Hey everyone.

Thanks in advance for taking a look at my post. To make it short, a few years back I decided to pick up a 335i over the G, but recently sold my BMW as I will be purchasing a new house soon.

I'm now looking around at used G37 sedans as I've always loved them, but I did have a few questions regarding the packages and what to look for when shopping around online. I did check out the 2012 site to get an idea of whats in each package (since I forgot), but I'm not sure if thats changed since 09-11.

I really would like a G37 sedan with the sport package, but I noticed there are not a lot of those even here in Southern CA that are reasonably priced. From what I can tell, all Sport sedan models have the S badge, the wheels that come with it, and tighter suspension.

Are non-sport owners happy with the handling and ride?

I could care less about Navigation, but I deff want the premium package as that comes with the better sound system, memory seats and memory steering wheel? And I believe all come with back-up camera?

I was looking at 09-10-11's. Is there any important differences that I should be aware of? The only thing I've noticed is that 09's have bright/colored gauges, but other than that I'm clueless. Is there a year where Navi went HDD based vs DVD based? Those kind of quirks I guess.

I remember in my 335i, just about every year they would make some small tqueaks that always made you want the bigger and better thing, but I guess thats the name of the game.

Thanks for the help. -Jeff

 

I believe starting in 2010 there were interior (upgraded materials) and exterior changes (seperate fogs). Other changes were USB, higher definition NAV screen and dvd based NAV, music box, etc. The NAV comes with the back-up camera.
Starting in 2011 at 6mt required the sport and premium package (basically loaded) while the 2010 did not require the NAV.

edit: Minor changes from 2009 to 2010. 2010 - 2013 are basically the same

 

Are you talking about the Journey S or the G37xS? There's quite a difference.
With xS it's mostly sporty accessories and no significant differences. The Journey S has sport suspension and brakes.

 

Yep, the biggies on the S pkg RWD are the bigger and much nicer looking Akebono brakes, the bigger (and kinda ugly) 18" wheels, the thigh bolstered seats, limited slip diff, shift paddles, aluminum pedals, a bit firmer suspension, and the cool red S on the tail.
The regular Journey is just fine as far as performance, (pretty much identical acceleration) and you can make them handle really well w/ upgraded sway bars, but adding big brakes later is about $1500. The regular brakes are quite good if you upgrade the rotors & pads. Be sure to try a sport first since some find the seats a tough fit.
This is a generalization but S models may have been driven a bit harder since it's the choice of "enthusiasts".

 

Pretty sure the "Premium Included" started in 2010, not '11. Then again, maybe that's only for the 6MT, and that's all I ever researched.

OP, most S-Sedans in 2009 came with the Premium Package. You can tell right away by looking at the dashboard and spotting the CF slot. The 2009 is your sweet-spot for minimum features, depreciation and value, yet still having the 3.7L engine.

Lastly, you didn't mention AWD. Be aware that with AWD, you do not get the sport suspension, BBK or sport steering. You need the RWD Sedan to get the worthy configuration; (MT or AT, doesn't matter.)

 

Wow, thanks for the info.

The brakes I did not know about, although I'm pretty sure that I would like to have them. I actually dislike all sedan wheels, I'm not sure why they didn't throw the sport coupe wheels on all S models. And shift paddles are probably a must, although I never used them on my 335. I heard that they are easy to add as Infiniti pre-wires them on all vehicles?

I don't know why I'm having such a hard time finding a sport sedan in white gray or silver, but maybe I just need to keep my eyes peeled or increase my budget slightly.

 

6MT S sedans are practically impossible to find used. It's been discussed a bunch on this forum before. When I was searching about a year and a half ago, I looked on autotrader and found maybe like 15-20 on any given day... for the entire country. Also at the price they were being offered at, it came out to about dead even for a new one (since I was able to use a USAA discount) so I just went ahead and got a new one. Used models are out there, just hard to find. When you do find the one you like, welcome to the family. The few, the proud, the 6MT sedans.

 

Well, sadly I'll be rockin the 7 speed auto. I actually tested one out back in 08, and I was pretty impressed by it. My 335 was my first auto, and it was pretty amazing as well. I wouldn't mind a 6 speed, but with my commute I'd prolly enjoy that 7 speed a lot more. I think they're both pretty equal speed wise for 0-60 & 1/4?

 

Allow me to brag just tiny bit... I just got a sports sedan used recently
I paid 25,000 for an '09 G37S with Nav and premium package and 24k miles, a full year left on the warranty. Feel free to use my price a bench mark because I think I got a decent deal. I love it the only part I don't like is the 2010 front end is soooo much better, but I like the 09 S front end a lot better than the 09 non-S.

 

Hell you prob would get a faster 0-60 & 1/4 than most 6MT drivers. I mean I'm no race car driver so I'm not trying to claim my shifting skills are top notch. I just like rowing my own gears. Of course there are some people that regularly take their car to the drag strip or race track and those people might school you on launches but there aren't many people like that on the street. Just here in the forums .

Also I read your post incorrectly earlier, I incorrectly assumed that you were looking for a 6MT sedan. AT S sedans shouldn't be that hard to find, just keep looking and I'm sure you will find the one that is perfect for you. Good luck.

 

Thank Sarcastilk, I was looking int he 28-30K range so that does help. So the front ends are different on the S vs. non-S? And the 09's are different from the 10's I would guess?

 

From Sport to non-Sport, the front bumpers are subtly different from 2007-2009, but very noticeably different 2010+. Use Google Images and you'll figure it out in about 10 seconds.

Shouldn't be too difficult to locate a RWD automatic with the Sport Package, particularly if you're willing to travel to pick up the car, or have it shipped. The 6MT, however, that's another story entirely, so good thing for you that's not a requirement.

And yes, you do want the Akebono big-brakes. You really do, whether you know it yet or not.

 

I think the group has already covered the exterior and sport/vs non-sport differences.

I have a '10 G37x and I really like the ride/handling, the S was a little too harsh for my tastes.

Regarding the interior, there are some changes in '10+ vs '09:

- All cars got the backup cam
- Nav package gets enhanced display, HDD navigation, and streaming Bluetooth
- USB interface for iPod, MP3 player, USB memory stick etc (no more dedicated iPod cable)
- Minor tweaks to gauges and the center dash panel goes to white
- No component (red, white, yellow) input anymore
- No CF slot

 

Thanks guys. I was thinking of 10' anyway, so thats great that 10+ have the backup cam going for it without navi.

So heres the kicker though. I'm in SoCAL, and I just searched for Sport sedans and the cheapest was an 2011 with 32,000 miles for $32K. Seems a tad expensive to be honest, so maybe the market isn't as saturated as I was hoping. Not even a 2010 to be found within 200 miles without being insanely priced. I'm sure I can snag a 2010 4dr G37s with 30,000 miles for 28-30K yea?

 

Did you try craigslist? Thats the best place for a car imo. All dealer cars were owned by someone at one point anyway and you can usually bargain the price down by 1000s a lot easier. Just be sure to get it checked out by a mechanic (which you should do with dealers anyway also)