I just purchased a 2003 350Z has approx 38,000 miles on it, I know that Im still covered under the 5/60mi powertrain warranty.

MY PROBLEM: I hear a clunking noise letting of the clutch and accelerating in first gear, sometimes a grind in the higher gears (ie. 5th gear), I don't have any clutch slip but Im concerned that I have issues with my transmission.

I'm bringing it to the dealer next week out in Maryland (I just moved here for school). WHAT SHOULD I SAY TO THE DEALER TO ENSURE I GET MY TRANNY REPLACED? I've heard some great success stories from others where the dealer replaced the transmission and the clutch/flywhell...what IM REALLY INTERESTED IN is exactly what they said that made the dealer listen??

I just finished dropping 3k on my RSX for 2 new valves, clutch, pressure plate, rebuilt head, timing tensioner, timing chain...and I want to avoid that with the Z.

 

drivetrain warranty is 4 yrs/60k miles; you might want to check on the status of that. Sounds like you need a new tranny. Grinding going into gear has been a common issue. I had mine replaced under warranty right after I bought it used, for the same 5th gear grind. If you do still hae warranty left, just take it in and explain the issue, and if neccessary, take the service advisor or tech for a ride to reproduce the problem for them (they are notorious for not being able to reproduce issues on their own) and that should be all it takes. If your warranty is up, prepare to shell out.

 

looking at the warranty info from the Nissan site under 2003 and Edmunds along with some other posts its states 5 years 60,000mi. I have a 2003 so that would end in 2008 I would assume...But thanks I'll take care of that ASAP.

Basic: 3 yr. / 36,000 mi.
Drivetrain: 5 yr. / 60,000 mi.
Roadside: 3 yr. / 36,000 mi.
Rust: 5 yr. / Unlimited mi.

 

it is 5 years 60000 miles. I had the same exact problem as you when accelerating on first and stepping on the clutch i would hear and feel a loud clunk sound also grinding from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to third and sometimes in 5th. I took it into westcovinanissan and tim helped me out with it. My synchros were gone and got a new trans under warranty. Feels awesome! better than when i first got the car, smooth as can be. I hope which ever dealer you take it to will treat you rite. Big thanks to Tim@westcovina nissan=)