Yes, there is a definite lack of cabin isolation (soundproofing) in the G35, and I wonder if this aspect improves in an "upper line" model. The loaner I have is definitely "basic". However, the drivetrain is the same on all auto models, so it's mechanical characteristics are probably similar. Even with the VDC on, I can still chirp the tires (or at least the one with the least traction) by just stepping on the gas on smooth asphalt. Which brings me to WHY I got the FX45 instead of the G. Last year, the G was not available with a true LSD, and Solo 2 drivers complained that the G's VDC could be turned off, but the BLSD (Brake Limited Slip Differential) could not. As a result, no one was having any fun and success on the course. This year, some Gs are available with the same LSD as the 350Z. But by getting the FX with AWD, it solves the traction problem with vengence. Of course, despite the G's traction problems, it can still scoot 6.2 with a slush box, and that's with a V-6. The FX45 does about .1 slower with a V-8, which just seems to compensate for it's added weight. I still want to get back into a G35 Sedan, especially now that LSD is available with the six-speed manual. The only "G Problem" now seems to be a restrictive, so-called aerodynamic exhaust system, supposedly responsible for most of the drop to 260hp from the Z's 287. Hopefully, NISMO will come to the rescue with a TRUE DUAL cat-back system. (which would be great on the FX as well). Cheers..
I have two young kids so the DVD is awesome and both my vehicles have it. We have had to cut back recently as my wife and I can now recite Finding Nemo by hard. But other than over use it has been a good thing.
No need to worry about acceleration in the FX no matter which engine you get. You will have no problems merging/passing just gotta watch out cuz you will be cruising at 85-90 and not even know it.
Thanks Clpurnell for your answer, did anybody use a snow switch whih is a new one for 2004 and one more issue, any comments on back seats, how cmphy they are, I was thinking it is prety hard to get in in the back , unless I am not doing something write. With DVD is it true while you are watching it you can not use Navigation system ??
I have an 04 FX 35 with Tech and Touring. 1800 miles now and I love it except for the drivers seat heater. What gives. I turn it to high, it gets just barely warm and then about 15 minutes later, it suddenly gets hot. Too hot. I have mentioned this to service and I'm told everyone complains about the seat heaters. They are not very effective I understand. Bummer. By the time it heats up, the car is warm. I need the heat boost when the car is cold and the leather is so cold you don't want to lean back into the seat.
Quesion:
I found a strange black plastic bracket in the glove box. The dealer says they all have one but they don't know what it's for. They think it's removed at port of entry but not really sure. Both 35's and 45's have the bracket. It looks like it's part of the seat belt assembly. Anyone have an idea?
Couldn't agree with you more on the seat heaters. You described their operation perfectly as far as my car is concerned. This is my single biggest nitpick with the vehicle, and makes me miss the almost "instant on" and nearly fully variable heating function of the seats in my previous car, an Audi Allroad. Not to mention that the Audi had the same benefits for passengers in the rear, with settings from 1-6, plus a heated steering wheel that took all of 15 seconds to warm the hands! Otherwise, everything about my FX45 has been great. Very happy, but just a bit chilly for the first 10 minutes after start-up (it's cold here in Minnesota!). Getting spoiled in my old age I guess - still remember owning vehicles that wouldn't even start when the temperature got way down there.
Questions to owners of FX 35 , FX 45 . Could you elaborate on your assessments of these SUV's with positive and negative points. Thanks for your thoughts.
A while back I drove a G35 sedan with the sport package and I thought there was a noticeable improvement in handling and feel over the base G35 sedan. I liked it well enough that I thought seriously about purchasing it. Then I drove the FX and it defintely felt more substantial, sounded better, was more fun to drive, as well as AWD and more utilty. Actually, I was really not serious about a purchase since I had a nice BMW 535 sport. However, after a test drive in the FX I was smitten with lust and couldn't get it out of my mind. Less than 30 days later I had one and feel it is one of the best purchases I've ever made(I've owned 160 cars). My only problem now is prying it out of my wife's hands as she has become very possesive!. Think the G35 sport sedan and 6speed would be a fantastic combination, but can't find one around here to test drive.
Did anybody utilize the snow mode for 04 Fx35 and with Nav system, is there way to combine 2 on screen routing and voice directions. Do you have to utilize DVD drive for Nav, while Movie is being wathced via DVD ent package. Thanks a million
Can't comment on snow. My FX has seen narry a flake down here in texas :-) The DVD entertainment and Nav units are completely seperate. The up front display is for NAV and it displays routing and gives voice directions at the same time. (you can get the dvd-player to play on this screen with modification) On the Headliner after the sunroof is the screen for the DVD video system the player is located in the back of the center console. This can be used at anytime the vehicle is on. the sound can also be played via headphones or the cars audio system. If you are being guided by the NAv system while the DVD is playing the volume of the movie will be lowered whil giving directions then return to normal. Hope this helps.
Thanks I got the point, DVD Nav and DVD Movies are separate units, okay....it is smart to deactivate the voice from the movie while Nav is speaking the directions. I could not find anybody who can comment upon SNOW mode for FX35 2004, I asume it is locking central DIFF by locking Rear and Front Axles and should be released upon 3 gear. The rear camera, is there also a sound involve to warn about the oncoming subject.
I think all the snow mode does is decrease the sensitivity of the throttle so that it is not as responsive and doesn't slip the wheels as easily. Might want to hear from an owner of a 2004.
there isn't much that I don't like about my 45tech but the &^#$@^ light switch is my numero uno gripe. The problem seems to have gotten worse with the cold. Frequently, and most annoyingly at night, when I flip up or down the turn indicator, the light switch/dial at the end also moves to parking lights. The tension on the knob is just loose enough that it is easy to move the knob just by putting on the turn indicator. Haven't run it past the dealer yet. Anybody else experience this or is mine just too easy to move? Number 2 gripe: it takes the 6 disk in-dash changer a while to work properly when it's cold. It's like the tolerances are so thin that the cold just jams it up (expands) and it skips intermittantly until it warms up. I haven't read any complaints about the changer so am I the only one seeing that? stupidme- I have an 03 so I don't have snow-mode but I've found that it performs well in the snow. I do lock all-wheel when in snow or on ice though.
I also was wondering about back seats, I know there are 3 positions for reclining: which is the most comfy and is there way to place 2 adults and 2 teenager kids together ? Are wheel locks a re part of touring and sport package ? Bass sound from BOSE is it hihg ?
My first impression of the FX-45 was had today - didn't get to drive it, but got to see it inside & out, and I'm VERY impressed with the design. My wife likes it a lot as well.
I have the same problem with my cd player. Especially when it is cold, it starts and stops, it skips and the counter won't advance. It seems that after it has run for awhile, assuming I can put up with the stopping and starting of the music, it will eventually work okay. When my car goes in for its scheduled service in 1000 miles, I will have them check it.
"I found a strange black plastic bracket in the glove box. The dealer says they all have one but they don't know what it's for. They think it's removed at port of entry but not really sure. Both 35's and 45's have the bracket. It looks like it's part of the seat belt assembly. Anyone have an idea?"
It is my undestanding that the dealer was supposed to put that on the tow hook in the lower front of the FX. It goes somewhere under the front of the FX.
I'm 6'2" and find the back seats comfortable, but more difficult to get in and out of than other vehicles. But you won't find me sitting back there under any circumstances.
I've taken three trips already in it, the longest being 1,500 miles round trip. I drove straight through on the way up, only stopping for gas. Let the wife drive it for a while on the way back and couldn't get her to relinquish the wheel until we finally had to stop for gas.
In my daily commute it is just pure pleasure driving my fx. I actually wish it was a longer drive. The stereo is great and that bass can be felt at higher volumes and with the right kind of music.
thanks for the response re: the CD player. Mine is going in too. I looked for a technical bulletin & couldn't find one. In the meantime, there's 5 in. of new snow on our roads this AM & more on the way - gonna go play in it & gather more data on FX snow performance!
Pete-your #1 grip ........my husband has complained that he turns the lights on a lot when he uses the turn signal also. The CD Changer - happened to me once and now that I think about it the weather was pretty cold for Texas. I actually thought it was that CD, changed to a different one already loaded and the skipping stopped. However, later went back to the CD that skipped and no skips.........so it probably was cold.
My hubby's other gripe is that at night the cruise control light is too bright!
Other than that, no gripes from us, we love our FX. Still giddy about it and I've had mine since 11/06/03, going in on Wednesday for the 7500 mile service. We've done two 600 mile road trips, and many day trips in it and absolutely love it!
Went from a 99 540 sport in May and have not looked back. I would venture to say the FX35 will outrun the 528. The FX has been a joy and handles almost as well.
I think the light switch thing is probably a design flaw. If there was just a little more tension on the knob it wouldn't move so easily when turning on the turn indicator. On the other hand, with the CD changer, since not many of us seem to be experiencing the problem, I'm going to push the dealer to replace it. Mine has gotten really bad - it was warming up for over a half hour the other day (5 degrees outside) before it would play. BTW- petew4 = petewat3, two logins: one at home & one at work....jic anyone was wondering.
As it's getting down to crunch time (my I30t lease will be up in a few months), I'm quickly narrowing down my list of mid-size SUV's to consider for a purchase this spring.
The FX has always been on the top of my list, but just for kicks, I took a Lincoln Aviator out for a spin before hitting the Infiniti dealership. See ya later Aviator... Just doesn't compare in the areas of fit & finish. Plus, the FX35 felt a lot quicker than the 302hp V8 in the Aviator. Wanted to rule out the Aviator, however, as I've read good things about it.
Now, let's talk about the FX...
I wanted to compare the drive & acceleration of an AWD FX35 ('04) vs. an FX45 ('03, as the '04's have yet to hit Southern California). The 35 was quick and the engine sound reminded me a lot of the sounds our '03 G35 sedan puts out; very spirited, yet not too loud.
But after taking out an FX45, I quickly realized that I need to start working a little extra overtime to offset the additional expense of this beast! Wow... (that about sums it up). The V8 seemed quieter during normal driving, but sounded great when revved up.
I asked the salesman about the availability of the '04 FX45's, and got a rather cryptic answer. Ultimately, as this particular dealership (like many in So. Cal.) still have a healthy inventory of '03 V8's, I sensed that they were trying to steer my interests into an '03 model. I made it clear, however, that I wanted to wait for an '04, and the best I could get from the guy (after two trips to the sales manager's office) was that they'll be here "soon, but maybe up to two months"!?!
What's the market like for '04 FX45's in other parts of the country?
Regarding the "softer" suspension supposedly offered in the '04 FX model line, I could tell that the V6's ride was marginally softer (at best). The bottom line, in my opinion, is that if one wants a sport suspension, they've agreed to give up a little cush for a firmer & more responsive feel when negotiating the corners. The sport suspension offered in the FX (either '03 or '04) works just fine for me!
i was considering the FX35 or fx45 myself and had a deposit on an '04 FX35 then switched to an '04 FX45 then...i had a hard time deciding. in the end, i decided to lease an '03 FX45 as the deals infiniti was offering were excellent.
i agree that the famed nissan/infiniti v6 is a great engine but it has to work hard to move about 4300 lbs. of s2uv. even though it a good job it feels/sounds a little less refined than the v8. in contrast, the lighter g35 is VERY quick and lively, even the auto. the v8 in the FX45 is smoother, more refined and there is just no substitute for the extra torque. IMHO, they are a perfect fit.
Thousand Oaks Infiniti has a few '04s in stock- I could tell by the chrome roof-rails when I was there getting my 7,500 service (and I got my '45 on 11/08). I don't know if they're '35s or '45s, though.
And now to SNOW! I had recently reported that my 4-5 snow experiences had been rock solid with the stock 20 inchers but after a little more severe experience today (8 inches & it was too cold for the Mg carbonate (or whatever that is they add to the salt) to do it's job. Anyway, to make a long story short - I may think about those Blizzak 18's that JBaumgart (I think it was him/her)has suggested. Not that the vehicle didn't perform well but the performance allweathers just can't perform like a good SNOW tire. The stocks break loose on turns fairly regularly with the conditions we had here today. The VDC et al had no problem correcting even with the all wheel locked - of course, it's hard to tell sometimes because your automatic response is to let off the go juice but I was watching the lights (VDC, etc.) and could feel control enhanced. Damn....those 18 in wheels aren't cheap! Be nice if someone would market a 20in snow tire.
Thanks..... I did know about the Canadian availability of 20 in snow tires but that's a long road trip from MD to buy tires. Why do you suppose they would be available there & not in the states????
I just had my first experience with snow in my '04 FX35 AWD and I must say I was not very impressed. I was slipping and sliding all over the place especially during turns. I am guessing the stock 20-inchers are just not very good in bad weather. Any recommendations for winter tires or better all-season tires? I live in Maryland and I have seen winters with very little snow and vice-versa. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I used to own a Audi A4 with Quattro and it was solid as a rock in bad weather. I just hate not having confidence in my car. Thanks for any input you can provide.
Hey People, you think FX35 will be upgraded next year to a new look and platform, suspension and engine probably will be first victims, since they are in trouble. 280 hp and 270 torque at such hight number of RPM are useless anyway. Infiniti should come down from the skies and make 3500 rpm for torque, becuase that is where you will need it most, suspension to stiff to ride in the city.
I don't see any major changes for the FX for at least 2-3 years. Biggest change may be switching to the new 4.0 V6 or adjustable suspension. But I doubt they switch platforms the FM chasis has been a great money maker for nissan/infiniti
I have about 200 miles on it, and am following the break in instuctions in the manual. (Not going over 4000rpm...no cruise control ect.) I was wondering if you guys got an oil change at 1000 miles? If so did you go to synthetic (Mobil 1)? The Infiniti GM said he was not recommending synthetic. Any comments would be appreciated.
I got my oil changed at 1000 and stuck with the regular oil for that first early change. At 3,750 I switched to Mobil 1, which I've been using ever since. If I was leasing or I knew I wasn't going to keep it long term, I would stick with regular oil and follow the recommended interval for your type of driving/conditions.
I have a new 2004 FX 35 that was manufactured in August 03. The dealer seemed to think that there was no recall applicable to this vehicle in regard to the airbag, and indeed I did not find any recall mentioned at the NHSTA site or Infiniti's site. However, the Insurance Institute test information indicated that FXs "produced" prior to Sept. 10, 2003 would be subject to a "service campaign" by Infiniti to reprogram the vehicle. My question is whether anyone knows if the 2004 FX requires this reprograming? Am I getting misleading info from the dealer?
OK....I know I seem obsessed with it but I got another take on the FX in snow today. Every day is an adventure lately...lots of snow yesterday, ice today capped off with a blizzard for the afternoon commute (50 mi). Yesterday I wanted snow tires (sounds like Kam97 is dealing with the same stuff - MD). Today the ice turned to snow right after I headed west on 70 from B'More during the evening commute & the freeway was totally snow covered with no treatment activity at all. The FX was awesome (with the 20 inchers). It was rock solid at 40-50 & the only passers were an MB & an XC90 (but I didn't challenge them -could have). Bottom line? our vehicles do great on snow covered roads with the stock gear....we'll see if I change my mind tomorrow again.
When the dealer brings up your car on the computer for service, any applicable recall/service requirement is supposed to automatically appear.
The number is ITB03068. It's not a recall but rather a service bulletin.
The following is from another site
"This IS what Infiniti has to say regarding the issue.
"CAMPAIGN I.D. #: P3156 APPLIED VEHICLE: 2003 FX35 / FX45 (S50) APPLIED VINS: Vehicles built within the following ranges: JNRAS08U*3X 000014 to 002021 100001 to 103692 JNRAS08W*3X 000028 to 004170 200001 to 208839 JNRBS08W*3X 000051 to 003595 400001 to 404880
NOTE: Use Infiniti-Net to confirm campaign eligibility.
INTRODUCTION Infiniti has recently learned that the control unit for the air bag system does not work as well as we expected in a rare, high-speed off-set crash situation. We improved the air bag control unit and are using it in FX vehicles that are now being manufactured.
To maintain the highest levels of product quality, product safety and customer satisfaction in the 2003 FX35/45, Infiniti wants to reprogram the air bag control unit in vehicles manufactured prior to September 11, 2003 so that it will be the same as the improved control unit. This will assure optimum performance of the airbag system.
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER Nissan has assigned identification number P3156 to this campaign. This number must appear on all communications and documentation of any nature dealing with this campaign.
NUMBER OF VEHICLES POTENTIALLY AFFECTED The number of vehicles potentially affected is approximately 25,000."
That is the only word that can discribe the FX35 w/20" stock tires in the snow! We are having an unusual winter so far with snow on a regular basses and I dont look forward to driving my FX in this weather at all. I hoped not to replace the tires this winter but this car only wants to drive in a straight line in this weather.Coming from a Tahoe , I am very disapointed so far. I will let you know if it better with snows $$$$$$$$$$$$$$......
I have heard it is great with stock to it is terrible. I wonder which it really is. FOXHAWK on another board has a video of it in snow and it seems to do OK. The snows should make it great as V rated all seasons were not made for the white stuff. All this coming from a guy that lives in houston so take it for what it is worth lol.
well today is the 6th day in a row that I've done my 100 mi round trip commute on either snow, ice, slush, or some combination in between & I can only say that the conditions on only one of those days made me question the tires or the vehicles ability in snow. The last two days I've driven the back roads that I've found since owning the 45 (hilly, through the woods, windy) and it's done great. Today it was windy & snow drifting across the road so the depth varied.
Would like to join you over there. Read every post and those guys are crazy! No matter what you say they have illogical reasoning and it will be hard to change their mind. I think our best approach is to stay out and then they won't have anyone to beat on. If I go in, I won't be too tackfull. Like the old Harley ad said" If we have to explain, they will never understand"
Comments
However, the drivetrain is the same on all auto models, so it's mechanical characteristics are probably similar.
Even with the VDC on, I can still chirp the tires (or at least the one with the least traction) by just stepping on the gas on smooth asphalt.
Which brings me to WHY I got the FX45 instead of the G.
Last year, the G was not available with a true LSD, and Solo 2 drivers complained that the G's VDC could be turned off, but the BLSD (Brake Limited Slip Differential) could not. As a result, no one was having any fun and success on the course.
This year, some Gs are available with the same LSD as the 350Z.
But by getting the FX with AWD, it solves the traction problem with vengence.
Of course, despite the G's traction problems, it can still scoot 6.2 with a slush box, and that's with a V-6.
The FX45 does about .1 slower with a V-8, which just seems to compensate for it's added weight.
I still want to get back into a G35 Sedan, especially now that LSD is available with the six-speed manual.
The only "G Problem" now seems to be a restrictive, so-called aerodynamic exhaust system, supposedly responsible for most of the drop to 260hp from the Z's 287.
Hopefully, NISMO will come to the rescue with a TRUE DUAL cat-back system.
(which would be great on the FX as well).
Cheers..
No need to worry about acceleration in the FX no matter which engine you get. You will have no problems merging/passing just gotta watch out cuz you will be cruising at 85-90 and not even know it.
Quesion:
I found a strange black plastic bracket in the glove box. The dealer says they all have one but they don't know what it's for. They think it's removed at port of entry but not really sure. Both 35's and 45's have the bracket. It looks like it's part of the seat belt assembly. Anyone have an idea?
Roll
Could you elaborate on your assessments of these
SUV's with positive and negative points.
Thanks for your thoughts.
You think you can do these things, but you just can't, Nemo!
Number 2 gripe: it takes the 6 disk in-dash changer a while to work properly when it's cold. It's like the tolerances are so thin that the cold just jams it up (expands) and it skips intermittantly until it warms up. I haven't read any complaints about the changer so am I the only one seeing that?
stupidme- I have an 03 so I don't have snow-mode but I've found that it performs well in the snow. I do lock all-wheel when in snow or on ice though.
Now Driving: 99 BMW528i Sport
It is my undestanding that the dealer was supposed to put that on the tow hook in the lower front of the FX. It goes somewhere under the front of the FX.
I'm 6'2" and find the back seats comfortable, but more difficult to get in and out of than other vehicles. But you won't find me sitting back there under any circumstances.
I've taken three trips already in it, the longest being 1,500 miles round trip. I drove straight through on the way up, only stopping for gas. Let the wife drive it for a while on the way back and couldn't get her to relinquish the wheel until we finally had to stop for gas.
In my daily commute it is just pure pleasure driving my fx. I actually wish it was a longer drive. The stereo is great and that bass can be felt at higher volumes and with the right kind of music.
My hubby's other gripe is that at night the cruise control light is too bright!
Other than that, no gripes from us, we love our FX. Still giddy about it and I've had mine since 11/06/03, going in on Wednesday for the 7500 mile service. We've done two 600 mile road trips, and many day trips in it and absolutely love it!
I look for reasons to have to drive somewhere
On the other hand, with the CD changer, since not many of us seem to be experiencing the problem, I'm going to push the dealer to replace it. Mine has gotten really bad - it was warming up for over a half hour the other day (5 degrees outside) before it would play.
BTW- petew4 = petewat3, two logins: one at home & one at work....jic anyone was wondering.
The FX has always been on the top of my list, but just for kicks, I took a Lincoln Aviator out for a spin before hitting the Infiniti dealership. See ya later Aviator... Just doesn't compare in the areas of fit & finish. Plus, the FX35 felt a lot quicker than the 302hp V8 in the Aviator. Wanted to rule out the Aviator, however, as I've read good things about it.
Now, let's talk about the FX...
I wanted to compare the drive & acceleration of an AWD FX35 ('04) vs. an FX45 ('03, as the '04's have yet to hit Southern California). The 35 was quick and the engine sound reminded me a lot of the sounds our '03 G35 sedan puts out; very spirited, yet not too loud.
But after taking out an FX45, I quickly realized that I need to start working a little extra overtime to offset the additional expense of this beast! Wow... (that about sums it up). The V8 seemed quieter during normal driving, but sounded great when revved up.
I asked the salesman about the availability of the '04 FX45's, and got a rather cryptic answer. Ultimately, as this particular dealership (like many in So. Cal.) still have a healthy inventory of '03 V8's, I sensed that they were trying to steer my interests into an '03 model. I made it clear, however, that I wanted to wait for an '04, and the best I could get from the guy (after two trips to the sales manager's office) was that they'll be here "soon, but maybe up to two months"!?!
What's the market like for '04 FX45's in other parts of the country?
Regarding the "softer" suspension supposedly offered in the '04 FX model line, I could tell that the V6's ride was marginally softer (at best). The bottom line, in my opinion, is that if one wants a sport suspension, they've agreed to give up a little cush for a firmer & more responsive feel when negotiating the corners. The sport suspension offered in the FX (either '03 or '04) works just fine for me!
in the end, i decided to lease an '03 FX45 as the deals infiniti was offering were excellent.
i agree that the famed nissan/infiniti v6 is a great engine but it has to work hard to move about 4300 lbs. of s2uv. even though it a good job it feels/sounds a little less refined than the v8.
in contrast, the lighter g35 is VERY quick and lively, even the auto.
the v8 in the FX45 is smoother, more refined and there is just no substitute for the extra torque.
IMHO, they are a perfect fit.
hombergo - I waited until 3750 to get mine done. Infiniti does not recommend synthetic for the FX. Do not know why.
Thanks,
Gene
The number is ITB03068. It's not a recall but rather a service bulletin.
The following is from another site
"This IS what Infiniti has to say regarding the issue.
"CAMPAIGN I.D. #: P3156
APPLIED VEHICLE: 2003 FX35 / FX45 (S50)
APPLIED VINS: Vehicles built within the following ranges:
JNRAS08U*3X 000014 to 002021
100001 to 103692
JNRAS08W*3X 000028 to 004170
200001 to 208839
JNRBS08W*3X 000051 to 003595
400001 to 404880
NOTE: Use Infiniti-Net to confirm campaign eligibility.
INTRODUCTION
Infiniti has recently learned that the control unit for the air bag system does not work as well as we expected in a rare, high-speed off-set crash situation. We improved the air bag control unit and are using it in FX vehicles that are now being manufactured.
To maintain the highest levels of product quality, product safety and customer satisfaction in the 2003 FX35/45, Infiniti wants to reprogram the air bag control unit in vehicles manufactured prior to September 11, 2003 so that it will be the same as the improved control unit. This will assure optimum performance of the airbag system.
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
Nissan has assigned identification number P3156 to this campaign. This number must appear on all communications and documentation of any nature dealing with this campaign.
NUMBER OF VEHICLES POTENTIALLY AFFECTED
The number of vehicles potentially affected is approximately 25,000."
I will let you know if it better with snows $$$$$$$$$$$$$$......