Hello All,

Today, I went looking for an AWD car (I currently have a 2002 330i coming off lease and also a 2001 CLK55). Last winter I realized the necessity for an AWD vehicle. I am not a truck/SUV person - so they aren't options for me. That limits my next car to the following:

BMW 330Xi - which is not appealing as my last two daily cars have been 3 series
Ausi A6 - it drove well enough in the tets ride - but I just don't like the front grill
Jaguar X type - enough said
E320 4 Matic - too many friends are having trouble with their 03, 04 model Benz

This afternoon, I walked into Ray Catena Infiniti and a saleswoman took me over to the service center to look at the 2005 G35X. Unfortunately, as it had just arrived at the prep center - it wouldn't be ready to be test driven until next week. I was able to sit in it and view the car.

I would greatly appreciate some honest feedback to the prices they offered me , and your experiences on some of my questions.

1. The car I spec'd out is a 2005 G35x, diamond graphite w/stone leather, premium package, navigation package and wood package. Pretty much fully loaded.

2. As I live in NY, I realize the taxes are higher and that dalers charge about 500 more for the screwed up NY leasing law problem.

3. The dealer offered to cut me a check for the remaining 3 months on my BMW lease (1710) and offered me the car for 569 a month for 36 months/10,000 miles per year (I don't need 12k). This includes built in NYC taxes and 0 out of pocket other than the bank fee, first month, etc. Obviously, this is factoring in a staright line BMW lease swap of 47.50 per month for the 36 months of the lease.

Next, as I have yet to test drive it (will do so this coming Tuesday) - can any 04/05 owners share their experiences with the car? Handling, etc..

For comparison, my 330i has auto tranny, premium, sport cold weather and xenon package. Minimal modding to it: UUC sway bars, Brembro brakes/rotors installed, ACS roof spoiler, M3 trunk spoiler - and various interior mods.

What are your perceptions of the stock handling? I presume there are aftermarkets sways I can have installed? Noticeable difference? Quality of the X stock brakes.

Your input is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Chris

 

CTMO9,

You're in for a treat with the 05 G35X, at least from what I've heard and read. I have the 04 and it's pretty much everything I've ever wanted in a car. I've never owned a 3 series BMW or an Audi but I find the car very tossable and the AWD is completely different from most other systems on the market. An electromagnetic clutch handles the transition from RWD to AWD seamlessly. What I notice about the AWD is that the car doesn't break loose on slick roads and it retains power and traction. That's a nice contrast to VDC systems that cut power or apply brakes to control slip. (The G35X has an excellent VDC system; you're just not likely to see it in use much.)

The brakes are excellent. There's a lot of dust and fairly high wear has lead Infiniti to offer extended warranty protection for 04 models. But the performance is excellent for a stock system.

I haven’t done much in the way of modifications. I replaced the stock tires with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S. Added XM to the premium Bose system. Added a small trunk lip spoiler, similar to your M3 mod.

I think you'll be a little disappointed with the aftermarket situation. The G35X is based on a different layout than the RWD models (I believe it's the same as a FX35) and therefore requires a different routing for sways, exhaust, etc. I don't know of any aftermarket vendors that have addressed the G35X specifically.

The upside is that because of the added weight of the AWD mechanicals, the car comes with stiffer sways than the standard 4dr and some have said that the steering is slightly heavier than the non-AWDs. I personally prefer a weightier steering feel.

I’m curious that you haven’t mentioned the new Acura RL with “Super Handling All-Wheel Drive”. That sounds like an interesting car and it’s in the price range of the Audi and Mercedes models you’ve mentioned.

It's nice to have lots of options and the Infiniti certainly wont let you down if you go this route.

Cale

 

Hey, I really suggest you to check out the 05 Subaru Legacy B4 GT LTD. It looks mundane, but the interior is surprisingly good for what you are paying for. That car is faster than a G35 and G35x, and you can even choose a MT for it. It sounds like modding your interest, and I know there are plenty of accessories, and parts for the GT.

However, if you want more luxury and gadgets, get the G35x.

Check out this legacygt.com and this video:
http://homepage.mac.com/crapyjai/iMovieTheater37.html

Not saying the G35x is no good, but the Legacy GT LTD is around 27K for AT, and you can spend the extra 13K on modding....

 

I echo Cales reply. My x hasn't diappointed me yet after 12,000 miles.

 

I love mine. The Dealer service is excellant. I went in for my 15,000 mile service and mentioned I had a rattle near the rear of the car. They had me drive around with a sevice guy in the back of my car. I was able to replicate the rattle and the service was able to fix it. I was completely satisfied with the dealers I have been to. Test drive all you can and then come to a decision.

 

Nice STI! No gold wheels though.

 

Ray Catena initial prices are very high and you need to really negotiate with them to get their prices down. I personally would only deal with Ray Catena if they had a car in stock and they could meet or beat a price that I gave them.

 

I traded my '99 328i (E46 model, so likely pretty similar to you '02 330i) for my G35x. Here's my honest assessment - the AWD system is amazing, and for the price, the G is unbeatable. However, if price isn't much of an issue, then you may be disappointed. In particular, I've noticed the following:

- The VQ engine is powerful and torquey, and sounds great, but it's not as refined as the BMW in-line 6s. Getting to the redline in my 328i was automotive bliss. The G is close, but not there.
- The interior in the pre-'05 models wasn't up to BMW quality standards. Maybe the '05 G is much better, though. Haven't seen one in person.
- The ride/handling combination is just a tiny bit less perfect in the G. That might just be the extra AWD weight, though, and the crappy Turanzas.

Overall, though, I'm very pleased with my decision. Sure, in some ways it isn't quite up to par with the BMW, but when it comes to power, sophisticated AWD, 5-series-like interior space and about $8000 left over to spend on other toys, it's hard to argue with the G in this segment.

Just my $0.02. Good luck!

Rich

 

I agree with most of the comments already made, with a couple of additions. The "x" suspension is the same as the regular sedan in the rear, but the front suspension is from the FX. I had planned to put bigger sways on before we got my AWD sedan and found Infiniti had already done it. Putting Michelin Pilot Sport A/Ss on makes a huge difference. I had had the Goodyear RSAs on my Audi A4 and replaced them early, because they were so bad. Driving German cars, you're already familiar with dusty brakes. I had the same issue on the Audi and tried several types of pads and found EBC greenstuff (kevlar) pads eliminated the dust and gave quicker stops over a wide temperature range, along with better brake feel. I had both the Michelins and the EBC pads waiting in my garage when the car was delivered.

I've recently driven a couple of none AWD loaners and there is no comparison. Basically, the x gives the handling of the sport suspenion cars, with a slightly more complient ride.

We had also looked at the 330xi. The Infiniti: is quicker; handles similarly; stops faster; has much more interior room and a bigger trunk; is more reliable; and cost $10,000 less. You also don't see one on every corner (mostly 325s that are indistingishable from the 330s).

 

i would deff. reccomend the G35x, i have an 04 and i love it, i just got a custom dual exhaust for it yesterday! Got rid of the HUGE Resonator, that thing weights a ton! its awesome tho would deff get one if i was u

 

For the record, that's not a GT in those Subie pics, that the Legacy STi which is only available in Japan.

 

..and even if it is faster, as edmunds put's it, it's still a Subbie and you'll know it when you hear the tinny door slam for the first time...apparently not that much has changed as this is not a complete redesign of the platform. And while the car mentioned may be faster 0-60, the only current US model Subbies that can run in the quarter with a G have an STi badge on them. iF you want a econo car with a great motor you don't have to spend 30k...