JasonC SBB

I'm looking at maybe buying a 2009 4-door with automatic.

Are the "sport" features available with the (7-speed) auto?
- suspension
- quicker steering
- what else?

What trim package(s) will have them? ("sport with auto?", "journey"?)

If a seller doesn't know what trim package he has, what is the easiest question to answer to spot the package? (e.g. what color are the brake calipers, does it have leather?)

What are some of its flaws? (e.g. touchy brakes, road noise on coarse surfaces)

Oh, and tell me why it's better than a twin-turbo 335i.

calteg

iTrader: (18)

The 7 speed trans is the base transmission, all autos are 7 speed.

That year, there is no sport package per se, only a sport trim level which gives you the following:
Sport incl in addition to or in place of Base contd.
Headlights, Auto on/off, Bi-Xenon, High Intensity Discharge (HID) Tire Size, All Season Summer Performance W-Rated
Lights - Interior, Courtesy, Dome, Map Transmission: 6-speed Manual Close ratio
Pedals, Aluminum Wheel Size - Front, 18 X 7.5 - Sdn
Seats - Driver, 8-way adjuster power, Lumbar support power Wheel Size - Front, 19 X 8.5 - Cpe
Seats - Front, Sport, Thigh support adjustable Wheel Size - Rear, 18 X 8.5 - Sdn
Seats - Passenger, 8-way adjuster power Wheel Size - Rear, 19 X 9.0 - Cpe
Shifter, Short Throw Wheels, 10-spoke - Cpe
Suspension, Independent, Sport-tuned Wheels, 5-spoke - Sdn
Tire Size (front/rear): 225/45R19/245/40R19 - Cpe Wheels, Aluminum alloy
Tire Size (front/rear): 225/50R18/245/45R18 - Sdn
Looks like HIDs + thigh bolsters are the easiest way to spot a sport.
They suffer from the same shitty brake feel as the G35, huge initial bite, then nothing more as you continue pressing the pedal. They also get crap gas mileage, which is par for the course in this segment.
It's not. Likely more reliable long term, but otherwise it has no advantages over a 335i.

gorillazfan1023

iTrader: (1)

I have limited G37 experience but my cousin has a 2011 335is Convertible. That thing is awesome, comfortable, fast, practical, easy to mod for more power, great engine, etc. It's pretty much my dream daily. I've been in the car for hours and never been uncomfortable. Only issue he had/has is the one window gets stuck up/down. Eventually they'll replace the window motor but they've been avoiding that.

Also found a chip, the JB4, which adds about 80whp to a totally stock N54 engine...for $500

JasonC SBB

Thanks. Does the "sport trim" have an uprated suspension over standard?

Quicker steering?

calteg

iTrader: (18)

Yes, see my first post:
"Suspension, Independent, Sport-tuned"

Nothing listed about a quicker steering ratio

MicaCeli

iTrader: (1)

The COBB tunner is the only one that tunes through the ECU (obd tunning) the rest are all piggy back's that you have to clamp to your ecu wires.

COBB works good and I am happy with it.

JasonC SBB

I test drove a 2011 G37.

WHY the **** are the brakes so goddamn touchy???
Is there a fix for this? Different pads? A vacuum regulator to only feed 12" vac to the booster? A booster from a lighter car?

Other impressions;
- nice motor
- poor outward visibility
- steering weighting not as nice as 335i
- 7 speed auto is very good
- throttle blips on downshifts are very cool
- tire noise on coarse pavement comes through more than on 335i despite heavier weight (where did all those pounds go if not sound deadening??)

Some advantages over 335i:
- LSD
- Doesn't use McStruts in front (Unlike BMW's which eat front tires' outsides)