Hi, first post here. I currently drive a slightly souped-up MINI Cooper S (2004), but am under some pressure to trade it in for something "nicer" (to take clients around in, etc.).

I haven't driven a G35 yet (will do tomorrow), but I love the looks! I researched many cars, but it is the most appealing to me so far.

Previous to my MINI, I drove a BMW X5 (4.4 V-8) and prior to that, 2 540's (6-speed manual, V-8s). I do love a fine-handling car with power (yes, the MINI with its mods is pretty quick, 200 HP at about 2200 pounds).

Obviously all of you must love the G35 or you wouldn't be members here. But I'm curious what comments you have for a MINI / former-BMW owner who is thinking of switching over to the G35.

One question in particular -- I've been driving for 24 years, and of those years, I have driven a stick for 17 years. I'm considering, however, getting an automatic G35, because I am changing jobs and will be doing a lot more bumper-to-bumper driving every day. Any nice words about the automatic?

Thanks in advance... I'm an avid member of MINI2.com, and have enjoyed making many friends on that forum (many I've met in person). I hope to make new friends here!

 

welcome......if you get a g35 you will def love it......if your going to be in a LOT of traffic you prob should get an auto, but def think about this a lot before you make your decision (cause you dont want to regret it like me).......can we see some pics of your mini??

 

I agree with truplay8. However, if you do decide to get the auto, it is the smoothest automatic transmission I have ever driven. Manumatic Mode is pretty fun but obviously cant replace a manual transmission.

 

Well you will love the car if you can live with some of it's annoying shortfalls. I'm sure BMW's has it's own problems, but the VQ engine is strong and very reliable. I know that earlier model G's with 6MT's has a lot of tranny problems. I don't know about the current models if owners are still experiecing the same problems. The 5AT tranny however is the exact opposite it has been reliable from the day I bought my car. I had more issues with squeking brakes and rattles more than any mechanical problems. I had a power window motor go out, a radio that just went dead and the notrious clicking sound coming from the differential. All where fix under warranty except the rattles I gave up on it already. I love my G can't drive it enough I'm like a kid playing with his favorite toy on the weekends. Had my car for almost 2 1/2 yrs and I have about 25k on it right now. I'm looking sell my G soon cus I'm eyeing the new Cayman S, but I'm in no hurry to get rid of my ride. Goodluck with your choice hope you enjoy the car as much as we do.

 

Wanna see pics? OK!

 

Thanks for the warm welcome and helpful comments. I will be sure to test-drive an automatic so I can see how I like it. My X5 had the Steptronic transmission, and I often put it in "manual shift" mode. But, as you know, it's not the same -- you don't get quite the same satisfaction as you do with a true manual when you downshift that puppy for an instant burst of speed... On the other hand, my clutch leg just about froze up on me when I was stuck in a 2-hour traffic jam about a year ago...

 

My buddy as the X5 and the steptronic is very similar to our autos. Our autos do rev-match on downshifts (for the 05+ models) and it shifts a little more aggressively in manual mode (firmer and but harsh). BTW, they are bulletproof because it was originally designed for the VK 4.6L V8 engine. Way overspeced for the G35 but we'll take it

 

Is there traffic in Austin, Texas "IS" a big place.
I purchased my G35 two years ago, no rattles or
any other problems. Test drive the G or M and I'm
sure you'll enjoy owning one!

 

AMRov,

I have both a Mini Cooper S and my recently acquired G35 coupe, and I love them both for various reasons. I have the Mini heavily modded, from BMP and Promini, and have been in the BMW seen for some time (worked at HMS Motorsports for a while, which is all BMW). But I love both cars differently. The Mini handles like its on rails. They is no comparison. I owned a heavily modded Evo for some time, and the Mini outhandles most. I can stay WOT at road tracks and stay on-line with no issues. In any other can I have to brake. I say, drive it tomorrow, see if you enjoy it, and go for it. Its ultimately what makes you happy. I mean, I have a Mini or an Evo to trade, and I electetd to keep the Mini and get the G35. So its up to you...Good Luck

 

Thanks so much for the great responses.

Traffic in Austin? Yep... sure, it's not LA traffic, but it sucks nonetheless. And Austin drivers are crazy. The accident rate here is much higher than the national average. I was in LA last week (for the Grammys! just attending, though), and I noticed that the drivers there seemed much more laid-back, willing to let people merge in, etc. I would have thought just the opposite.

HMSg35 -- thanks for the insight from a MINI owner! I do love the way the MINI handles, but passengers often complain about relative lack of "creature comforts" and about the "harsh" ride (and I even switched to non-runflats!). I'm happy to learn that a MINI owner enjoys the G35!

I'll post again after I test-drive and I'll share my impressions.

 

hey, i'm a former mini owner! I had an 03 DS/B

i miss the mini more than you can imagine. But i do like that g35 growl. but the mini was so... nevermind it's a lot like breaking up with a girlfriend, the way I miss that car. sad, but true.

Well, if you DO get the G35, I'll be frank and say the community is not quite as astute as at MINI2 and northamericanmotoring. But then again, I haven't been there in a while, so maybe it's in the gutter nowadays.


anyways, good luck on your purchase. I'd get an M if I could. But your clients might get jealous.

 

I recently drove to Austin from Dallas and got my 06 G35 5AT from Austin Infiniti . Driving on I-35 sucks, especially around Round Rock, so I was glad to have the auto when I was there (not to mention the traffic here in Dallas + stupid drivers = whipped). For an automatic, the 5speed is quite fun to drive.

 

jinubob81 -- Thanks for the comments. I do love my MINI ("Scooper"). But I think I'm ready for a change. I know the G35 is not like the MINI, but if I wanted a car "like" the MINI, I'd keep my MINI (it's only 2 years old and in great condition). The MINI is somewhat raw -- in a fun way. And it is a little tempting to just keep it anyway as a fun weekend car. But I have no room for it...

I really look forward to my test drive tonight. I hope the coupe lives up to my expectations!

 

Well, I test-drove a G35 automatic last night, with sport and premium packages and aero kit. Here are my impressions:

--I love the exterior styling, but I already knew that. It is a sharp-looking car.

--I love the way the driver's seat feels. I felt like a pea in a pod, quite cozy. (Of course, the pre-heated seats on a cold winter's day didn't hurt...)

--I like the interior look and feel, especially the aluminum trim. (Seems to me that it won't show dust as much.) Everything looked very clean and well laid-out.

--The throaty rumble of the engine was very nice; almost reminded me of my V-8 540's from years past.

--Having driven a 4-cylinder for the past couple of years, I was actually startled at how the car jumped forward when I touched the gas. And the car always seemed to have plenty of power. My first 540 (1995) was a V-8, but I don't think it had a whole lot more power than this 6-cylinder G35.

--The ride was nice and quiet.

--I didn't get much of a chance to try manually shifting. Interestingly, while the sales advisor was generally very friendly and knowledgeable, she did not know what the "rev-matching" feature was. She thought it was only on the 5-speed manual.

--I'm not as keen on how the seats fold forward to allow access into the back seat (which will be a daily ritual for me, so my 9-year-old daughter can ride in the back). Takes a while. Plus, the seatbelt stays in the way.

--Overall, I have to say that I really loved this car. Yes, it's VERY different from my MINI, but like I said, if I wanted a MINI, I'd keep mine! I will sure miss the Scooper (and my friends can't believe I'm letting her go), but I feel like it's time to pamper myself.

So, here is what I'm getting:

G35 automatic, Liquid Platinum with stone interior, sport package, premium package with intelligent key, aero package, rear active steer, XM satellite radio (I already have this and love it), and navigation package (pretty much everything). It will take about a week for me to get this car, as they have to truck one in from out of state. Yes, I will be thoroughly spoiled by the many features on this car!

Thanks to everyone for your kind words and helpful comments!

 

I'm in the same boat... I'm considering the G35... I currently have a MINI Cooper S too.

Either the G35c or IS 350...

AmRov whats the intelligent key feature? Is it like Mercedes keyless go? BMWs Comfort Access?