My only other complaint was the seat controls on the 1st Gen. They used to cause discomfort to the driver after a while on long trips (at least to this driver). This was also fixed with the 2nd Gen Sedan

 

thats funny i had the same problem this weekend, did my first oil change on the coupe and made the same observation, "how stupid of a deisgn can this be?" Problem for me was the light over the engine bay was low and I thought I worked it back into its home but sure enough as I was driving down the road I was getting smoke and an oil burning smell. Checked it out when it was safe to pull over and low and behold, dipstick not in there at all and oil was spit all over the place it looks like.

Smell seems to be burning off, but the annoying dipstick is getting the best of my ego.

 

I just changed my air filter this weekend. Man that was a pain. At least the whole air box got a good cleaning. I share your dipstick hatred as well. Don't get me started on the AT dipstick ( it's bolted down if you didn't know).

 

What? Bolted down? LOL I've gotta check that out.

 

I wonder if a different stick could be made without the stupid bumps to get a better reading.....

 

Not worth it IMO. A company like Stillen would probably make one and mark up the price by 2000% just because its a G35.

TurboTom: Are you using a stock transmission with your turbo or did your rebuild so it can withstand more power?

 

+1 on the dipstick. I also hate the belly pan ... who the fvck thought it was a good idea to remove 20+ bolts for an oil + filter change??

 

I really don't mind it anymore. If you check it regularly (and you should) when it's cold then it's fairly simple and straightforward. As far as the belly pan (is that what's it really called? lol), I don't mind it either. I'd rather have it there and have to remove the bolts than have the bottom of the bay be exposed to the elements. Plus, I only put back 8 or so back on the last time and it's hanging on just fine (made it from NY to Florida and back just fine).
my 2 cents....