Having just ended the (according to owner's manual) 1,200 mile break-in period, I'm ambivalent about the M35. No problems, so this post doesn't fit the "problems and solutions" forum. Just wondering if any other M owners have similar feelings.
I still like the look of the front of the car, but, overall, find Audi A6s that I encounter to be more head-turners for me. Gradually, began to find looking at M from side and back to be so-so aesthetic experience.
Driving is also mixed.
Rapid acceleration as reported by all magazines which is a kick when test-driving.
That effect, however, relies heavily on high revving engine-transmission system, rather than state of the art engine-engineering. Feels a bit more like a 1966 GTO I owned long ago (and gets gas mileage more like that car did) than a 21st century luxury sedan engine, such as the German cars all offer (it is, in fact, a twelve-year old Nissan V-6, which, although a classic, is, well, a classic).
My hunch is that the 2007 Audi V-8 with FSI will give 350 HP and better gas mileage than I get with this 275 HP engine (17 mpg).
Steering and chassis don't produce anything similar to my old BMW 3-series. Too much "power-steering" lite feel and not that "cornering, as if on rails" feel.
I don't have enough confidence in the tires to drive them through rainy northern California winter, so I'll shelve them for lease turn-in time and get some Michelins. The stock Goodyears are one of the least-liked (by owners) tires in their class on Tire Rack surveys.
Great glove compartment and cupholders. Trunk is big but opening to it is deceptively small.
NAV-Control screen totally vulnerable to sunlight. At times, I just cannot see anything on it (except the dust).
Sounds like it's time to take it in and trade it for the A6 you long for.
Money is not a concern as it relates to gas mileage but the gnawing notion in your mind that you aren't driving a car that was engineered to provide horsepower and great gas mileage seems to bother you.
While every objective test would indicate that the M handles as well as, or better than it's competition, your "feel" for the car is that it doesn't handle as well.
Bite the bullet, buy out the lease, and trade the car for the A6 you desire. It's not worth being miserable for the balance of the lease.
While I could think of ways to improve the M too, I've found it to be a pleasure to drive.
Just to be clear ... I also find my M35 "pleasurable" to drive (probably, on a rating scale, I'd check off "mildly pleasurable", but not "very exciting" or "very engaging"). If it was in the "unpleasurable" ("I hate driving this car") range, I would have already bought out the lease, just to give myself the sense that I'm positioned to sell it whenever I want, but I'm having to push myself to seriously consider that costly option while feeling that the M35 is nice-enough.
I'm open to further thoughts (free online therapy)
I've been trying to find your utility for automatically turning on BT on the i730 after leaving your M45. As a note to the forum host, I'll just mention that this was a free utility, and therefore I believe we're not violating forum guidelines by discussing it here.
I have the M45 and the i730 as well.
The download location you once gave at exposecorp is no longer accessible. Is there any way I can still get that utility?
Speaking of wind noise. Has anyone had any experience with aftermarket techniques (Dealer or other) for dealing with this? The amount of noise coming from the windows is starting to cause a small amount of annoyance.
Both of my Fog Lamps have broken. Is there a solution to this reoccuring for the life of the car. The expense is too great. Perhaps a grill or covering of some sort could be made.
This is the first time the issue of broken fog lamps has surfaced here. Both? I don't see how you could have done it yourself on a curb without wiping out your air dam, and if it was stones you should see all sorts of paint chips on the front of the car. How 'bout vandalism as a cause? :confuse: Bart
No, we have not hit a curb. The first one cracked when the car was about 3 months old and the second one last week. Someone suggested that there might be the possibility that they got too hot and rain caused them to shatter. What do you think? :confuse:
Suppose that is possible, but it is probably tempered glass (don't know that for sure). Really tough stuff, but if there were any chip or uneven mounting pressure, a thermal shock might do that. Some people bump the wattage on the bulbs...did you? Not a great idea.
Perhaps it is a bad batch. When I purchased my 99 Acura TL in 98, the tail lights would blow every 5 or 6 weeks. I was told they came from a bad batch.
The 2007 G35 seems to have a significantly upgraded nav-system. It is hard-drive base, and includes traffic monitoring and voice-recognition control of the navigation, radio, and climate systems. It also tells you which precise lane to be in for freeway navigation.
Is the navigation system in the 2007 G35 more advanced (and have more features) then the system on the 2007 M35/M45?
Below is a description of the 2007 G35 nav system from someone's review: "The Navigation Package consists of a GPS-based system employing a 30GB hard disc drive (which displaces the in-dash, six-CD changer to the trunk and contains a 9.5GB partition for user-recorded audio tracks); MP3-capable compact flash media slot (also used to copy audio to the HDD and update the map database); lane guidance, which preps a driver for a left or right exit ramp from a freeway; voice recognition for climate control, audio and navigation; and a three-month trial subscription to Sirius or XM satellite radio, the latter including real-time traffic information where available."
Has anyone installed a dvd screen in their headrests? The only company that I have found for the M35 is Myron & Davis. I was wondering if there were other companies for the M?
:sick: I have about 11,00 miles on my M35X. I got a screw in the sidewall of a rear tire causing a slow leak. Plug is now leaking again. Tire guy says I should get four new tires due to all-wheel drive. I trust him a lot, but does this sound right?
When I do get new ones, I'd like to maximize the "quiet factor". I plan on getting allseasons. What's the best tire for me?
In an ideal world, all four tires should be identical for 4 wheel drive to work the best. The reality is that as long as you stay with the same tire, you can mix a new tire with partially worn tires without a problem.
On the other hand, if your tires are pretty worn and/or you want to change for a quieter tire, then this is a good time to change. Otherwise, when the other three tires wear out, you will still have the fourth newer tire and you will be "locked in" to buy the same tire or throwing the newer one awy.
Some manufacturers have a specification that dictates the maximum diameter differences allowed between any mounted tires. I know Audi has, I've not searched for one on the Infiniti. The goal is to not have the differentials constantly turning because different tires are different diameters on a straight-away any more than normal. It would likely require a bigger difference than possible to trigger the anti-lock system, but in theory, could cause braking distances to be increased if it thought the tire was slipping when in fact, it was just that it was a difference in diameter.
Admittedly the first M wan't well received, to use your words, but to my taste the body style was more elegant. I have the new M and love the car for all its good features but prefer the look of the longer/lower/sleeker earlier version. As I also prefered the 2nd Q body style to the original and subsequent. Just my taste buds at work.
I've been a fan of Infiniti since the first rather austere commercials -- don't remember the year, but I think it was the early-mid 90's. Happy to see they're doing better these days.
Will there be a new Q45 anytime soon? That seems to be the only missing link in what is otherwise a very competitive lineup.
Except for perhaps a manual transmission in the M35, and gearing/fuel schedules to provide better fuel mileage across the board.
I have had my M45 sport for 18 months now with 42,000 km's. This car is still a dream to drive and I have not had one repair on the car. I look forward to driving my M every day. I purchased the car at Alta Infiniti in Woodbridge, Ontario and the service at the dealership has been excellent. I was worried before purchasing the car in respect to winter handling. Last year I purchased 17" snow tires and the car handled fantastic. It handled much better in snow than my front wheel drive cars that had no snow tires. The only problem with the snow tires is that the car is not as much fun to drive as the summer 19" sport tires, but it still drives wonderful even with the snows. I use the navigation system and the rear back up screen all of the time. I find the hands free blue tooth phone excellent and I also use it all of the time. The other voice activation commands I hardly use at all. The rear active steer really approves handling on tight turns.
I believe that there will be an all new Q45 for the model year 2008. I don't know, but perhaps they will have a Feb. 2007 debut like they did in Feb. 2005 for the 2006 M.
I am considering purchasing a pre-owned 2006 M35 from my local Infiniti dealer. He says it is an AWD M35x but the designation on the rear of just says "M35" is this possible? I know the 2007's have M35x oon the vehicle when it is AWD.
Was wondering if there is any possibility of Infiniti offering AWD in the M45. They already have an AWD V-8 drive train in the FX45, so it would seem feasible to offer an M45x.
I read on one of these forums last year that there is no room in the M for the 4.5 V8 and AWD so there will not be an M45X, at least until a major redesign.
I recently test drove an M35X and loved it. However, I am disappointed that the M does not have the same engine as the G with over 300HP. It is odd that Infiniti would offer more HP in their less expensive offering. It seems that it is less cost effective to keep making both the 275 HP engine and the 300+ HP engine for Infiniti.
Does anyone know if Infiniti plans on using the more powerful engine in the 08 M 35X model. Any chance that they may introduce it in early to mid 08. I would hate to buy a 50K car and find out that they upped the HP in a few months. Any rumors out there?
I test drove the M35 and the dealer indicated that on ones built after a certain date the XM Navtraffic (real time - which is only listed available on the G35) can be added through XM. Has anyone heard or seen that this can be done?
Ocim, I don't know the answer to your question. It would be nice if an Infiniti manager visited this site occasionally (officially or unofficially) to enlighten us on such matters (such as plans for the Q).
I regularly read a site for audio/visual equipment, and a Sharp employee regularly visits to fill us in on the latest with their LCD's and other products.
Maybe someone from Infiniti will read this .................
I brought this up in several posts some months back. The new G has the improved VQ 3.5L six featuring variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust cams (only intake on the M), plus better air intake system, etc. My thoughts are that a) they don't have the production capacity to do both the M and G at the same time, or, b) more likely, that the M will get a new 3.7L V6 with all the goodies plus a six speed automatic transmission for 08. This would make sense, since according to earlier posters, Nissan has trademarked the 3.7L logo. We will see.
Hmm... They're just now going back to the drawing board?
They've been drawing for some time now. Last information I heard was the re-emergence of the Q for the 2009 model year to be released sometime in 2008. Early info leaked indicates a step back to the Q's earlier sporty roots without sacrificing any luxury. Infiniti wants to bring a car to market that will truly compete with the S, LS, and 7. It will be interesting to see what they come up with.
I've always thought that buying a car based on things like its stereo system was missing the point. HOWEVER, my Ipod has 5,000 songs on it, and it's almost all I use for music in my 1994 Q45(I put in an Alpine stereo 2 years ago). Unlike some cars (like the RL), the MP3 player in the M is not an integrated part of the stereo, and, I believe, you can't control it through the stereo, see what's playing on the car display, or charge the Ipod unless you attach a cable to the cigarette lighter. Anyone use an MP3 player regularly with the M? I'm about ready to buy an M45, but would be frustrated if I do and then the '08 model (due about July) addresses this.
I use my iPod all the time in my M45 but it's not well integrated. I have it on a rigid mount from Belkin above the power adapter (aka cig lighter). The audio wires are connected inside the center console to the Aux input. It's easy to control and use. The power goes off with the engine and that puts the IPod in pause mode which after a while goes to off. Upon starting the car it returns to pause so all I have to do is hit .
Comments
Posts have been moved from here to a couple of new discussions. Come join!
I still like the look of the front of the car, but, overall, find Audi A6s that I encounter to be more head-turners for me. Gradually, began to find looking at M from side and back to be so-so aesthetic experience.
Driving is also mixed.
Rapid acceleration as reported by all magazines which is a kick when test-driving.
That effect, however, relies heavily on high revving engine-transmission system, rather than state of the art engine-engineering. Feels a bit more like a 1966 GTO I owned long ago (and gets gas mileage more like that car did) than a 21st century luxury sedan engine, such as the German cars all offer (it is, in fact, a twelve-year old Nissan V-6, which, although a classic, is, well, a classic).
My hunch is that the 2007 Audi V-8 with FSI will give 350 HP and better gas mileage than I get with this 275 HP engine (17 mpg).
Steering and chassis don't produce anything similar to my old BMW 3-series. Too much "power-steering" lite feel and not that "cornering, as if on rails" feel.
I don't have enough confidence in the tires to drive them through rainy northern California winter, so I'll shelve them for lease turn-in time and get some Michelins. The stock Goodyears are one of the least-liked (by owners) tires in their class on Tire Rack surveys.
Great glove compartment and cupholders. Trunk is big but opening to it is deceptively small.
NAV-Control screen totally vulnerable to sunlight. At times, I just cannot see anything on it (except the dust).
Money is not a concern as it relates to gas mileage but the gnawing notion in your mind that you aren't driving a car that was engineered to provide horsepower and great gas mileage seems to bother you.
While every objective test would indicate that the M handles as well as, or better than it's competition, your "feel" for the car is that it doesn't handle as well.
Bite the bullet, buy out the lease, and trade the car for the A6 you desire. It's not worth being miserable for the balance of the lease.
While I could think of ways to improve the M too, I've found it to be a pleasure to drive.
What would be on your list?
Just to be clear ... I also find my M35 "pleasurable" to drive (probably, on a rating scale, I'd check off "mildly pleasurable", but not "very exciting" or "very engaging"). If it was in the "unpleasurable" ("I hate driving this car") range, I would have already bought out the lease, just to give myself the sense that I'm positioned to sell it whenever I want, but I'm having to push myself to seriously consider that costly option while feeling that the M35 is nice-enough.
I'm open to further thoughts (free online therapy)
I've been trying to find your utility for automatically turning on BT on the i730 after leaving your M45. As a note to the forum host, I'll just mention that this was a free utility, and therefore I believe we're not violating forum guidelines by discussing it here.
I have the M45 and the i730 as well.
The download location you once gave at exposecorp is no longer accessible. Is there any way I can still get that utility?
Thanks for your help.
Pete
By their nature, to reduce glare, they need to be low. DId you damage the air dam in the process?
:confuse:
Bart
The 2007 G35 seems to have a significantly upgraded nav-system. It is hard-drive base, and includes traffic monitoring and voice-recognition control of the navigation, radio, and climate systems. It also tells you which precise lane to be in for freeway navigation.
Is the navigation system in the 2007 G35 more advanced (and have more features) then the system on the 2007 M35/M45?
Below is a description of the 2007 G35 nav system from someone's review: "The Navigation Package consists of a GPS-based system employing a 30GB hard disc drive (which displaces the in-dash, six-CD changer to the trunk and contains a 9.5GB partition for user-recorded audio tracks); MP3-capable compact flash media slot (also used to copy audio to the HDD and update the map database); lane guidance, which preps a driver for a left or right exit ramp from a freeway; voice recognition for climate control, audio and navigation; and a three-month trial subscription to Sirius or XM satellite radio, the latter including real-time traffic information where available."
2) Does anyone have a picture of their M 35/45 with tinted windows and crome pillars ? If so, please send to kaidegraaf@yahoo.com
Thanks
:confuse:
When I do get new ones, I'd like to maximize the "quiet factor". I plan on getting allseasons. What's the best tire for me?
Thanks!
On the other hand, if your tires are pretty worn and/or you want to change for a quieter tire, then this is a good time to change. Otherwise, when the other three tires wear out, you will still have the fourth newer tire and you will be "locked in" to buy the same tire or throwing the newer one awy.
The one that came out in '05 was much more of a hit, and is the topic of this discussion.
Bart
Will there be a new Q45 anytime soon? That seems to be the only missing link in what is otherwise a very competitive lineup.
Except for perhaps a manual transmission in the M35, and gearing/fuel schedules to provide better fuel mileage across the board.
I believe that there will be an all new Q45 for the model year 2008. I don't know, but perhaps they will have a Feb. 2007 debut like they did in Feb. 2005 for the 2006 M.
Thanks :confuse:
Thanks
Bruce
Does anyone know if Infiniti plans on using the more powerful engine in the 08 M 35X model. Any chance that they may introduce it in early to mid 08. I would hate to buy a 50K car and find out that they upped the HP in a few months. Any rumors out there?
I regularly read a site for audio/visual equipment, and a Sharp employee regularly visits to fill us in on the latest with their LCD's and other products.
Maybe someone from Infiniti will read this .................
Hmm... They're just now going back to the drawing board? That means it'll be off the market for a couple of years or so.
They've been drawing for some time now. Last information I heard was the re-emergence of the Q for the 2009 model year to be released sometime in 2008. Early info leaked indicates a step back to the Q's earlier sporty roots without sacrificing any luxury. Infiniti wants to bring a car to market that will truly compete with the S, LS, and 7. It will be interesting to see what they come up with.
Unlike some cars (like the RL), the MP3 player in the M is not an integrated part of the stereo, and, I believe, you can't control it through the stereo, see what's playing on the car display, or charge the Ipod unless you attach a cable to the cigarette lighter.
Anyone use an MP3 player regularly with the M? I'm about ready to buy an M45, but would be frustrated if I do and then the '08 model (due about July) addresses this.
Thanks, Jon
I used a KUDA mount:
http://www.kudausa.com/kuda_mount_and_holder_for_infiniti_m_since_2006-14-166.ht- ml#
An iPOD holder from ProClip to fit my 30G Video iPOD:
http://www.proclipusa.com
A Belkin cable:
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=193794