Infiniti M35/M45 2006+

pat2717

I am beginning to think about a new car. My current ride is a 98 528i. I'm eager to get better performance, but otherwise I love my BMW. The new M sounds great. My issue is that I'm very tall (6'5"). There is virtually no car made that I would consider comfortable simply because the headroom is always an issue. I'm always brushing against the ceiling or leaning my head into the sunroof well. I can always compare the headroom measurements which I believe are simply floor to ceiling. This does not always tell the whole story, however, because the seat design is a big factor. The M measures at 39.6, which is pretty good. My question is whether anyone who has test driven a new M is tall and has some insight on how the headroom feels.

undecided7

I believe there is a 12v plug in the center console that functions as the ash tray/storage tray from what I remember of my test drive. It is located next to the shift knob.

davido3

I am also 6'5" and have ordered the M45 non-sport. During the test drive, I found the front seat to be excellent. Plenty of leg room and head room. I understand that just because we are the same height, does not mean that our leg or torso lengths are the same, but for me it worked great.

I also moved to the back seat directly behind my previously-adjusted front seat. I thought the room was adequate. Not great, but acceptable. My head fit into a "slot" on the roof where the sun roof ended. If I leaned forward, I would hit the roof indention for the sun roof. I wish you could order these cars without the sun roof for this reason, but I understand that accommodating a group of 6'5" people is not their primary goal.

Hope this helps.

pat2717

Thanks for the feedback, that is very helpful. I agree about the sunroofs. I testdrove a v8 STS that is easily available without a sunroof. While my head fit pretty well, the visibility was terrible, most of the horizon was only visible if I leaned my head forward. I'm really excited about this car and I hope the headroom works out. Good luck with your new car!

drtravel

FYI. Compared closely equipped GS300 and M35 (no navigation)

GS300 with Destination charge + Preferred Accessory Package + Moon Roof + Sun Shade + Ventilated Seats + Rear Spoiler + Rain-sensing Wipers = $45,879 retail and $40,226 invoice.
Profit of $5653 or 14.1%

M35 with Destination charge + Journey Package = $43,300 retail and $39,656 invoice.
Profit of $3644 or 9.2%

No wonder the Lexus salesperson seems to be just a little more interested in my business then the Infiniti guy.

billod

I also found the M35X to be louder than I would have liked. At cruise speeds it was okay. On take off and during "punch it" acceleration, it was much louder than the A6. Hope this helps

flipper6

I am also 6' 5" and sat in the M35 to see how it fit. I found it to be very roomy. I usually have more trouble with the leg room than the head room but both were acceptable. I did not take it for a test drive.

I drive a 2004 Acura TL which I also find acceptable. They allow the driver's seat on the TL to go very low. If I sit in the passenger seat, there is not enough head room. There are very few cars that have enough room for tall people.

albertn

I think that the dealer offered to swap my tires for a couple of reasons. First, they've been very helpful throughout the whole process and I think they were just being nice. Second, they had no M45s coming in that fit my specifications. This was probably an easy way to finish the sale.

As for the ride comfort with the 19" tires, I just think that I started noticing it after the tires had been over-inflated. Something that might have been barely acceptable to me before I started paying attention turned into something really annoying (even after the tires were at their proper pressure). It was not just on broken roads, but on roads that should have been smooth. I think that the 19" tires were just too performance oriented for me.

About the Nav system. I stated previously that some functionality of the system is locked out when the car is moving. Specifically, among other things, I have not been able to figure out how to access "Points of Interest" when the car is moving. (I would want to be able to access this functionality when I am trying to find a specific restaurant, but I don't know the address.)

One observation about the back seats. I find the back seats very spacious, even for tall riders. However those getting the premium package will find that rear head room is somewhat reduced.

Albert

lexusguy

My Lexus NAV systems are the same way, basically 99% of the functionality is locked when the car is in motion.

my45

Albert- your findings on ride comfort are not the same as I experienced. I drove an M35 non-sport and an M45 sport back to back (literally 5 minutes apart), and I really couldn't sense much of a difference in ride quality. It was about 65 degrees out on the day I went out, so if you are in colder temperatures, that could be the difference. Both rides to me were very smooth, even on a very poor road. I can't help but think something was/is wrong with your vehicle or original tires. You said it yourself that you didn't remember your test drive having the same harshness as your delivered vehicle. Perhaps you should take another M for a spin to be sure.

undecided7

I called the 800 costco car program today and it took about 5 minutes to give them my information and they found a dealer in my area that participates in Costco's auto program that gives us the NO HAGGLE, member's only price. No sooner did I hang up with the Costco rep than I got a phone call from Motor Werks in Barrington, IL and the salesperson told me they just become members of Costco's program and that I could end up saving thousands off MSRP. This is legit, it is not a plug for Costco as it is my desire to pass this valuable information to all of you car enthusiasts that have been very helpful to me in conducting my research. Although I am still undecided, but less so every day, this program is applicable for almost any manufacturer car excep Scion and Mini Cooper. Take advantage of it if you can. Just to show you that this is not a hoax, here is the link showing the invoice and MSRP price. I'm going this weekend to see the invoice since the dealer said they can only show it in person. I'll report back once I go.

undecided7

Oops, forgot the link, here it is invoice base price is $39,578, MSRP a whopping $43,010 - these prices include delivery, here's the link:
http://www.costcoauto.com/carresearch/configurator.asp?year=2006&costcomake=17&costcomodel- =2756&make=61&model=w2006k61m12&style=w2006k61m12t2

mikef1

I really haggled the dealer today on a M45 Sport with tech and journey and I got the car for 625 a month. I dont think anyone will be able to beat this deal. It is from New York.

undecided7

Being an accountant and an economist, I cringe when I hear that people base a good deal on a monthly price. What isn't stated is what is the implicit interest (or financing rate) within this lease deal. Typically you'll see the rates in the double digits, which to me doesn't equal a good deal when most car loans are in the 5% to 8% range. To each his own I suppose

tdoma

Which dealer?

After checking out the toys on the new M, I am very tempted to trade in my '03 Laser Red FX35 Tech with 30K miles.
Any ideas what kind of lease payments I can get on a M35 with Tech (Non-Sport). My FX35 is fully paid for. I am in Metro ATL Georgia. I would be interested on 39 months/ 15K miles per year.

rayainsw

"M45 Sport with tech and journey and I got the car for 625 a month."

I find it more helpful if the MSRP, length of lease, money factor, miles per year, cap cost reduction (discount and / or your $$s up front), if TTL is included, and residual are listed in addition to monthly payment.

Thanks,
- Ray
Comparing dealer offers . . .

cohenfive

another reason they might be willing to swap your wheels and tires is that the 19" sport rims and tires are more expensive than the 18's so they will probably turn around and sell them for a profit to someone looking to go the other way--adding sport rims to a non-sport car....they likely aren't being as altruistic as you might think...still nice that they did the swap though.

cohenfive

i can't wait to hear what the dealer says in person...my guess is MSRP, but i hope i'm wrong.

undecided7

I don't think it will be MSRP. I already talked to the dealer and without giving me specifics because of the restrictions of Costco's policies with the program, he said I would "save thousands" for being a member of Costco's Auto program. I am going this Saturday and will report back. Besides, Costco's auto program website shows the invoice price, which is my target so we'll see. Even if it's not completely at invoice, anything below MSRP (especially if it's "thousands") will be fine with me.

jfdyson1

I am in such a quandry, i have asked all my friends, i'd really appreciate any inputs, and am sorry if this sounds like a dumb question. I have to get a car today. can't choose between M35 sport w/Journey and navigator and a BMW 530i w/xenon, nav and premium pckg. price diff is negligible. HELP... dealers waiting on my answer... THANKS - John

rayainsw

“I don't think it will be MSRP. I already talked to the dealer and without giving me specifics because of the restrictions of Costco's policies with the program, he said I would "save thousands" for being a member of Costco's Auto program. I am going this Saturday and will report back. Besides, Costco's auto program website shows the invoice price, which is my target so we'll see. Even if it's not completely at invoice, anything below MSRP (especially if it's "thousands") will be fine with me.”

Edmunds: “Holdback Infiniti 1% of the Base MSRP (holdback) + 2% of the Base Invoice”

As opposed to 3% of the total MSRP that is typical of US models.

With no customer rebates or other monetary incentives to the dealer, I’d be surprised if even $1,500 off would be likely on any M. Today. But someone quoted $2,500 off somewhere. Don’t recall the details.

(Fortunately) I do not need a new car today. I just want a new car today. And many things could change over the next few months . . .

If I truly wanted one today, and I could either negotiate $2,500 off on a purchase, or a lease, with the Infiniti Financial Lease rates as they currently are, I’d probably sign the paperwork on the spot.

But here in the Atlanta area, I doubt that’s likely – today.

I could certainly be wrong.

Best of luck!

- Ray
Wanting new – always . . .

richcream

If the bimmer isn't equipped with the new engine, get the m35, it's faster, and IMO, has the nicer interior.

Also, I hope you didn't let either saleman know that you have to buy today.

rayainsw

Well with so little information provided - and none about you and your situation / priorities, etc - well I'd truly like to provide feedback, but can't.

What do you like /dislike about each? How do you rank various aspects by importance to you? Etc.

Not a dumb question, but I'd need more background / context to try to help.
- Ray
Sorry . . . . .

jrock65

First, both cars are great, and either would be a fine choice.

The M35, especially with the Sport suspension, is very close to the 530i's handling capabilities, but the 530i still holds the edge in handling IMO, mainly due to its lower weight, smaller size, and 50/50 weight balance. However, I'd say that the M35 trumps the 530i in almost every other area. It is faster, has noticeably more room, has better ergonomics, and has a better navigation system. The cooling seats, smartkey/pushbutton starter, and the rearview cam are pretty useful, too, as well as the in-dash cd changer's ability to play MP3 CDs.

Also, chances are that the M will have better reliability than the 5.

Outside and interior looks are subjective, you don't need other people's opinion on that. Good luck with your decision.

apints

Just drove the M35x and loved it. I priced out (not negotiated) a lease price. With Tech and Journey package (list $50,290) quoted $713 for 36 months (before tax), 15K with zero down plus inceptions. Seems high. Anyone have any lease prices for a similar equipt M?

undecided7

I'm with you too. If I could end up at anywhere between $48,722 (invoice per costco) and $50k for an M35x fully loaded with premium package I'm signing on the spot. Like I said, I'll update the board on Saturday if I have time to make it to the dealer.

lexusguy

As others have said, the M35 Sport can come to within 98% of the bimmers handling capabilities, and can beat it at everything else.

kmg68

"I'm going this weekend to see the invoice since the dealer said they can only show it in person. I'll report back once I go."

Before you get to the dealer this weekend, you can get an idea of invoice price by going to edmunds.com, kbb.com or darsdirect.com. Thanks for the great information!

kmg68

"I really haggled the dealer today on a M45 Sport with tech and journey and I got the car for 625 a month."

Can you tell me if this was based on a lease or purchase? If purchase, what was the total cost of the car?

kmg68

"Oops, forgot the link, here it is invoice base price is $39,578, MSRP a whopping $43,010 - these prices include delivery, here's the link:"

After logging in to Costco, they list the Invoice Price at approximately $2000 more than Edmunds, Cars Direct and Kelly Blue Book.

kmg68

"Any ideas what kind of lease payments I can get on a M35 with Tech (Non-Sport)."

I know that here in Atlanta, a M35 lease with Tech and Journey Package was going for $609-I don't know what the specific terms were however.....

kmg68

In my opinion, go with the M35. I also considered a BMW 5 series, however after reading the comments of current/previous owners, I decided to take the vehicle off of my "possibilities" list. I love the way the BMW drives, however I don't think that the reliability will be as good as the M35. In addition, you really get more bang for your buck in terms of options on the M35. Good luck!

kmg68

"darsdirect.com"

OOPS-should be carsdirect.com

kmg68

"My question is whether anyone who has test driven a new M is tall and has some insight on how the headroom feels."

My husband and I both test drove the M35 and he is a bit over 6'3" and he had plenty of leg room and head room. He also sat in the back seat and was comfortable there as well. Hope that helps!

richcream

I'm 6'2", so while I may not be a giant, I can say with confidence that the M offers more than enough head room for someone 6'5". Especially when you drop the seat to it's lowest, which is EXTREMELY low.

Just to expound on the back seat: I sat in an M35x with the standard back seat and also in one with the Premium Pkg w/power adjustable rear seats, and the increased comfort was noticeable in the adjustables as one might expect.

I'm just not sure if rear seat comfort (w/heat, adjustability, audio + temp controls, and a flip down DVD screen) are worth the approx. $3,500 difference between "Premium pkg" VS "Tech + Journey". Does anyone think the bloated $10,500 premium package will make a significant difference in how the car holds it's value?...or is it just an added comfort for frequent rear-seat passengers?

undecided7

The Edmunds invoice and Costco invoice are the same price, Edmunds doesn't show the destination charge as part of the invoice starting price, but base price is $38,968 on both sites, add $610 in destination and it's $38,578, all options are the same price on Edmunds and Costco - for invoice and MSRP. That is, premium package is $9047 invoice and $10500 MSRP on both sites.

Check for yourself, Edmunds: http://www.edmunds.com/new/2006/infiniti/m35/100507960/options.html?tid=edmunds.n.prices.pricebox..1.Infiniti*&x=110&y=15

Costco:
http://www.costcoauto.com/carresearch/configurator.asp?year=2006&costcomake=17&costcomodel- =2756&make=61&model=w2006k61m12&style=w2006k61m12t2

pete15

I just bought an '06 M35x w/ Premium pkg. and will take delivery late March. One of the reasons I went with the AWD was to deal with the snowy Cleveland winters. Some of the people on this board have mentioned snow tires for an M45 Sport with the big 19" wheels but is it overkill to consider snowtires for the AWD version? I suspect it is unnececessary but thought I'd ask. Thanks for the feedback...

richcream

pete:
What did you pay pre-tax?
AND
What's the best part of the Premium Package?
THANKS.

lexusguy

That depends on what tires you are using the rest of the year. There are some half decent AS tires that should do fine on an AWD vehicle that wouldnt work with RWD. However, if you've got summer performance tires on, they still wont work well in the snow, AWD or not.

pete15

I paid MSRP for the m35x w/ premium pkg. but I feel like the dealer was somewhat generous on my trade-in. I didn't figure there would be a lot of dealing on the price considering the crowd it was drawing at the car show last week. The salesman searched the database and found the color I wanted (blue)and it will get here this month.

I went with the premium pkg. because I really wanted a loaded car this time. It has been a number of years since I bought a new car and I didn't want to spend the next six or seven years wishing I had gotten this or that option. I don't know what my favorite part of the premium pkg. is but I can tell you my kids are going crazy waiting for a car with a a DVD player built into the ceiling...they're used to being jammed into the back of my '99 Olds Intrigue!

billod

In Connecticut, the only Costco dealer is Harte Infiniti, in West Haven and they do not move from the MSRP. I told the manager I thought the implication of a Costco discount was a "come-on" but all he said was that they had a hot product and there was no need for them to deal down from the MSRP. That made my decision to look more closely at the A6 a lot easier, especially since Audi offers free maintenance for 4 years or 50k miles. I also found that the one Chrysler dealer affiliated with Costco, in Danbury, Ct., was also not offering any Costco discounts on the 300C. I don't think Costco has any leverage for their affinity program. It's almost a waste of time to use Costco - - - - at least in Ct.

kmg68

Not sure what is happening on Edmund's website. Last week, I pulled pricing for a M35 base model with Journey and Technology Package w/XM and the MSRP listed at $47460 which is what my local dealer lists as the MSRP. The invoice price was $43,275. Invoice without options listed at $36,676 and MSRP without options listed at $36,676. The information was consistent with what Cars Direct and Kelley Blue Book listed as well.....I will check the other sites and see if they have changed as well. Does anyone know why invoice is now listed at a higher price?

kmg68

OK-I just pulled a pricing report from Cars Direct and it gave me the same information that I pulled last week:

MSRP for M35 base model with Journey and Technology w/XM is $47,460, Invoice is $43,275 (Including $610 destination charge), and target price for Atlanta (zip code 30024) is $46,575. Very interesting............

isberk

hi agree drove m35x and was impressed. compared it with lexus g300awd and although not as quiet found it to be much better. as far as pricing dealer here in nyc charging me $695 for 39 month lease $0 down,15k/yr for m35x with journey and technology package,taxes included

nofears

As previsouly mentioned...I am a very happy owner of a M35 Sport. I was wondering if anyone knows of a hack around the DVD only being able to be played while in Park w/parking brake on ? In other words, I would like the oppotrunity to play a DVD while driving.

Yeah..yeah..I know it was designed this way for safety but come on...someone will design a hack around this.

escdreamer@hotmail.com

is my email addy for anyone with info on such a hack or if anyone would like to ask me questions about my M35.

undecided7

That's interesting. All I can go by for now is what the dealer told me verbally and they did say "everyone is paying list but you'll save thousands with the Costco program." The proof will be in the puddin' so to speak once I go there and see with my own two eyes. I'm looking forward to it especially since the dealer is both an Infiniti and Mercedes dealer and I've narrowed my choices down to a MB E-350 4 matic and the M35x. I'm leaning toward the M35x for now.

markcincinnati

. . .vis a vis the MSRP.

In Ohio (OK, Columbus and or Cincinnati) Invoice + $2,500 and it is "done" for any new "M."

What I can't seem to get is a lease price -- that is the lease prices I have seen here on the forum seem all over the board. Perhaps one of the reasons I can't get a lease price has to do with the way the deal would be done.

On "X" date, I provide the configuration of the car (in writing) and $1,000. Then approximately 90 to 100 days later my "special order" car is available and I will get it at the invoice plus $2,500 (which is about $2,500 off of the MSRP of a car that is just north of $50,000).

Just for the sake of this dialog, if the MSRP is $50,250, the price (the cap cost) will be ~ $47,750. This, then, would be the basis for figuring the lease (the residuals posted here on edmunds seem to track with the "casual" remarks made by the Infiniti dealer).

Yet, I see that some folks here have lease payments that seem almost too good to be true.

Could someone who has leased specifiy:

1. MSRP
1a.Capitalized Cost (the price the dealer is willing to sell the car for, that is)
2. Term of lease
3. Monthly payment (and is tax included in this amount and if so the sales tax where you are)

I have seen a lease publicized at $609 or so and $625 (for a M45, as I recall).

However, without 1 - 3 above it raises more questions than it answers.

Thanks.

BTW - the Infiniti dealer here had a "party" at the dealership last night to unveil the new "M's" -- pretty cool the way they had a DVD playing in one of the cars that had the Technology package (which has the upgraded sound system -- they had a DVD of Lynyrd Skinner concert -- if you like or don't like the music, you certainly would appreciate the sound system in this car -- WOW!)

rayainsw

Here is a portion of the most recent e-mail I have from one of the dealers I have contacted:

"Pursuant to our conversation, a zero down lease for 36 months/15,000 miles
per year is $735 + tax. The money factor is .00190 and the residual is
$31,596. Included in the payment is our dealer documentation fee of $499. This
lease payment does not include tax, tag or title."

This is the result of an Internet / e-mail initial contact.

I have followed up with questions - no answers yet.

I have not signed a deal yet. Nor have I expended any effort on real negotiation. The writer claims that a $1,500 reduction in Cap Cost is included - car is an M45 Sport with Journey, Wood and a couple of the Port add-ons (Splash Guards = $120 + Trunk Mat = $80). MSRP: $52,660.

HTH.
- Ray
Trying to provide one data point . . .

rayainsw

The car I referred to above (the lowest priced M45 Sport they had in stock as of a few days ago – apparently dealers are generally not ordering M45 Sport with only Wood for stock, as I’d prefer one equipped) as an example also had a sticker that read:

“Drive me for . .
$609 mo.
24 mos.
$4,000 Down Cap Cost Reduction
+ TTF
STK: M6015”

(I even took a digital picture, so I would not have to remember the exact numbers.)

FWIW.
- Ray
Still interested, but . . .

rayainsw

Mark -

Question (possibly a stupid one) concerning your apparent choice of the M35 instead of the M45.

As a previous driver of at least a couple of V8 Audis - Is this choice based primarily by initial / lease cost difference? Or are other factors (1 or 2 MPG apparent difference in EPA Fuel Mileage Estimates?) as important or more important?

Thanks,
- Ray
Who would not now give up the V8's performance for 1 or 2 additional MPG . . .