlepping back to the dealer this week. I'm totally disgusted! I was so happy to unload my old 2000 Volvo S80 T6 which was in the shop about every other month. Now I have this deja vue feeling all over again. Ick!!

chisox

Thanks for the response. See my reply above.

osodeoro

Any thoughts on the value of the Sport package, i.e. suspension, wheels, brakes, shifters, seats, looks, etc? For those of us considering a new purchase, I'm wondering if there are issues not seen in a test drive like additional maintenence, mileage, day-to-day ride, and the like. In short, is the Sport package worth it for someone like me who is part commuter, part parent, part performance seeker, part tech admirer, and full time value consumer?

jeffmo2334

Check into the price of tires when you have to replace them.

That is why I avoided getting the Sport package (or the performance tire and wheel package).

The ride is firmer, which can be a plus or minus, depending on your needs. The ride will be more "sporty", but also rougher.

Also, the Sport summer tires are not so good in bad weather, so you also might need to buy all-weather tires to switch out in the winter.

chisox

Before I bought mine (I went with the AWD X instead of the Sport), I read the car's excellent reviews at this website and others. The one consistent criticism was the stiffness of the ride on the sport model. If you drive in the city or on rough roads, I suspect you will not be too happy with the ride.

osodeoro

Good input jeffmo. Don't I overpay to live in CA so I don't have to worry about bad weather!

silica1

Is there a way to pause the iPod from the center console?

I listen to audio books too and currently use my HP iPaq with the G35 Aux input. When a call arrives, I have to awkwardly lift the arm rest to pause it while also answering the call and driving. I had planned to get an iPod eventually just to have an automatic pause feature when a call arrives. Sounds like that doesn't work which is very disappointing. I expected better integration from Infiniti. If there is a way to simply pause the iPod from the center console it would be an alternative although less desirable than just seamless operation. If there isn't a way to pause the iPod, there isn't a lot of motivation for me to buy an iPod since I use my Sony S618 w/ Rhapsody subscription service for music. For $15/month, I can listen to as much music as I want without repeating. Subscription service isn't offered from iTunes so I haven't been an Apple customer.

tsarkis

I'm not sure what iPod he's using I have my iPhone hooked up all the time and I use it for both and the music fades out and pauses when I get a call then resumes after I hang up, as to pausing manually all u gotta do is click the pause button on the screen.

silica1

Since the iPhone is both your MP3 player and your phone, the iPhone might be pausing the audio without the help of the G35 whenever you make or take a call. I assume it also does this when you are not connected to the G35.

I found the following in the user manual about manual iPod pausing.

iPod
Pushing DOWN/UP shorter
Previous or next track (Start/Pause or Menu
can be selected when the ENTER button is
pushed.)

I'm hoping the pause can be accessed through the Enter button if someone doesn't have the Nav option (touchscreen) like me.

On a different topic, how do you fit the iPhone in the armrest compartment without stressing the connector? The standard cable isn't very flexible and the iPhone is rather tall. I've thought about an iTouch but have been concerned about it fitting nicely as compared to a Nano which is much smaller.

jeffmo2334

But it still rains in CA sometimes, doesn't it?

The summer tires also don't do well on wet pavement.

crienhardt1

I have an Itouch and a 30G IPod Video. Both fit in the compartment with a little work. The cable is long. You can manually pause an IPOD prior to making a phone call using the car's multiple controls. You cannot use the IPOD controls as they are locked when using the IPOD interface cable. If a call comes in, the car controls switch to phone mode and don't pause the IPOD. This is where the problem comes in. It is a very poor design. You lose your spot in the audio book. I have found that pressing the track up and down buttons on the radio will allow you to fast forward or rewind in 10 sec intervals. That helps some. Another annoying "feature" of the IPOD interface is that the car will completely discharge your IPOD battery if you leave it connected to the car while the engine is off. Someone didn't think this through very well at all. I hope that a software update or a new cable interface will solve the problem, but I am not sure who to ask for the fix. I have only had the car for a few weeks.

sjaieve

I do understand your expectation that such small things not be overlooked.

If I am not mistaken, even the music box is not paused when you receive a call. My previous car had these features but these are very insignificant things IMO.

silica1

Crienhardt1,

Thanks for giving us your experience. Listening to audio books with an iPod seems to be frustrating if there is no way to pause in the G35. I've had to rewind with my iPaq when forgetting to pause it during a call. (At least I can pause it.) I either overshoot or undershoot and usually have to listen to a couple minutes of the audio book again. It really detracts from the listening experience let alone being frustrating. I had hoped the integrated iPod support would solve this problem. I'm glad to know that it doesn't before I buy an iPod. I may not buy an iPod now. It would be great if a G35 firmware update could solve the problem. If such an update ever came, it likely wouldn't show up until after the 2009 models arrive in the fall. The 2008 model was the first year to have iPod support.

crienhardt1

Don't mistake me. So far, I love the car and I certainly wouldn't bash Infiniti in anyway over these things, but the car could be truly great with a little more attention to detail. When you are on the road as much as I am, listening to an audio book is a great way to make the miles fly. These capabilities which would have been obvious to anyone that had thought it through should be there. At least that is my opinion.

By the way is anyone experiencing a rattle either at the front passenger door or near the front center of the roof. I have one when the car goes over bumps on the highway and I can't figure out what it is.

sjaieve

I understand your point, these are easy fixes and it should have been done right the first time.

The only rattle I have so far is on my drivers door when using the SOW. It normally goes away if I open and close the window. I can live with it but at my first service I will get this fixed.

BTW, is the first service complimentary??

I have not seen anything that says this so most likely its not but I just wanted to find out from the seasoned G drivers

adamr001

Varies from dealer to dealer on the first service being complimentary. Mine was. Anything like a rattle or other problem though should be handled free of charge as it's a defect of quality not a service issue.

sjaieve

Thx. I will do some shopping around.

silvertl

Get the Sport Package. The wheels make the car look and handle better....more in line with a 306 hp car. They are so/so in the rain...but the stability control does a spectacular job of addressing that. I drove all winter long in NJ and never felt inclined to need "Winter tires" That being said...these babies are not cheap. Much like my other car that has the same tires.....they are useless in the snow....but CA is immune ! !

vybhav

Thanks Scott and Crienhart, for your replies.

I am now confused between buying a manual and an automatic.
While I am an enthusiast, I also need to drive my car to work everyday and run the odd errand.

Are the clutch issues totally resolved in the '08 G35. Is it really a pleasure driving the manual ?
What if I get the paddle shifters with the automatic. Will that be a reasonable substitute for the manual ? ( I haven't driven any paddle-shift-car in my entire life).

Any thoughts/suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Vyb

cadreamn

I do not have the rattle problem, but I recall reading about something similar on these boards and believe it may have been attributed to the front passenger seat belt being out of position. Have you tried moving it around a bit?

scottm123

I couldn't get a 6mt, as it wasn't available in the X model.
I would have if it was available, but to be honest, I'm enjoying the auto a lot.
It shifts very smoothly during normal driving and yet it knows how to play hard when you wanna be aggressive.

The paddles are fun and actually come in handy for a quick downshift here or there.

I wish I could have the best of both worlds.
I'd like my car just the way it is when in Drive or DS mode, but I wish a clutch pedal dropped down to my left foot when I hit M mode.

Nothing will replace a MT if you are a true enthusiast, but with the traffic I deal with, and the little ones always needing something in the backseat... this is the next best thing.
I like it.

jennma

I have an '07 6MT and have enjoyed driving the car every day since September, currently sitting at just over 11,000 miles. The clutch felt stiffer for the first 3000 miles, however either I got used to it, or things loosened up a little bit, not sure which!

Had there been an G35x with manual the choice would have been a whole lot easier, but for me, I much prefer having the control of a manual clutch. I've had a couple of loaners that were x's (granted not the sport version) and while they were still enjoyable to drive, I was glad to get back into my car with the sportier feel, sports seats and manual transmission.

tolumtx

Hi..I just got a brand new Infiniti G35 with 20 miles...

Seems that the car was car tested before I got it.. Also the car had a biult date of Nov 2007... I got it in April 2008. Is this is too much time?

gooddeal2

It's not too much time b/c these cars are made in Japan. So, if they made it in late Nov., it won't be here till late Dec. or Jan.

vybhav

Thanks Scott and Jennma, you've been of great help !

I have almost zeroed in on a G35.

But now the question seems to be whether to buy one or rent one .
The sales person at the Infiniti showroom seemed to be suggesting that leasing is a better option whichever way you look at it.
For me, I dont think I'll modify the car. So, that bit is ok as far as leasing goes.
The sales person was telling me that I could buy miles upfront - even if I needed 15K miles per year , let's say (which could cost me abt $40 per month)
Also, If I bought one, I would have to pay all the tax upfront, while I pay only for the time I use the car in the case of leasing and I pay as I go.

Lastly, if the car depreciates more than expected during the leasing period, I believe there is gap coverage insurance or something. Basically, the banks want to get rid of the car at the end of the lease term, so they would sell it to you for whatever they can get for the car at the end of the lease term.

Any thoughts/suggestions from any of you guys.

Thanks in advance !

Vyb

radioman18

I've seen a few posts on these issues, but no clear answer about what's going on. My nav system froze today (at 900 miles) -- along with the climate control and audio system. I re-started the car and on the second re-start, the system re-booted. Last week, the audio system blew out all of my pre-sets.
The rattle has me baffled because I can't find it. It is on the passenger side, somewhere behind the glove box or airbag. I thought it was the battery cover; it wasn't. Someone on this site suggested the window trim or seat belt buckle; it's not either one.
This is a great car to drive. But the reliability has me troubled.

sjaieve

I think if you have 2 cars, including the one under consideration, leasing is the better alternative. There are lease deals where you pay less than 2k upfront and less than $500/mnth. This is for a fully loaded car.

Once I discovered leasing on my current 08 G35X, I will only lease for 2 years (hopefully the deals will continue to be this sweet for 2 yr deals). That way I avoid changing tyres (around $1k cost) and the $30,000 mile service (at least $400). If you own, you will be paying $1,400 minimum for these 2 maintenance issues after 2-3 yrs. Assuming these lease deals continue, for $1,400, that could be my down payment for the new lease of the 2010 or 2011 model. Couldnt have it any other way IMO

tsarkis

As far as the freezing prob the dealer said he's looking into it a month ago and he didn't know war the prob is, I also have the rattling prob first I thought it was the moonroof I checked everything I even removed anything that might shake and went for a drive it seems to b coming from the roof panels Im taking in to the dealer on Thursday they said they'll find out what the prob is. Its not that bad but once you know its there it gets pretty annoying

vybhav

I have no car now :-( This is gonna be my first new car

joec022

Radioman, I also have the rattle. Checked everything like you and have found that if I move the passenger seat to another position the rattling stops. This is my second G35 and as you I am not impressed with the build quality. I thought it was just my '06 but with the '08 I have another set of issues, small and annoying, but for a $40k car, this is ridiculous.

radioman18

Thank you, Joe. Good to have company. Now, if we could only get these "small and annoying" things resolved...

alang4

Driving today in some rain, I realized that one new feature Infiniti should have, and could include relatively easily, is to have the headlights automatically light up when the windshield wipers are turned on. Here in NY, we have a law that says that lights must be on when wipers are going, I'm sure that law exists elsewhere.

zekeman1

Are there any cars out there that do that? I don't think so, but wish there were. Lots of states have that law but rely on the driver to remember to pull/push/twist the switch to turn 'em on when it's raining! Some do, but many don't. Sort of like the law that says clean the snow off your car before driving - there's always one moron out there who leaves a tiny spot on the rear window to see out of and thinks it's cool to have a huge load on the roof to blow off, blind the adjacent drivers and potentially cause an accident..some people just don't like being told what to do, so their actions put others at risk.
Z

sjaieve

Daytime running lights, thats all you need gentlemen/ladies

zekeman1

...you're right, but only as an aftermarket add-on for US version Infiniti's!
Z

sjaieve

Yeah, I didnt realize this till I got the car. I guess I can put this on my wishlist.

While we are at it how about:
-rain sensing wipers
-EX35 paint
-EX35 interior finish
-Price tag remains the same (hey, thats why its a wish list)

Just goes to show what a fine job these guys did if this is all I can think of

rsaul

I have a 2008GxS and was wondering if anyone has had any experience with window tinting. I've gone online and looks there are several differences processes and costs, but first-hand experience is always appreciated. I live in Minneapolis, so any local retailers that people have dealt with would be great. Thanks in advance. Also, I'm guessing the retailer would have to take the doors apart and remove the windows, so does this "after market" process void any Infiniti factory warranty?

scottm123

A good tint guy will not need to remove door panels or windows. In fact, I would avoid that since it almost always leads to rattles down the road.

As for tint, I'd lean away from metalic tints. Some people (not all) have reported interference with the Navi system (if you are so equipped)

I'm getting Ceramic tints in about a month or so.

scottm123

I have rain sensing wipers on our Acura MDX and I'm actually happy that the G doesn't have them.
During the day, they're great in the rain.

At night, on drizzly nights where the water slowly builds up on the windshield, they do not function anywhere near as well.

rsaul

Thanks for the insight. Please let me know how the ceramic tinting goes...

chrism124

I am looking for a replacement to my current vehicle being MY07 Lexus IS350. While the IS350 has been a good vehicle, I simply need more rear passenger space. My short list of vehicles includes both a G35 and CTS. Other vehicles considered were the 335i (same issue as IS350), 535i (expensive) and A4 (would want the new style but always leery of 1st year production). I have test driven the CTS and plan to look at the G35 within the next few days. Option for Option, the CTS is (roughly) $7k more. Perhaps it is worth it. I don’t have enough information yet to make a decision. I am curious to know if anybody else has gone through a similar evaluation. If so, why did you purchase/lease a G35?

Regards,
NHman

chisox

I just went through the exact same exercise that you are going through. I spent a month researching and shopping. My first choice going into the process was the CTS. However, you are correct about the price difference.

Not only does a comparably equipped CTS start out at least $5 - $7 k higher (they force you to spend that much just to get a sunroof), but the car is so hot right now, dealers are simply not dealing on them. With the G35, however, Infiniti currently has, hands-down, the best lease deals in the industry. They have set artificially high residual values (70%) to make the deals attractive, and will work with you on the price as well. There was just no comparison in costs (I even looked at the luxury model VW Passat, and the dealer told me he couldn't come close to the offer I had at that time for the G35x, which is much more car.)

I picked mine up less than a month ago, and it is so fun to drive, and beautiful to look at. I do have one regret. I got so caught up in negotiating price and terms and trade-in, etc., I forgot to ask for the wood package which, at only $450 more, really increases the car's luxury feel. Now i'm forced to look into after-market installation which will probably cost about the same and never be as good.

One other factor for you to consider - I started out comparing the G35 to the IS250, but quickly dropped it, because of the small rear passenger space. The dealer, however, steered me to the ES350 which prices out remarkably close to the G35. It is a big, beautiful car with lots of options. It's not as sporty as the G35, but it is a bit bigger. I went with the G35, because the lease deals were so good it ended up being more than $100 per month cheaper. If you are buying and not leasing, the costs might not be that far apart.

But I do love looking at that smokin' hot G35x in my driveway every day. The ES350 is the car my dad drives.

radioman18

This is a subjective thing, but I find the rear passenger area in the IS350 and the G35 to be similar -- both are a little tight. The Lexus ES350 has much more rear seating space, but that's a totally different driving experience. I've taken short trips with passengers in the rear seat of the G, and no one has complained (maybe they're just being polite?). On a long haul, it might be a little cramped. Personally, I think the G has more going for it, overall, than the IS or the CTS. Performance and handling are superior, and the X provides sure-footedness in snow. There are some weird electronics issues I've encountered in the G, but the dealer has been responsive and every brand, lately, seems to have some quirks in reliability.