I just got a call from my dealership informing me that the Regional manager is comming in next week and wants to meet with their Z customers for a "how's it going so far"-type meeting.

If y'all want me to bring up any questions/comments/concerns, let me know and I'll do my best to pass them on and get back to you with the answers I receive.


VG

 

Please ask him for a more precise estimate as to when USA dealers will begin to sell and install NISMO parts for the 350.
Also see if you can get him to give any hints about the NISMO ECU upgrade or other performance enhancements that have not yet been made public.

 

I am gonna print out this thread...will mark answers next to each question..

 

Get some info re: front wheel alignment to offset the very premature feathering of the fronts by 6,000 miles. I am at 9,000 and the tire noise/wear is disturbing. Regards, Jim

 

Make sure he hears that the Bose upgrade in the Touring is marginal at best - even with the new amp.

 

It would be great if they got a service bulletin out for installing cruise control on the base model. My dealer says he has no clue how to do this.

 

A precise estimate as to the timing couldn't be given but they will be available.

Before Nissan will allow Nismo parts to be distributed/installed through the dealerships, each part has to pass a validation testing procedure to ensure it can be covered under the warranty. Those that don't pass the tests will not be offered.

Also, the introduction of such parts would have to go through other departments such as Nissan's marketing division to make the public aware of the availablity of the parts.

No information was available regarding a NISMO ECU upgrade or performance enhancements not that have not yet been made public.

 

He suggested that you take it to the dealer that can do an alignment. I have heard that some people have done so, but the dealer didn't have the Hunter alignment equipment that could fit the Z's wheels (especially the 18"s). The more dealers that have had such an experience should have new equipment that can service the Z. If one dealer doesn't have the right equipment, look for another Nissan dealer that does. I was told that such type of warranty work cannot be performed by another establishment except for a Nissan dealer.

 

There are basically 2 types of situations:

1) Even after the upgrade, there remains some problem with the components of the system and an actual defect is present. In this case, further investigation can be undertaken to correct the situation under the Warranty.

2) The system installed in the car is operating as designed to it's fullest capacity. It may be that your expectation of the sound quality just doesn't match what the system is capable of delivering.

 

Nissan does not have a service bulletin for installation of a cruise control in the base model. I was told that in the representative's opinion (not to reflect an official position of Nissan), all of the trim levels should have come with cruise control. They didn't, however, because the designers had to draw the line at certain options for each trim package.

What would have to be done is for someone to identify each of the system components that would be necessary to install a cruise control in the vehicle (I listened to a partial listing of the components but was a bit overwhelmed..I do remember something to do with an airbag control unit...I guess because the cruise control is in the steering wheel where the air bag is located). Then the parts would have to be ordered and then installed. Since there is no official service bulleting for what parts are required or what procedure must be followed, the job would be VERY labor intensive (read VERY COSTLY).

He suggested that you may wish to wait a bit and get to a Z that is equipped with cruise control but is totalled and get the salvage yard owner to sell you all the parts of the cruise control.

 

Thanks for the info. I think the NISMO news is good news. It may mean it will take a little longer for the parts to get here but it sounds like they will definitely be reliable and covered under warranty.