Quirky Things About the 2008 G37 -- Who Agrees?

[RedG37SNC]

That was the very first thing I noticed on the test drive, not much head room however I'm 6'2" and my head doesn't hit the roof so it passed. I don't have much clearance though..no hat in the car.

As for the CF, agree, but there's more anyong things to list like no DVD MP3. Actually though with IPOD I have 80gb and just use it. It also doesn't suffer from the auto disablement of search while driving.. THANK GOD, that music box does. Other then having it as an option for a friend bring his CF, I don't have much use for it.

[08G37S]

I guess I am going to have to break down and buy an iPod.

[SirLoin]

I borrowed my neighbor's iPod and played with it in the car. It is much easier to use than the Music Box, with more control over what you want to listen to.I have the task of putting songs on her iPod 'cause I've got about 60 gig of MP3's on my 'puter. My only peave was iTunes, however I've succesfully used a program called MediaMonkey it doesn't require iTunes or Quick Time to write to the iPod. It won't do video, that I know of, but does a good job of copying Mp3's to the iPod, it doesn't care if they aren't purchased or they're copywrite protected. If anyone has questions about MonkeyMedia or are looking for an alternative to Apple's iTunes and Quick Time let me know.My Sansa would work in my G37 with an aftermarket connector (earphone jack to RCA plugs) but there was no control except from the Sansa itself. I think my 8 gig iPod is under the tree!

[RedG37SNC]

I use Windows Media Player 11 and a plug in called MGTEK http://www.mgtek.com/dopisp/. Works great and is only $19.

[parrot]

I've found quite a few quirky things in my G37S during the 6 weeks that I have owned it.

The head clearance is very poor and I'm only 5'11". It gets very annoying feeling my hair rub against the roof all the time. And this is with the seat in the lowest position and cranked back at arms length from the steering wheel.

Related to that is the poor placement of the arm rests, particulalrly on the door. The only way I can rest my left arm on the armrest is to hold the steering wheel at the 6 o'clock position.

Then there is the seat comfort factor. Bless the guys and gals who find the seats comfortable. After a half hour in the saddle, my legs and rear ache- probably from the seat bolstering and inability to adjust the seat angle (otherwise my head goes through the roof). I not big in the rear so we can't blame my big can. I think the moon roof is the primary culprit which lowers the headroom and restricts adjustments throughout the seat.

I got into the backseat the other day to clean the rear glass and I was appalled at the lack of space for a passenger. The sales lady rode in the back when I test drove the car and she looked comfortable but she was only about 5'6''. Anyone much taller than that will get the hair rubbed off their head.

The center console lid lifts from the front to the rear and seems to be an awkward layout. Seems that a lid that's hinged on the passenger side would open much easier.

I like the keyless entry a lot but can't figure out why the doors were designed to be locked with the FOB. You would think that the doors would lock automatically once the Intelligent Key moves out of range.

And, the lack of self cancelling turn signals or chimes to alert that the turn signals have been on for 10 miles is silly. Even Ford and GM vehicles have had that available for years.

Overall, I love the looks of the car and the engine is great. Once you get used to slightly grabby brakes, a little oversteer in the handling department, and an odd automatic transmission, it's a lot of fun.

[dseag2]

Frankly, I think it's sad that the guys over on Bimmerfest are probably salivating over their 335i's and posting glowing compliments about what a great car it is, and the owners here are spending most of their time on a "quirky" list.

No, every nit-picking detail on the G37 isn't perfect, but I've owned lots of cars over the years (including Audi, Lexus and BMW) and this is one of the most comfortable, fast, fun, feature-packed car I've ever driven. It's been almost 4 months and I love mine everytime I drive it. Any "quirks" it may have are more than made up for by the great things about it. And those of you that find the seats uncomfortable or have no headroom... did you test drive the car before you bought it??

[08G37S]

You are right. The car is wonderful or I wouldn't have bought it. I've also had a BMW and a Porsche and they had their own quirks as well.

[xugo1kpr]

I have had mine about 2 hours now (so I got it a day early, who could blame me?). My only comment is that isn't the manual supposed to go in the trunk? Isn't that why there is velcro on the back?

[dseag2]

I have had mine about 2 hours now (so I got it a day early, who could blame me?). My only comment is that isn't the manual supposed to go in the trunk? Isn't that why there is velcro on the back?

Yes, but if you're expecting it to stick somewhere, it doesn't. Just throw it back there on one of the sides. It will stay there.

BTW, congrats, and you only have great things to look forward to. If you love it now, just wait until the engine/transmission loosen up and the speakers are broken in. It is an outstanding car!

[parrot]

Don't take it so personal, dseag2. If the guys at the BMW site aren't posting a bunch of quirky things about their new rides, maybe they don't have as many as we do. Infiniti is a world class auto maker, and as such, should construct the vehicle to fit the targeted consumer. Limited head room for an average size American driver, in a vehicle designed for the American market, is not a shortcoming to be brushed off lightly.

I did test drive my G37 Coupe for about 20 minutes. I bought the car although I knew the head room was tight. What I didn't know was that the seats would become uncomfortable after 30 or 40 minutes.

This thread was intended to allow an exchange of thoughts on the quirky things about our G37s. If someone has a problem with head room, or tight seats, or head light sensitivity switches that don't work, let's post away. Let's not, however, insinuate that the problems reside with the owner rather than the vehicle. If you're 5'7", weigh 135, and your back is in good condition, the car is wonderful. The closer you get to the 5"11", 185lb+ average American male, the more these quirks will be apparent.

As I stated before, I think the car is good looking and runs well. I didn't mention the TPMS system light that never turned off, or the Check Engine light that's still glowing on the instrument panel, or the two rear wheels (not tires) that had to be changed out, or the touch control panel that went dead within the first 300 miles. So, unless I got the only lemon that rolled off the assembly line, these cars are quirky. Did someone say that the Bimmer boys had no complaints with their rides...............?

[adren77]

I do think it's retarded that Infiniti is the only car that has ever come close to designing a formidable 3-series competitor, and yet can't seem to figure out how to install normal seats.

14-way adjustable power seats, and still people complain about back problems and how uncomfortable they are.

[NoPainNoGlory]

The manual case obviously goes in the trunk. That's why there's velcro on the back of it.

It also fits quite nicely against the back 'wall' of the rear seat floorboard (behind your feet and on edge with the velcro holding it against the back wall beneath the seat bottom). This makes it easy to access from the front seat..just reach back and there it is.

[NoPainNoGlory]

......If someone has a problem with head room, or tight seats, or head light sensitivity switches that don't work, let's post away. Let's not, however, insinuate that the problems reside with the owner rather than the vehicle. If you're 5'7", weigh 135, and your back is in good condition, the car is wonderful. The closer you get to the 5"11", 185lb+ average American male, the more these quirks will be apparent.....

I gotta say....I'm 5'10", about 270 (yes, I've got the gut and butt match the weight!), but I still love my G like I never thought I would. The firm bottom seat bolsters get a little confining on my thighs sometimes, but that's my problem, not the cars. Maybe that's just the incentive I need to lay off the burgers and chocolate!

[RedG37SNC]

Maybe that's just the incentive I need to lay off the burgers and chocolate!

Lol, same boat man, the G is my weight loss inspiration. Also for those with limited head room recline the seat a bit, it helps.. Go for that F16 seat look. It also helps maintain the blood in your head during acceloration.

[dseag2]

Don't take it so personal, dseag2. If the guys at the BMW site aren't posting a bunch of quirky things about their new rides, maybe they don't have as many as we do. Infiniti is a world class auto maker, and as such, should construct the vehicle to fit the targeted consumer. Limited head room for an average size American driver, in a vehicle designed for the American market, is not a shortcoming to be brushed off lightly.

I did test drive my G37 Coupe for about 20 minutes. I bought the car although I knew the head room was tight. What I didn't know was that the seats would become uncomfortable after 30 or 40 minutes.

This thread was intended to allow an exchange of thoughts on the quirky things about our G37s. If someone has a problem with head room, or tight seats, or head light sensitivity switches that don't work, let's post away. Let's not, however, insinuate that the problems reside with the owner rather than the vehicle. If you're 5'7", weigh 135, and your back is in good condition, the car is wonderful. The closer you get to the 5"11", 185lb+ average American male, the more these quirks will be apparent.

As I stated before, I think the car is good looking and runs well. I didn't mention the TPMS system light that never turned off, or the Check Engine light that's still glowing on the instrument panel, or the two rear wheels (not tires) that had to be changed out, or the touch control panel that went dead within the first 300 miles. So, unless I got the only lemon that rolled off the assembly line, these cars are quirky. Did someone say that the Bimmer boys had no complaints with their rides...............?

Not taking it personally. Just don't understand how the Bimmer boys can endure fuel pump failures, I-Pod glitches, "fluttering noises" in their convertibles, etc. and still heartily endorse the car and say that is just the price you pay for owning such an incredible machine. Ask them how the reliablity is, and they'll tell you that's what warranties are for. Every post ends with "every time I get in this car it makes me smile".

Here, where everyone paid $10k less for their G37s, it's a bitchfest about minor annoyances. I'll take it that you're the exception since you've had actual issues with your car that required service. I hope the dealership gets that sorted out for you.

I guess BMW really has created brand loyalty. Infiniti... not so much.

[parrot]

Well, I hear you dseag2. I'm not trying to be a jerk or pick a fight with you but these annoyances are real. Most of them could have been avoided with a little more insight at the corporate level.

The Bimmer bunch are basically like the Porche guys, they wouldn't say s**t if they had a mouth full. They have been around a lot longer than the Infiniti crowd and the loyalties are there. Throw enough money and time at any car and you will eventually love it. Look at the Corvette crowd- fiercely loyal to a brand that really wasn't much until the last decade (I owned 2 older Corvettes). Even today, GM is unable to put a rear end in a Corvette that doesn't rattle, groan, and grab (unless the 2008 models are fixed). Maybe Infiniti will listen to the owners and fix the problems in the next model year or two.

[TESLAASTRO]

i personally dont know anyone under 50 who actually bought a 'vette bew

[Dodgeyaussie]

I got into the backseat the other day to clean the rear glass and I was appalled at the lack of space for a passenger. The sales lady rode in the back when I test drove the car and she looked comfortable but she was only about 5'6''. Anyone much taller than that will get the hair rubbed off their head. I like the keyless entry a lot but can't figure out why the doors were designed to be locked with the FOB. You would think that the doors would lock automatically once the Intelligent Key moves out of range.

And, the lack of self cancelling turn signals or chimes to alert that the turn signals have been on for 10 miles is silly.

WTH? Of course it has self cancelling turn signals? Every car since the sixties has had them...

You don't need to use the FOB to lock the car at all, press the button on the door handle after closing the door and it locks

[parrot]

Oops, you caught me. I shouldn't have said "self cancelling turn signals". What I meant to imply was a lack of a warning system to notify the driver that the turn signals have been blinking for a long time. It's just annoying to go down the freeway for ten miles with the turn signal flashing .

I'm aware of the door locking system but it would be nice to just close the door, walk away, and have the door lock automatically when the smart key moves out of range. Shouldn't be too much to ask from a sophisticated system such as ours. Additionally, I would like to have the option for the drivers door to automatically unlock when it senses the approach of the smart key, rather than unlocking the door with the door handle.

[TESLAASTRO]

you have to open the door to get in the car anyway, so in one motion you can press the unlock button on the door handle and open the door...

[RedG37SNC]

I agree with Aussie on this. At first I was thinking it didn't automatically do that because you'd find yourself locked out, but really that's impossible with the fob now isn't it. I mean, this really happend when you left the key in the car. if the fobs in the car you could still open the doors so there is really no reason for it to not auto lock after the fobs out of distance.. Ideally it should be an settable feature, ie auto lock on/off.

Auto open would be a different problem, that would presume a reciever is always running to detect the fob, after long parks..ie airport that could drain a battery. The current system is best.

[08G37S]

I don't want auto-locking because I like to leave my car unlocked in my garage so I can get stuff out of it without going upstairs to find the keys. They should do like BMW and Porsche do and allow you to program an auto-lock feature like you want it.

That was one of the coolest things about my BMW, the ability to program all of the little things to your taste like daytime running lamps, auto-lock, how many doors unlock when you touch the handle or push the button on the fob, whether the seats and mirrors auto-adjusted when you unlocked the door or when you started the car or not at all, whether the blinker gave the three blinks when you bump the turn signal or not, etc.

[santiagodraco]

I think if you look hard enough you'll find plenty of BMW owners who complain about their own issues as well. It's all relative. I also think, from what I've read, especially the issues that "really" matter (like reliability, "bugs" and the like) that Beemers are much more problematic.

In any case the beemer has quite a bit more history and time to refine... that said I don't think anyone in his right mind can say that the 37 doesn't far exceed expectations. And of course that's relative as well. This is my first "upscale" car (although I've owned nice cars like a Mustang Cobra, King Ranch and an SVT focus), and well, my god... it's like getting transported to another world all together when I get behind the wheel. It's pure rush, adrenaline, ego boost, etc, all rolled into one.

The quirks will always bother you, probably more so in this car for one simple reason, they did such an amazing job on EVERYTHING that these few quirks stand out. When you have something close to perfection the little quirks are all the more evident.

Anyway, I'm just completely thrilled to be driving this car. Little things like the addition of the forward/backward switch on the passenger inside seat back (so the driver can move the seat) shows real thought on how people drive. I like to rest my arm on the passenger seat when I drive, and after someone get's out of the car the seats always back to far... with that switch I don't have to manhandle the seat or reach waaaay over to move it... how cool is that?

I simply love this car. Would I rather have a 335i? Maybe, if it was 8 grand less (with all the options like I have in my 37), didn't have oil overheating issues, computer glitches and didn't have such a high overall cost of ownership.

The 37 just kicks *** plain and simple!

[Kazsmir]

I've only got two complaints so far...

#1, my exhaust rattles when its first started in the morning... =/ Hopefully an easy fix.. as soon as the RPMs settle once warmed up, the rattle goes away...

#2, I've noticed the car has actually accelerated on me during high speed, high G corners... I've taken a 30mph on ramp at 70mph (perfectly safe) and downshifted to 3rd, and after initial turn in, the car actually started to accelerate while I had my foot OFF the gas... was just in gear, decelerating, turning the wheel and it sped up a little... made me push the brake. It also does this on a corner just up the street from my house. Its got a slit dip then curves hard to the right and heads up hill... I can repeat it everytime I take the corner now... I'll be doing 40mph, downshift into 2nd, and take the corner, and it starts to accelerate... I'm fairly certain its the VDC or something attempting to compensate for high G cornering, but its a little unsettling the first time it happens... my 03 Track Z never did anything like this... nor does my wife's '07 G35S...

Thoughts?

I'll probably have the rattle checked out when it goes in for its first oil change (she just turned 3600 miles btw).

[alaskajen]

By true fog lights are you talking about lights that can be turned on without turning on the regular headlights. 'Cause that's one thing ... But if you're talking about functionality, mine do what they're supposed to in fog. They don't just change the color ...

[joe603]

Just picked up my 2008 G37 Journey/Premium Package/Navigation/5-speed AT (a compromise for the wife who can't drive stick) last week. Got the Amethyst Graphite. It replaced my 2004 Acura TL.

Overall, the G37 is simply the best car I've ever had. From technology, to the engine and sporty throttle blips during down****s, and incredible-looking wheels, it's almost the TOTAL package. Oh, and I just LOVE the push-button start and intelligent key system.

But there are a few quirky things that I think people should know about. What can I say --I'm a detail guy:

1. The fog lights are not TRUE fog lights. They are lame dim lights that are integrated with the headlights. I'm not sure of INFINITI's rationale for this, especially when there is clearly ample room for true fog/driving lights in the corners of the front air dam area.

2. There is no FOG LIGHTS-ON indicator in the gauge cluster. Unless you manage to discern between the headlights and fog lights, you have no way of knowing they're on unless you look closely at the position of the fog light ring-switch on the turn signal stalk.

3. While the car does have rearview camera (comes with navigation package), I'd like the side view mirrors to also tilt downward automatically when the transmission is switched into reverse. This would assist with parallel parking. I know I can adjust them downward manually, but that's a pain for a car in this class/price range.

4. The trunk is EXTREMELY shallow.

5. Adjusting the timer delay of the auto-off headlight feature applies only when using the AUTO-HEADLIGHTS mode (on at night, off during daytime) . For those of us who prefer to leave our headlights on all the time (for the safety of day-time running lamps), the vehicle automatically turns off manual-mode headlights after 5 minutes (which is an eternity). I can either deal with this, or inconveniently turn the headlights on and off manually each time I drive. Again, kind of annoying for a vehicle in this class/price range.

6. Either the glove box is too small, or the owner's manual case is too big. Either way, the manual case does not fit into the glove box.

7. While it doesn't bother me so much (because I listen mostly to XM Satellite and digital music stored on my iPod or the G37's hard-drive Music Box), some people may be disappointed that the 6-disc changer becomes a single-disc player when you opt for the navigation/hard-drive Music Box system.

8. I've yet to find a way to get the XM Satellite radio display to default to station name, artist name, song title. It seems to default to channel name and station number. I have to hit the "TEXT" button to change the display manually to this mode each time I change the source to XM.

9. The power moonroof switch is deeply recessed, which makes it slightly more difficult to activate quickly.

Don't get me wrong.. I LOVE this car. The fact that the navigation screen will play video from a portable DVD player or video-capable iPod (through separately-purchased AV cable, as opposed to the iPod connector that comes with the vehicle) is especially cool. Note that the vehicle must be in PARK with the parking brake set. It's also cool that the iPod menus display on the navigation screen when the iPod is connected AND can be controlled through the car's audio controls. Yep, no more fiddling around with the iPod's buttons while driving.

Also, with the 330hp, sporty handling and rear-drive, and throaty bass notes that eminate from the engine/exhaust, I almost forget all of the aforementioned quirks. In a word, this car is pure, unadulterated, 100 percent "SEX."

Check out this website for tilting mirrors: http://www.kptechnologies.com/

[hyekid10]

I agree about entry/exit tilt wheel.

Also needs a trunk pull-down.

there is a pull down, if u open the trunk, on the right side there is a place to slide ur fingers to pull it down.. i noticed when i got picky as u did, cuz i hate finger prints on my car.. then i looked around and saw it..

[330badboyg37]

I think that the 19`s should come standard on all models, Theres just too many damn options w this car. whos with me on that