Don't forget the 540 - it's less $ than M3 or M5; but still way more $ than G.

 

I think the 540 can run about the same as the M3, about 55K. When I was shopping for my GS, I know the 525 was about the same price @ 45-48K. The GS430, 540, and M3 were about the same @ 52-55K.



2K4 G35S 6MT, Diamond Graphite/Graphite, Premium Pkg
2K2 GS300 5AT SportDesign, Millenium Silver/Black

 

I think G35 6MT with Z-tube and CAI and 235-50-17 pilot sport A/S tires can perform as good as regular 330i 6MT for $5000 less. 330i's clutch and shifter and transmissin is better than than G35 MT. may be those things is worth $1000. The remaining $4000 is for BMW badge. 330i ZHP 6MT is one level above G35 in handling and ride comfort.

 

...well, the blue-and-white badge and rain-sensing windshield wipers, memory mirrors, xenon hi-beams, and a few other little extras. Of course, you also get a smaller back seat that doesn't recline and 2/3rds the trunk space of the G35.

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

I grew up in the Gold Coast of Chicago...One of my neighbors has 7 Ferraris and a Gullwing Benz...I really don't care if everyone in Beverly Hills has BMWs and Mercedes- I hung out with guys with Ferraris, Lambos, and Astons, so THAT to me is prestige...Moving to Scottsdale I had the same types of friends, and now I'm cultivating those same types of business/friendly relationships here in Las Vegas...BMWs and Mercedes, while I respect the technology and performance, don't impress me, in general, to the point of thinking the driver has an elevated status...Certain models impress me: the M3, the M5, the long gone 850, AMG models...I don't see much status in the 3-Series unless we're talking M3, especially when a large number of owners I've come across can barely afford the car or have to keep it for years because they can't afford a newer car down the road...Some may think it proves the status symbol appeal of BMW when people are stretching their budgets just to get one of their cars, but I fail to see how owners that are struggling to afford a company's ride make that company seem more impressive

I never said BMW wasn't more prestigious, I made the point that claiming it's "way more prestigious" is, to me, a flawed statement...Hopefully with the redesigned models BMW steps up to earn their higher status once again...I don't hate this company at all, and I've made a point of never hating the M3 just because it performs better than the G

I see your point, don't get me wrong, I simply disagree to a degree with that particular comment...If Infiniti had been around when Audi, BMW, and MB started producing cars it'd be interesting to hypothesize if they'd all be equally on the same level receiving the same amount of respect now...Different topic but I feel that Infiniti's quality is close to the European marques...Notice I didn't say better, but close


"All the Power in the World resides in the Eyes..."

 

Without getting into this to deeply or offending anyone, just realize that BMW pretty much defined the concept of sport sedans....Enthusiasts have lusted after many models stretching back to at least the 2002. Infiniti, I'm afraid, has no such legacy. The G35 is a great car for the money. But, it is the *first and only* Infiniti to even register on most enthusiast's radar screens. I hope it is the start of a great trend....but Infiniti's track record to this point is nothing to brag about. Time will tell if they are a real deal as a company or not. The jury's still out. 'Course, I'm worried about BMW too with Bangle dictating the designs....

'04 6MT Sedan | '95 E36 M3 | '91 Miata

 

Mmm.. the 850.. I got to sit behind the wheel of one of those for a test drive once. I still get tingles when I think about it.

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

Well we are all getting closer in opinion now!!

Remember, this topic is about BMW - so they must be very prestigious - that alone proves my original point!!!!. It is the car to compare to.

I also agree with another poster who pointed out that until the G35, Infiniti was not on any enthusiast's radar screen. And even now it is probably due to the coupe, not the sedan.

Do I think the G is better than a 3 series - hell yes - even better than a 525/530 for that matter. But sorry, it does not have the prestige of BMW.

As to the point about how long the cars have been around, it does not wash. Cadillac has been around longer and nobody is going to say it is more prestigious than a BMW.

One last compliment I can give Infiniti is that one of my best friends is the former head man at one of the major national automotive magazines and he has been driving a Q45 for years! So...............

 

>>Do I think the G is better than a 3 series - hell yes - even better than a 525/530 for that matter. <<

I don't agree with that at all. The 3 series is a better drivers car, especially the 330 PP. Now, the G is roomier....true....less expensive...just as quick, maybe slightly quicker even, in a straight line....BUT...the 3 series is still the driver's car benchmark. The G chassis and engine/transmission smoothness is just not in the same league..sorry. Still, the G is a great car for the money. That's why I bought one.

'04 6MT Sedan | '95 E36 M3 | '91 Miata

 

The extra money you pay for the bimmer is also for maintanance until 50000 miles. They change everything brakes (pads and rotors), oil, do the required filter changes belt changes etc. I think it is well worth it. They dont give you a bullsh$t excuse every time you take your car for service like my local Infiniti dealer. Now this all depends on the on the dealer itself and their business practices but I would love for my dealer to be like the bimmer dealer down the street.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

2003 CB Coupe 6MT
Z-tube
Stillen Hi-flow

 

That extra maintanence amounts to 3 whole oil changes at 15k mi intervals. You shouldn't need any belts by 50k, either. If they did pads and rotors for you, it was some sort of goodwill thing, or it was just that dealership. Brakes (and tires) are wear-and-tear items and not covered under normal maintanence.

Service really depends on your local dealership, regardless of the make. There are good and bad BMW dealers, and good and bad Infiniti dealers. A good Hyundai dealer can make you happier with your car than a bad Ferrari dealer. (Well, maybe that's exaggerating just a tad.. but you get the idea.)

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

In regards to some of the last few comments above on BMW's let me say:

1). BMW for the last few years now does cover consumables like brakes & rotors under the free maintenance and it is true they fix anything with no hassle.

2). As the owner of a BMW 540 and a G 35 coupe I say the G is better than a 3 series or 525/530's. The 540 is certainly better than the 3's or 525/530's in any category and I would rank my coupe equal to the 540 in power and more fun to drive.

 

>>As the owner of a BMW 540 and a G 35 coupe I say the G is better than a 3 series or 525/530's. The 540 is certainly better than the 3's or 525/530's in any category and I would rank my coupe equal to the 540 in power and more fun to drive.<<

In a nutshell, that comment pretty much summarizes why this topic has no definitive end to this debate. Sure, a 5 is a "better" car than a "3"....that's why it cost's more. But a better "driver's car". Not by *most* enthusiasts definitions, which rank agility and weight pretty high on the priority list. In the end, it comes down to priorties and needs. Trust me, there are many people that would prefer a 3 over a G or a 5. And vice-versa. And that proves nothing, because we all have our own priorities and needs. The G, the 3, and the 5 are all good choices. Look, I picked a G35 as my last purchase. But I'm not going to go around telling people that bought a 330 PP that they are idiots. Because it's a great car. Perfect for many people's priorities.





'04 6MT Sedan | '95 E36 M3 | '91 Miata

 

RogRracer
I agree with you completely. These comparisons do get ridiculous.
One thing I could point out though is that one of the major automotive magazines in the recent past had declared the BMW 5 series the best car they had ever tested period (regardless of coupe or sedan or anything other category) and called the 540 more of a sports car then most sports cars they had tested! So I am in good company with my comments on the 540 over the 3 series.
That being said, I still drive my G35 coupe and gave my wife the 540!!

 

these posts are becoming laim and boring. as far as performance,,, 330 cant hang,,, personally i enjoy driving the G better than the 330 because i have driven both. The interior of the Beemer is superior, good for them who cares the can have a cookie because i payed 12k less for my car... BMW is an image and if ur willing to pay for it than good for you. I enjoy my G and i had enough of people comparing it, wheher or not we realise this or not weve had this discussion in like 20 posts...for the 10k zhp package i could put an HKS suspension upgrade, and some bangin rims on my car and it would still be faster... i will never rep bmw i think they are weak cars and not cars for true enthousiasts (spelling) unless of course there is an M on it... Peace