Quirky Things About the 2008 G37 -- Who Agrees?

[turbov5]

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."

[carman63]

Interesting points. I'd like to touch on a few:

2. Agreed. Would like to see one, but this doesn't bother me.3. My Audi had the mirror-tilt feature, for the passenger mirror only. No backup camera though. I wondeer if for some reason these 2 options are mutually exclusive. (i.e., you can have one or the other, not both)4. It sure is, but I knew that when I bought it and decided I could live with it.5. Sounds like you're a candidate for DRL. Not sure if there's a way to program them or not. Personally, I don't find the need to turn on/off my headlights manually an 'inconvenience'. Force of habit, I guess.6. My owner's manual case has velcro on it, and resides in the trunk.7. Pretty standard for nav system-equipped cars. You gain a nav, you lose an in-dash 6-CD changer. Infiniti isn't the only one that does this.8. I keep mine in the 'status' display, so I get the items you described all the time.

[turbov5]

Excellent feedback! Thanks. I appreciate it.

[marsb007]

1. and 2. Agreed. Although I dont really care too much about the fact they're integrated, I care to know when they're on. There is no light on the dash to tell you so. Speaking of... there's no light on the dash to tell you the headlights are one either...

3. This was an oversight on their part. I already managed to scrape my rim a little because I didn't have the tilt down feature. There are cars that have both... so they're not mutually exclusive.

4. Yes, but I dont have all that much stuff I carry, so it's not a really big deal.

5. I dont really care either way...

6. Glove box is small, and the center console is smaller... if my SC430 had more room, i'm sure this car can have it too...

7. Dont really care. I'm glad I have a IPod Interface and XM. A choice between XM and Sirius would be better though... If I go somewhere it would be nice to listen to football games on Sirius (Hope the merger goes through!!!).

8. Completely agree... I hate that when you have it in NAV mode, at the bottom of the screen you get the channel/preset #. It would be better to get the Preset and RDS info. BTW... I have tried the status screen, and I feel like i'm missing something when I drive (I've been used to looking at the nav screen of my Lexus)

9. Not a big issue.

Add-On issues:

10. No entry/exit tilt of steering wheel.

11. No automatic door lock when you put the car in gear/go past 5 mph... whatever... something...

12. Bose audio system leaves something to be desired... like clean highs, and mids.

Everyone, please understand that I share the same opinion of the overall car as the other guy. I simply love it! These are minor annoyances which I can live with... but since this forum is a great way to vent about stuff like that... they come out. I would not change my mind to not get the car because of any of these issues...

[dmkozak]

Sounds like you're a candidate for DRL.

Since DRL's are required in Canada, there might be a way to get them by a simple re-programming.

[mkaresh]

12. Bose audio system leaves something to be desired... like clean highs, and mids.

No highs, no lows, must be Bose?

[smark]

I agree about entry/exit tilt wheel.

Also needs a trunk pull-down.

[smark]

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.

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.

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

[smark]

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.

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.

Press or say "Status."

[torbach1]

Re: 10. - this is an option in the G35 sedan - possibly part of the premium package, but I'm not certain. Anyway, it has to be enabled though in settings for it to work, so it's worth checking your settings to see if it isn't there by chance...

Tamir

[smark]

Re: 10. - this is an option in the G35 sedan - possibly part of the premium package, but I'm not certain. Anyway, it has to be enabled though in settings for it to work, so it's worth checking your settings to see if it isn't there by chance...

Tamir

I drive my other car to work, so when I get home tonight I will try it in the G37. I just spoke to my Infiniti salesman and he said it has it. Update - The dealer just installed my plates. We checked on this and concluded that it's a sedan feature only.

Update - I was not able to make it work. I think it's only a sedan feature.

Modified by smark at 7:20 PM 10/8/2007

Modified by smark at 9:10 AM 10/12/2007
Modified by smark at 9:12 AM 10/12/2007

[turbov5]

I drive my other car to work, so when I get home tonight I will try it in the G37. I just spoke to my Infiniti salesman and he said it has it.

Update - I was not able to make it work. I think it's sedan feature.

Modified by smark at 7:20 PM 10/8/2007

Yes, the auto tilt wheel/seat exit feature is only on the G35 sedan, not the G37. As I've heard it explained, the driver's seat exit function would interfere with the back seat passenger's ability to easily exit the coupe. However, I don't understand why they couldn't still make this feature apply only to the steering wheel exit function (not the seat portion of the program).

[GDrift]

thats so stupid why in the world would they only limit that to the G35 Sedan??? Maybe they will come to their senses in future models

[onusigep]

Here's another annoyance. My '03 G35 stereo used to display the station name and track name on the display for certain radio stations in the area.

I think they were constantly changing their station name to the song, but it was cool. The Nav system doesn't pick this up.

This is the same kind of annoyance with listing the channel preset instead of the channel name or frequency on the Nav screen.

[jamesblonde82]

my grandpa's hyundai's mirrors tilt in reverse.....and it's an 02' wtf nissan???

[smark]

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.

What is a "TRUE fog light?" On the G37, the fog light only acts to change the apparent color of the head light beam, and thus possibly reduce reflection back to the driver. Personally, I think fog lights are practically useless, especially when considering that most people don't drive in the fog (at night) very often.

[smark]

Here's another annoyance. My '03 G35 stereo used to display the station name and track name on the display for certain radio stations in the area.

I think they were constantly changing their station name to the song, but it was cool. The Nav system doesn't pick this up.

This is the same kind of annoyance with listing the channel preset instead of the channel name or frequency on the Nav screen.

Yes it does. The G37 Premium package Bose system includes RDS. The audio system is not part of the "Nav system."
Modified by smark at 12:03 PM 10/19/2007

[beestea]

4, was the first thing that really shocked me about the car... but thats ok because I didn't buy it to be super practical.

with regard to the non tilting mirrors.... If you have the Nav package the back up camera can be used almost as easily as the tilt down side mirror.

The width of the lines it draws is the same width as your car. So just make sure the lines aren't super close to a curb, and that the moving lines are parallel with the static lines (i.e. you aren't turning your wheel) and you can really use these to do a perfect parking job.

I too wish the info display when listening to mp3's or sat radio was more efficient. There is a way to get to whatever you want... but some of the status screens could do a more efficient job of using the space available to show the useful info (station name, artist, album, track)

Here's hoping that maybe they will give us a software update down the road that makes the interface a little better

[zerep_yaj]

Does anyone have any information on how to bypass the parking brake system in order to play music videos on my iPod while driving. I understand its a safety measure (i guess) but, it would be nice for the wife to watch something as I enjoy the drive...Any help????

[pilot143]

I know its not a SOLUTION, but it would work... what about programing Driver 2's seat memory to be your tilt down parking mirrors? just leave everything else where it is (seat pos etc) and program the mirrors down where you need them... press of a button and done... press the other one, and off you go.

[TurboKC]

No wonder they call you pilot - great work around - I am doing this today! Thanks!

[TurboKC]

I would gladly give up the 6-CD changer component in exchange for a CD/DVD player slot so we could listen to one CD of music or play a movie on the same drive - external DVDs are on the endangered list!

[jamesblonde82]

I know its not a SOLUTION, but it would work... what about programing Driver 2's seat memory to be your tilt down parking mirrors? just leave everything else where it is (seat pos etc) and program the mirrors down where you need them... press of a button and done... press the other one, and off you go.

i don't know how the G37 is, but usually you have to be in park to use the mem buttons. that would be annoying to have to shift into park every time. im not rattin on the G37 but that would be a simple thing they could have added. hell, i love the G37

[h4tch]

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.

I am taking delivery of my G37 Coupe with auto transmission tommorow and have a question. How can I disable the safety switch so that the vehicle does not need to be in Park with parking break set to play video? Thanks to anyone with insight in advance.

[Mr spock]

Someone posted a hack for this a few months ago for the sedan. You will need to search for it. Might void your warranty, so be careful.

[Mr spock]

Here are my quirky/annoyance issue with my new G37. Absolutely love the car otherwise.

1) The hardrive space available to music is a punny 9.2GB or so. Too little to store much music unless you use high compression (poor sound quality).

2) You can NOT copy music from the compact flash port to the hard drive. WTF?! You must burn it from the CD directly, and even then the max bit rate is 196kbps. Stupid software limitation.

3) I like the compact flash for music. I prefer it for playing my music and can use a high data rate for high sound quality. The problem is that they are using 8 bit file addressing: the maximum number of songs/files is only 256! I would like to buy 8GB CF cards to store many CDs of music, but this 256 song limitation is usually hit with 2GB for 128kbps data rates or 4GB for 256 kbps data rates (my preference). Stupid software limitation.

[wheelman322]

I'm really surprised about the mirrors not tilting in reverse. I'm currently driving an 07 M45 and it not only has the passenger tilt down option but I can move the selector switch to change the tilt down to the driver side. As far as the stereo sound....I can fully relate. The first night I took the M home I complained about the stereo all night. Try tweaking it to your taste....(it will take a couple days of fiddling) but it will sound better. Still it's not as good as the stereo in my 08 Denali or the one in my 03 E500 that I traded in on the M.

[chasemyaccord]

What is a "TRUE fog light?" On the G37, the fog light only acts to change the apparent color of the head light beam, and thus possibly reduce reflection back to the driver. Personally, I think fog lights are practically useless, especially when considering that most people don't drive in the fog (at night) very often.

Agreed, especially since the ones we have are more like daytime running lights.

[SirLoin]

I agree on a lot of the comments here myself. Here are a couple of quirks that I noticed.

When turning up the heat, or down to cool, on the climate control they designed the knob to turn in the wrong direction, Heat Down? Cool Up?The higher the number the hotter, the lower the number the cooler isn't that true for temperature gauges even in Japan?

It would be nice to have the capability of looking at the map and the audio info at the same time on the status screen, why not?

Good posts.

[08G37S]

No one mentioned the fact that your head rests against the ceiling all the time? How can that not annoy you guys? I'm not even that tall (5'10"). Why won't the seat go down further? What do you do if you're 6' tall?

Oh, and the CF card is limited to 256 songs? That means I just wasted money on the 8GB CF card I just ordered. Damnit!!