sgraham

Trading cars! Ouch. I agree the ride is a huge problem and I thought of it too but you would eat at least $5k in the transaction. My dealer, Gerald Nissan in Naperville IL gave me an extra year on my warranty and have been good about listening to me rant.

Everyone who reads this who has NOT called to complain and open a file:

Nissan Tech Line: 1-800-647-7261, 0 for operator

jmark

iTrader: (1)

Word! Nissan can't & won't fix what they don't know about.

jmark

iTrader: (1)

Interesting thread by a fellow member who just installed Eibach springs and has pics of the stock springs. Might be on to something. Does anyone know if the NISMO springs are progressive?
https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....111#post233111

VR3

Does the G35c have this problem? What's it set-up?

jmark

iTrader: (1)

It appears the NISMO springs are progressive too.

fotodad

I live in Wisconsin where the roads can be a bit rough. Yes, I took the car for a test drive before I bought it. Yes, I can live with the uncomfortable ride (the Z has so many more positive qualities) if I must. But if this shock/spring issue is a design flaw then Nissan should pay to rectify the problem. I'm also unhappy with their choice of tires. But that's a seperate issue. I'm calling Nissan tomorrow. Since the weather's gotten warmer in Wisconsin, I have noticed the ride has improved a bit. I'm going to try the tire pressure trick tomorrow. Can any harm be done if I drive with them at 24 psi for any length of time? Also, those people waiting to hear from their dealers about this issue, please, please, please post their/your findings as soon as you get them. I can't stand waiting.

About the streaking on the windows. I get the roller streak on both windows. I understand this is a warranty issue that the dealership fixes without hassle. My worry is once the door is taken apart does it cause door rattle issues later? Anyone who has had the window streaks fixed by their dealer, please email (messlinger@new.rr.com) with how satisfied you are with the repair job. Have you experienced rattles or squeeks since they fixed the streaking?

Thanks so much!!
Michael

jmark

iTrader: (1)

Interesting quote in the new spring issue of Sport Z Magazine in the Gears section written by Brian Long. The title is NISMO and the quote is "NISMO has developed a softer suspension package which allows the vehicle to ride the bumps better while giving it flatter cornering characteristics." I guess that is why they went with progressive springs vs. the stock ones.

fotodad

Mark,
Thanks for the info. How/where can I get a copy of "Sport Z Magazine"?

jmark

iTrader: (1)

I got a subscription online. Try www.sportzmagazine.com

Pedal Pusher

I test drove my 350z back to back with a G35c and there is not one "bounce" in the G35c. The test was done on exactally the type road that causes the problem. Both cars had the 225/50,235/50 tire package. I wish there was a way to learn what the spring/shock differences are.

fotodad

Pedal Pusher,
Just got off the phone with Nissan concerning the "bounce" issue. I'm sorry to say they weren't much help...only that there were no current recalls. While the G35c and Z share tire sizes do they share the same brand tire? If not, I wonder what the G35c has on it from the factory? These stock Bridgestones are worthless.

Has ANYONE who has a positive relationship with their dealer heard back from them on this issue? If so, what solutions did they recommend? Unfortunately, those who say not to buy a car in its first year of production because not all the bugs are worked out, I beginning to think are absolutely right. I'm already starting to wonder what my current Z will be worth on a trade-in for a 2004 Z. While some Z owners out there are the first to scream "It's a sports car! Get over it!" you can bet the 2004 models will not share this same "bouncy sports car" ride that the 2003s have. Until the 2004 models arrive it looks like I'll just have to cope. I seriously doubt Nissan is going to do anything about this issue. No one has died. Why should they care about a bouncy ride?

Pedal Pusher

You asked if the tires are the same on the G35c. Great question and I'm about 90% sure they were the same tire. I had the Infiniti salesman with me and he actually thought something was wrong with my car. I agreed with him!

jmark

iTrader: (1)

I thought the G35 comes with Michelins. Probably has softer springs too. I wonder if they are progressive springs.....

fotodad

I can say it, but I have no idea what it means or why I'm saying it

Boomer

The G35 Coupe was tested w/Michelins in the car mags, however, the Infiniti IS300 I looked at recently had the 040s, but the G35 Coupes had Michelins. A curiousity, some months ago a State Z Club President, asked a Nissan engineer why The Bridgestones came on the new Zs, when they were tested with Michelins. The Nissan engineer said it was because the 040s had better turnin. So, if I got the correct info, Michelins were originally the OE equipment on the Z, not the 040s and they may be putting them on several Infinitis now. Mistakes repeated would be pretty stupid, but owners are receiving the brushoff anyway. I would not accept any car with the 040s, no matter the application.

Boomer

I am not an expert, but progressive springs are soft in regular driving, but tighten up for agressive driving. The ride is better in most situations for anyone who drives on public roads and the handling is dramatically better with the proper dampers and progressive springs, usually.

Non-progressive springs are not considered to be as responsive but end up as OE equipment in most applications, I believe. Our Zs seem to have received non-progressive springs, inadequate rebound shocks and poor tires. With decent replacements, the Z should be awesome. It has been remarkable the Z has performed so well.

VR3

Last I checked the G35c comes with Michelin Pilot Sport, 225/45/18 ft and 245/45/18 rear.

Boomer

That fits with my info. Thanks, VR3.

jmark

iTrader: (1)

It seems NISMO agrees with you if you have $1600 lying around. I think I am still leaning this way. I am still waiting on the response from my dealers contact.

Pedal Pusher

The G35c does have a base model that does have 17" wheels and that is the one I drove. Also, I just learned that the G35c shocks are designed to have less rebound than the 350z. That should solve some of the problem. We "think" they will fit with no problems.

I have always felt the stock springs are non progressive. However, they do have a small progressive coil on the first coil. If you look closely at the pics you will see it. The same soruce explained that the mounting bases are designed to be somewhat progressive. None are as truely progressive as Eibach. It sounds like Eibach springs and G35c shocks would be a good test.