I am looking for someone to give me a good argument for an x model. I already own two Porsches, so this would essentially be my wifes daily driver. Not looking for someone to tell me about the looks, more of the driving experience. I am an avid BMW fan and have had a 3 series and X5. I enjoy driving sticks, and would rather have a 6MT, but the wife would like all wheel drive. I know the 5 doesn't have it, but it is a great driver. I also can get one for about 11 points under list with a military discount. The G35x I priced out comes to about 36k. How much can I get off sticker? What do you think? I am open for change.

 

Bouncing around a little on the major points there, are we? It might help to back away from specific models and decide (with your wife, since it'll be her car) which features are important. Once you decide, say, that it must be AWD.. then go look at all the AWD models you can, and ignore the rest. Look at other makes, too. If you want AWD and a manual tranny, there's the 330xi, Volvo S60R, several options from Audi, etc....

Most people on this G35 forum like their cars and will tell you to go with the G35x or G35 6MT. [img]/w3timages/icons/smile.gif[/img] Get your wife and pick a day and go test drive a bunch of cars. Take notes. Don't buy anything that day. Then go home and discuss.

Another thing to consider is this.. why does your wife want AWD? Do you live in a snowy area? A RWD car with winter tires can often drive better than an AWD car with all-season tires.

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

 

good point. she thinks she wants it because of the snow we get (central KY) here. I am the type of guy that always keeps two sets of wheels - performance tires for summer, SNOW tires for winter - usually on a slightly smaller wheel. We really don't get that much snow (I grew up in MA, it's all relative) but the driving conditions can get messy. Also, we have a very steep driveway with a turn that can cause a RWD car with performance tires to spin slightly before getting up the driveway under normal dry conditions. As a previous 3 series owner, she is very biased towards a 330xi. I am hesitant to buy a car at the end of its run (before the new model comes) because of depreciation. Also, I regretfully admit that I enjoy having the latest and greatest toys (hence the Cayenne Turbo replacing a perfectly good X5). How would you compare the 330xi vs a G35x? Thanks....Eric

 

Two Porsches?Are you a General?

2003.5 G35
2003 350Z
2003 Murano SL

 

Having owned 4 BMWs over the years, most recently a 99 5er, I can compare the two automobiles. I feel the G35 compares very favorably in performance - more interior room, more HP, great brakes, etc. On a comfort level I am not feeling much difference - slight nod to BMW on the seats and backlighting of steering wheel controls. Overall fit and finish is quite good in the G35, again with a slight nod to BMW E39 5 series - I chose not to buy a new (04) 5er because I find the interior to lack any resemblance to the quite tasteful interior of my previous 5's - It's downright ugly inside - I got used to the exterior styling, but it doesn't get my heart pumping either. The G, is every bit the car the 5 was and 20+ large lower price. I don't regret my choice at all.

 

You did not speak about reliability - the 3 has below average reliability as compared to the G which is expected to have much higher reliability.

The new X3 seems to have received relatively poor marks for ride (very stiff). You could consider getting a loaded FX35 as well - and it sounds very sweet indeed and looks even cooler.

G35S AT / Ivory Pearl and Black

 

ky soldier.....

where are you getting the military discount on the Beamer? i'm an air force captain that will soon be PCSing to DC/NoVA this June...looking to get a new car this fall (G35X is my top chocie so far!)

 

I have to agree with FzyLgic about the new 5 series. I sold my Dinan 540/6MT for a G35. The new 5 just didn't woo me, so I went with a G35 at near half the price of a new 545. No way the car is worth almost twice as much. I'm not even going to touch the reliabilty issues of my 540...it's just a joy getting into the G every morning knowing I will make it to work. I do miss the pull of the V8 though. I didn't consider a 3 series because they are just too small for my needs. My cousin sells both Infiniti and BMW and he claims the AWD in the G is far superior to the 330Xi. The BMW sends 38/62 % power front/rear at all times while the G is 100% power to the rear until it starts to slip.

 

Since AWD seems to be the general discussion, you can have the G for less than the Xi and the A4, but if the quality of the AWD is a factor, you should at least look at the A4/6, the A4 is stronger in the snow.

03 - Black - Premium - Wood - Aero w/ Spoiler
Z Tube - Stillen AirBox

 

I just went through this tough decision of getting a BMW 325Xi or the G35x. Previously owning a BMW and having nothing but a great experience with it made it even harder to leave. I see most people are comparing the 330xi to the G35x but they are in two different price categories while the 325xi was pretty much the same price as the G35x.
So....price....the same. (the G does have more standard options)
BMW has a better name. Someone asks you what car you drive and you say BMW they are impressed. Unfortunately, and I don't think rightfully so, Infiniti does make a great car and it does not carry as much clout.
Performance- G kicks butt on the 325
Interior- I think BMW wins hands down
Reliability- both good cars
Looks- Both look great, but BMW is about to change the model and if other models are a sign the new 3 has a pretty good chance of being a ugly car. (sorry people that like the new BMW look)
Reselling the BMW when the new model comes out can result in a greater loss. I don't know much about the resell value of the G35. But BMW does pretty well.

After three test drives of both cars I went with the G35x. First the power of the G blows away the BMW. Second the G gives you the bang for the buck. Third I didn't want to have the old model when the new 3 comes out in the event the car looks great. Finally, since I drove my old 3 series for 3 1/2 years I didn't want to have the same car for another 3-4 more. Same cars for 7-8 years gets boring.


If it's a G it's 4 me!

 

Impala SS. Supercharged 3.8 liter.
MSRP 31K with $3500 rebate and $750 Military Appreciation Discount.
And it should be illegal for American service members to own a foreign made car. Just Kidding, but it does seem like you're a little enamored with euro cars.

On-On
S&S

 

As you mentioned before, the 5 series won't be offered in an AWD, so if AWD is THAT important, the 5 is out of the question. If its a question of performance, over price (as i can tell by your purchase of the Cayenne Turbo...great buy, thats a sweet car) than why not wait for the 6mt 545i? That thing will be a beast. If your looking for a more affordable car for the wifey, than the G35x is gonna be your best bet in terms of AWD/Performance/Afordable car. The G35 could be one of the best cars in regards to performance to price ratio and you honestly can't go wrong with it, but as mentioned before if price isn't that big a worry, get the bimmer. I don't know of anyone that wouldn't take a 545i over a G35 or G35x.

 

Well you know of one now... if I were given a 545i 6MT, I'd sell it immediately and buy a G35 and have $35k in the bank and I'd have a much more appealing car... the new Bimmer is UGLY inside and out and it keeps getting bigger and bigger... previous to my G, I've owned 4 Bimmers over 18 years and never thought I buy any other make... until Bangle Bungled, and now I can't imagine owning one again...

 

It really surpises me what tthey are doing to sell their cars now, I saw at a Ford dealer, in late October, they were already offering $2k rebates on the just out '04's, this SS deal is pretty good too!


Brilliant Silver/Graphite '04 Sedan/5AT