Problems with 2005 G35x, please help

[Kal525]

I bought my 2005 G35x last March and had no problems with it for about 3 or 4 months. The first thing that I started hearing are rattles. I've fixed many of these rattles to date, but there are now more serious problems I'm noticing. Below I'm outlining resolved and unresolved problems in hopes that they will help people out. I could really use some help on the unresolved problems because my dealer is kind of hard to work with if i can't point out exactly what is wrong... and as I'm sure you all know, duplication of a problem is often the biggest problem.

Resolved Issues:

-Squeaking from top of rear passenger windows
Took two trips to the dealer to fix. They said it had to do with loose bolts in the door frame which they replaced with better bolts. The TSB I have says something else, but the dealer went on a tirade about how bad the internet is when i showed it to him... whatever the case, the problem is gone for now.

-Driverside window clicks when down and when I go over a bump... sounds like the window hasn't gone all the way down and keeps clinking its way down until it's all the way down.
They said the problem didn't exist even though they heard it, but they fixed it anyway. Again they said it was a problem with lose bolts.

Unresolved Issues:

-This is the big one. I am now noticing rattles coming from underneath my car. If i take a turn fast or go over a bump that makes the car sway left and right i hear something that sounds like a ding. I have no clue what is causing this but I hope it is nothing serious.

-The right side speakers of my bose radio crap out... This has only happened 3 times. What happens is that when I'm listening to music at moderate to high volume, the right speakers squeal and then die. A few seconds later the sound comes back. Changing the station while the speakers are dead also brings them back to life.

-Bose radio shuts off and won't turn on until I restart the car. This one has me stumped, but has only happened about 3-5 times and at high volumes. I noticed that a few of the times when it happened I was controlling the presets with the steering wheel and the volume with the dial on the radio. This multasking might have been the cause, but it will require further testing.

-More rattles! This one comes from inside the car and sounds like its coming from the right side of the car, maybe a vent or close to the sunroof. I cant tell from where exactly because it is not very loud and I can only notice it when it is completely quiet in the car. If I turn up music that has lots of bass I can usually replicate it.

-Scratching sound on startup. I've read about this one and supposedly it's not a problem according to one persons dealer experience on these forums. Occasionally 1-3 seconds after startup, usually when the car has been off for a few hours and it is cold outside, a loud rattling noise will persist for 1 second before going away. It sounds like the engine is being dragged across concrete and I'm reluctant to believe that this is not harmful to the car.


I've been trying to keep a clear head through all of this and even dismissed the rattling problems becasue they seemed to fix many of them; however, at this point my patience is being severely tested. I have half a mind to sell the car and get a used S4 instead. If these problems are a precurser to what I'm going to see as I put more miles on this car, I'm screwed.

I'd appreciate any suggestions you guys have, especially about the rattling under the car. Radio and build quality problems are one thing, mechanical problems are a different story alltogether.

And just out of curiosity... what do you think about trading in this car for a used S4? I have roughly 9K miles on the G35 and it is in MINT condition other than the problems I described above, waxed roughly every two weeks even though the paint is complete crap. How much do used Gs usually go for and do you think I would have less problems with an S4? Thanks.

[MikeG356MT]

Take this lemon (sorry) to your dealer and go over these problems like you did here with a fine tooth comb. I am sure you will get satisfaction especially if you speak directly to the Service or General Managers. Good luck. Also, Smoke (or someone else here) may be able to get you the link to the service bulletins which may be of use to you.

[david a]

An S4 is Made in Germany so it's a better quality car but it's a heavy car with a V8(good gaz mileage?).

[dude009]

Sorry to hear about your problems.

Here's the 2005 G service bulletins:
http://www.infinitihelp.com/Infiniti...G35/2005/1.htm

These TSB's come straight from Infiniti headquarters. Don't let your dealer BS you otherwise. Find out the general and regional managers and the dealer's owner names, and contact them directly if the dumbass service guy gets you nowhere.

[Mr.2U]

don't know if made in Germany is any better,
could talk for hours about my ML Mercedes,
never mind, i just remembered it was made in Alabama !!

[Lrpba300]

Sorry your having problems. My g35x is great, no rattles. I know that when I had small issues, (all taken care of now) I went to my saleman & said the service man was basicly an idiot, he got things taken care of through the service manager. Just an idea for you to try.

[MikeG356MT]

Dude009 is right on target, do what he says! Hope things get better and good luck to you!

[da mayor]

i just hope everything works out ... if not just try another dealer

[Neal376]

OK!!!
So I printed out ALL of the service bullitans that apply to my car.

Drivers Seat Noise + Roll
Rattle, Buzz, Tick Drivers Door
Rear Window Rattle
Rattle Shift Finisher
Dash Air Vents Rattle
and
Clock Finisher

Should I just storm into Atlantic Infiniti with the print outs and get the car serviced? or should I go straight to Massepequa Infiniti and get a guarented good job?

[da mayor]

come by and see me i'll try to help you out or make an appointment to get all the stuff fixed through warranty

516-797-2020 ask for steve just tell him that you spoke with me about the problem and he'll give you the best advice. i'm here to help you out. even if you need a loaner car for the problem i'll bring it to you in valley stream to make you happy. i usually only do it for my customers but hey if this car is a lemon then i'll take care of you

[MikeG356MT]

You are a very nice gentleman Kenny! You deserve true respect and you reflect the empathy and ethic that my dealer at Infiniti of Scottsdale has as well. Thank you.

[Neal376]

lol,
Kal525 started this thread, he owns what we were calling a"lemon" but I have all the same problems he has. I printed out all the service bulitins and called up atlantic and schedualed an appointment for this tuesday. However, I dont trust Atlantic. I live down the street from Atlantic, so its about a 20 minute drive down sunrise to Massepequa. Its just a matter of convienience that I go to Atlantic. I have been to BMW, Lexus, MB, and a few mazda dealerships....I have been treated better at the Mazda dealerships than I have at Atlantic infiniti. Massepequa Infiniti is def. the best on Long Island... actually better than many of the german auto dealerships as well.

Do you suggest I get the service done at Atlantic? or would you think its best to take the hike down to Massepequa? I dont really need a loaner, just a ride home, I still have a spare M45 to use !

oh and I need to switch to synthetic! is that possible?

[MikeG356MT]

I would go to the better dealership of course, that is a no-brainer. Ask for a loaner if you need it, my dealer gives me one for free, in fact I had an electrical problem that took a week to fix and they gave me the loaner for a whole week! No charge! AND Yes switch to Mobil 1. I have had it in my car since day 1 and the oil when I change it comes out almost as clear as when it went in. They also have Mobil 1 oil filters. You can get a 5 qt jug of the oil at Wal Mart or Target cheap, take it to your service person and your bill will be halved (at least it was with mine). The filter you may need to go to a parts store for like Checker or NAPA. Good luck!

[Neal376]

just got my the G back a few hours ago. No rattles and the car is running very smooth.

But like any responsible G35 owner, I redlined the vehicle to see how it runs with the new synth oil. Runs very smooth now - not sure if its placebo or not. I dont know if that smell is burned rubber or synth oil