Hi guys,

This is a two part post - one, bouncing some opinions off you guys (not meant to be flames or anything), and two - some questions about modding. For background, I've been the owner of three Maxima's up to this point. Most of the maxima enthusiast community (see maxima.org) eventually move on to the G35 at some point. It is the closest thing there is in spirit to the Maxima's made before '04 (when they got hugified). It's something that I figured I would do as well -- that is, until I actually drove an '08 and an '07 G35 Sport. But, some time has passed and I am now reconsidering making the jump.

My initial problems with the G35S were related to the "in-your-face" nature of the "sportiness" aspect of the car. The touchyness of the throttle, the close gear ratios, the tight steering, and slightly more-jarring-than-it-should-be sport suspension - these all seemed like they were the work of a market research person standing behind the designers chanting slogans like "redefine the sport paradigm" and "young professions have to move at the speed of light" rather than trying to strike a real balance in building a luxury sport sedan. By comparison, this is something you also see in the design of the Lexus IS, but not to the same extent, and you'll likely find very little at all in a BMW.

I was also put off by the targeted but somewhat off-the-mark advertising and bullet point features like a 9GB HDD (uh, wow). Visually, I think they also tried a little too hard to be "sporty." I think the somewhat refined nature of the brand was ignored when they created those bulges on the sides of the hood. But beyond that, I am somewhat annoyed by the excessive chome on the car, particularly the strip on the trunk.

Anyway, after looking around at the competition and having equal or greater beefs with most of the cars in this class, I'm trying to look past this stuff and focus on the positives because there are a lot of things to love about this car.

Number one is as it has been for many years -- all hail the VQ. This motor just keeps getting better and better. Next is handling - out of the box, they appear to have done a very nice job on the handling of the car, and as we all know, with a relatively small investment, it can be tweaked to suit your tastes due to the already well designed and proven platform this car is built on. O think reliability is also a big plus - there's nothing drastically new on this car. The VQ, the transmissions, most of the electronics, the suspension, etc - all derivatives of stuff Nissan/Infiniti has done well before. The overall feature list for the car seems good, particularly for the price. A comparable BMW or Lexus will have a number of features the G doesn't, but in the end, they're not deal breakers, and likely are not worth thousands more at the expense of the other benefits listed above.

If I were to buy my own rhetoric here and come to the conclusion that I should go out and get one of these bad boys, I think some mods would be in order, however based on my previous experience with modding and reliability, I would want to keep it relatively light. Some questions:

- Painting the chrome strip on the trunk? I saw one poster do it very nicely on a white car. While I would not be looking for white, I think I would still want to do this if it could be done well. Does anyone know what's involved? Is it something that a reasonable bodyshop would/could do well?

- Lowering and suspension mods: has anyone done a real coilover kit for this car yet? I've been riding on H&R or similar springs for a long time now and it's just too harsh. Maxima owners have definitely been the beneficiaries of reasonably inexpensive true coilover setups (JIC Magic, Tien, etc) that lower the car without really affecting the harshness of the ride nearly as much as basic lowering springs. Also, has anyone besides Stillen done a sway bar yet? Do they give a noticeable difference? (It was huge on the Maxima)

- Body kits: any tasteful ones yet? I'd tend to steer clear of these, but I'm hoping that someone does a non-ricey kit that helps the rear-end which is still too short and rounded for my individual tastes

Anyway, I'd appreciate any feedback you guys care to give (as long as it stays relatively constructive!). Ultimately, I think I'd be very happy with some minor styling changes, some additional small features, and a DSG style gearbox on a car like this, but it appears my desires are ahead of what's available now, so I need to shut up and make a decision eventually

Thanks!

 

hakk,

I agree with your assessment that the sport suspension is somewhat stiffer than it needs to be. I think the Journey suspension tuning strikes a better compromise between ride and performance w/o diluting the handling all that much. Still, the sport pkg comes w/ so much good stuff, I would highly recommend it over the journey.

The touchy throttle is something which the 08s are supposedly improved. I thought my 08 was pretty touchy, but I've gotten completely used to it after about 1300 miles of driving.

With respect to the stereo system, I personally give Infiniti a TON of credit for their implementation. The key is, Infiniti does not force you to use something you don't want. Instead, they give you a HUGE number of options. You can:

1. Use a traditional CD in the in-dash CD player.
2. Use traditional CDs in the 6 disc trunk changer.
3. Rip music from your CD to the 9GB hard drive.
4. Listen to music from a compact flash card.
5. Have complete and near perfect control of your iPod (08+) integrated to the vehicle.
6. Hook up any other type of music/video player you want through the car's audio AND video aux inputs.

Thus far, I've only used the iPod control exclusively, but I'm glad there are many other available options if I choose to go in a different direction.

With respect to looks, it's a personal preference thing. However, the bulging fenders have been a trademark G35 styling cue from the past. Personally, I love the way the G looks. I don't think it comes off pretentious in any way and I like the fact that it looks like a higher than avg class mid-size sport sedan (unlike the IS350 which looks to me like a Scion tC or the 335i and C350 which to me seem like sporty compact cars).

Painting the rear chrome trim is easy. A good shop just needs to sand it sufficiently so that the primer and paint can have a good bite to it. Personally, I would recommend just buying the Impul rear spoiler which is a lip spoiler that completely covers the chrome. Or just live w/ the chrome trim. I initially didn't like the chrome and was sure I was going to paint it, but I've gotten used to it and I like having something I can push on to shut the trunk w/o touching my black paint.

There has been at least 1 person w/ a custom set of coilovers on the G. There is also another person who fabricated some control arms or something which allowed him to lower the vehicle yet retain the stock springs and shocks so he has exact same as stock ride quality on his lowered G. Then there are the rest of the people who have used lowering springs. I believe Tein will be releasing their Comfort Sport series coil overs for the G in the near future and this will give you good ride quality and lowering.

Body kits are available. In fact, I think the sport pkg comes w/ a very subtle (maybe too subtle?) yet effective body kit that sets it apart from the journey. If you get a journey, you can use the Nismo front lip which gives the Journey a very sporty yet OEM type look (search for posts by kalvinmaui for pictures of the Nismo lip). I also like what Kenstyle has available for the sport. It's slightly more aggressive, but by no means gaudy.

With respect to the DSG gearbox, as a person who was really set on getting a 6MT, I have to say that the G's AT is very good. It holds the gears and anticipates your driving style remarkably well when left in D. It firms up the shifts if you drive fast and the paddle shifters on the sport as well as DS mode on both sport and journey work exceptionally well. The best thing is, the AT performs virtually identically to the MT - both run low 5 sec 0-60s and high 13 to low 14 1/4 mile times.

In short, you will not find another car with this combination of performance, style, features, and technology at a better price.

Good luck w/ your choice.

 

Hi John!

The touchy throttle can be fixed w/an ECU program update (ie. TSB to fix cruise control surging).

 

Although I bought the G35S 6MT, I seriously considered the Altima SE 6MT. Not quite as quick as the G35 (0-60 in just under 6), doesn't handle as well (FWD) and would need "real" tires fitted. But it's smoother (no drivetrain vibrations, etc), has a folding back seat, and could be had pretty loaded for around $27K. It's probably closer in spirit to the pre-04 Maxima than the G35 is.

No need to flame, I did choose the G35. Just providing another viewpoint.

 

well, body shop end of it, painting that chorome molding is not a huge problem, but it must be removed to do it correctly, expect maybe up to $250 give or take for a pro shop to do it completely, if you remove the molding it'll be less, the chrome needs to be epoxy coated before paint or it'll peel & flake, a good shop will know what to do.

 

Okay, here's my take:

First, the G is a much better driving, sportier version of the Max. And I had two, a '95 and a 2k3. Compared to the 2k3, the G is faster, handles MUCH better (and I had RSB and FTSB on the Max), and I don't find the Sport suspension to be jarring at all. Much better to have firm than mushy.

Second, the inside is nicer (defined as better features, more comfortable, and overall nicer interior), and looks great from all angles.

Third, this is a version of the VQ that revs well, and is mated to a car that suits it. I always felt the VQ in the 2k3 was too much engine for the car; hard to get FWD traction, especially in turns, and I ate one VB and the second was going out when I sold it.

Re the chrome strip on the trunk - give it some time. Better to have something striking and different, than the same ol' thing. I like it, but then it blends well with PG.

No, IMO there are no tasteful body kits. I'm sure others disagree.

And, only someone who has to have a 6MT should feel compelled to buy one in the G. I was planning on 6MT, then drove the Sport AT, and it delivered the "I choose the gear, not the car" and handling I was seeking.

Finally, be careful saying a "comparable Lexus or BMW"; the comparable versions are several thousand $$ more.

Good luck.

 

I've come to like the chrome trunk lid trim quite a bit, it adds a touch of class and keeps in line w/ the chrome window trim accents. Just take a look at any new Ford or the Cadillac CTS for ways to completely abuse chrome

 

Good comments all around guys, I really appreciate it.. I'm definitely giving this a lot of thought, but it's tough for me.. Maybe it's because I'm an indecisive Aquarius

In a sport sedan, I guess the only other car I'm even considering right now is a 335i sedan, which as I said, has it's own set of issues - but mostly price. The argument there is that I could do euro delivery and save a few thousand, but then I don't have any kind of VPP like I do with Infiniti (3.5% below invoice!).. Realistically, the BMW would be 5-10k more than the G, but have much better resale value if I decided to ditch it in a couple years.. Oh, and at roughly the same weight and gas mileage, it's also got this going for it: http://image.automobilemag.com/f/fea..._335i_dyno.jpg

Both cars have the downside of being super common around here. That's one thing I liked about the maxima - with some subtle mods, it didn't look like anything out there, and performed like you wouldn't believe (unless you go overboard and blow it up -- Hi Jeff! ).. Not exactly an exotic car, sure, but rarely modified. At this point, I think I just have to accept that and move on, heh... Although I've considered trying to split the difference and get a beater "fun car" like a well used Z, and a comfy commute mobile like an A8, however this plan probably has more drawbacks than I can count!

Anyway, re: the '03 maxima, completely agree about the mismatch (I have one, as well as a 97).. And for the Altima, I agree that it's a nice car.. coworker got one.. but they are nearly impossible to find in a stick, and your only alternative is a CVT auto.. bottom line is they don't have the same luxury features as the other cars were talking about anyway (including the older maximas).

Keep the feedback coming tho, I'm definitely learning stuff.. The comments about the thottle and the transmissions are helpful, as well as the first poster's comments about the sound setup. Also, does anyone really care for the navigation stuff? I really have very little need for it I think (i've got google maps on my phone, with traffic, and a good sense of direction), but I've never actually owned an in-car unit..

Thanks!

 

If you can get the 3.5% below invoice VPP plan, then the G35 is a no brainer. You're talking about $35K for a near fully loaded G35. A comparably equipped 335 will easily cost over $50K.

Personally, I think Euro delivery for a BMW isn't much of a price saving - especially if you are not interested in visiting Germany or Europe. Considering how weak the US dollar is right now, a trip to Europe will be very pricey and, in the end, you will spend more money than you will save by doing Euro delivery. Additionally, I don't want to spend a week in Europe, then wait several months before I get my car. I'm much more of an instant gratification kind of person.

With respect to the nav, I find it very handy. I've had it in my last 3 cars and all of my future cars will have nav. While there are many alternatives like nav on a cell phone or aftermarket nav units, the stock nav is really handy because you don't have to worry about hooking it up and taking it down every time you use it. More and more, I'm reading about people's cars getting broken into b/c they had those suction cup marks on their windshield and people break in assuming they have an aftermkt nav unit stashed in the glove box.

To me, the most useful thing about nav is not to find out how to get to a certain place, but to find different routes to get around. For example, if I run into a traffic jam, I can turn off the street and the nav will automatically reroute me to my destination. Or, if I'm driving in an unfamiliar area, I can find the closest gas station, restaurant, hotel, etc. It's also infinitely safer than flipping through a Thomas guide looking for the right street to turn on. But, if google maps on your phone works for you, then just skip the nav. You can also always add a fully integrated aftermarket nav to your car later like ON_6MT did. Check this out...

https://g35driver.com/forums/v36-audio-video-electronics/177080-no-factory-navigation-here-s-navi-alternative.html

 

Very true - although the 335 would come in less than 50, it's not by a lot.. One difference to not count out is that if I decide to change cars in a year or two, the G35 will be worth $20-25k, and the 335 will be worth low 40's.

Luckily, I travel there fairly often anyway for work. In fact, I'll likely be in Munich in December anyway - although there's no guarantee the car would be ready for delivery in a month's time, and it does put me on a very tight timetable if I wanted to do it this trip.

Awesome info, thanks! The gadget freak in me definitely says get it.. but the computer/software geek in me says "I can do way better, but I'm lazy." This might come down to impulse or what's available

 

The comparison on the G35 vs. the BMW is interesting at best. I've had my 08G35 for 1 week today. My last cars have been a BMW 530i, 330icic, Audi A6 and a A4.

At 43 years old the price differance between the BMW and the Infiniti just isn't justified. The performance on the G35 frankly is amazing for the money. I really can't believe the value of the G35. The 15k I saved will sit in mutal funds and make me money.

As to the resale estimates..... While BMW's may have a better resale than Infiniti it isn't by as much as you think, been there done that. My personal view is the G35 is much more on par with the 5 series BMW rather than the 3 series. The 3 series will always be a "beginner" car as opposed to the 5 series unless your talking the M3 or convertible.

For the money the G35 is just impossible to beat...... I say that with money not being an issue for me.

 

Very conflicted still There's a guy here with an '07 335i Sedan (sport, premium, loaded except navi and cold weather) that has 20k miles on it (all freeway from commuting) and the car appears to be in excellent shape (always garaged, rarely used for anything but the commute, etc). Even has a full 100k service plan/warranty (extended from the 50k). Hard to find a used one as good as this, and it's right at blue book at $37.5.

As someone else mentioned, chances are I could get an '08 G35 fully loaded for that price, brand new, but this definitely closes the price gap a bit from the afore mentioned issues. The performance and refinement of the BMW really seem great - certainly the G is no slouch in those departments either, but somehow it does "feel" cheaper (more plastics, noise, etc). Whether that's worth the money or not is hard to say.... argh.

Edit: also worth noting (I suppose) that I feel like I would *have* to spend some money on the G to individualize it and get it more inline with my tastes, whereas I feel like I'd be less inclined to muck with the bimmer...

 

Based on what you've posted, sounds like the used 335i would be perfect for you. I'm sure you will experience buyers remorse w/ the G35 since it sounds like you really want the BMW. Since you've had the Maxima for a while, I say get the BMW. I was strongly considering a BMW 335i or 535i before I got my G35. My wife thought the 335 was too small and, while my favorite car was the 535i, I wasn't about to spend $60K on a 6 cylinder car.

$37.5K sounds like a great price on that 335i.

 

Reluctantly, I agree with AlterZgo. Go with the 335i. And also agree that the 3 series BMWs are small, especially inside. G 35 is really comparable to the 5 series at thousands and thousands less. I had my BMW and this is my first Nissan/Infiniti.

My wife and I were between the two but chose the G for its price, interior and trunk room. We also like the G's interior styling over the 335 which felt industrial, where the G felt sexy.

Bought the Sport 6MT and didn't have the throttle issues most others have experienced. The trick is to put foot pressure at the top of the accelerator pedal, which is hinged at the top, not at the bottom as are most pedals.

My best buddy bought a car at about the same time I did. We're both enthusiasts. He opted for the 335 BMW, his second. But he's 5'3"and his wife is too, so interior room is not their issue.

 

I re-drove both cars today (god, I must be annoying sometimes heh).. The 335 definitely has better driving dynamics, and the transmission is worlds better than the auto in the G35.. But that being said, the back seat is tiny compared to the G35 (and I do tote people around quite a lot). My friend is something like 5'7" and she even said that the back seat would be a fairly uncomfortable place for an extended trip (she was sitting behind me - I'm 6'0"). I'm also not super psyched about the gray leather that was in this particular BMW... If the back seat were a couple inches bigger, and the interior color was darker, I'd jump on it for sure..

Anyway, the infiniti dealer is running the numbers on a G35S and a M35S for my VPP, so we'll see where that comes out tomorrow..