Guys - I'm a 2002 M3 owner looking to get into a G35c for 2 reasons.

1. My car is beginning to have problems and I don't want to deal with it. (Nor can I afford to when it comes off warranty in 9 months)
2. Wife can't drive a manual.

I just got back from Infiniti and have a deal struck in premise. I'm not here to talk numbers but rather to ask you guys to give me a crash course in this car.

1. Am I going to be OK with the "sport tuned" 19's on less than perfect pavement? How is the ride quality in general?
2. How have you found the overall quality of the car and the 5AT to be? I don't feel like having anymore problems.
3. Did anyone cross shop the car with the 330ci (which I am also considering). What made you decide in favor of the G?

Anything else I should know or be considering? Thanks.

 

1. It'll react like a sports car. Don't expect a smooth ride, you will feel whatever surface you are on.
2. Overall car quality is good, but the interior lacks when compared to Lexus, Acura, & BMW. For the price the performance exceeds that of Lexus, Acura, & BMW. Don't have an AT, so don't have a comment on it. Repair costs outside of warranty period won't kill you like they would with a BMW.
3. Didn't look at the 330 when I bought my G. With the information I got since owning the G, it looks like performance is better for the G, interior is better on the BMW. Cost goes to the G on the overall package of performance & looks. 330 is a great choice so long as you ditch it before your warranty is up.
4. Room in trunk sucks on the G coupe. If you are considering the 330, then you might want to look at the G sedan which I think looks great with the 05 restyling.

 

Yes, if you want room the 05 sedan is beautiful!

 

i have a 5at no problems here

 

And you're happy with it as an alternative to a manual? Is it programmed fairly aggressively to hold revs etc?

 

I test drove the 330i and I now have a G35 5AT. I was coming from a BMW E36 so I knew what I was getting with an E46 if I went that route. The defining factor was actually how much "fun" i had driving the G. I wanted some sort of thrill with the manumatic mode and after testdriving, Mercedes, Audi, BMW, the G had the best manumatic feature out of all the cars. (I'm sure it was just the Mercedes I drove because usually they're really good in that aspect).

Another factor for me was that everyone around me in the DC area has a BMW. I mean everyone. Especially with their cheap lease option it seems like anyone can get one. The lines and curves on a G set it apart. Plus lately I've heard of many high maintenance costs as far as the BMW E46's go.

I am really happy with my decision. I still turn heads in my G and I always wanted a coupe car. Not to mention what I didnt like about BMW was paying for EVERYTHING extra. (i.e. winter package, with the heated seats and xenons - these are standard with the G)

I should also say I haven't had any problems with the 5AT goes. I have had to go to the dealership to get some rattles fixed but thats it besides my routine maintenance. I've had mine for almost a year and have 15K miles on it and have really enjoyed every mile in the car.

Also you've come to a G35 forum though so hopefully you wont think our opinions are too biased

 

1) The 19" Sport tune rides sporty, still fairly composed on regular road surface. The ride is comparable to a M3 on 19", except the Infiniti has more road noise at times.

2) The 2005 5AT transmission is very good IMO. Quick upshifts, flawless rev-matching downshift. and the manualmatic mode is actually worth a damn. The transmission is very smooth, the manualmatic mode is a good alternative for people who are used to driving manual vehicles. Definitely one of the best true AT systems on the market.

3) I checked out both 330ci and G35C extensively when I purchased my car. The BMW dealership is right next door to Infiniti and they even share the same parking lot. My conclusion is that the G35C exterior is much more attractive than the Bimmer, but the Bimmer has nicer interior. Something to think about is that Bimmer is coming out with a new style 3 series soon, so purchasing a E46 now wouldn't make sense. If you'd like a Bimmer, I would recommend a BMW 330PP sedan. Otherwise get the Infiniti.

 

Thanks guys - keep the feedback coming. I'm aware of BMW's e90 platform on the horizon. That said, the coupe is 2 years away. The M3 is 3 years away. And I think the e46 is a really nice timeless design. Uh oh...what board is this...

 

1) Can't answer since I have an 03 with 18s

2) I have 33,000 miles on it and no major problems so far. My biggest annoyance is that the gas tank won't fill past 3/4 tank since my 30,000 mile check-up. But when I take it in for an oil change later I'll get this fixed. Apparently its a well known problem.

3) I also looked at the 330Ci and an e36 M3 when I bought my G. I didn't feel like dealing with an M3 after the warranty was done, becuase my wallet isn't bottomless.
The 330 is an excellent car, but BMW reliability was a concern for me since I buy my cars. But the biggest factor was that with the options it was $8-$10 thousand more than a similar g-coupe.

 

stay with your m3 for now, wait till e90 330 out, only few month. g35 will be nothing compare to m3.

 

Price and performance between the 330ci and G35c was in favor of the G. Adding the Zhp package to the 330Ci leveled the performance but the price difference is 7-8K. For me, money was the difference maker.

 

I actually had test drove a 2003 M3 for 2 days.

Are you on 18s or 19s?
The 19s are harsher than the G 19s (which I have right now). I personally felt that even the 18s were slightly harsher than the 19s on the G.

 

anything is doable...

I wouldnt do this but its still an option for you...

get the g35 auto with 19"s and tell the dealer you want 18"s on instead... this way you'll get the suspension and rear and a smoother ride with the 18"s

and if you do decide to pick up a G ... get the tire & wheel protection plan... 95 is BXTCH.

ppp

 

what is wrong with your m3??

 

E46 M3 6 speed to a G35C automatic?

HUGE mistake.