Winding Road - The Best Coupes. BMW 135i vs. INFINITI G37S

theoptimisticpessimist submitted on 04/05/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 5:33 PM
from: magazine.windingroad.com

[66] user comments | category: Spy Shots

Tags: BMW, 135i, Infiniti, G37S,

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BMW

135i

Infiniti

G37S

Winding Road - The Best Coupes. BMW 135i vs. INFINITI G37S

-Paicines,California

The more remote country roads of central California on sunny and mild winter days are where we want be while at the wheel of either the BMW 135i or the Infiniti G37. Both sport coupes shine mightily out here, but in different ways. Read Article

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stash84 - 4/6/2008 11:19:53 AM

+12 Boost

the infiniti definitely LOOKS better

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FactsRule - 4/6/2008 12:07:16 PM

0 Boost

It is a shame, GoObama that the Japanese cars get their ass' spanked by their German counterparts in every competition and match up.

What a pity..

dlin - 4/6/2008 2:37:52 PM

-3 Boost

Any car looks better than that obese kid.

That said, next generation will have better proportion when they got their own platform. It's hard to get it right w/ this shared platform w/ current 3 series.

It's pity BMW has to drop in TT 3.0 just to compete because of its overweight from platform. Let's hope the next gen will come up soon.

Bmw8ter - 4/6/2008 2:52:51 PM

+5 Boost

I saw a G37S coupe in the Bestbuy parking lot the yesterday, and have to say the G35 looks tons better.

The G37 is too "bubbly".

kthor - 4/6/2008 5:52:18 PM

-2 Boost

The 135i definitely looks the best, both in these pictures and in the real world.

AdHominem - 4/7/2008 12:43:46 AM

+8 Boost

GoObama08, you are obviously the one doing the impersonating by adding the "08" on GoObama's name. What are you mad about anyway, you two say the same things.

PerformanceGuy - 4/6/2008 11:39:46 AM

+12 Boost

The G37 looks HOT. This 1-series should be compared with the Z. The G37 does a good job of taking on the 3-series.

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STJ88 - 4/6/2008 12:07:43 PM

+13 Boost

You can't compare the G37 with the 1-serie. The G37 is the size of the 3-serie.

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Homer008 - 4/6/2008 1:40:08 PM

+8 Boost

LOL, that's what i was thinking...1 series for example has much shorter wheel base, lighter weight and so on...not a good comparo.

kthor - 4/6/2008 5:58:02 PM

0 Boost

Read the article and then look at the cars in person; the BMW has more real space inside. The BMW trunk is twice the size. The back seat of the BMW fits adults. The driver gets a proper upright seating position. All of this and the car weighs less, handles better, and is vastly more refined!

EL44 - 4/6/2008 12:20:30 PMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

Just let the these fanatic German fanboys do what they want. They feel good to compare those two cars. They could also compare Infinity G37 with Audi A4 or C classe coupe later but they wont.

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kthor - 4/6/2008 5:58:48 PM

0 Boost

Read the article 44: the 135i is better in every way.

EL34 - 4/6/2008 1:09:13 PM

-10 Boost

Nissan's are too trendy for me. Compare them with Nissan's from 10 years ago and see what I mean.

BMW's no matter how old with the new have a family resemblance. I like that :-)

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Homer008 - 4/6/2008 1:45:07 PM

+8 Boost

Hey Stupid! If you remember Nissan's Legendary 240z, 260z, 280z, 300zx, 350z to upcoming 370z..you'll definetely notice a family resemblance. And, I'm not comparing 10 years ago rather, I'm talking close to 40 years of Nissan Z-cars. Go look up on google, stupid.

KZ258 - 4/6/2008 2:03:02 PM

+8 Boost

yeah stupid

EL34 - 4/6/2008 3:26:14 PM

-9 Boost

nicehomeboy, I see zero resemblance in those Nissans.

-0-Nada-Zilch :-\

kthor - 4/6/2008 6:05:29 PM

-3 Boost

EL34 makes an intelligent insight all that comes back is name calling. I prefer BMW people to those kiddies. Anyway, Hyundai did a better job than Nissan on their latest ripoff of the G37. The BMW looks like a BMW and people can tell what it is from any angle.

huu76 - 4/6/2008 1:52:30 PM

+6 Boost

Did they test these cars, or just drive them around and use the factory numbers?

Shouldn't it be the 335Ci or were they trying to give the advantage to BMW with a nimbler and lower priced car?

Once again though, another car's suspension is faulted for being too sporty when it beats a BMW.

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kthor - 4/6/2008 6:13:49 PM

+5 Boost

The BMW 135i won the comparison. It is faster, handles better, is more refined, has a better interior, and more interior and trunk space. Hands down - the 135i is better. Period.

kablaam - 4/6/2008 7:22:22 PM

+4 Boost

While a stiffer suspension, for the most part, enables it to handle the track/windy-roads well, the cleverness of BMW suspensions is their ability to handle the track and have civility for day-day driving. Die hard track fanatics will routinely upgrade their BMW suspensions, sacrificing road civility, while the sports oriented driving enthusiasts(BMW target demographic) rave in its stock form IMO.

KZ258 - 4/6/2008 2:02:25 PM

+8 Boost

first thing i immediately noticed is how much more beautiful the G37S looks compared to the 135i. I would definitely get the G over the 135i instantly

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bmwfan1513 - 4/6/2008 2:13:26 PM

-6 Boost

The 135i is an amazing car. It is so much better than the G37.

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EL34 - 4/6/2008 3:27:09 PM

-3 Boost

Righ on ;-)

1995e34 - 4/6/2008 3:30:25 PM

0 Boost

for starters, i'd prefer the 350z over the g37. i find the nissan styling to be far less trendy than the infinit's (though i like it).

i can't say i'd compare these cars if i were comsidering either.

that said, i would prefer the 135i. it weighs almost 300lbs less. i prefer the styling, quality, and refinement that you can only get from Munich.

i'd have to live on a street that every car was a 3-series before i would get the g37. it's a great car, but not great enough to turn my back on the original.

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S4cabriofoxone - 4/6/2008 11:42:12 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

The 1 Series is also 10in shorter than the G37. Just thought I'd put that out there--you've been saying they were the same size, when in fact the G is 2in longer than the E92.

BMW4me4ever - 4/7/2008 10:47:42 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

S4. That being said in regards to size, Infinti is ridiculously small in user space in comaprision to the E92. It has similar user space to the 135, hence the comparison. ALthough, i dont think there is a person on the planet that thought this G37 could compete from a performace aspect. G37 couldnt compete with the larger sibling. Both time had it behind handed to it.

JUGNU - 4/6/2008 3:34:35 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

I would definately choose the G37. It's more powerful(we get 350BHP version) and looks far better. And not to mention it's interior is times better than the ordinary interior of 1 series.

JUGNU

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markanthony0419 - 4/8/2008 10:08:17 AM

+1 Boost

its more powerful depending how you look at it. For one japanese and american cars take their horsepower reading from the engine while german cars take it from the wheels resulting in a lower horsepower reading not to mention bmw is notorious for understating there power. A 350 american or japanese hp reading is about the same as a 300 hp german reading

adamsaf723 - 4/6/2008 3:39:32 PM

0 Boost

As far as size, the G-Coupe is more rivaling the 3-Series.
But as far as price, the G-Coupe is more rivalling the 1-Series.
Just clearing things up.

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JRobUSC - 4/6/2008 5:34:23 PM

+7 Boost

As far as size OUTSIDE, the G rivals the 3-Series.

As far as size INSIDE, where you're actually spending your time, the G is smaller than the 1-Series.

It also costs the same as the 1-Series.

Hence the comparison.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/7/2008 5:19:51 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

That's true.

What's even worse is that the EX35 "SUV" has a smaller back seat than the G37 coupe.

So effectively the BMW 1 Series has a more spacious rear seat than the Infiniti SUV.

STJ88 - 4/6/2008 3:44:20 PM

+1 Boost

@1995e34

The G37 is a nissan the skyline V36.

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EL34 - 4/6/2008 3:50:08 PM

-7 Boost

I like the BMW better than the girly G-Car.

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jl114 - 4/6/2008 4:02:15 PM

-6 Boost

I think the 135i is the girly car with its mini cooperish size. I'll take the 335i anyday.
G37 is nice, but I still think the sedan is looks better.

KZ258 - 4/6/2008 4:56:55 PM

+3 Boost

we couldnt care less about your stupid opinion, EL34

fatboi - 4/6/2008 4:12:21 PM

-7 Boost

g37 is a real waste of money considering the cons X money spent! it has more rattlesthan the previous model not to mention the cheap interior materials.

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sholemon - 4/6/2008 5:00:32 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

I find it funny that they compare the G37 with the 1-series...but when they test the G35 sedan the same people compare it against the 3 series. I felt like this article was german biased from the beginning.

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S4cabriofoxone - 4/7/2008 5:21:11 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

READ JROB'S QUOTE:

"As far as size OUTSIDE, the G rivals the 3-Series.

As far as size INSIDE, where you're actually spending your time, the G is smaller than the 1-Series.

It also costs the same as the 1-Series.

Hence the comparison. "

AgentOrange - 4/6/2008 5:33:36 PMView My AgentSpace

+8 Boost

The 135i will do 0- 60 in 4.7 secs..
Who the hell do they have test driving these cars?

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BJS470 - 4/6/2008 5:35:33 PM

0 Boost

For sure seemed German Biased...Maybe BMW is buying more ads in their magazine....

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kthor - 4/6/2008 5:50:46 PM

+5 Boost

Some of my favorite quotes:

"...it's worth noting that the silvery swatches and the feel of the BMW interior are excellent."

"(In the BMW) we can find the perfect seating position."

"...the 135i at least allows average height adults to sit up in the back."

On seat controls: "The Germans win the award on this detail..."

"the science of car plastics and noise insulation beneath said plastics is another win for BMW."

135i trunk: 13.1" . G37s trunk: 7.4"

"we concluded that the 135i presents a vision of premium..."

Appearance: "The 135i bears well from any angle."

135i: "The six-speed manual works brilliantly..."

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EL34 - 4/6/2008 7:20:52 PM

+3 Boost

And therefore the winner by 26 miles is the BMW 1-Series.

Thank you kthor :-)

EL34 - 4/6/2008 6:59:52 PM

+1 Boost

And the G-car looks like the rubber doll you've been playing with for the past 5 years.

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Willis - 4/6/2008 6:56:45 PM

0 Boost

There's a reason I don't visit this site much anymore...

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fuelfool - 4/6/2008 11:13:04 PM

+4 Boost

Can't argue with the 135's performance. But you can argue that it's overweight and awkwardly styled. The illusion of a sagging mid-section just isn't attractive on any car. Even a BMW. Overall, the 135 is a nice idea, but far from perfect. That said, the G37 is a bargain with great power and a nicely improved interior, but personally, I prefer the styling of the previous G35 coupe.

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huu76 - 4/7/2008 12:11:14 AM

-2 Boost

kthor,
The G comes with a spare tire in the trunk, the 135i doesn't. The G37S also comes with 19" wheels vs the 18" ones on pudgy there.

The G looks sleek and sporty, the 135i just stubby and downright awkward, typically BMW as of late.

Both cars have crummy interiors, but atleast the G adds a touch of upscale with a LCD display and better dials.

The review also didn't seem to care if anyone is in the back, only the passenger seat. I guess they remembered these are supposed to be driver's cars.

Read page 77 where they say Nissan out engineered the Germans by giving their car a proper differential, even though the 135i is better on paper, its performance was neutral and no better than the G at the limits.

G37's looks as described by the reviewers.
"perfect Japanese form of two-door fastback coupe".
There's no debate about the Infiniti's design theory, as opposed to Bangle's garbage work ("now being toned down and re-channeled", never admitting any mistakes of course).

EL34,
From experience?

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EL34 - 4/7/2008 1:07:48 AM

+1 Boost

The only reason the Nissan is being compared to the BMW 1-Series is because it gets knocked out by the 3-Series.

:-D

AdHominem - 4/7/2008 1:10:50 AM

+2 Boost

The BMW has much safer and more advanced run-flat tire technology.

The BMW is much more muscular and distinctive.

Only the G has a crummy interior.
"Why are the plastics so noticably not premium?" In the "Niss-initi" (their phrase, not mine) The BMW's interior is excellent.

The BMW has a fully useful rear seat unlike the Nissan.

Did you miss this little bit: "The Japanese fastback is its traditional compromised self for rear passengers."

"The Japanese fastback is its traditional compromised self for rear passengers."

They called the G37 "nondescript". Is that good?

Not everyone enjoys the nondescript Japanese form of sport coupe.

Willis - 4/7/2008 3:49:29 AM

+5 Boost

The BMW has 18" rims while the Infiniti has 19" rims? Wow, the BMW totally sucks. *Sarcasm*

MunichRob - 4/7/2008 5:58:40 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

"huu76" "Both cars have crummy interiors, but at least the G adds a touch of upscale with a LCD display and better dials."

How can you say these cars have crummy interiors? I think they have wonderful interiors with exception of some of the materials the INFINITI USES! Also IMO the BMW's dials are way more tasteful, classy & user friendly than the futuristic Infiniti dials, but then again that is all preference.

Though contrary to the beliefs of many on this site, BMW's are really only second to Audi & a few Mercedes models when it comes to interiors, there design, fit & finish are no question top rate. The Infiniti's Nissan roots shine through in parts of the interior, you cannot deny that.

Dr550 - 4/7/2008 1:44:10 PM

+1 Boost

LOL huu76, "Infiniti design theory" The G20,I30,J30,and QX have all been automobile works of art. And the 2004 M45 and Q45 are masterpieces. Talk about "never admitting any mistakes."

MunichRob - 4/7/2008 4:42:15 AMView My AgentSpace

+7 Boost

I don't see why everyone is complaining about these two cars being compared to one another?

Think about it, the G37 has just as much in common with a 135i as it does the 335i...You could say the 1er is priced closer to the G37 than the 3er but then you could say the G37 is closer in size to the 3er.

Regardless if anything the G37 has a better chance against the 1 than it does the 3-series as it (G37) projects & is supposed to be the more up-market vehicle of the two (1er & G).

To the "Jap" guys on this site I know it's a tough pill to swallow that BMW's entry level vehicle out-does the competition put in place for one of the companies more up-market vehicles, but it has so swallow it.

Don't worry however because I myself have a pill stuck in my throat...I just received my latest issue of R&T in the mail where the Nissan GT-R spanked the American & German competition being the ZO6 & 911 Turbo. Hard to except but nevertheless, something I wouldn't attempt to deny.

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09CTSVforMe - 4/7/2008 3:12:27 PM

0 Boost

The one series is an ugly piece of crap set on top of a good drivetrain.

I am now "qualified" to give an opinion because I have actually touched one.

Anyone who thinks BMW's interiors are exceptional needs only to get into a one series, open the glove box, retain an honestly objective frame of mind, and realize that's the cheapest, crappiest material and build quality of any "luxury" carmaker. Their leather and control knobs are middle of the road (inferior to Audi of course, but better than the MB Jeep knobs).

But day-um is that thing ugly! Why choose this over a Z4 coupe?

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theoptimisticpessimist - 4/7/2008 3:23:17 PM

-2 Boost

"Their leather and control knobs are middle of the road"

Wrong!

BMW leather is one of the best out there. It's thicker and it's all leather, Audi, M/B and Lexus are just leather on seating surfaces.

09CTSVforMe - 4/7/2008 5:34:00 PM

-1 Boost

How can an objective opinion be "wrong"? You just don't agree.

Thick leather that doesn't feel soft isn't the best IMHO. I'm also not too worried about having leather UNDER my seat...I don't touch that surface alot, so keeping the leather on the surfaces I touch is fine by me.

It's ok, though. My CTS-V got panned for having high quality materials that felt cheaper than they actually were. I don't like the car(s), but you should go feel how soft the leather feels in the IS-F and the Range Rover Sport...now those feel nice!

huu76 - 4/7/2008 7:18:59 PM

-2 Boost

Willis,
Pirelli doesn't make tires specifically for Infiniti.
Goodyear doesn't have runflats larger than 18"
Michelin Pilots (specific to G37) aren't runflat.

Also, the M3 doesn't have runflat tires and the wheels are 18".
Straight from www.bmwusa.com
"M3 Coupe and Sedan are not equipped with a spare tire and wheel. They include M Mobility System"
What's the deal with that? It must have a huge trunk though. (go Autobilde!!!)

adhominem,
From the TireRack regarding self-supporting tires and the need for a pressure monitoring system.
"Without such a system, the driver may not notice underinflation and may inadvertently cause additional tire damage"
Even then, you need to drive carefully and take it easy, assuming you even know where the pressure readout is.
According to the above site, runflat technology doesn't come in 19" sizes.

Munichbob,
You mean when the 135i actually comes with real leather right? The 135i still comes with ultra-luxurious genuine German plastic seats as standard. I mean, leatherette.

the 1's knobs and dash look cheap, plain and simple. The G's arne't much better but alteast they look more modern.

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MunichRob - 4/7/2008 11:50:20 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

"huu76" full leather is an option on the 1-series, & I'd rather have leatherette seats than fabric. I don't know how anyone can sit inside a 1er interior & say it screams econo-car!?

Everything from the real wood or aluminum inserts in the dash, to the rich smell of the interior should divert those thoughts. Car & Driver said this about the 1's interior in their latest review..."There's no slapdash or whiff of cost cutting in the 135i."

The dashboard is made of a rubber like material not plastic, but you wouldn't know this by simply looking at pictures & guessing. Until you've actually sat behind the wheel of the car (Which I'm sure you haven't as I don't see you wandering into many Bimmer dealerships) keep your mouth shut on the subject!

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markanthony0419 - 4/8/2008 10:10:39 AM

+2 Boost

fyi i have an 06 g 35 6 speed the car is great and my lease is up in 10 months. Do i get another g a bmw or an s5 is my question. all very similar in raw performance numbers but price is way way different.

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huu76 - 4/8/2008 3:22:25 PM

-1 Boost

Munichknob,
Touched a nerve did I? Sorry for pointing out the fautls in BMW's advertisting campaign.

Why does BMW put in fake leather seats if they're not pushing the poser image? Atleast cars with cloth seats aren't trying too hard.
I never said the 1 didn't have a leather option, I just stated it comes with wannabe-rich seat materials (and that's the 135i, not the bargain basement 128i).

You must be blind if you don't even see the crap look of the dash buttons etc. Straight from the 80s? I've seen better controls on a Honda civic.

Face it, BMW knows it can offer whatever garbage it wants and the customer base will buy it as long as the propellor is there.

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huu76 - 4/8/2008 3:24:40 PM

0 Boost

btw,
Rubberlike material just means it'll get damaged easier. I'm sure caressing the dash is all most BMW drivers do anyway.

My Jeep's arm rest has rubberlike material too, it doesn't impress me much. My standards are a bit higher though.

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autopro - 4/8/2008 7:26:51 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

I'll always spend my money on a BMW,before an infiniti.Infiniti's are cheapely built,with poor resale value.

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BJS470 - 4/8/2008 10:34:31 PM

+1 Boost

well thanks for letting us know....

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