Infiniti FX45 Infiniti FX35

duffer7

It has AWD. I think the secret is the AVERAGE 52 mph. I feel that maybe this is a sweet spot for mpg. How much better milage is the 2WD supposed to get over the AWD ?

jpiatchek

I think it gets 1-2 mpg better.

infinitifan

The AWD FX35 is rated at 16/22 mpg city/hwy, while the RWD is rated at 17/23 mpg.

drcsf

Thanks to all for the encouragement. And to jmoney, thanks also, but I feel the way my deal worked out I countered the depreciation factor by getting this particular vehicle for only $41,500 - actually below wholesale for an FX45 under 10,000 miles with the technology package. (The Infiniti dealer even thought the price was a mistake.) The 9000 miles doesn't bother me either as the car has 3 1/2 years and 51,000 miles of warranty left and I rarely keep a vehicle 4 years(although my neighbor has 215,000 miles on his Q45 as refuses to get rid of it). As for the smoke odor, I'm still slightly concerned - we'll see how that goes. And of course, buying an 8 cylinder vehicle 15 mpg that needs premium fuel with gas near $2.00 a gallon is also little crazy. But you only go around once!

Craig

wibble

When premium unleaded is $6 a gallon like it is at home, feel free to complain

drcsf

I understand, but you have Tony Blair and we have George Bush - I'd gladly pay a few bucks more per gallon to make that switch! Craig

kcrudup

... it's at least 2.25/gal (if you catch a bargain!) for only 91 octane here in SoCal!

2963

Anyone had any luck finding a fix for the 10 letter truncation of XM data on the navigation screen? I was on the phone with XM this morning to discuss a billing issue, and thought I'd ask them about this little quirk. One of their tech. folks told me they were aware of this, and that it was an Infiniti radio design issue.

Just for kicks, I sent an e-mail to Infiniti, and haven't gotten a response as of yet.

Anyone else been down this road (hopefully with some success)?

kcrudup

The Sirius units don't have that problem. There's nothing anyone can do about it, unless Clarion comes out with a fix for their XM receivers.

2963

I went to Clarion's website, and it is readily apparent they are affiliated with Sirius (as they market several Sirius compatible receivers). They don't, however, offer anything for XM.

Are you sure Clarion makes the XM receivers for Infiniti?

kcrudup

... but the reciever is the problem. It simply doesn't output more than 10 chars on the FXes I/O bus.

texasfx35

I recognized the truncation fault as soon as I took delivery of my FX35 in December. Although the dealer had never had a complaint, the service rep and I called both XM and Infiniti Tech Service. Bottom line is the Clarion unit, as installed at the dealer, is apparently the same as installed at the factory. The dealer wanted to find a fix, but Infiniti Tech Service just seemed to blow it off. Looks like poor design specs from Infiniti to Clarion IMO. I am not sure why anyone would think a 10 character truncation is OK. The only time one would look for the artist name and/or title is if they didn't know the answer.

testoil

After reading lots of posts I chose my dream car: FX 35 luxury, tech pack, Entertainment (small kids). Visited the dealer last night, drove a car with the 18 inch wheels and loved it. Today the dealer called and said Infinity does not make or sell tech package with out sport package. I went on infinity website and they let me build a car with tech and without sport package, but when I added the entertainment package, the web site automatically added the sport package. First, this doesn't make sense, is it true? Second, if true, what do you think about the sport package. I like the look but a quick test ride was a little too harsh.

Thanks

texasfx35

Unless Infiniti has changed policies, I think the dealer is trying to sell you what is in his inventory instead of what you want. I purchased an '04 FX35 in Houston in December (fresh off the ship) with touring and tech, but no sports pkg. In my opinion, the 20-inch wheels are noticeably harsher than the 18-inchers, but to be honest, after 3 1/2 months (9000 miles) of driving, the firmness of the 18-inch ride is not even noticeable by me. It just keeps getting better.

jmg35

My wife and I also purchased an FX35 with TECH and no sports package. Tell the dealer you know better and if they don't give you what you want go to another dealer or contact Infiniti.

drcsf

Picked up the slightly used (9000 miles) 2003 FX45Tech last night, after 3 days of rain, for the 41,500 plus tax and tags. Although the car already looked clean to me, the Porsche dealer re-detailed the whole vehicle, including under the hood. Car looks brand new, and amazing, and the smoke odor is still gone. I have bought and traded over 20 vehicles and this is by far the most passionate I have been in quite a while. In a landscape where all the cars and SUV's just seem to run together, these FX's really stand out - there is just nothing like them. I don't know if thats good or bad long term, but it feels great today.

Craig

crikey

texasfx35 and jmg35: Do you guys have the DVD Entertainment System?

That's what testoil wants to add on top of the Tech and for some unknown reason, it DOES add the Sport Package. I, myself, am not understanding the correlation of the DVD system with the Sports Package.

testoil, if the Sports Package is a deal breaker for you, it might be possible to seek out aftermarket solutions for the Entertainment System. The FX should prewired for it, unless the 2004 models were changed.

texasfx35

No, I do not have the entertainment system. I think this merchandising by Infiniti is consistent with their "bundling" of seemingly unrelated items in the tech pkg. Just a way to build sticker price - make'em buy something they don't want in order to get something they do want.

dklanecky

Are we certain that this is a limitation of the headunit?

I could have sworn that I was seeing well more than 10 characters when the RDS is displaying station information and when CD song titles are displayed.

I thought this was simply XM's limitation in transmission of data?

Has anyone seen an XM display that shows more than 10 characters?

harryh

Hi testoil. If you haven't already...Take another couple of test drives with and without the Sport package but this time take them to an empty parking lot and let it rip. You might not want to have a sales person with you but you might find out why the Sport package is pretty cool.

frndthdevl

otis 123 asks
>Please comment on real (not car computer calculations) MPG for the FX35 AWD.

have owned my 04 FX35 for 4 months now. Business has not allowed for any trips. So had to be contnet for short hauls around San Diego County.
However in the last week a trip to San Fran down to Sant aCruz to malibu back to San Diego up to Flagstaff down to Phoenix to see some music, and finally home yielded some unsurprising results. That is I love this car even more.

 After doubling the mileage in a week it performed more than could have hoped for. It was nice to finally get the miles on it it needs. Still only has about 4400, so not sure if it broke in totally yet or not. Any ideas what the general opinion on break in mileag is?

For the trip to Flagstaff back to San diego I got 18.3 miles per gallon. However it was pushed pretty hard. Did find out cruise control only works to 90 mph. And shut it down at 118, but it sure felt like there was more. Crusing at 100 seemed so easy and under control. Though it was kind of wild keeping pace with a FOrd F250 crew cab across Arizona from Dateland to Gila bend. For those not in the know,Flagstaff is abouot 8000 feet or so. A nice climb out of Phoenix.

So I was satisfied with the mileage. On the way up to San Fran on 5 on one stretch the milege was 19.3.

peace
jeff
the band was Rail Road Earth

jgr

I have an FX35 (3 weeks old) with the tech package and without the sport package. I do not have the entertainment though.

testoil

Harryh - i take it you like the sport package? What can the sport package do in an empty parking lot?

kcrudup

It's not a headunit limitation, it's a receiver limitation (the Satellite radio recievers are all mounted under the back seat). As you noticed, the RDS displays > 10 chars just fine, and so do Sirius-equipped FXen

harryh

Yes, the Sport package works for me since I first became interested in the FX because of it's sports car genetics.I wasn't even thinking about an SUV when I "stumbled" across the FX.

I guess I like the Sport package because I feel like the FX handles better with it than without it. Everybody has their own reaction to the "stiffer" ride. I took 4 very lengthy test drives...2 with Sport / 2 without...over winter ravaged Connecticut roads and I (as well as my "designated passenger") wasn't bothered.

In terms of taking the FX to an empty parking lot...it gives you the chance to do all sorts of fun,high speed, scary maneuvers that will get you arrested if you try them on the street. Things like figure 8s or slaloms done really fast and tight. Or just slamming the steering wheel to the left or right and flooring it. Or extreme panic braking! It helped me appreciate what an amazing vehicle the FX is and how good the front seat bolsters are.

billyperks

I went to the New York Auto Show on Saturday and finally checked out the FX up close and personal.

I have to say I was disappointed with the entry/exit for the back doors.

I was actually cringing to get in the car from the back.My current car has a much easier entry/exit than the FX.

I am still keeping the FX on my short list-maybe in Infiniti will address this issue in the near future.

Otherwise this will defeat the purpose of buying the car-two young children, you definitly need all the entry/exit as posssible.

Nice car overall.

petewat3

"Yes, the Sport package works for me since I first became interested in the FX because of it's sports car genetics"

I whole-heartedly agree... it took me exactly one test drive to get past the supposedly harsh ride & 9 mos. & many many curvy backcountry roads later, I still have a big grin on my face. wouldn't be without the Sport (or the Tech) package.

2963

Anyone have any recommendations on bulb replacements for the fog lights?

For those that have done it, is the removal and installation of the new bulbs as simple as it appears? I've just looked at the area beneath the front bumper, and it seems the bulb housings are accessible once the protective plastic "plates" are removed.

Thanks!

duffer7

This board is becoming boring. How about some good stuff about our FX's.
This PM, when I found us (my FX&I )stuck behind a goober in a Chevy van wandering along at 42 mph in a 55 mph zone on a very curvy road. Finally, we got to where I could see nobody ahead for 300 feet on the curved road -- too short to pass ??? But I firmly placed my right foot on the go pedal and blasted by the guy. Opps, sorry, I looked down & saw 80 mph on the speedo very soon after I swung back into the right lane.
The moral of this story is : if you can appreciate a sports car on steriods -- you should buy it !

jpiatchek

Last Sunday I had the chance to borrow my wife's FX and take it out on some country roads. I've got a 10 mile route that I take my motorcycle on that is a blast. I can hardly get the tires to break loose and it hangs on like it is on rails. Of course all of you know that. The sound it makes is just fabulous. Maybe we should keep this to ourselves so that no one else will know how good it is. Have 16k on it now and still not a squeek or rattle. Going to the Smokies in June and then on to Charlotte for the National Studebaker Convention(whoopee-do) Can't wait to get it in the mountains again.

petewat3

duffer- "This board is becoming boring. How about some good stuff about our FX's."
I know, not much action on this board lately. BUT, you know what that means - there aren't any significant issues to complain about or discuss. I've got 26K on my FX45 & STILL have nothing to complain about except the additional lines the grin is putting on my face .

jp- I just had my 45 in the Smokies for a few days a couple of weeks ago - whatta gas. Didn't wanna get out of the FX. The Blue Ridge Parkway is soooooooo much fun when there isn't much traffic on it. The speed limit is 45 (or 40, I forget which) but the roads are so curvy that 45 (ok so I wasn't doin 45- more like 55) is fun. Lots of other curvy Mtn. roads too, like the road from Gatlinburg to Cherokee (forget what it's called). I found one off of the Blue Ridge that was nothing but a series of hairpins all the way down the mountain - yehaaaaaaa. Have fun!!

jpiatchek

Thanks for the info. I'm looking forward to the Blue Ridge Parkway. I drove the road from Gatlinburg to Cherokee twice, years ago. Fantastic road! Most recently in a beefed up Taurus SHO and on my Honeymoon 35 years ago in a 1964 Studebaker Daytona Convertible with a 289 4speed. Just bought another Stdudebaker just like that one I drove back then. She wants to take the FX this time and that's OK with me. End result is to end up in Charlotte for the National Convention. I can't wait.

kcrudup

I know, not much action on this board lately. BUT, you know what that means - there aren't any significant issues to complain about or discuss. I've got 26K on my FX45 & STILL have nothing to complain about except the additional lines the grin is putting on my face .

What He Said. After almost 6mos and 15,000mi, I haven't had anything be wrong with my FX45 at all.

clpurnell

My FX35 RWD with tech turned one year yesterday. Just for the sake of conversation I will share with you my impressions and experiences.

I have 16,800 miles on it. I think tires will be due within another 10k miles.

I have been following the "harsh" maintenance schedule and wanted to share my costs.

3750, 11250 = $38 ea
7500 = $68
15000 = $202

That includes tax, wash, vacum and loaner car from SW infiniti in Houston, TX

I have had the following issues addressed under warranty.

Hatch replacement (mine buckled 3 days after recall) - Fixed
Squeaky/Loose Driver seat - fixed
Clunk noise from front driverside wheel - Could not reproduce (not fixed)
Air bag and brake recalls

Thats it. This car has never failed to start and never left me stranded. It has no more squeaks or rattles and is as tight as the day I drove it home.

All in all the past year with the FX has been a blast. It has garnered a lot of attention and has transported me and my family effortlessly in the 12 moths of ownership. This being my first foreign made vehicle I am so impressed it is hard to state in words.

The driving dynamics are segment leading and the reliability and maintenace cost have been a nice surprise especially considering that this is a first year model.

There are a couple things I wish my FX had.

Voice activated nav
8- way power passenger seat (04)
Chrome Wheel Option (04)
MP3 Cpability
Blue tooth Capability
Front DVD display on nav (moddable)
Longer wearing tires

All in all I love this S2uV. It is exactly what I was looking for. Hopefully in a year or so I can add a M35/M45 as a stablemate.

petew4

I think I would complain about those tires though. I've got 27K on mine (the 20in stocks) and still can't tell that they've worn at all - I expect at least 50k out of them.

I too have had a pretty much problem free experience. Aside from the two recalls you mentioned (neither of which had manifest on my vehicle) the only thing I had fixed was a cosmetic thing - the rear hatch intelligent key button didn't sit quite square in it's space. Minor complaints that have been mitigated by altered habits are: 1) the light switch being turned off inadvertently when turning on the turn signal & 2) the 6-disk changer skipping when cold in winter until it warms up (that one I keep thinking I'll complain about but never remember to mention it when it's in for service- not a big deal & I'm not sure there's anything they could do about it - a Bose issue probably).

kcrudup

Clunk noise from front driverside wheel - Could not reproduce (not fixed)

I don't think this is a problem; I've got this noise too on hard cornering, and also on the 90-degree ramp up out of my parking garage (at 3MPH). It's only during those extremes I hear it, and no other times, so I just ignore it.

jpiatchek

I, too am coming up on my first anniversary with FX35 tech AWD-about 16k. Have not had a hatch problem and have been in for the two recalls. No squeeks, rattles or clunks. Had a piece of trim above drivers side rear door that bubbled and was replaced. Oil changes at Vincel Infiniti are $40. which includes G35 loaner, wash and vac. Tire rotation is $15.00. I have gone to 7500 oil change and 10k rotation. Have had 2 oil changes and one rotation for a cost of $95.00. Not sure what I need to have done at 15k-need to check out the manual. Need a change and roation in 2k more or so. Tires look like another 10k left. Be surprised if I get more than 25k out of them. Also is pure joy to drive. Looking forward to driving the Blue Ridge parkway in June vacation. My mileage has slowed some since the addition of the TL. TL is a wonderful hiway car. Have the Bluetooth on it but is hard to find a phone with Bluetooth capability. Voice activation would be nice--Acura does have a superior nav system, although the Infiniti Nav is better than BMW, IMO. The surprise is that my wife adores the car in a way I have never seen from her and she has had some pretty nice mercandise over the years. Has to rank as one of our best purchases and has more than lived up to our expectations. Still think the seat controls suck. About the only bas thing I can say about it.

slummyj

My CD player also skipped in cold weather. When I called the dealer to schedule my last service, I mentioned the CD player skipped. The dealer's first question was "Does it do it in cold weather?" When I said yes, they said that has been a problem. They ordered a new cd player. It was installed about a month ago. I probably won't know until next winter if that fixed the problem.

infinitifan

Glad to hear that you have enjoyed the FX35 and the service at SW Infiniti. BTW, if you bought your car there you could have had all the factory service for the first 2 years/24k performed free of charge.

petewat3

thanks slummyj..... I will see about getting the changer replaced.

petew4

What tires do you guys have? I have the 20 in stock & am getting much better wear from them than you guys describe. Are we talkin apples & oranges or did I just get lucky?

texasfx35

I've seen several comments about accelerated wear on FX tires. I have also seen several posts regarding "bumping" the tire pressure to improve gas mileage and/or handling. The door sticker on my FX35 w/o the sport package states a 32 psig inflation; yet I've seen posts recommending 35-36 inflation pressures? Can this be contributing to premature tire wear, particularly the center of the tread?

petew4

not in my case Tex....I run 35-36 cold & 38-40 hot because of the increased mileage & feel - mine was one of the posts you refer to. Maybe I did just get lucky with my wear. BTW- they are wearing evenly at that pressure.

jpiatchek

Got the stock 20 inchers. Ran 33-34 lbs for awhile, but then I heard about wear down the middle and decreased to 32lbs. I am not experiencing unnoraml wear down the middle. May try upping to 34-35 lbs from now on and recheck mileage(tire and gas). Maybe I'll get more than i think, but doubt it.

clpurnell

Tires-

Yeah I have the 20's I run about 32 psi cold could be why I'm getting more wear. Been meaning to up the pressure but have not gotten arround to it.

Clunk -

I only get it first thing pulling out of my drive way when the driver fron tire hits the street. I think it has to do wwith cold struts. cuz if I have driven the car a while I get no noise. that is why it is so hard to reproduce.

TL-

It is a nice car. i use AT&T wireless and I think they have a couple phones compatible with the TL.
Toyed with getting one but I'm gonna wait for the new M from Infiniti. After owning the FX I am not scared in owning a first year Infiniti.

SW Infinti-

I know I could have gotten the free service but when i was buying they wanted 4k more total (2k more on the car 2k less on trade) than Grubbs in Dallas. With the cost of service the 2yr 24k is really worth only about $500 so I think I came out ahead going to grubbs.

rollbar

Dug around in the garage this weekend and found my accelometer, (hadn't used it since I put the supercharger on the Boxster).

Hooked it up and went for a ride.

FX 35 2004, tech and premium pkgs, 3/4 tank of gas, 18 inch wheels, and I weigh 210. Used 5350 for GVW did not add my weight or gas, assuming the GVW is dry. First run auto shift, second I shifted. Level asphalt.

Two runs for HP at the rear wheels, and two runs for 0-60.

HP 225 and 243; 0-60 7.13 and 7.01

The FX feels faster than 7 seconds to 60 but that's what I got.

Anyone else test it, if so, what did you get?

I forget what the Mfg says 0 - 60 is?

Rollbar

clpurnell

That is pretty consistent with what the mags have gotten anywhere from 7.0-7.3 for FX35s the 45's are abut .7-1 sec faster.

drcsf

I won't bore everyone with this type of post again, but I have had my '03 FX45 just over 2 weeks now and I am truly shocked at the way this vehicle performs. A vehicle this large just should not accelerate or handle like this one does. I have had the opportunity to drive on highways, on city streets and on some back roads. I even used the navigation system outside of Wash DC when the road I wanted to drive home on was blocked by the police. You all know this but this vehicle really is amazing, it just swallows up pavement and there is always more power ready to go. The ride is a bit rough, but not at all objectionable for me and a very reasonable tradeoff for the gains in handling. The stereo, the intelligent key system and all the electronics, the great headlights, the backup camera - just an incredibly well engineered vehicle. I don't think Lexus, BMW, Mercedes or even the Porsche can touch these FX's for the price - Obviously very pleased with my choice.

Craig

petewat3

I am truly shocked at the way this vehicle performs

LOL.....fun isn't it? I now have 28K and about 9 mos on my 45Tech and it continues to amaze me. Is the smoke smell staying away (that was you wasn't it?).

duffer7

You must have been having a REAL good time if the police had to set up a road block to stop you.
I find that 4 wheel drive comes in handy when I must go off road at those times. ( just kidding , of course ). Enjoy your FX !