Hey Spike,

The transmission should have a white sticker-label on the side of the bell housing, passenger side, close to the starter motor. This sticker will show the correct sub-model since many just have a "CD00" in the casting. The trouble is, a lot of these stickers dry out and turn to dust when touched thanks to the heat cycles. This happened to me when I was changing the clutch on my Z. For those that care about this sticker, I would recommend putting some High-Temp clear coat over it before doing trans work.
-Icer

 

Icer… thanks for more info.

My understanding is that the best way to identify a CD009 and later transmission is by the VIN of the car it came from. You can use Nissan’s DB of VIN’s to verify the part(s). Without that, you really cannot know for sure. If you just get a transmission, and you cannot verify the car’s VIN, I don’t know that you can be sure it is a CD009.

Nissan started installing the CD009 in 350zcars after midyear 2004 (i.e., about July 2004).
--Spike

 

This is my understanding of the characteristics of 350z’s transmissions.

The 2003 and early 2004 350z’s came with a transmission that is now labeled as the “weak transmission.” This label is vs. the “strong transmission” used to identify the newer CD009 transmission. The first 350z transmission had synchromesh problems in some of the higher gears. The most common problem report was “grinding” in 5th gear. Nissan began delivering the CD009 transmission midyear 2004.

The CD009 transmission repaired the synchromesh problems in previous versions. What I did notice as a fault in the CD009 model was reports by owners of a significant howling noise in some of the CD009 transmissions. The latest version is CD00A, and I believe the howling noise is repaired in this version.

 

If only if it was that easy... I'll park at the edge and people still chose to park next to me. Odd, sometime I think it happens so they can take a look at your car as they walk away admiring it and probably hoping you don't swing their doors as well, even if they drive a mini-van or a lifted truck.

@Spike, thanks your input. I am actually looking for parts. Specifically splash guard fender liners L/R for an 07' so yeah.