Hey Everyone,

I'm new here - just signed up a few days ago.

I just finalized the deal on my 2004 G35x - black over black with Premium Package. I'm very excited. Traded in my 2000 BMW 323Ci, which I loved, but was getting tired of constantly having in the shop. I'm also looking forward to the four doors and all wheel drive of the G35x too.

I'll post up pics when I pick it up this Saturday - can't wait.

I do have a quick question - I see a lot of ".5s" after people's model years - how can I tell if mine is a 2004.5? Did the sedan gain anything between 2004 and 2004.5?

Thanks, you'll all probably see me around more often now

-Rich

2000 BMW Orient Blue 323Ci - Gone
2004 Infiniti G35x Black/Black Coming in 4 days!!

 

Hi,

I still haven't decided to get a 325xi or a g35x. Although I lean more towards a 325xi, just curious is bmw really that unreliable? in the shop all the time? what are the problems?

Thanks...

 

Congratulations! I don't think you'll regret it. I know I havn't!

2K4 G35x/ etc...

 

It is likely that yours is a 2004.5, you can check the Manuf Date on the sticker inside the Driver's door (when you pick it up of course).

However, I am nor sure what, if any, difference there is between a 2004 and 2004.5, or when the changes happened.

 

BMWs are fantastic, no doubt. I loved mine, but in the two years I've owned it (I bought it certified pre owned with 22k miles on it in 2002) I've had the following problems:

1. Brakes replaced (rotors and pads) at 30k miles for ~$900.
2. Entire automatic transmission replaced at 32k miles (and the problem is STILL there).
3. Vanos replaced at 36k miles (that is the variable valve timing in BMW's engines)
4. Check engine light on twice (once was the gas cap - my fault, but it doesn't go off when you fix it, second time was mass air sensor).
5. Lots of little issues (rattles, sunroof has broken twice, etc).

The car was fantastic to drive though - I loved it when it wasn't in the shop. But finally the frequency of repairs pushed me over the edge.

I have a theory on my issues however - my car was a VERY early build date for a completely redesigned car. I think that is why I've had all the issues. I have several friends with 325s that they've never had a single problem with them (2001 and up). If you like the 325xi, I would say go with it, you won't regret it. But I felt the G35x had much better value to it when I compared the two (even the 330xi which is what I was looking at).

Bottom line, both are fantastic cars.

-Rich

2000 BMW Orient Blue 323Ci - Gone
2004 Infiniti G35x Black/Black - Coming in 4 days!!

 

Thanks Xman! I'm pumped to pick it up. Can't wait.

-Rich

2000 BMW Orient Blue 323Ci - Gone
2004 Infiniti G35x Black/Black - Coming in 4 days!!

 

richpike,

I am waiting for the new 3 series but at the same time I am afraid to get the first yr's model because of the recalls and problems. I doubt I want to get the current 3 series because it'll be outdated. Either way, I can't win. I test drove the 2004 g35x and liked it very much except for the interior (which I think the 3 series are way nicer) other than that, the g35x is much faster, but I'll prob. wait for the 05 model with the new interiors if I am getting the G. From what you've said about your 3 series, I am having 2nd thoughts. I mean, it's pretty much said and done that bmw are not as reliable as the *** cars like infinit/hondas, etc and costs much more to maintain. Then again, you are buying it for the brand.

 

I really like the new 3-series, especially the coupe. If you want more information on it, I'd check out www.germantechnik.com - there are a lot of threads on the new 3-series (and spy pics).

I think you are probably wise to worry about 1st model year problems - but I bet it is more than just BMW that has those issues. I would think most manufacturers have several first gen bugs to get worked out.

As for the BMW interior, I liked mine in my 3-series a lot, but I actually think the G35's looks better. My first impression of the G35's interior (from pictures in reviews that I read) made me think it looked cheap, but when I actually sat in the car, I really liked it, and I actually thought it made my 3-series interior feel dated (although NO ONE can lay out a car better for the driver than BMW - damn the driving position in that car was perfect).

Since I'm pointing out pet peeves with BMW, I'm might as well get them all out - I also hate the fact that you have to pay extra for every option on a BMW (I'm surprised cup holders aren't extra $$$) - BMW really needs to reconsider their pricing strategy and their value proposition. And what worries me even more is that the E90 (which is the replacement for the current generation E46 3-series) will go up even further in price with the new 1-series coming out. I'm afraid they'll try to sell the 1-series against the G35, and TL, and price the 3-series even higher than it already is. This would be rediculous in my opinion (but wouldn't surprise me).

-Rich

2000 BMW Orient Blue 323Ci - Gone
2004 Infiniti G35x Black/Black - Coming in 4 days!!

 

Thanks for the site...will check it out. I mean, it's maybe that I've always been eyeing on a bmw, thus always think the bmw is kinda superior in terms of quality. Honestly, I think the bmw has a much better interior than the G. Even the Acura TSX has a better interior IMHO. Not to offend anyone, but that was the reason I was holding off in getting the G because everything meets my needs except the interior is not high end enough (which I hope the 2005 will fix, since it has updated interior with real aluminum, etc). I definitely agreed that bmw charges alot for any little options. It's all about the brand, you get what you paid for. It's just scary thinking about the maintenance cost of the bimmer after the warranty. But power wise, now with the 280/298 horses for 2005, the new 325xi at about 225 horses top will not even compete close to the G's performance, not even the 330 can.

Just curious, how come you didn't wait for the 2005 G? I, myself almost got a black/black G35x a few weeks ago.

 

Btw, how much did you paid for your 2004 black/black g35x with premium? I was quoted a few weeks ago for 32,500 for (black/black g35x, bose, moonroof, mud guards, trunk tray). I am pretty sure I can pay less for it now, now that the 2005's will be around the corner.

 

I thought seriously about the 2005, and I think they will definitely be sweet, but I didn't want to wait until November, and I also wasn't guaranteed I would be first in line and be able to get the color combination I wanted. If you have the time to wait, I would definitely wait and at least check out the 2005.

-Rich

2000 BMW Orient Blue 323Ci - Gone
2004 Infiniti G35x Black/Black - Coming in 4 days!!

 

Mikeee2,

You are making me feel bad here :-) - I bought mine for 33,100 with the exact same options (except trunk mat). I think 32,500 is pretty damn good. I will say, I felt like I got a good amount of money for my trade-in, so it probably all works out in the end.

-Rich

2000 BMW Orient Blue 323Ci - Gone
2004 Infiniti G35x Black/Black - Coming in 4 days!!