Unfortunately yes! I originally posted this up at E90post.com but I had to put it here at AZ as well (still the best car forum going)! I just tested both the 335i coupe and G37S today and wrote up a little comparison of the two. Enjoy!

BMW 335i vs. Infiniti G37S
By-Eric Ellis

To preface this article, let me state that I was only able to test the automatic versions of each car (which sucks because I want a 6MT) and my "test" of each was limited to about a typical 15 minute drive around the dealerships. I did some full throttle accelerating and got each car up to about 90mph. There were some on-ramps that provided a kind of "poor man's skidpad" but the drives in both cars were fairly sedate. These were my impressions of each.

Exterior design:
335i - 5/5
G37S - 4/5

Even though I just love the G37's exterior design, I must give credit where its due and the 335i is just gorgeous. The front is iconic with the dual kidneys and the "four eyes" headlights. I also love the short overhangs of the 3-series. The G37 is also very good looking (especially IRL) but it seems a little more "boy-racer" and immature compared to the elegance of the Bimmer. The biggest faux-pas IMO is the ridiculous chrome obelisk on the trunk. Truly hideous!

Interior design:
G37S - 10/10
335i - 6/10

On the inside there is no comparison really. The fit and finish, quality, materials, everything was just nicer and better made in the G. The dash material is soft to the touch, the leather is supple and smooth (with beautifully stitched seats), the nav screen and center console are much more modern looking and intuitive, and the lighted kickplates look very trick. The 335i interior is just terrible IMHO. It is dark and drab and very spartan looking. There is no warmth and some of the ergonomics are just plain bad (the power window switches come quickly to mind). Material quality is good, but the design is not. On the plus side, however, the Bimmer has much more room than the G which is odd considering the exterior dimensions of both cars.

Engine:
335i - 10/10
G37S - 9/10

This one was actually tough for me. Obviously the 335 has the awesome N54 which is just about the best turbo-engine ever made IMO. Loads of torque well down in the rev range and good power up top make this a very flexible motor. There is also that legendary Inline-6 smoothness that can't be ignored. On the other hand, Nissan's VQ is really quite good as well. There was plenty of torque down low I thought and it revved all the way to an indicated 8k rpm!!! On the road there is ample power everywhere and it is also pretty smooth, though not as smooth as the 335i. I gave the advantage to the BMW here because of the incredible low end grunt and the ease of performance mods down the road.

Handling and feel:
G37 - 5/5
335i - 4/5

To me the G was excellent in its handling characteristics. Bear in mind that I was allowed only a short test drive in both cars so my initial impressions may be a little skewed. Anyway, the steering is nicely weighted and the active steering was very natural to me. Feel was excellent as was the suspension setup. The G corners very flat and feels composed (if a little stiff) over rough pavement. I also liked the 335i's handling and steering very much but felt that it was a bit softer and not quite as aggressive. The steering felt mildly numb to me (so much for that "vaunted" BMW steering feel) in comparison to the G and was a little lighter. Basically both cars are very good here.

Exhaust note:
G37S - 5/5
335i - 5/5

This isn't really a usual category to test but I just love the exhaust sound of both of these cars so much I had to make it one. The G is throatier and more metallic while the 335i is a bit raspier and more high strung. Its a push here as both cars sound incredible (though you get more of that good sound in the cabin of the G than in the Bimmer which may or may not be your cup of tea).

Dimensions:
335i - 5/5
G37S - 2/5

Basically, there is little room in the G for anyone but the driver. The back seats were alarmingly cramped and the trunk is probably the smallest I have ever seen! At least it does have a fully folding rear seat. The 335i has ample space front and back and has a good size trunk so the winner here is obvious.

Features:
G37S - 10/10
335i - 7/10

Here is one area that was particularly important to me. The G has some very nifty features that put it well above the Bimmer IMO. Firstly, the nav/computer is 100% better than iDrive in every way. There are 3, yes 3, input options in the infiniti (rotary knob like the BMW, touch screen, and individual buttons for most functions). This makes navigating the menus a snap. iDrive, while not as bad as some magazines make it out to be, is still very unintuitive and slow comparitively. Another feature I loved about the G was the passenger seat button on the inside edge of the seat. This makes it very easy for the driver (or rear passenger) to move the passenger seat forward/backward. Every coupe with power seats should have this feature IMO. The Infiniti also has the backup camera with a nice little overlay that measures how far something is from the back and either side. THe BMW's PDC works well too, but I would like a camera as well. I also managed to pair my LG phone via bluetooth to the G in less than 30 seconds whereas it was a complete pain in the BMW.

Value:
G37S - 10/10
335i - 7/10

Obviously the G is far less expensive than the 335i and comes with features standard that are options in the BImmer (such as comfort access). In fact, I would rank the G37S as THE best value in the sporty luxury coupe segment. Period. The BMW is a very good car, and probably worth a premium over the Infiniti in snob-factor alone. But it is not $7-10k better IMO.

G37S with nav, premium package, lighted kickplates - $41,985 MSRP
335i with nav, premium package, heated seats, comfort access, sport package, iPod and satellite radio (standard in the G37S) - $49,320 MSRP

Total:

1st - Infiniti G37S - 55/60 - 92%
2nd - BMW 335i - 49/60 - 82%




These are obviously subjective ratings and are really only relevant to me, but I had fun writing it up. Feel free to agree/disagree!

 

Unusual writing format Eric, very internet friendly. I like the short synopses. The revelation in it was the interior comparison, as Nissan interiors have been lambasted for years for being cheapshht. Looks like Nissan has made sure the G37 beat the e90 in that category. I'm going to make it a point to drop by Roseville Automall to have a look-see myself tomorrow.

Excellent descriptions of exhaust notes as well.

-Mirror

 

Nice review. Pretty much all VQ-series engines sound delicious though.... still haven't gotten a chance to experience the 335i in 1st person or even in the passenger seat.

 

i would kinda agree with your write up. Where I strongly disagree w/ your comparison is interior quality/ fit and finish etc.

There are sooo many hard plastics in the g37 it is unbelievable. Only the dash is soft to touch. The center console, door plastic, esp at the bottoms is all hard plastic. It looks good...as long as you don't touch it you would never know. This was one of my big turn off points about the car. Quality of materials does not even come close.

The other disappointment was the engine, power delivery etc. This was the kicker with the g37. There was no power. AND the 335 gets way better gas mileage.

I wanted to buy the G37...it is better looking IMO. But the lack of space, the tactile feel of quality and complete lack of power added to the lack of pracitcality steered me towards the 335. I avoided the 335 like the plague. But after looking at everything, atleast for me, the car was the only one that seem to make sense.

Electronics...hands down g37. BMW is like 3 generations behind. That really bugs me!

My only fear is reliability. Only time will tell with that. But, so far so good. And comsumer reports loves it...so we'll see.

 

Good unbiaised review. You were objectiive and since you don't own any I suppose you were fair. Go with what fits you best

 

nicely written review...like mirror said very net friendly.

 

They could have done a better job with the G37, priced similarily, I would rather have a 335 (unless I got a SIGNIFICANT discount or rebate on the G37).

 

I'd have to whole heartedly agree here. I've also test driven both the 335i and the G37S (both in 6MT) and I was absolutely shocked by how little power came out of the VQ in the G37S. Even at WOT runs to 6-7k RPM (never redlined), it didn't feel like the engine was outputting anywhere near its printed specs. Very disappointing considering that it supposedly hits its max torque of 270 lbs-ft @ 5k. However, I'll bet alot of this has to do with the fact that the G37S is HEAVY @ 3700 lbs.

 

nice review

 

thanks.

 

I've been in both cars before (didn't drive them), and I must admit... I thought the interior of the 335i was quite nice... better than the G37

I also like how the 335i looks lowered already... IMO, need nothing done, aftermarket wise (suspensions, that is...)

 

Nice review. I always find it's a shame reviewers can't live with the cars a bit longer though. No offense to the G, but after 6 months the "quality" of the interior materials will become a lot more apparent.

 

Great review!

 

if it was my money i'd rock the 335 but that's just me.

 

Maybe I just prefer Japanese-style interiors to German ones. The G really did seem Acura-like on the inside (but with nicer quality leather seats) and that is saying alot! I swear the dash material is the exact same as on the TL! I know this may be hard for anyone who has been in the old G35 to believe, but the new car's interior is really first rate and I doubt it will age any worse than a TL or IS down the road.....

 

the G's interior layout and design is much better looking than the previous ones and its german counterparts, in my opinion.

but i understand what people are saying when it's knocked for feeling cheap.

 

Good review!

 

nice read, thanks.

 

I think that washi-paper trim is pretty bad. I had a G35 loaner and while it looks good, it feels really cheap (like thin plastic, which it is) when you touched it. There is no texture to it either, which would have probably made nicer.

 

^^^ how is it in the "M"?

 

That's not really what I meant. I prefer the design of the G's interior too; but it *does* age worse than a BMW interior. Actually, do do the TL and IS.

 

the M interior is nice!

the G37 dash is nice and feels substantial to touch. But go below eyeline and the story changes. They switch the plastic. The plastic down low is hard ass plastic that only looks nice.
I did prefer the layout. Looks like a cockpit!

 

I took a close look at the two today and came up with some impressions. The G37 interior is definitely light years ahead of the crappy Nissan interiors of the past. Excellent tactile feel to the buttons. The leather on the back of the automatic shifter paddles was a nice touch. Yet, look closely and you can see the hard plastics on the upper part of the console and definitely on the seat by the seat controls. Hard to know how all these will wear with time.

The BMW interior is simpler and doesn't carry as many different textures. I looked at a non-Nav 325i though. The hard plastic where the HVAC controls is cheap. The various buttons don't have quite the tactile feel of the G37's. Some of the plastics did seem of higher quality, others not so.

In the end, I give a slight nod to the Infiniti, although I like the BMW dash design better.

 

I don't really agree with that at all, honestly. My friend has a 2004 TL and it still smells new inside! Everything is just as it was 4 years ago (with some minor wear on the drivers seat bolster). Conversely, I have sat in several used E9x's at Carmax and the interiors were all in startlingly bad shape. To date, I have never been inside a BMW that didn't have interior trim pieces peeling. They also all tend to have the same smell: Kind of a moldy rubber smell. Anyway, these have just been my observations. I can't really say how the G37 will hold up because it is new but I would guess it will be very similar in durability to the 2004+ Acuras.....

 

the M's interior is in a separate class from the G's, obviously. I have the aluminum trim, and it actually has a texture to it.

 

That's not a very good comparison. It's all up to how well the car is taken care of. I had a '96 Civic EX and that car had the new car smell up until the day I gave it to my brother in '00. I have also sat in a "newer" used Civic (my buddy had a '00 or '01 SI...the coupe, not minivan one) that was less than 3 years old and it was already kinda raggedy since he didn't care for it much. My boss has a last gen 3-series (4-5 years old i think) and it is immaculate. So just seeing how well a car holds up in a used car lot doesn't tell you too much if you don't know the history or previous owner.

 

That may be, but if that is your argument (that interior quality depends on the owner history) then that kind of makes it a moot point which interior is going to hold up better in the long run, doesn't it?

 

It sort of does, and that's kinda my point. Unless you plan on actually testing the durability of an interior by keeping a car 7-10 years or longer, I think making any comparison on durability between such new cars is a moot point, especially between cars that are less than 7 years old because it mostly depends on how well it was taken care of. So i don't think any generalizations about "XXX's materials hold up better than YYY's" or whatever holds any water. Even if you do find that most of brand XXX's interiors hold up better than brandy YYY's over a 10 year period, how do you apply that to current generationsr? Manufacturers DO in fact change the materials selected in their designs, so a certain plastic in a '90 model car may look good after 15 years, but the plastic in the current generation of that same model may look like crap in 10 if they changed their supplier.

With that said, I think it's more important to focus on the quality of the materials rather than the durability, because that isn't something that can change by someone taking better care of it (ex. cheap plastic is going to feel like cheap plastic no matter how clean and conditioned you keep it). And if a buyer is willing to pony up the money for better materials, then more power to him.

 

Dang Eric, you mentioned that you never had to change brake pads under 100k miles?

How?!

Oh and forget e90post, those guys are annoying 90% of the time.

 

Lol, I dunno. I'm not a "purist" I guess!

 

Because he owned a car with 4-wheels drums.

 

Wrong approach. Consider resale value and it will only be a part of this figure. And to me 5% difference in cost is irrelevant. In addition to this, maintenance is included at BMW included pads & rotors for 4 yrs/50000 mile and this is awesome. I wouldn't mind dumping a few options if I was so cost sensitive.

The 335i is the real king here and is definitely more a car to love long term (3-5 yrs) than an Infiniti which will feels outdated within a few years, as usual.

 

Consider this: You are wrong.


How Much Is Your Car Worth?
Acura, Honda Pass BMW in Resale Value;
Pontiac Solstice Is Only Domestic Model in Top 10

http://online.wsj.com/public/article...f_main_tff_top

 

My '67 Camaro had 4 wheel drums. Stomp on the brake pedal and the thing would slew a foot and a half side to side.

 

Consider this: You have no clue or reading problems.

I said that a good part of the additional 6-9K$ will be recouped, NOT that BMW has a superior resale value than an Infiniti Coupe.

 

My bad.

 

I don't really see where you get that from? First, no on knows what the value of these cars will be in 5 years time. All you can do is look at 5 year examples right now. A quick perusal of Ebay, for instance, shows that the average buy it now price of a 2003 G35 is from $17k-$19k. The average price of a 2003 3-series fluctuates a little more but is still in about the same range. Granted, the buy it now prices of the cars on ebay is a crude way to gauge car value but it at least takes into account actual market conditions. Actually, if you look up both cars's trade-in value on Edmunds, the G35 is slightly higher ($15563) compared to a 330Ci ($15161). I expect the same sort of thing to happen with the current generation. The BMW is $6-9k more new, but in 5 years time it will actually be worth less than the Infiniti......

 

Naaah. In your wet dreams. Just Infiniti fanboys think it can think like this.

In real world, resale value is in % of initial value, depedning of packages and options. And BMW lease rates are often less than Infiniti. Try 36mo and you'll be shocked.

 

wow....this is prolly one of the best write-up/reviews i have ever seen

and i agree with most of ur points..if not all of them...which is why i bought the G

 

resale value of the G35 coupe is pretty good so i have no idea what u are talking about....and the G35 does not look outdated at all even tho its been out for 5yrs