TruDualed95Z

iTrader: (-1)

Anyone have any real experience with either of these cars? I've had my fill of Camaro's and am ready to move on to a luxury car.

newton

iTrader: (4)

Mercedes are unreliable. My mother owns one. Go with the G35.

Super28Sport

The Mercedes is all together a better car period. The thing that sucks is all the maintenence and frequent shop "check-ups" they have to go through.

G35 is a nissan its alot easier to take cars of. They also come in 6 speeds which would definitely be a deciding factor - Although the CLK430 does have that V8 and they are pretty torquey too....

88GT&69ss

What model does she own? Alot depends on the model. My dad has a s55 have never had any trouble at all. And ive worked on a few...just from working at a high line dealer. g-35 to me just seems like cheap and does not have that solid luxury feel.... just a bunch of plastic to me......just my .02 cents

Super28Sport

Yea I use to work at a local Mercedes dealership too and have had alot of experience with both of the cars. The G35 does feel cheaper in general, but is alittle more fun to drive with the optional 6 speed tranny. The Mercedes is what it is though. It feels heavier, more safe, more refined, and the Mercedes V8, even from that year, feels much better than anything Infinity has to offer. The thing's just so smooth, it sceams luxury.

No debate. Mercedes.

99FRC

iTrader: (5)

You're going to be disappointed with either one. They are both going to be slow and with a G35, you're just going to be another ricer. Also, definitely do not get the Mercedes without a warranty!! They're great cars (I had one), but if one single thing breaks on it, it'll take a mint to fix it. My windshield wiper motor went out and it cost $1000.00 to fix and that is no exaggeration!

Why not get a V? You can pick up an '04 in the low $20's and it's got an LS6 and are fun as hell to drive. Just my $.02...

99 FRC

TruDualed95Z

iTrader: (-1)

Well I'm not looking for something that fast or Id stick with my cammed 2000 SS. As for being a 'ricer' if I go with the Infinity, wasn't that something kids in high school worried about?

I've had a '81 300D and a '85 190E Mercedes and never had any problems with either one. I just like te shape and contours of the G35 and the interior looks pretty nice as well.

Sarge_13

iTrader: (1)

Drive both, which ever feels better to you!

osvaldo

iTrader: (4)

Between those two cars i would say go with the G35. The mercedes interior for that year looks dull. Plus the G would sound a lot better than the benz, and the G out performs the benz. And in general the G looks a lot better stock for stock than the benz. But imo, a BMW coupe or even an audi A4 would be a better choice. What is your price range?

Exactly.

cyphur

iTrader: (10)

G35 will be cheaper maintenance-wise, also a little more sporty without being fast. Mercedes will of course have a higher quality feel.

I'd also look at leasing a new BMW, they have 5 years of free maintenance on them right now. 335i would be a pretty sweet ride.

ls6 cts

those cars suck! get a cts-v you get luxury and power.

Sarge_13

iTrader: (1)

Of course that's not a biased opinion!

TruDualed95Z

iTrader: (-1)

I just wanted to see if anyone had any personal experience with either one.

TruDualed95Z

iTrader: (-1)

Im looking at spending around 17-18k

TruDualed95Z

iTrader: (-1)

anyone else?

newton

iTrader: (4)

My mother owns a S430. All 430s have the exact same 4.3L V8. I've worked on it several times and some things are a bitch. the 4.3L (aswell as a few other Mercedes engines) have the 2 spark plug/1 cyl design. It took me a while to swap out 16 spark plugs. On the contrary, oil changes are very easy. They take 8.5 qts of oil though, oddly.

I drove my mother's car a lot before I bought the Camaro. The two cars are at opposite ends of the world as far as feel goes. Mercedes are very refined, very quiet and very smooth (compared to the Camaro, it feels like your driving on butter). They are not driver's cars. They are luxury Serta mattresses on wheels.

One thing I adore about Mercedes V8s is how peak torque usually flatlines throughout a certain range. I believe the 4.3L V8 makes a rated 295 lb-ft of torque from 3000-4000 rpms. Power delivery is very smooth, and not nearly as brutal as the power you get from a LSx vehicle.

A lot of things are Mercedes are really overengineered. Own one and you'll understand what I am talking about. They aren't "simple" cars. Working on one involves asking those who have worked on them before. Taking one apart isn't like taking apart a LSx vehicle.

I'm not sure if I'm allowed to do this, if not, mods just PM me. But I moderate a Mercedes forum and you are welcome to join and ask questions. www.mymbonline.com

I've never driven a 350Z/G35, so can't help you there.

chriswtx

iTrader: (5)

Also the 430 only get around 17mpg on the highway, less in the city..I was considering a 430 a while ago and after doing some research on the 430 boards decided against it...Great car, expensive to maintain and parts replacement, crappy gas mileage.. Go for the G35...

Slo-Mo-Shun

iTrader: (2)

I've been a Mercedes-Benz technician for the last 4yrs, and I agree not to get one unless you get some type of warranty. The "wiper motor" that went out was most likely the "wiper transmission" (or so Benz calls it). The wiper transmissions lock up on those in most cases, but the wiper motor continues to try and get back to its original position before stopping. So if it sticks in mid swing, the motor continues trying to move, thus burning up the motor. If you don't replace the wiper motor with the "wiper transmission" it will go out soon after. Those too parts together are real expensive.

Crankshaft position sensors, and stop lamp switches do tend to go out pretty often.

On the CLK430s the front LCA bushings are hollow rubber, filled with hydraulic fluid. (The rear are solid rubber) It gives it a smooth ride but, it allows the lower control arm to move forward and backward when going over bumps, and I think thats why the front tires tend to feather all the time.

Maintenance is key! If you get behind... its hard to catch up.

I would say get the Benz... but if you have anymore questions... shoot me a pm...

Shackleford

iTrader: (12)

Why not get a Corvette?

Super28Sport

Have you actually considered a CTS-V? Or a Hemi Charger?