need help deciding 2005 G35 coupe or 2002 used BMW 540i--any advice would be great!

[spdn4cr]

Hi all,

I'm in the process of getting a new car. i currently have 2 cars, an Infiniti G35 sedan (4 door) and honda prelude. I'm planning on selling the prelude and getting a new car. My wife currently drives the G35. I have 2 choices that I've been looking at for my new car:

1) the 2005 G35 coupe

2) a BMW 540i (2002)

The BMW is owned by my friend who is selling it for a decent price. He's kept it in great condition and doesn't have any kids so there is little wear and tear other than normal driving. He does have about 39,000 miles on it though but it has chrome rims and the sports package. All of my friends are split on my decision so I thought people from the auto world would would be a better judge. Both seem like great cars and both have their advantages and disadvantages. For the most part it will cost me a few thousand more for the used BMW...but it is a nice looking car.

Anyone have any thoughts? Thanks!

Darrell

[kman10587]

I'd definitely take the G35. I'm a fan of Japanese imports, and the G35 is one of the best you can get in the near-luxury segment.

[freakonaleash1187]

that is a hard choice, depends on what you want. you want a full out luxury car, get the bmw, if you don't mide trading some luxury for some sportiness, get the g35. personally, i would take the g35.

[DinanM3_S2]

I'd argue that the 540i is just as "sporty" as the G35... 290hp and 324lb/ft and a 0-60 time of about 6.0 is pretty good for a sedan in my book, and it about matches the times i've seen for a stock G35. The BMW's engine is 10 hp stronger and 54lb/ft stronger then the Infiniti. As for handling, nothing beats BMW in this price range. Most reviews for the G35 say that it "almost handles like a BMW, but not quite," and from my experience driving the G35, i'd have to agree. If it were a 530i, I might say go with the G35, based on performance alone, but the 540i is just a great all around car. Great blend of luxury and performance. Other advantages of the BMW include a much larger interior, and much better looks IMO. Besides, you already have a G35 in the family, why not mix it up, having 2 similar cars get boring.

Another car you might want to look into is a BMW 330Ci. Their not as powerful, but they still get the same acceleration #'s and handle better then the G35.

[genjy]

The 540i is the complete package: power, handling, prestige, luxury, quality material, and comfort. Also, most BMWs age very well; that is, a decade or so from now, that 540i should still project that respectable and classy image.

[spdn4cr]

Thanks for the help guys. I'm still having a tough time with 2 of you saying G35 and 2 of you saying the beemer...hehe.

I'm leaning towards the G35 only because the Bimmer is used (although in good condition) and I wouldn't get the same warranty as a new car....but, like one of you said...the BMW has great power and handling and it is a BMW which in itself is a positive....ugh....decisions, decisions thanks again for the help guys...if anyone else has an opinion please let me know!

thanks!

[del]

if the bmw wasn't used, i'd probably vote for it. but bmw's can have iffy reliability. so that's why my vote goes for the G35. it's newer, decent power, looks good, and may cost you less in the long run than owning the bmw. parts and maintenance on german cars are a bitch.

[3000ways]

I have to say the G35 Coupe is the best choice. While I think the BMW 540I is a worthy choice also, I'd rather go with the newer G35 Coupe, and for the year 2005 all new 6MT G35 Coupes are suppose to get a power boost to 295-298HP and have imporved sportier suspension (G35 Sedans get a power boost to 277HP). To me the G35 Coupe has a fresh and elegant style to it, I've seen so many in Southern California and yet it still looks good everytime I see one. While the BMW 540I is also an attractive vehicle, to me it doesn't stand out as much as the G35 and I hate to say it, but the 5 Series little brother the the 3 Series are more attractive cars (pre-2004). The interiors of the BMW is to most the better choice, but I found the G35 Coupe interior to be very nice and easy to live with, infact I would rate it higher than a Lexus IS300, but just under the 540I. With the G35 Coupe you will get something the 540I cannot offer, and that's a new car smell and the knowledge that every smudge and stain is yours and nobody's else. As far acceleration, depending upon if you get the new 6MT version, the G35 Coupe should be quicker, I believe the 280HP was a tad quicker, and now the 295-298HP version will be even more so. Don't know if your into this, but the VQ35 is really starting to come on strong in the aftermarket, a Greddy Twin-Turbo Kit is just about to be released and can push your G35 Coupe to just over 400 flywheel HP with just the Turbo Kit and no other modification. So my choice would be the 2005 G35 Coupe.

[clawhammer]

I saw that the BMW is better choice, simply because of value. In 2 years you'll get more for your BMW than a new car. They loose most of their value in the first two years, and it sounds like someone already took that big loss on the BMW. 39000 miles is almost new. Plus with the nice rims and Sport package, I think it will be better than the G35.

[TatII]

yup the 05 G35 coupe is gettin another 15 or so more hp. plus i think the G35 looks more pimp. and also i would not pay more for a used car then a brand new luxury car. and who cares if the bimmer gets better resale value. its still a infiniti and will still hold the value very well. its not a dodge or a mitsubishi guys.

[clawhammer]

Also, drive both of the cars, and see for yourself which one do you like better.