So, part of the deal I got on my car when I bought it was a $500 gift card to my dealership for accessories. I'm buying some all season mats, anyone have suggestions for what I should spend the other $400 on? I don't mind if it goes above that, fwiw.

 

My dealership stocks the Stillen G3 CAI, so I'd probably see if I could use the gift card on that.

Midnight black grille? Illuminated door sills? R-spec brake pads?

 

What?

 

2012 Infiniti G37 Sedan Accessory Parts - Infiniti USA eStore

 

I never knew INFINITI sold performance pads. That's interesting.

Hmm... look at this at the bottom of that page: "Only available for G Convertible with Sport 6MT with Sport package"

That's seems worded inaccurately. I suspect these pads are only available for the Akebono BBK.

 

Yep, an intake would be a nice use, also a rear spoiler or front chin spoiler.

 

Correct. The box is actually stamped Nismo. I think they are the same as the optional pads on the 370Z.

I'be been running them since about 200 miles. I'm sure there are better options, but my dealers parts department mis-quoted the price as $200, which they honored.

 

"Compatible with all components of the factory sport brake system, including rotors, 4-piston calipers, and brake lines"

Are the non-sport brakes 4 piston calipers? Idk.

I wouldn't bother buying OEM "race spec" pads. If you feel so inclined to get track pads and the noise/dust that comes with them, you should get something aftermarket, either Stoptech or Hawk.

As Brad mentioned, an intake is a great addition, or maybe a footwell lighting kit if you want to add a little illumination to the interior. They sell radar detectors at my dealership if you're interested in that.

The other parts mentioned are nice, but I would be irritated if I paid the dealership markup on an item I can get cheaper elsewhere simply because they gave me a gift card. IMO, buy something you can only easily find at your dealership. You might also look at getting aftermarket parts out of pocket, and using your gift card to pay for the install. That way, your dealership is liable for any damages.

 

What mileage are you at now? Are they noisy? Lots of brake dust? And what's the typical price, if $200 was a mis-quote?

Good info, Lego. Another big thumbs-up for having a Chat Thread. I think everyone here should go hit the THANKS button on the OP.

 

The website puts MSRP for the Rspec pads around $400 for a full set. That is *steep* for brake pads.

 

I'm at ~13K. No noise at all. More dust than the factory pads, but very similar to the Hawk HPS pads I've ran on past cars.

I think they run about $500. I have no idea how the parts guy mis-quoted it--maybe the stock pads??--but we had agreed to split the price, so I got them for $100

Interesting read:

Z Meets Wall: We Investigate Why the NISMO Z's Brakes Failed at Lightning Lap - Feature - Car and Driver

 

I've had HAWK HPS on my previous car, and was extremely happy with them. And yeah, $400 to $500 is a crazy mark-up for performance-oriented composite pads on a daily driver.

You get a Holiday Thanks for that one, Lego.

Ho, Ho, Ho!

 

This! ^ I would go for the front lip and some side sills, but that's just me.

 

The dealers are a bit hit&miss regarding markup on accessories. When I was shopping for an OEM bumper a while back I found one at the Infiniti dealer in Albuquerque and they had one in stock for cheaper than discountinfinitiparts even before the crazy shipping charge. I lucked out and found a bargain paint-matched bumper that was collecting dust at Infiniti of Riverside for next to nothing however
Spoilers also seem to be an item that can often be found pretty reasonable through the dealer, especially if they just happen to have one in stock.
Never hurts to try

 

Your dealership stocks aftermarket parts? That's pretty cool. When I went back to my dealer (Lauderdale infiniti) for some advice on aftermarket parts they wouldn't even "officially" recommend any parts. Luckily the parts counter guy was into mods so he gave me his cell # so we could talk shop outside of his workplace.