I am sure after posting this that I will be hounded by people telling me to "SEARCH!!!," but I can't seem to find the information that I want.

I am in the market for a black 2004 G35 coupe. I am ignorant when it comes to the different packages. I am not interested in the 6MT, but I would like one with the spoiler and the better rims. What should I look for? Is the the Sports Package, Aero Kit, ?

Also, another thing that I am curious about:

I have driven two 2004's. On the first one, the button on the gear shift was facing the front of the car, but on the other, it was facing the left. What's the deal with this? I personally prefer that it faces the front. Was this a difference in packages, or something?

And also, what about navigation? Would you recommend getting one with the navigation system?

Thanks so much for any input!

 

According to InfinitiHelp, the "Performance Tire & Wheel Package" has the 18" rims (the standard rims were 17" in 2004).

The spoiler was available as an option or as part of the "Aero Package".

As far as the navigation system goes, that comes down to personal preference. I really like that the navigation system is part of my car (my girlfriend has had her Garmin stolen out of her car).

There are a few downsides to the navigation system: It reads all the map data off of a DVD, and new ones are $185 (they put out new ones every year - I buy them every other year or so); it doesn't calculate routes terribly fast; and you can't do certain things while driving.

But if I don't know how to get somewhere, I just plug the address in, and it takes me right there.

Oh, and they changed the automatic gearshift **** somewhere in the middle of the production year. If you get one with the old **** (the one with the button on the left), you can just buy the new one and put it on.

 

2004 models have the gear shifter button on the left.
2004.5 models have the gear shifter button on the front
(technically there isn't a 2004.5 model, its just a mid year change)

Performance Tire and Wheel Package:
- Titanium Center Console Trim
- 18" 7 Spoke Wheels
- Summer Performance Michelin Pilot Sport Tires
- Need to get the Premium Package to get this

Aero Package:
- Underbody Diffusers
- Rear Spoiler (if there is a brakelight inside the rear windshield, then the spoiler was added on at the dealership or at the port and not the factory...which most likely means it doesn't have the Underbody Diffusers either)
- Need to get the Performance Tire and Wheel Package to get the Aero Package

Premium Package:
- Bose Stereo
- Auto on/off headlights
- Sunroof
- Autodimming Rear View Mirror
- Homelink
- Dual Zone Climate Control

Navigation Package:
- Navigation
- Need to get Premium Package and Performance Tire and Wheel Package to get this

As far as your navigation question: don't fret too much about Navigation. If you can't find a car that has it but you find a car that you like, many people on the forum have added the AVIC Double Din Nav units to their car and looks great. It'll run you around $2500 to put this in correctly with everything (that might be a little bit on the low estimate).

 

The 18" wheel and tire package also gave you LSD (limited slip differential)
This was standard on the 6MT.

The difference with the shift ***** are.... button on the side were early 04' production. after nov/dec they changed the shifter along with a different ECU.

 

what does the updated shift **** look like? My button on my shifter is on the left. Do tell!! Any pics?

 

My 2004 has nav, but no Performance Tire and Wheel Package. It's a 5AT btw.

 

you can get the performance tire package without the premium package.

 

Thanks for all of the replies. What did year did they start putting the rear active steering on them?

 

^^^ 07 is the only year as far as G35 coupes are concerned.

 

Nope, it started from 2006.

 

I stand corrected.

 

It might not be a bad idea to check our Marketplace where you could find a
low mileage '04 that already has updated wheels and a few other cool mods.
Buying from a dealership will only cost you more and get you less....

 

Chromed rims wasnt an factory option or in any part of package, its either an Dealer installed option or aftermarket, seem them in chrome both on factory 17's and 18's.