Hey guys,
I'm looking to buy an '06 G35x. I have been searching for cars with factory nav since I have a Pioneer AVIC-D2 (double din navigation) in my current car and like it very much. Pickings are slim, so now I am considering installing an AVIC-Z2 HU into a G35 without factory navi. I installed my Pioneer AVIC-D2 so I kind of know what I'm doing . I'd also like to install a rearview camera along with it. Is it possible to install a Z2 in a car equipped with the Bose system?

Premium packages: I plan on getting a G with the Premium package. Carmax is kind of flaky on listing specific packages, so I figure it's possible some G35x's with Premium packages aren't listed as having said packages. How can I tell if the car has a premium package? What do I gain by getting a car with Premium package C as opposed to B? How can I tell the difference between the two?

Any other recommendations/advice as I continue my search?
Thanks a lot

 

The premium packages I unfortunately cannot help with, as I don't know too much about them, but the stereo I can help with, as it's what I do for a living.

IMO, you're much better off installing your Z2 in a G without factory nav. The Z2 offers so much more expansion possibilities over the factory nav, let alone much better sound processing! The dash piece replacement ("dash kit") will run you anywhere from $350-$550 depending on whether you go with a Metra piece (shoddy finish matching), or a true JDM dash piece with the latter being the more expensive, but much higher quality. Not only does it offer more expansion, a double din multimedia unit just looks so "in-place" in the dash of a G35; I actually think they should've been this way from the factory in USDM trim.

Any other questions about this sort of thing feel free to PM me bro!

 

I don't remember exactly, but I want to say in the X, you can only get premium C or base. Anyone remember?

I wanted mine fully loaded so I don't remember my other options when I ordered mine.

I think you would want Premium C though anyway... more features. You will like having the bluetooth built in on the 06. I really like the factory nav with motorized popup.. but an aftermarket one will do even more so I think you can't loose either way.

 

Std G35:
Pkg B was Bose, electric tilt wheel, auto headlights, dual side air, home link, auto rear view mirror dim and probably some others I can't remember.

Pkg C is all of B plus seat memory, intelligent key and full size spare. It includes bluetooth on 06 but not on 05.

Some of the items in the packages could be ordered separately or installed by the dealer so you'll see cars in all kinds of configurations.

G35X was a package of it's own and included all above B and C.

Nav is it's own option independent of the packages on all cars.

 

I believe the best indicator is the backseats. The backseats recline in the premium. Just look for the recline feature.

Mine doesn't have the nav either, and I'm not fond of the equipment. Just using til I get bored enough to make the change over. Sounds like there are a lot of decent after market options that would serve you better.

'06

 

I dislike the Bose stereo (and have a habit of blowing their thin paper cones out). I'm waiting for a double din kit now and ordered an Alpine amp, Type-R speakers and am keeping my existing 12" Type-R sub and 9855 head unit from my last car.

If you plan on installing the Pioneer order a kit now, they are on backorder for well over a month at any given time. The extra processing and crossovers the Pioneer will add will help with the sound. The Clarion-built Bose head unit is junk - the Bose speakers sound ok with a good aftermarket head unit though.

 

Thanks guys, looks like I'll be going with an 05 g35x with navi and premium package. Are the JDM/metra double DIN kits compatible with navi equipped cars?

 

Yeah, and as a matter of fact you can use the navi without the stock stereo, but there's no way (that I know of) to get the audio from it to the aftermarket stereo. But it has nice trip computer functions and whatnot, and you might as well pick up an aux-in adapter so you can plug a video ipod or the like in to it. I don't know much about it though. Just bought an 05 G35X myself - love the car! If only I'd ordered the double din kit weeks ago (the stock stereo is JUNK)...

 

An aftermarket head unit does not put out clean power, and you're probably more likely going to blow out the speakers again.

Throw a moderate power aftermarket amplifier on there and tune it CORRECTLY and you'll hellaciously improve the sound. Before you call bull****, JML audio has put Zapco reference 750.2's on stock bose systems.

As far as looking for one with navi, I honestly think you're wasting your money. Why would you buy one with navi if you're going to buy a double din kit anyway?

 

I've had good luck using the pre-amp outs on an Alpine 9855 (built in crossovers, time correction, etc.) with the stock JBL speakers and amplifier in my Toyota Solara before I got the G35. They were set up similar to a Bose - I used a stepdown converter for a Bose system. My father's previous car had the Bose speakers with a JVC head unit and stepdown converter, it sounded fine. The only problem is the volume doesn't get ear-tearingly loud (as not to blow them, like you said).

One piece of advice: get a headunit with 4-Volt preamp outs, that is important in order to get a clean signal to the stepdown convert and then into the Bose amp.

And hey, if you blow the Bose out, it's an excuse to buy some Alpine Type-R or Type-X's (depending on how much you want to spend on an amp) and hear a real sound system ^_^! Last years models go dirt cheap on eBay.