Which of these two fine automobiles would you pick?

02-03-04 BMW 330Ci 5spd

03-04 Infiniti G35 coupe 6spd

I'm in the process of picking between the two, and am having a hard time commiting.

 

paint chips says....

G35

 

B-M-W

 

G35

 

I vote for the G35 coupe. It's one of my favorites cars, besides the MINI.

 

G35, without a doubt

 

I was planning to try the M3 next.

 

Depends on the dealer or independent shop that would be around in times of need. Personally, I'd lean towards the BMW, but that's because I'm more comfortable in European machinery than I am in Japanese (must be my sensative caucasian *ss ). Both are fine vehicles, go with the one that feels right to you.

 

One question how tall are you? I'm 6'5" and drove a 330ci and I would never fit in it full time. My neck still hurts from driving that damn car. Well maybe it was the lack of service I got at the dealership that was worse. To me it's the G35 and I do love BMW products.

 

BMW all the way!

 

I cross-shopped the G35 and 330 before getting the MCSC. The G35 is the clear winner between the the two in my mind. Reasons:

1. The 3 series will be changing its body style VERY soon. Whenever they change the body style, the older body style looks so dated and boring. Ask yourself how attracted you are to buying one of the older style 3 series now, because thats how you might feel in a year or two towards your own car as you start seeing the new ones on the road.

2. G35 is quicker, and has a SWEET exhaust sound.

3. Alot less G35 on the road than 3 series.

4. You are getting a used car. Factor in repair costs. Advantage G35

 

My first reaction was the 330, but after some thought and the other posts here, I'd have to agree on the G35 coupe.

My wife drives an '04 325Ci and she likes it well enough. However, the doors on the coupe are really heavy and long, and the car is a ***** to get in and out of, especially for me (I am 6.3). The Ci also has the sport suspension. This car simply does not track like i'm used to in a BMW and it is annoying! Not sure if the 330 has the same problem. The dealer confirmed the tracking issue with the 325 sport suspension... They said that's the way they are. I feel burned on that.

I think there are two downsides to the G35. First, it does not feel as open as the BMW. It is more like the 350Z in that manner, although not bad. Second, and for some this is something they can't get past: Infiniti lacks heritage, therefore the emotional connection, which can make ownership more enjoyable, may be lacking. If those two things are not an issue for you, the G35 is a better car, period.

We boiled down the choice to the 3 series and the G35. WishI had chosen the latter this time around. In fact, since it is my wife's car and she let me choose, I wish I had bought her a Lexus RX330.

 

I think if you had the M3 that is BMW heritage... the other 3's you are just
paying extra for the badges imho.

 

I sold my 2001 330CI for my MCS, so that's a sign right there. The Bimmer was flawless, no doubt about it. It just lacked a little, ummm, personality in comparison to the MINI. Now, a good friend and a serious autonut bought a G35 coupe for his wife. I think it's a terriffic package for about 5 grand less than the BMW, comparably equipped. I think the G35 has a nicer sounding exhaust too. The real difference between the G35 and BMW isn't really apparent until you're pushing both cars close to their limits such as on a track. Then you'll notice that the BMW is the superior car. But, in everyday driving, they're very evenly matched. So you have to ask yourself what's your ultimate purpose for the car -- daily driver or weekend warrior. And the new 3 series is out, so you may get a better deal on the 04. However, the new 3 is still only available in a 4 door, so that may prolong the life expectancy of the current coupe.
I also think that Infiniti dealer service is better than BMW's, though of course, that varies by individual dealers. You should go lurk on a couple G35 forums and see what the owners ***** about it. That'll help you decide, I think. One more thing - the 3 series has the higher resale value and is likely to maintain that.

 

Actually the G35 coupe has THE highest resale value in its class. The MINI is the highest in its class. Check out the link below and click on photo gallery.


http://money.cnn.com/2004/08/23/pf/a..._resale_value/

 

If you are going to keep it out of warranty, the G35. If you are going to sell it before the warranty is up, the BMW.

 

Yeah, whatever. The point is... never mind. I think it was clear enough. :smile: