2008 Infiniti G35

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Comments

  • born2sawborn2saw Member Posts: 7
    When we were looking for our '07, my wife initially wanted the red. However, we quickly noticed that every one we saw (all 2007s) had a really poor color match with the front & rear bumper. I know that the plastic bumpers are never going to be an exact match, but there were 4 at our local dealer and every one was obvious from 30 feet away. She could not live with that & we ended up with a Blue Slate. It gets dusty looking very easily but cleans up easy (after 5 or 6 coats of Zaino).
  • kcianoskcianos Member Posts: 5
    3M protected!! :)

    As for the front/rear bumper color, on my car the color is near spot-on exact. As far as I can tell, there is no color difference on the front or rear bumper pieces. Even the colored splash-guards are a good match. I am fairly fanatical (not as much as Scottm ;)) about my cars and believe you me, I would have noticed that. Maybe Infiniti finally got their red issues worked out.

    The red gets dusty too, but like you said, Zaino and Z6 take care of that :D

    kc
  • scottm123scottm123 Member Posts: 1,501
    You see that color mismatch on a lot of cars, and it seems that the lighter the color, the worse it can be.

    The worst, by far, is the White Acura TL.
    If I ran that show, there's no way in heck I'd let those leave the factory like that.

    Acura should be embarrassed.
  • piredonpiredon Member Posts: 50
    Been driving the car for a week now, and I have two basic observations:

    1. Adaptive cruise control sucks. It slows down way before you want it to, even when set at the closest distance. It's especially annoying when you go to pass someone. I usually wait until I'm 3 car lengths behind the car before I get into the left lane, well, the adaptive cruise won't let you get that close. It starts slowing down, then you pull into the left lane (hopefully before someone comes up behind your suddenly slowing car) and then speeds up (eventually, it's no instant by any means). I guess my point is, the headlights that move are somewhat useful, but not worth the price of the technology package. I would recommend skipping it.

    2. I will never love an automatic transmission, even a good one like this. Nothing will even be as good as a manual transmission. I don't think I need to say anymore.

    3. This is a car that gets better the faster you drive it. Speed is potentially addictive, buyer beware.

    4. Front end grip is incredible. 60 mph on a 30 mph on ramp and there was still more grip available (dry, clean roads, mind you). I won't be finding the limits of this car.

    Since we're discussing colors, I went with the blue slate. It does look gray most of the time, and it does get dusty pretty easily. Still, coming from a black car, I'm not complaining.
  • scottm123scottm123 Member Posts: 1,501
    I completely disagree with your opinion of the ICC. (with all due respect)

    If you're tearing down the highway, swerving around slower traffic, you have no business using it to begin with.
    It's designed for "cruising" and with this system, you no longer need to continuously hit the brake or cancel button every time a slower car comes up.

    Yes, it slows down with slower traffic, but that's what it's designed to do.
    It doesn't slow "way down" unless you're going "way faster" than the traffic in front of you.
    If you're not "cruising", don't use it.

    As for the distance settings, the closest setting is as close as you should be while doing 65 mph behind another car. Anything closer is dangerous, as people's reaction time is often not quick enough, especially while is Cruise mode.
    The other settings with longer distances come in handy for higher speeds or less than perfect road conditions.
    Also note that if you slightly touch the gas pedal with your right foot, it disables the system enough so that it does not slow as you approach cars ahead.

    Use it for what it's intended and it's 100% worth it's price, IMO.
    I hate regular cruise control and never use it due to traffic.
    This is a set it and forget system and it works perfectly.
  • max929max929 Member Posts: 16
    I also love the ICC. Have had the intelligent cruise on my M35x for over a year and use it pretty much every time I drive. Like some things you have to get a feel for how it works and the little things it does... but once you know what to expect from the system you can compensate for it as you like. I use it all the time from 2 lane roads to freeways. Give it some more time.

    Ill be looking for that option again when I lose the M and get a G next year.

    Max
  • michael2003michael2003 Member Posts: 144
    Ditto! Love it!
  • piredonpiredon Member Posts: 50
    Well, I've spent another week in the car, and tried to use the ICC once again. I must say that my initial opinion was probably a little hasty. It works quite well in moderate traffic, provided it keeps moving, of course. It also works well on the freeway, once you get used to moving into the left lane sooner than you might normally. But I'm getting used to it, and it is definitely less work than regular cruise control.

    It's not perfect, however. There is a tendency toward a "rubber-band" effect in traffic, where the car slows down more than it probably has to, then speeds up more than it should when the car in front of you pulls away. Then repeat. Don't get me wrong, it's pretty good, and it's more a testament to the fact that people cannot seem to drive a steady speed than the to ICC, but you would think they could calibrate it to slow down and speed up more gradually. Somehow smooth out the acceleration and deceleration. The potential long term issue associated with this is the fact that the car applies the brakes at times when using the engine drag to slow down (starting from a longer distance away from the car in front of you) would be just as effective. Unnecessary brake wear is the result.

    Still, it basically drives itself, aside from steering. Just takes some getting used to.
  • scottm123scottm123 Member Posts: 1,501
    Smoothing out the acceleration in the 07 G is no small task.
    I still snap my neck from time to time.
    Seeing the ICC also do it makes me feel a little less moronic... even the computer can't handle the car's power. :P

    If you feel surging while in cruise and going downhill, there is now a TSB on this and the dealer will be addressing it if mentioned by the customer.
    It requires a replacement of the laser unit, from what I've seen.

    Details are scarce as this is brand new, but I'll post when I get more details.

    It's nice to know it's being addressed though. :)
  • ncage1974ncage1974 Member Posts: 15
    Hi everyone. I am very interested in an infiniti G35 but there is ONE big problem. The nearest dealer is 95 miles away from me. I thought well maybe i'll call the local nissan dealers and see what happens. I called the one in my town and the said the will work on them but they will not do any warranty work on them because apparently infiniti came down on them once because they were stealing buisness from the infiniti dealerships. I called a nissan dealership 30 miles from me and they said they really didn't know. They said once they had a special request from infiniti to fix a customers headlight which they did because it was relatively simple.

    Do i have any options at all here. If i have something wrong with my car then i have to drive a LONG ways and unless i want to talk off of work i have to go there on a saturday that most dealerships won't do anything but simple maintenance like oil changes. I can't believe the closest one is that far. My town isn't huge but its about 250,000. We have a very nice BMW/Mercedes/Porche/Ferrari/ect... dealership. If i wanted to buy a lexus i would have a little bit of a drive (45) miles but 95..come on. What are my options here?

    thanks,
    ncage
  • zekeman1zekeman1 Member Posts: 422
    Buy a BMW/Mercedes/Porche/Ferrari/Lexus...seems clear to me.
    Z
  • scottm123scottm123 Member Posts: 1,501
    I had this exact same issue.
    I was on the TL Type-S vs G35 fence and although Acura is right in town, I opted for the Infiniti.
    I was really leaning toward the Acura until I test drove the G, and then there was no looking back.

    I drive 85 minutes when I need to go to my dealer.
    My dealer is in a different state!
    I'll use the local brand new Nissan dealership for little things, like oil changes and stuff, but I make the trek to the dealership if warranty work needs to be done.

    It's no so bad though.
    I get little things, like the sunroof TSB fixed while getting an oil change.
    It gets me out of the house and allows me a nice long drive in the G by myself, I get to walk around the lot and look at all the toys or drink their free lattees, or just sit back with free wi-fi until my car is done.

    Even with my ridiculous schedule, it's not that bad.
    You really won't need to be going there that often anyway.
  • legendsgolferlegendsgolfer Member Posts: 13
    We picked up our new 08 G35X for a few weeks and love it. Black on Black, has all the bells and whistles. Premium, Nav, Tech. We also love the ICC. The question I have for others is the Music Box: I envisioned being able to "burn" a CD on the hard drive, but it doesn't work that way. Unless I missed something, you have to completely play that CD (or individual song) in order to record it on the hard drive. It's not like you can just transfer a CD to the music box. It is a slow process because you have to actually play the CD to record it. (Then, maybe you didn't like the CD and never want to listen to it again)
    I thought the Hard Drive was a great idea. Maybe borrow a CD, transfer it to my music Box and return the CD's owner. Anyone else have input on the music box?
  • scottm123scottm123 Member Posts: 1,501
    In the musicbox settings, you can select to have CDs automatically recorded to the hard drive.
    When you put a new CD in, you'll see a record icon and it will tell you which track it is on.
    While recording, you cannot change tracks, but you can do other things, like listen to XM or the cd changer.

    It needs to read the entire cd to record it, but it can record 4 times faster than playback speed, and does so, even while listening to the cd while it records.

    When I put a cd in, it's done recording before I get to the 4th track.
    I also borrow cds and rip them in, takes about 15 minutes.

    Try the auto record, should help. :)
  • legendsgolferlegendsgolfer Member Posts: 13
    That's some great information, and I will try it. I know there is an automatic record setting and I already have it selected, but I was under the impression that you still had to listen tho the entire CD to burn it to the music box.
  • carfanatic17carfanatic17 Member Posts: 32
    I'm hearing talk that the list of voice commands is much shorter in the 2008s versus 2007s. Can anyone that has a 2008 with navigation confirm that they can't specify the climate control temperature or satellite radio station using voice commands? I know that's it's not a huge deal because all of the controls are right there, but I'm coming from Accord with navigation that allowed me to use such commands and I'm actually kind of used to them.

    My G has a delivery date of the week of 11/2 (Today!), so hopefully I will be able to find out for myself within the next few days. The wait is killing me! :cry:
  • shov8shov8 Member Posts: 87
    You definitely don't have to listen to the entire CD; on the main CD Audio screen, right above the record button on the lower left (I don't have the auto record enabled), there will be an indicator showing what track it is on (1/10, then 2/10, etc). Like Scott mentioned, it has usually completed recording by track 3 or 4. I've been loading it up on my 35-40min commute and I can usually get 2 CDs recorded in that time.

    kc
  • shov8shov8 Member Posts: 87
    As far as I know, the '08 list is no different than the '07 voice command list, with the exception that the '08 has an additional two commands for the iPod interface. I have an '08 with Premium and Navigation, and it definitely supports climate and radio/XM voice commands. There are voice commands for the Music Box, Navigation, Radio, Satellite, CD, Changer, Audio, Compact Flash, iPod, Phone, Climate Control, and a few misc commands (like fuel economy and status). The list of commands starts on page 4-80 in the '08 manual.

    Grats on your new G!

    kc
  • carfanatic17carfanatic17 Member Posts: 32
    So my G is officially at the dealership. I'm picking it up bright and early tomorrow morning. :shades:

    And my dealer had a special suprise. There are now finance and lease specials available. I just double-checked, they are on infiniti.com.

    I was able to secure financing at 3.9%. Just something else to add to your decision making process.
  • samtutsamtut Member Posts: 10
    Just got an ETA on mine of 11/20. Waited this long. Can wait a little longer.

    Thanks on the financing tip. I'm surprised they even need to offer an incentive on the G. Probably related to recent credit market and stock market hiccups hurting new car purchases across the board.

    And I'm not complaining!
  • scottm123scottm123 Member Posts: 1,501
    Congrats people!!!

    The wait is horrible, but the car is SOOooooo worth it! :blush:
  • carfanatic17carfanatic17 Member Posts: 32
    I'm glad the wait is over, I just wish that Shell Premium wasn't up to $3.01 a gallon...
  • scottm123scottm123 Member Posts: 1,501
    $3.09 and climbing :cry:
  • sm81sm81 Member Posts: 3
    Hmmm... I just took my G35 last week and they didn't have good deal on finance, I got 5.24% which wasn't horrible but that 2.9% sure look a lot better. I wonder if they would let me finance through infiniti instead now. Thanks for the info.
  • michael2003michael2003 Member Posts: 144
    Thanks for the note regarding the auto record option.
    I'm having difficulty though finding the documentation on how to set the music box to automatically record a CD. Can you either point me to where I might find this or provide the steps to take?
  • scottm123scottm123 Member Posts: 1,501
    Sure... too easy.

    When listening to the MusicBox and have the MusicBox screen up, select the menu option on the screen.
    This will bring you into the Settings section for the MusicBox.
    From there, just set "Automatic Recording" to "On".
  • michael2003michael2003 Member Posts: 144
    Thanks. Just where you said it was. I should stop trying to read the documentation and just play with the controls.
  • redpony07redpony07 Member Posts: 4
    Greetings to all - test drove an 08 g35x today and the fx35. Wow!!!!!!!! is all I can say about the G! I'm going with the G 35 x w/premium and nav. Price quoted: 37,495. Is that a good price, average price, so so, ? I'm getting 3.9% financing too. Appreciate anyone's input. Thanks!!
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Check out what's being posted in the G35 Prices Paid and Buying Experience discussion.

    Congrats on your decision - keep us posted!
  • carfanatic17carfanatic17 Member Posts: 32
    So I got my first fill up this morning, and I noticed something a little strange. I pulled into Shell with the low fuel light on and a range of about 30 miles. I figured that the car gives me some leeway, so there's probably at least 2 or 3 gallons left in the tank. But the car only took about 14 gallons of gas. Is this normal? Maybe the car is just really cautious when it calculates it's range? Or do I have sort of problem? I also noticed that the fuel gauge is definitely not as close to the F as I thought I would be.

    Any help would be appreciated.
  • shov8shov8 Member Posts: 87
    The low-fuel light seems to give you a bit of leeway. On my first fill-up I drove it until the range stopped working - that is, it said '--- miles' to empty LOL! But the fuel gauge was just on "E", and it took right at 18 gallons to fill it up (20 gallon tank I believe). I would drive it a bit more and check again on the next fill-up, but the range indicator can vary and probably errs on the safe side :)

    kc
  • jennmajennma Member Posts: 40
    I do have a 2007 model, and so far with just over 4000 miles driven when I fill up it takes 17.3 to 18.6 gallons (usually I top off click once or twice). This is filling up not long after the fuel light comes on (most frequently after about another 10-15 highway miles or so).

    For the last tank, when the warning light came on at 36 miles to empty, I didn't notice it going below that number as usual, this time it went to 35 and then ****. Somewhat disturbing, but the indicator itself was in the middle of the second to last and last point on the scale. I won't be letting it get quite as low in the very cold winter weather though.

    When I fill up the gauge is just above the "F" level.
  • cadreamncadreamn Member Posts: 56
    Has anyone noticed that the voice recognition system in a 2008 G35 with nav seems to have a lot less functionality than in 2007, even when in the advanced mode? (Note: This seems to be the case for the US market but not Canadian.) I'm trying to confirm/correct this observation with a dealer but have not heard yet.

    From my observation, the 2008 system includes a standard and advanced mode. The standard mode reduces the command set and provides lots of prompting - I suppose to increase voice recognition success and help novice users. The advanced mode supposedly exposes all the features, but the commands available seem significantly reduced for the audio, climate, etc. compared to 2007. For instance, it appears for 2008 you can only voice these systems on and off. In the 2007 model, you can do a lot more specific things such as specify climate temperature, specify radio station, specify music type from the music box, etc.

    Can anyone confirm this change or did I just not see a setting on the 2008 model?
  • scottm123scottm123 Member Posts: 1,501
    I have an 07 and have not had the chance to play with an 08, but in talking to those with 08's... yes, the command list and functionality of the 08 system is less.

    But, you have the ipod integration, so I want to hear NO complaining!!! :P
  • cadreamncadreamn Member Posts: 56
    Grrr. And with all my research I somehow missed that. (OK, humor me by listening to one complaint post:) Yes the iPod integration is cool, but you can still link your iPod to the aux jack. I have to fumble with the controls to find radio stations off the presets and adjust the air conditioning. :( (I know - way too much wining over small details of this fine automobile.) Seriously though, I do find it rather odd and disappointing that Infiniti would take something away. Sure the new standard mode makes it simplier and is an improvement for users who prefer such, but why take away something for power users?
  • scottm123scottm123 Member Posts: 1,501
    Sorry, I didn't read your post... I was busy telling my car to adjust the driver's side temp to 72 degrees. :P

    Honestly, I bet a lot of user surveys complained about the list of commands being so long that they couldn't remember them.
    Infiniti was probably trying to do you a favor.

    That's where the command assiatance came from as well.
    I keep a cheat cheet in the car just to remind myself sometimes, but I really don't use most of them
    Thankfully, the ones I do use are available to me... sounds like the 08 is missing those.
  • shov8shov8 Member Posts: 87
    I have an '08 and the voice commands are extensive. You can download the PDF owners manual from Infinity and see the list. You can definitely change the temperature, you can change the radio station, specify music box music type, etc. Heck there are even voice commands for the CF players and to bring up the fuel economy. It's all listed in pages 4-80 to 4-84 of the '08 manual - that's 5 pages of voice commands :) The iPod integration is very nice too.

    Scott - why don't you download the '08 list and tell us what's different :)

    kc
  • carfanatic17carfanatic17 Member Posts: 32
    KC,

    It looks like you were lucky enough to get an '08 that was built before they made the navi changes. Mine was built in September, so I wasn't so lucky.

    Below is a text version of the service bulletin released by Nissan in regards to the Infiniti Navi changes:

    Classification: EL07-039
    Reference: ITB07-042
    Date: November 9, 2007

    2008 G35, G37, QX56; INFINITI VOICE RECOGNITION SYSTEM UPDATE

    APPLIED VEHICLES:
    2008 G35 Sedan (V36) with Navigation System
    2008 G37 Coupe (CV36) with Navigation System
    2008 QX56 (JA60) with Navigation System

    SERVICE INFORMATION

    The Applied Vehicles listed above had a running change to the Infiniti Voice Recognition System.

    The newer system has a simplified “Standard Mode” (which is the default mode) and an “Alternate Command Mode” for the more advanced user.

    Many of the same features of the early system are available on the newer system, although some commands related to the following functions are deleted from the newer system.

    System Commands related to the following are deleted in the newer system:
    Navigation Specific POI names
    Specific map zoom (scale values)
    Phone Numbers spoken as groupings (i.e. 17 stated as “seventeen")
    Audio Direct satellite radio stations
    Radio presets
    Direct tuning frequencies
    Direct CD track numbers
    Climate Control Direct temperature settings (60 – 90 degrees)

    Any vehicle built after the following VINs and Dates has the newer system:

    Model: G35 Sedan 2WD
    VIN: JNKBV61E(*)8M 201809
    Date: August 30, 2007

    Model: G35 Sedan AWD
    VIN: JNKBV61F(*)8M 251895
    Date: August 30, 2007

    Model: G37 Coupe
    VIN: JNKCV64E(*)8M 106576
    Date: August 30, 2007

    Model: QX56
    VIN: 5N3AA08(**)8N 904804
    Date: September 28, 2007

    NOTE: Some vehicles built prior to the above VINs and Dates may have had the newer system installed at the Port. To confirm that the vehicle has the newer system, select the “Settings” Button, then on the screen select “Others > Voice Recognition” and see if the option for “Alternate Command Mode” is present.

    For details on the operation of the Infiniti Voice Recognition System in the vehicle you are working on, refer to:

    • For the early system – the appropriate Owner’s Manual.
    • For the newer system – 2008 Voice Recognition supplement located on the Infiniti website.

    I was used to those commands in my 04 Accord. I would actually use them. I purposefully waited for the '08s to arrive, and it never even crossed my mind that they would be taking something AWAY from the vehicle. I just contacted Infiniti Consumer Affairs to lodge a complaint. If you would like to see those commands come back, please do the same.
  • shov8shov8 Member Posts: 87
    Actually, I was and wasn't :) I've seen that notice before, and my car was built prior to that changeover by about 600 units. However, as the "NOTE: Some vehicles built prior to the above VINs and Dates may have had the newer system installed at the Port." says, mine was updated at the port, so I have the Alternate Command Mode option.

    Of course, now that I think about it even more and reading the "supplemental" voice recognition PDF, maybe my car doesn't accept the climate control temperature. I can't recall using it lately, but my recollection was from the test drive... I will double-verify and get back :)

    If that is the case I will be really mad at the port clowns ...

    kc
  • gerry100gerry100 Member Posts: 100
    My new job offersw a car allowance and I'll be getting a BMW or a G35 in December.

    Car will be used for personal/buisness travel an dpssoibly for the wife to lap Watkins Glen. ( Our '86 911 is a bit to nasty for her - I love it)

    The G35 look like a pretty good value vs the BMW so It will gwet a hard look.

    From what I've read, the sport package is a little harsh, I'll want it for fun but I'm afraid it will be tough for travelling the roads in the Northeast.

    Opinions/first hand experience appreciated.
  • adamr001adamr001 Member Posts: 95
    Test drive it with and without the All-wheel Steering and with/without auto transmission. Personally I find the 6MT with AWS to be a MUCH better ride than the plain Sport edition.
  • cadreamncadreamn Member Posts: 56
    Wow - amazing. That's probably how I missed it. I too thought I saw it in an 08, but it was probably one of the early ones. Mine definitely has the new version with the Alternate option and the reduced commands. My dealer said it was changed for 08.

    I wonder if we can get our systems reprogrammed back to the old version? - my dealer says she doesn't think so. Anyone else heard?
  • scottm123scottm123 Member Posts: 1,501
    This raises a new question.

    What are they installing at the port that changes the voice command list?
    Sounds like a simple software update, most likely doen through the Compact Flash slot.

    If it's a simple update, you should be able to have the dealer revert you back to the 07 list... no? :confuse:
  • pchera01pchera01 Member Posts: 8
    I just myself 08 G35 Journey
    I compare with BMW, i was looking at $49K for BMW, but Infiniti was much better deal. many of my frinds and family said "never know this car was soo good" and every one said, it is not the best looking car, but, (all of them) told me it drives better than any other car they ever driven.

    I didn't get enough time to look at the GPS yet, but tracking the route, it seems i can't get rid off it. to me once i start using it i will master it. its not as complicated as S550
  • shov8shov8 Member Posts: 87
    Well, I went for a spin today and messed around with the voice commands. Seems I was mistaken.

    I do have climate commands in my '08, and as such, I was able to say "temperature 72" and it turned on the climate control and set it to 72F. I was also able to say "Track 5" and have it start playing track 5 on the current CD. Both of those commands are missing in the '08 voice update which means I apparently do not have the voice recognition system update. I could have sworn the settings >> other >> voice recognition menu had an "Alternate Command Mode" setting, but it turns out it just says "Minimize Voice Feedback". My '08 was built about 600 units prior to the switchover and I just thought they had done the update at the port.

    From the supplemental guide it seems like the standard mode was added to increase the accuracy of the voice recognition system, as it states the advanced mode "may not be as accurate due to the increased number of available commands" (paraphrased). Makes you wonder why they would take commands out though, especially in advanced mode.

    Guess I got "lucky" on the voice commands. I should put my car for sale on eBay as a "Limited Edition" model :D (just kidding pat!)

    kc
  • scottm123scottm123 Member Posts: 1,501
    I'll make the first bid.... $0.05 :P
    My car would love a twin!
  • legendsgolferlegendsgolfer Member Posts: 13
    I have an 08 g35 AWD with NAV, Premium and Tech package. I read the recent posts, and we have one that was built with the older expanded voice commands. I looked at the online manuals and there is actually separate manuals depending on your Vin number. Really happy with with the car so far, but just wanted to see if anyone noticed something about the wiper operation. When you pull toward you on the lever to operate the washers without the wipers already in operation, the washer fluid sprays on the windshield and does not operate the wipers a few times. (like about every other car does) In other words, you can actually cover the windshield with fluid, but then you realize the wipers are not on and then you have to manually turn the wipers on. This seems like a small thing, but is actually a little annoying this time of year when there is a little dirty mist in the air and you don't necessarily have the wipers turned on. Is this something that is wrong with my car, or just something with Infiniti?
  • scottm123scottm123 Member Posts: 1,501
    The knob has to be continously pulled for a second or two before the wipers turn on.
    If you pulse the washer fluid, the wipers will not turn on.

    I have noticed this too, but have gotten used to it.

    Actually, I prefer it.
    The windshield and wipers whould be wet before the wipers move... as this will prolong the life of the blades.
  • legendsgolferlegendsgolfer Member Posts: 13
    Thanks a million for the tip on the windshield washers. We we will try it and I'm sure that is the solution I was looking for. Maybe I missed it, but I didn't see it in the manual.
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