Unrelated to the A/C, but of significance, is the intensely hot eyeglass compartment in the headliner
Very good point. Happens to me all the time (in SoCal). Infiniti really has to address that one, before the passenger seat, door auto-lock, etc., etc. No doubt one will get some serious skin burn with that. Just imagine a kid grabbing some burning glasses and putting them on her nose...
I don't drive a ton and have irregular driving habits, so I don't have a regular schedule for refilling the tank. I'm having some trouble recognizing when the car is nearing empty because the only indication I get is a tiny amber fuel tank light on an otherwise amber dashboard. It's hardly noticeable. You'd think the light would be a contrasting color, a message would pop up on the information display, or the display would flip to the fuel status page. Does anyone know if this is configurable?
Ummm....not to seem too sarcastic...but my M has a thingy called a gauge with a little needle thingamajig that drifts closer and closer to a big letter "E".
Okay, maybe seeming too sarcastic, but I just couldn't resist.
In hot climates, it seems the thing to do is either avoid metal eyeglass frames, find another place to store sunglasses, or both. Please don't tempt them to add another warning placard (e.g., "don't iron your clothes while wearing them"). :shades:
Mezibec ... 'Twas this time last year we rambled about bluetooth phones. Now it's "hot specs". That little compartment is an oven ... minor compared to functional issues but major when it comes to practicality. Give me a place to store glasses, give me a place for the glasses from which to emerge usefully. Or don't give me a place at all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
About 25 years ago I read a book titled "Positioning". It became a small-time classic and was reissued in a 25th anniversary edition. The basic premise (not radical, just presented with lots of interesting examples) is that a major variable in the success-equation of any product is how well it manages to position itself -- in the collective consciousness of consumers -- among its competitors. Classic examples are "Kleenex" being used by us as a symbol for any product in its class, or hearing someone say they are doing some "Xeroxing" while standing in front of another brand name copier. BMW has been a champ at positioning itself. The inline six engine, constantly refined over the years, has become an engineering icon. The 3-series was hailed by Automobile magazine as "the best compact sport sedan in the world, a car that continues to get better and better with each evolution, when it would be so easy to, ahem, screw it up? In the process of not screwing it up, BMW has produced a car that is the gold standard for its class, something that all other automakers feel they have to measure up to. Yet, no matter how hard they try, they always come up short." Audi would have to had done that with, perhaps, Quattro, but that would have required their doing what Automobile described BMW as having done (whether everyone agrees that BMW did exactly what that magazine says it did is less critical, in what I'm saying, than that it's a virtual universal belief). My experience test-driving an A6 S-Line was unique. Nothing else (and I currently drive a 3-series) drives exactly that way and, if you like driving, the way it drives is not simply different but the best in certain ways. Whatever it would take to fill in the blank I left with the phrase "in certain ways," Audi marketing hasn't done it well-enough. I've only been considering "luxury" cars for about three years, so I've had to develop my own inner landscape of the category and its subcategories. I could, I suppose, rely on nothing but test-driving to develop such an internal "map" of what's what among luxury cars, but it's typical for me to also read and discuss, in the process of getting my bearings with something new. Here's a piece of research data that tallies with my own experience. When Consumer Reports asked its huge sample of car owners if they would buy their current car again, not one BMW made the cut where at least 80% of owners said they would definitely buy or lease the same car again. The Audi A6 did make the cut (80% exactly), as did the M35/45 (92%) and the Audi S4 (81%). Whatever that is, BMW (with our collective cooperation) retains its desirability, at least in the very important sense that led me, when I went to buy my first luxury car in 2004, to think something like "I've got to have one of those 3-series cars once in my life." This probably reflects inflated expectations (for any car) or an over-investment in driving-excitement as one life-pleasure, etc, but whatever, I'm probably among a subgroup (maybe, size-wise, an important one) that might not buy a car based on "I liked test-driving that one best." I'll probably buy a mental representation of a car and then I'll be (very satisfied, satisfied, neutral, unsatisfied, very unsatisfied) with what actually happens (day to day driving, longer trips, getting things in and out of the trunk, radio, NAV, hands-free phone, mileage) compared to that mental representation. Whatever doesn't let Audi capitalize on the fact that people who actually drive them everyday would buy another one, they need to change that. I like both the M35x and the Audi A6 (V8, maybe) S-Line. Viscerally, I like the Audi experience. In terms of the cars-in-my-mind, I lean toward the M35x. Probably, I'm never 100% aware of all the influences that have led me to buy one car over another, but right now, as best I can read myself, the Audi interior feels right, I actually like the MMI, I believe my Treo (soon to be 700p model from Verizon or Cingular) will work more easily with it than M, I hear niggling noise complaints online from M owners, I worry that sound-tuned exhaust in M would wear thin, Audi tires seem more practical, and I like going with the sales underdog (Audi down, M up, right now), and too many people don't even recognize what the M is yet (also get a bad feeling from fact that Nissan can't hone engine to give better mpg). As for the M35x, there are all those "one of the best cars ever" reviews, there was the like-a-shot-off-the-line experience, there are buttons for the radio and climate controls, the rear seats recline (mostly a wow factor for passengers, but, what can I say, I'll like hearing it) -- but don't fold down (that will annoy me), the curvy front where the fenders are stylistically separated from the hood (like on the Mini Cooper), there's the predicted reliability (I expect Audi engine to sputter one morning, even here in the SF Bay Area's mild climate -- as a Passat I owned did a few times and as some online and in reviews have reported -- you know there will never be a BMW review that says the test car engine idled rough on start-up), and the Infiniti's service is highly rated and the local place has been among the top 5 in the country (while I hated the service dept at the nearest VW/Audi dealer when I had the Passat) and Audi is phasing out the Audi Advantage. I go back and forth about liking/not liking the more luxurious (as in fancy hotel room) interior of the M, compared with the (I'm in a driver's car feel of the A6).
Sure, but that's when you know the stuff in it is cooking (so thanks blov8r to bringing it up!) Being a designated eyeglass area :shades: , everybody will use it for what it's (apparently) been designed for. The only flaw is that it may result in some skin burns. Since they did it, they gotta do it right, fix it, or remove it. But hey, for all we know, maybe they added more insulation for the 2007 model. We'll find out when new buyers let us know, 'cause it's sure not the dealers that will know that sort of things.
it seems plausible that since Nissan just reworked the VQ engine for the upcoming G35 (reportedly over 80% new parts), that this engine might also show up in the 07 M. The new VQ is still a 3.5 liter engine and since it is NEW, why would Nissan use it for a year and then go to the expense/trouble to retool just to punch it out .2L (about 12 cubic inches)? True, we did see Toyota use a new 3L on the GS for almost two years which will be replaced by the 3.5L in the upcoming 07 model, but Nissan's supposed move to a 3.7L makes less sense (assuming it really comes out within a year). Since we won't see the new 3.5L engine until November, why not just make it a 3.7 and be done with it? I know that a rationale can be dreamed up, but in my humble opinion, not a strong one. If there really will be a 3.7, the roll-out strategy will be interesting.
Thanks ... I had shortened/edited form for this forum (with paragraph breaks -- apologies about that) and a different one for the Audi forum. But I'm glad some of the information might be interesting/useful to someone anyway.
I have a 2006 M35. This morning I got in my car and all 4 windows were down and the doors were unlocked. I live in the deep south and it was over 90 degrees when I got home and besides I never roll down all 4 windows. All of my spare keys were in the drawer in the house where they normally are. No one has access to my keys but me. I can believe that it might be possible that I forgot to lock the doors but I would never leave the windows down in my hot humid climate. Any suggestions lilke a electrical short.
Has anyone put a Ravelco anti-theft device on their M35? If so, what was your experience with it, and did it impact your insurance rates? I read about it in this month's Car & Driver, and that article suggests that it's a worthwhile investment. Here's a link to their site: http://nohotwire.com/index.html
Has anyone driven both an M35 and an M35x in the rain? If so, did you find that there was much difference in handling and feeling in safe control of car? I've been driving a BMW 325i with the usual vehicle dynamic stability electronics and it has seemed great in rain, but I never compared it to a 325ix. Thanks for any info.
I can't help with that, but will say that my last car was an AUdi A6 quatro. I was on the highway during a bad rainstorm one day and cars ahead of me were hitting a stretch that had maybe an inch of water on it. They were twitching from one side to another. The Audi tracked straight through it without a twitch in the steeringwheel. I've never had a vehicle that stable. I've been through some puddles on the M35X and haven't noticed the common twitch or pull in the steering when going through stuff like that, so it appears that the stability is good as well. All of the other cars I've owned have only had one end or the other being driven, and you would have noticed.
I have had my m35x for about 2 months now and love it. Have taken a couple of long trips with a passenger and had no complants about passenger seat, in fact they said it was very comfortable. Getting 17 mpg in town and 24 on the road using mid range gas. I got the ivory pearl with wheat interior and love the color, doesnt show the dirt darker cars do and get many compliments on it. Due get some road noise due to tires but will change them when time comes.Drove car in a driving rain storm over to columbus ohio last weekend and it drove and tracked great. All of these complaints i see on this forum are minor or someone not understanding the tech on the car. Had many cars and this is the best one i have ever owned.
Not sure if it's been noted here, but if you go to government's fule economy site (www.fueleconomy.gov), you will find that M35 is specified as an 18/25 mpg vehicle that uses regular gas. Just for comparison, Audi A6 is listed as premium gas vehicle, but 19/27.
Just took a junket in my wife's GX470. Her eyeglass container is exactly like the M's with one exception; it's ventilated! Glasses warm up in there, but don't HEAT up in there. Huge difference, simple solution.
We're gonna change our approach and format a little bit going forward. Let's break out into smaller topics about these cars and get away from the "umbrella" discussions with the unwieldy numbers of posts that we've been used to. What sub-topics about these cars would you like to see? You can go to the group link to create them, or ask me and I'll be glad to do it for you.
We're in the Infiniti M35/M45 group of discussions as we speak. If you click on that link, you can the "Track This Group" so that you don't miss any new discussions created about these cars. You'll see that link at the right on the top of the list of discussions.
We hope everyone will like the shift in direction. Have fun!!
Forgive me for voicing a dissenting opinion, but I believe this message board has had far too LITTLE traffic. IMO, breaking into smaller groups will reduce the traffic below critical mass and have a net result of reducing the total combined traffic.
Sorry again, but I think it would be a big mistake.
Hey - I'm with Pete. The nicest thing about the board is that it's easy to scan and catch up quickly, and get into anything interesting.More complex equals one less me.
no clanging sound but i've had to take mine in twice for interior noise. all that was needed was some felt under the glove compartment and to replace the cup-holder cover. she is now as quiet as a church mouse (save some slight DVD noise). would'nt trade her for anything...
Forgive me for voicing a dissenting opinion, but I believe this message board has had far too LITTLE traffic. IMO, breaking into smaller groups will reduce the traffic below critical mass and have a net result of reducing the total combined traffic.
Sorry again, but I think it would be a big mistake.
I totally agree. I'd like to know Pat's rationale.
I'm told that studies have shown the majority of our members would rather see smaller groups of messages about more specialized topics than just "Infiniti M35/M45" that lumps in everything about those vehicles. Some of you may remember that a while back a number of you were asking for a separate discussion on the phone issues. We couldn't do it then, but we can now.
It's not just here, it's a Forums-wide paradigm shift.
I enjoy reading these boards and it takes but a few minutes a day to read all the messages on this board. Pete is correct, the volume isn't there to support breaking it down into further sub-groups in my opinion. Based on the last week or so it looks like less than 5 posts a day on average.
It seems that it's the old "one size fits all" with how Edmunds is approaching it based on Pat's response.."It's not just here, it's a Forums-wide paradigm shift". I would suggest letting forum moderators like Pat make that call for themselves, that's part of the reason you have moderators.
I know I for one won't be spending as much time here if it means I have to look for a number of different discussions...
Oh, but you don't have to look for a number of discussions at all. There are two easy options:
1) Treat the Infiniti M35/M45 main link the same way you've always treated this discussion and just go there to see what's new.
- or -
2) Go to that same main link once and click on Track this Group. Then all you have to do is go to My Tracked Items to see at a glance which discussions have new messages.
At that point you can click into them, but I find it far easier to then use Read New Posts to go easily from one to the next. I much prefer this method to any other.
Say someone starts a discussion on a subject in which you have no interest - now you won't have to read past those posts, you can skip the subject altogether.
I know changing things after we get used to them being a certain way is difficult, trust me! I have more difficulty with change than most. But eventually things will settle in and this will all work out.
Pat, I don't post all that often, however, I agree with the others that the last thing we need are a bunch of micro fora. Perhaps you and the other hosts are here all day and have plenty of time to surf the topics, but most of the rest of us don't. Having to navigate between numerous boards to talk (for example) about the M35 is just too hard and frankly not worth it. What I do agree needs attention is the many long-winded, superfluous posts that are only tangentially related to the topic, yet attract some folks who go on and on in replies/rebuttals. IMHO, if you go to micro boards, you probably won't get much more diversity, since some of those who like to argue will simply shift the topic (like they do now) to whatever they want to talk about on whatever board they are on. I think we have too many topics now!
I understand that this change is difficult for our long-standing members. However, the fact is that we have been receiving feedback for years from people that absolutely hate the massive topics that requires a major chunk of time to wade through to find the information they are seeking. Some newbies may try using the discussion search, but the majority are overwhelmed and simply leave in disgust.
Say it is your first visit here and you're looking for some information concerning the M35/M45 navigation system. You find the main topic with its close to 6000 posts that runs the gamut of subjects for this make/model, and the "M35/M45 Navigation System" topic with less than 100 posts that are all about the nav system. Which discussion are you more inclined to go to? And if you can easily find the info you need on your first visit, you're more inclined to stick around and participate more.
We are going to a more "group" or "club" definition. Therefore, we'd like to have discussions for regional M35/M45 owners events, etc. If they were buried in this discussion, they wouldn't be found. Consider it this way, the club sites devoted to one make/model do not have just one discussion. We want the M35/M45 board to be competitive and an alternative to those types of sites. You can't do that with one discussion, even if it does have 6000 posts.
If you use the Track and Read New Posts - you aren't losing anything. You get the same posts, but in a more defined manner. And if there is an M35/M45 discussion that doesn't interest you, simply click on "remove track" and you won't see those new posts.
As Pat said, this is happening throughout the Forums, and to keep this on topic, please post any further questions/concerns in "Our Software" discussion, located on the Automotive News & Views board.
I would really appreciate seeing some more pictures of the M in twilight blue. I have seen some pictures on Infiniti's website, but nowhere else. Anyone here with a twilight blue M willing to share photos of their car with me?
In my Zip code (NE of HotLanta) I can again 'build' an M45 Sport (almost) as I'd actually prefer to buy one - with ONLY OPTION = rosewood. "Almost", because I still cannot order XM without a Package . . ( sigh ) - Ray Always shopping . .
Thanks for letting us know about the '07 M info on the Infiniti website. I've been anxiously awaiting that to see how much the pricing changed, since I have an '07 on order that's due in in about 2-3 weeks, but didn't know how much it would cost. Looks like the pricing changed very little. My car will have an MSRP of $46,530 (includes Journey, Nav Tech, and Splash guards). Identically configured '06 (though the options were in different packages) had an MSRP of $46,360, so the '07 is +$170. Still don't know the exact invoice price, but I'm figuring it'll be about $150 over the '06 invoice price (so it'll be around $42.9k.)
My sales rep at the dealership didn't even have the pricing - I told her to find it on the consumer website.
I just cancelled my 06 lease order and will pick up an equivalent 07 mid July when it comes in. Exact same pricing as above. Since I'm on VPP, the selling price will be almost the same as the 06, but I do expect a higher MF, which hopefully will be offset by higher residuals. I also expect 36 months to be cheaper than 24 months on the 07's.
All this to get the new seats (hopefully 10 way with lumbar support and better passenger seats as well with lumbar support).
Dealer did not know of the pricing...My salesman was going to look at the web site to get the MSRP's and verifying the packaging. Navigation is not available as a separate feature, but that's logical since the tech package is basically navigation plus a better radio (but not the full 14 speaker one).
BTW...early info suggested that the HID headlamps were only going to be ordered separately (not part of any package), but it turns out they are part of the journey package.
posted this on the ELS board too. In looking at the Infiniti website re the 07 M, it seems that the new model will NOT have the revised VQ engine that is being readied for the new G35. That engine is supposed to be 80% new and develop over 300hp. Looks like Nissan will keep the older version of the VQ in production to use in the M (275hp), Maximas, Altimas, etc.
Well I brought my perfect M45 Sport to the dealer last week for the first oil change (Pepe Infiniti). And today I found it wasn't perfect anymore. I washed the car for a trip I'm making tomorrow, and I found wheel rash on the left rear wheel. Not bad, but noticiable, and enough for me to be pissed off.
I called Pepe, didn't expect them to do anything about since it's a week later, and I can't prove they did it. They said it's $ 150 to fix it. And then said they would have to do the front wheel to, to match the color. The rash is about 3 inches long and a 1/4 inch in width. I could fix it myself if I had the paint. I'm not paying $300 for this.
Does anyone know what the paint code is for the wheel, it's the sport wheel. Or how I could find out what the paint code is? Or, anyplace it the White Plains NY area that fixes wheels? Appreciate your response..Thanks
Went on Tire Rack website. They could have it wrong, but indicate that M35x has same tires as M35: Goodyear Eagle RS-A, 245/45VR18. Technically, these are "High Performance All-Season" tires, but from what I read on that website's comparisons, based on buyer feedback, is that they are among the worst in the category for wet and light-snow road conditions. So, to me, they are functionally, really summer performance tires. I hope I am pleasntly surprised when first rains come this fall/winter. My understanding is that H (rather than V) rated tires are more "real" all-seasons. Anyone know technicalities of this subject?
While pulling my M35x into the garage I ran into a lawn chair lying on the ground and ripped two rather nasty gouges in the plastic bumper dam. The touch up paint for the car body won't adhere to this material. Any ideas on how to repair this? Do I need to take it to a professional body shop or can I repair these gouges with some materials other than the usual Infiniti provided touch up paint? Thanks for any help...
The control panel on my M35 has frozen. None of the control buttons are active, the radio does not play, adjusting temperature and fan speed are not possible, etc. etc. Turning the car off and then re-starting doesn't change anything. Obviously I'll get it fixed at the dealer, just wondering if there is any re-boot sequence that anyone knows about.
Comments
Very embarrassing typo
I meant to write that they stated that the M had better tech than any other car for $100,000
I don't usually use the phrase "Mo' Better" on these boards. PC Mag doesn't use it either AFAIK.
Pete
Very good point. Happens to me all the time (in SoCal). Infiniti really has to address that one, before the passenger seat, door auto-lock, etc., etc. No doubt one will get some serious skin burn with that. Just imagine a kid grabbing some burning glasses and putting them on her nose...
Okay, maybe seeming too sarcastic, but I just couldn't resist.
:shades:
Bart
Or, don't use it.
Happiness = reality - expectation.
Paragraphs are good things.
Sure, but that's when you know the stuff in it is cooking (so thanks blov8r to bringing it up!) Being a designated eyeglass area :shades: , everybody will use it for what it's (apparently) been designed for. The only flaw is that it may result in some skin burns. Since they did it, they gotta do it right, fix it, or remove it. But hey, for all we know, maybe they added more insulation for the 2007 model. We'll find out when new buyers let us know, 'cause it's sure not the dealers that will know that sort of things.
It would be nice if the Information Display flipped to the fuel status page when the fuel is low. Otherwise, the car is flawless.
http://nohotwire.com/index.html
Thank you for any feedback!
Bart :shades:
M35/M45 Navigation System
M35/M45 and Bluetooth
M35/M45 Wish List
Enjoy!!
We're gonna change our approach and format a little bit going forward. Let's break out into smaller topics about these cars and get away from the "umbrella" discussions with the unwieldy numbers of posts that we've been used to. What sub-topics about these cars would you like to see? You can go to the group link to create them, or ask me and I'll be glad to do it for you.
We're in the Infiniti M35/M45 group of discussions as we speak. If you click on that link, you can the "Track This Group" so that you don't miss any new discussions created about these cars. You'll see that link at the right on the top of the list of discussions.
We hope everyone will like the shift in direction. Have fun!!
Forgive me for voicing a dissenting opinion, but I believe this message board has had far too LITTLE traffic. IMO, breaking into smaller groups will reduce the traffic below critical mass and have a net result of reducing the total combined traffic.
Sorry again, but I think it would be a big mistake.
Pete
Forgive me for voicing a dissenting opinion, but I believe this message board has had far too LITTLE traffic. IMO, breaking into smaller groups will reduce the traffic below critical mass and have a net result of reducing the total combined traffic.
Sorry again, but I think it would be a big mistake.
I totally agree. I'd like to know Pat's rationale.
It's not just here, it's a Forums-wide paradigm shift.
It seems that it's the old "one size fits all" with how Edmunds is approaching it based on Pat's response.."It's not just here, it's a Forums-wide paradigm shift". I would suggest letting forum moderators like Pat make that call for themselves, that's part of the reason you have moderators.
I know I for one won't be spending as much time here if it means I have to look for a number of different discussions...
1) Treat the Infiniti M35/M45 main link the same way you've always treated this discussion and just go there to see what's new.
- or -
2) Go to that same main link once and click on Track this Group. Then all you have to do is go to My Tracked Items to see at a glance which discussions have new messages.
At that point you can click into them, but I find it far easier to then use Read New Posts to go easily from one to the next. I much prefer this method to any other.
Say someone starts a discussion on a subject in which you have no interest - now you won't have to read past those posts, you can skip the subject altogether.
I know changing things after we get used to them being a certain way is difficult, trust me! I have more difficulty with change than most.
What I do agree needs attention is the many long-winded, superfluous posts that are only tangentially related to the topic, yet attract some folks who go on and on in replies/rebuttals.
IMHO, if you go to micro boards, you probably won't get much more diversity, since some of those who like to argue will simply shift the topic (like they do now) to whatever they want to talk about on whatever board they are on.
I think we have too many topics now!
I understand that this change is difficult for our long-standing members. However, the fact is that we have been receiving feedback for years from people that absolutely hate the massive topics that requires a major chunk of time to wade through to find the information they are seeking. Some newbies may try using the discussion search, but the majority are overwhelmed and simply leave in disgust.
Say it is your first visit here and you're looking for some information concerning the M35/M45 navigation system. You find the main topic with its close to 6000 posts that runs the gamut of subjects for this make/model, and the "M35/M45 Navigation System" topic with less than 100 posts that are all about the nav system. Which discussion are you more inclined to go to? And if you can easily find the info you need on your first visit, you're more inclined to stick around and participate more.
We are going to a more "group" or "club" definition. Therefore, we'd like to have discussions for regional M35/M45 owners events, etc. If they were buried in this discussion, they wouldn't be found. Consider it this way, the club sites devoted to one make/model do not have just one discussion. We want the M35/M45 board to be competitive and an alternative to those types of sites. You can't do that with one discussion, even if it does have 6000 posts.
If you use the Track and Read New Posts - you aren't losing anything. You get the same posts, but in a more defined manner. And if there is an M35/M45 discussion that doesn't interest you, simply click on "remove track" and you won't see those new posts.
As Pat said, this is happening throughout the Forums, and to keep this on topic, please post any further questions/concerns in "Our Software" discussion, located on the Automotive News & Views board.
Thanks all for your cooperation!
KarenS
Community Manager
Thanks,
Alto
( sigh )
- Ray
Always shopping . .
The only "surprise" is that seating has changed...see discussion over the past week in this thread. (if the web site is right, of course).
Cars are expected in "mid july" according to my dealer who would like to sell me an 06 now.
My sales rep at the dealership didn't even have the pricing - I told her to find it on the consumer website.
All this to get the new seats (hopefully 10 way with lumbar support and better passenger seats as well with lumbar support).
Dealer did not know of the pricing...My salesman was going to look at the web site to get the MSRP's and verifying the packaging. Navigation is not available as a separate feature, but that's logical since the tech package is basically navigation plus a better radio (but not the full 14 speaker one).
BTW...early info suggested that the HID headlamps were only going to be ordered separately (not part of any package), but it turns out they are part of the journey package.
I called Pepe, didn't expect them to do anything about since it's a week later, and I can't prove they did it. They said it's $ 150 to fix it. And then said they would have to do the front wheel to, to match the color. The rash is about 3 inches long and a 1/4 inch in width. I could fix it myself if I had the paint. I'm not paying $300 for this.
Does anyone know what the paint code is for the wheel, it's the sport wheel. Or how I could find out what the paint code is? Or, anyplace it the White Plains NY area that fixes wheels? Appreciate your response..Thanks