Hey everyone -

My first post, had a quick question. I am considering the purchase of a 2005 G35 (digging on the 298 horsepower.) However, I currently own a 2001 BMW 325ci (only 184 horses), but was wondering how the two compare...not so much from a power standpoint (as that is obvious), but more from a refinement, structual integrity, drivetrain, etc... standpoint. What I currently love about the bimmer is the solidity, easy to drive fast, great handling, and great interior.. If anyone can offer a comparison between the two (especially against some of things I mentioned) I would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks!
Qbert

 

You'll have a lot of varying opinions. I would suggest test driving a G and making your own opinion. The reason most people buy a G over a BMW is because of the fun factor and the styling as well as value (bang for the buck). The BMW will probably feel more refined in many respects. Driving feel in the G as regards handling IMO is about the same with the G feeling a little more rigid than most 3 series BMW's. As far as refinement, the G is not bad at all but I think the BMW wil feel more refined. Solidity and structural intergrity as rgards the exterior- I think they are equal, as regards the interior, I give it to the BMW. Again the G is not bad but it was made for a slightly different purpose than the BMW.

2003.5 G35C 5AT
Premium Package
Tire/Wheel Package
K&N Filter, Z-Tube, EGK

 

With all that said, get on the highway in the G, put it in 4th and go for it. The rest will seem insignificant =)

04 Coupe Auto/DG/Prem/Nav/Perf

 

Qbert...

I drive a 2003.5 G35 Coupe and my wife drives a 2001 325cic so I can tell you from experience my opinions on your questions. In terms of refinement, the BMW has more class (name) and a recognizable look. This is important to some, but to others, the G35 wins because it is new, it is a tad sportier in terms of styling, and not everyone has one. In terms of structural integrity, I would say they seem about the same. Both have odd knocks, creaks, rattles. Perhaps because my wife drives the convertible, but they are neither as quiet as say a Lexus. In terms of drivetrain, we have had no problems (knock on wood) with either car in terms of engine, transmission, etc. Both perform equally well as to the day when we first purchased. The G35 obviously kicks my wife's car's ***, but she can pull the top down (on the car too) and get a few more looks than me (reasoning is obvious and not car related). Anyway enough rambling, if you're trading in for yourself, do it, because if it were me, I'd trade in the 325 for either the 330cic, M3 (either coupe or cab), or G35.

-T

 

Oh also let me make one little note in terms of interior. Although the BMW is supposed to be more refined in terms of quality appointments, it shines in some areas (like nice looking wood trim, quality vinyl upholstery) but in others, you might actually like the G35 better.

For example, I hate the leather and seats in the 325. The M3 leather is nice and soft (alcantra) but whatever is in the 325 is slightly dry and "rough". The G35 seats are nice and padded, and the leather is soft. The radio in the BMW seems so outdated. We have the Harmon Kardon upgrade in her CiC but it makes no difference. Not saying the upgraded Blose is any better in my car, but I'd say the G's radio/ac design is 15% better.

But like the other guy said, test drive the G and make your own decision. If you don't go with the G, upgrade to the 330 if you can, I've driven both the 325 and the 330 and if you're not worried about cash, you'll have similar "feel" in terms of performance.

-T

 

In regards to the G35 vs. 3 Series BMW, I think the BMW is a more solid car in terms of structure and stability. My brother owns a 325i and that things just feels a lot more solid than my G35 Coupe. The thing about the G35 is that there is alot more "play" when driving. Unlike the BMW, the G35 allows for a more fun and enjoyable ride. In my opinion, the BMW is more business like, while the G35 is more suited for someone wanting fun. Another thing about the 3 Series BMW is the interior is just plain ugly. The stock stereo looks cheap and the steering wheel feels like rubber. The G35 offers a real contemporary look and feel while offering great bucket-like seats. I swear the seats hug you when taking a tight corner! The BMW is a great car, but in terms of pure driving fun I think the G35 outshines the 3 Series.

 

If you buy an M3 is beats the G35 in every category except 2.

The styling is barely discernable from a 3-series. & the price tag.

Black / Black 2004 GcoupeMT. Premium. Splash Guardz.

 

I test drove a 325i back in 01 and test drove a 04 G35coupe recently. The g35coupe is sportier and more fun to drive than 325i and on top of that it also wins the exterior styling. The only complain with the G35 is its interior, and I am not talking about quality of material used but the styling. I am not a european bigot but I love their interior styling, (Audi/Bmw/ and esp aston martin.) and the most recently the TL has also caught on to this style. They are just clean, sharp and classy.

The g35's interior reminesces me of Japanese sports car from the 90s. The Bose stereo looks like the 95 Maximas, and the rest of front dash reminds me a late 90s Prelude, Celica or 300zx, rx7 all mixed together. Oh, I don't like the big leather bag surrounding the 6mt shifter either. (That is so 90s) It seems like they ran out of money after designing the engine and exterior and went to the old parts bin and frankstein the interior. However, I do love the design of motorized front seat and rear seats.

Old 95 bose stereo

 

Now the new bose


Don't tell me they dont remind you of the 95 stereo. Big black LED display in the middle, the buttons and the shape of the stereo.

Don't get me wrong but I will for sure trade in the 325 for a g35c anyday.

 

quoted from tmoney:
<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr>

The G35 obviously kicks my wife's car's ***, but she can pull the top down (on the car too) and get a few more looks than me (reasoning is obvious and not car related).

<hr></blockquote>
LOL!

 

i had a 2002 325Ci and the G is better in looks and performance.
The interior in the G could be better, but that should be fix in the 05 model.
oh and i like the steering wheel in the bimmer better.

 

Styling is subjective, but IMO, the G35c looks better than the std 3-Series. The G35c should be more reliable too. Obviously, it has much more power than the 325, though the 330 ZHP is comparable to the G35c.

I actually prefer the handling of the std 3-Series over the G35c. The G35c has excellent handling at the limits, but how often are you at the limits? On city streets & 95% of highways, there aren't twisties & turns where the G35c can really show its stuff. In routine situations, the G35c feels heavy, & isn't nimble or tossable. The std 3-Series does a much better job 95% of the time, & w/ the sport pkg, isn't far behind in the other 5% of the time.

Even though the quality of the materials in the 3-Series interior are better (ie softer touch plastic), does it really matter? I always hear people here complain the G35 interior feels cheap. So what if the interior plastic is harder? How exactly does that affect you? I think mags have made people believe interior material quality is a big deal. If the G35 interior looked cheap, then that'd be a legit complaint but the interior doesn't look cheap. It feels cheap, but that doesn't really affect its attractiveness.

 

Thanks for the reply's guys. A lot of good information coming in! Does anyone know when the new 2005 G will be in showrooms?

Thanx again!
Qbert

 

Owned a 2001 325Ci, 5 speed with sport package. I've owned my G35C since December 2002. I've come to the following conclusion regarding both cars:

The 325Ci/330Ci is a luxury car trying to be a sports cars and
the G35C is a sports car trying to be a luxury car.

Both cars have their strong points, but everytime I drive my Coupe I'm reminded I made the right choice in getting rid of the Bimmer. Dare I say the G35C is more of a driver's car than the BMW? Yes.

Most of what you've read here is true. The BMW is more nimble and tossable, but the G35C feels more connected at insane speeds. If you do a lot of highway driving, you will love the G35. It just feels at home on the highway doing 80+ mph. That said, the BMW is a great auto-x car and the G35C is a great road course car. The BMW feels more refined, but the G35C is a few notches closer to being a sports car. I think that's the way Infiniti designed it to be. I can probably go on and on, so if you have any specific questions from a person who owned both, just pm me.


'03 G35C, 6MT, Black, Pop Charger, 18x8.5/9.5 BBS RGR, 245/275 40 Toyo T1-S, Tein S-Tech

 

The 325 has fake leather. BMW uses same leather materials for all the 3 series. I have a 330 with leatherate, which is a rougher material but more "tougher". I think a better comparison is 330ci and the G coupe, even though the 325 coupe is near the price of the G coupe...