I have the Sprint LG PM-325 bluetooth phone. Connection-wise it works well with my M35 Sport. Limited capability though - can't upload the address book.
I get wood everytime I check out an M35!!! Now that I have a buyer for my 03 Maxima, the M35 may be within financial reach. I drove 3 different ones last Friday and just love the ride.
I finally saw both the new M45 and the Lexus GS 430 on the street last friday. I agree they do not appear to be jumping out the door, although the N. Houston dealer told me he sold 19 Ms last month and thought he was number 10 in the US with that stat.
I use Cingular service with a Motorola V551 phone - works great including transferring the address book. BTW, I traded my 530i for the M35 and after 1100 miles I really enjoy driving it. The BMW drove well but the M35 is an absolute equal.
OK, all of you Diamond Graphite M owners (with black interiors) - I'm shopping for window tinting. I've decided to do the 20% tint on the rear window and 35% on the front passenger's windows, but am undecided about what to put on the the rear passenger's windows. If I put 20% back there the car will be cooler (temperature wise) but I'm a worried that the interior will be too dark plus the car may have the SUV look - light tint up front with factory dark tint in the rear - nice and compartmentalize. If I put 35% back there the side of the car will have a uniform look but am I taking full advantage of the heat prevention of the tint? I could also put 20% all around but then it will really be dark inside plus the police might think I'm a drug dealer?! I've got time as the Southern California sun isn't that hot.....yet.
I've asked Antera about whether their model 323 wheel in 18x8 size would fit my M45 tires, as the car arrives later this week. Here is their response:
"The new Infiniti M is an all new design vehicle. I'm fairly sure it is still 5×114.3 PCD but I'm not sure on the offset yet as I have not test fitted this vehicle yet. If it can take an ET45, then I have the wheels in stock. If it is an ET35 application, I would need to order the wheels in from Italy which would take 4-6 weeks or so. Then again, I'm assuming that it is still 5×114.3."
Any of you readers know the answer -- ET45 and 5x114.3??
I too have ordered my M35x to be delivered in June/July. I saw a GS the other day with a SC tag (I live in NC), but I have seen no Ms. That's fine with me because my other car is a Jeep Liberty that I got the first model year, and lo and behold everybody and their grandmother has one now (including my own godmother who incidentally is moving across the street from me). One of the things I love about it is that I won't see my car everyday and accidentally put my key in the wrong car. My local dealer has no AWD coming in so I had to order it. He will call me and ask if I want to give up the AWD if everything else is the same. We really don't have a lot of bad weather and I still have my 4wd as backup, but I would hate to settle and regret it later.
Be sure to consider that, at least to my understanding/knowledge, is not legal in CA to have 20% on the front windows. Besides, I personally find it difficult in night driving to have such dark tint on the front windows.
I was talking with one of the service guys at Tustin and he said they like to do lighter on the front and darker on the rear passenger and read window because at least then you show a contrast between front and rear passenger windows (could it be 35% is still not letting enough light thru per CA law?). There is actually a website which gives laws by state
I found that CA wants 70% coming thru the front, so I guess it's "over" by 5% as they do it at Tustin...that's why he made the "contrast" comment. Whatever, that's probably good enough and how would the police know anyway.
All the states are listed at this site....Can't wait to hear how you like your ride here on So Cal roads/freeways Drtravel.
The link below should answer all of your questions regarding tint and US laws applicable to your state. This brand is high end and offers a wide variety of choices with regard to color, shade, etc. The tint used does matter in terms of quality, look, durability, warranty, etc. One item to consider would be in the event you choose a film that has a metal composite it may interfere with your Navi functions.
Regardless, of the grade (light % transmitted, lower the # darker the tint) your heat reduction and other benefits are material specific not shade specific. The UV is what ultimately breaks down the materials inside the vehicle, over many years. Your opinion of shade is ultimately what matters since your looking at it every day, although a uniform look will generally be advised by the shope performing the install. Most customers with SUVs that have factory privacy glass often times opt to match the front windows with the rest of the vehicle. Your interior color will also have an effect on how the tint looks after installation.
Lastly, go to a reputable shop that has a history of high quality installations, always have a one piece back glass, do not accept multiple pieces!, and remember realistically you have one good shot at a high quality job, if they do not get your vehicle right the first time, other reputable shops will not touch your car.
Edit: just saw the post above, at least in the tri-state, police do carrier light meters, they can ultimately meter your vehicle, then your required to remove the film (this is messy). Also DMV inspections will require you to be in compliance with your state laws. State laws refer to net light transmission. In most instances cars already have a slight factory tint. For example in CT a 35% net is acceptable, if you have a 35% tint installed your net reading will most likely be lower (or darker) thus illegal. Will you get pulled over? Unlikely, although, it does happen.
I've seen two on the road (besides my Diamond Graphite M45 Sport). I live in San Diego and the first one I saw was in La Jolla (red M45 Sport first week they were available), and an M35 in Del Mar. If you know San Diego, you'll know that Del Mar and La Jolla have one thing in common; MONEY! Both these towns are trend setters even for S CA.
I'm in the ATL as well and went to the auto show. Sitting in the M again made me even more anxious for mine to be delivered. I also sat in the GS and was disappointed in the back seat; the M clearly has the car beat for rear seat space. I'm 6-4 and was able to sit in the back of the M with no problems, even with the front seat all the way back. Granted, the M doesn't have the rear seat capacity of the 745Li, but it wasn't uncomfortable sitting in the back like the GS or even the RL 9 (Acura should be EMBARASSED to offer their flagship auto with so little rear passenger room)
I have not seen a single M on the road here in Atlanta, but travelling to San Diego this week I saw a blue M and in San Francisco I saw a crimson one. Overall, that's not very many for a new "hot" car. When the 300 hit, I saw a ton of those; granted, the 300's a cheaper car and most of the ones I've seen are the Touring or Limited Edition (ie cheaper models), not the Hemi version. It may take a while to see more on the streets, especially seeing how it's a $45,000+ auto.
I thought about the price factor affecting the number of M's and GS's on the streets here in the ATL however then I think of all of the new MB and BMW's on the roads in this area, and I just don't think that price is the reason we are not seeing them on the roads. When the new body style of the GS came out a several years ago (7 years?) I remember seeinng an immediate increase in the number of them on the road.
Maybe people have not warmed up to the Infiniti brand? Maybe some people don't feel that Innfiniti has the "cachet" that BMW, Lexus, and MB have. If that is the case, they don't know what they are missing! Looking forward to buying one this Fall-hopefully Infiniti will be more willing to haggle!
For what its worth, actual sales numbers of the GS and M are very good. The M in particular is up over 1000% over the old car. The RL on the other hand is only mediocre, with the M outselling it by about 2x and the GS by about 3x.
Also keep in mind the 5 came out last year, and the E long before that.
Remember, the car's only been out a little over a month, and they expect to sell about 2000 per month. You will have to wait at least a few months before spotting one on a regular basis.
The Chrysler 300 is in a different class, and is a VERY hot seller, selling over 13,000 per month.
Also, Infiniti definitely does not have the "cachet" that BMW, Lexus and MB have. Not even close. That's one of the reasons that people who don't care as much about the badge can get a great car at an excellent price.
I think that the reason Lexus has more cachet than Acura and Infiniti is that the cheapest car Lexus offers is the ES at about $33,000. The other two have offered cars in the 20s and even teens. So, folks automartically assume that any Lexus is more prestigous than any Acura or Infiniti.
"I think that the reason Lexus has more cachet than Acura and Infiniti is that the cheapest car Lexus offers is the ES at about $33,000. The other two have offered cars in the 20s and even teens."
With Acura you are right, but not with Infiniti. The cheapest Infiniti is the G35 starting at $31,210. The cheapest Lexus is the IS300 starting at $30,280.
I think the main reason for Lexus's higher cachet is the success of its flagship, the LS430, and to a lesser extent, the unrivaled success of its SUVs.
Without the LS and the GX, Lexus would not really have that much more prestige as a brand than Acura or Infiniti.
Acura has been around since the mid '80s, but as long as they sell the Integra, they'll never be a Lexus.
Infiniti got their start about the same time as Lexus, but unlike Lexus they've basically been a failure until Ghosn took over. The J30 was an unusually competent car, and if they had redesigned it instead of killing it in favor of a lightly reskinned Maxima, the Infiniti story in the '90s might have been different. That didnt happen though, and so Infiniti is only just now starting to turn into a real force. It will take many years before they are perceived as an equal to Lexus.
Even though I just plunked down money for a Japanese car (Infiniti M35x), I can think of no Japanese brand, none, zero, zilch, nada that has German cachet -- deserved or not -- not the point.
In my totally unscientific sampling, everyone (but you here on Edmunds) thinks that going Japanese may actually be "smart, wise, prudent, etc." -- but had I said "BMW or Audi or Mercedes" I would have gotten knowing glances of approval and other such behavioral cues as to the "coolness" of my purchase. As it stands I get about the same "ooo ahhh" factor as one of the folks I work with who got a new Passat (and it has a stick shift and a V6).
So there you have it -- Lexus may indeed have some "cachet" -- about equal to VW from my, to repeat, unscientific survey.
None of this, at this point, phases me -- but that is not the same as saying I don't notice it.
Face it, or at least I'll face it, BMW, regardless of what you think or know, has "the aura" -- even the Chris Bangle look has not knocked BMW off its lofty perch of perception.
In my younger years, I would think, "just wait til that guy in the 5 series sees my tailights, that'll show him." Somehow drag racing a BMW 5 series with an Infiniti M seems pointless, dumb and ignorant.
You Premium Lux/Performance aficionados (I am trying to learn) know better than I which Japanese brand has cachet -- but it sure looks like all of them are "wishin' and hopin'" to be the next BMW if they can.
Not this time, but perhaps getting closer.
Maybe the approach to take rather than trying to BE BMW is to be "the next" BMW -- and do it "your way."
To be honest with ya, I just absolutely cannot imagine choosing the BMW 530xi over an M35x, an E350 4matic, an A6 3.2, or a GS 300awd.
The 5's interior alone, IMO, is dreadful enough to outweigh any "look at me in my bimmer" appeal. And that's to say nothing of the hate-it-or-love-it body (I see what you mean when you say Pontiac/Kia resemblance), the headache that is i-drive, or the fact that it is considerably overpriced vs. the GS, the M, and the A6.
If you're gonna pay a whole lot more just for brand cachet (because you can now get comparable driving dynamics from the M), you might as well get the E350 4matic. The interior, like every other in this class, puts that of the 5 to shame, the residual value, as per cars.com FWIW, is higher, and let's be honest, the cachet is greater for the 3 pointed star than it is for the blue and white propeller.
Again, much of this is IMHO, which was largely formed from my own experience with each of these cars. To me, the only car of the aforementioned that I would even consider passing on for the 5 might be the A6. Too SLOOOOW. Other than that, the 5 would be behind the M, the E, and the GS respectively. OK maybe just the M and the E (I'm 6'2" and the GS is a bit snug.)
I finally made my decision to purchase an M35x this summer. I live in Baltimore and the some winter weather definitely warrants AWD. Have no problem with the 35x but I want the M35 SPORT wheels (19"s). I've heard that you cannot increase the wheel size on the AWD model because it will cause the system to malfunction. Can anyone confirm this? If it is true, are there an techies out there that know if there a way to reprogram the AWD system for larger wheels? I can't imagine that going from 18"'s to 19"'s would make that much of a difference? If someone could offer some info it would be much appreciated.
I pretty much agree with you, though I dont think Audi has any more brand cachet than Lexus does. I have come to this conclusion by looking at resale value. Toyota and Honda, and thus Acura and Lexus, both enjoy very strong residual values, pretty much across the board. Not because of the badge, its based on the rational side of the residual value equation, which is that these products are expected to lead long, relatively trouble free lives, which in turn deserves more money. BMW and Mercedes still have the industry's strongest residuals, but it has nothing to do with expected long term ownership costs, its all in the badge. Audi resale value is pretty poor, because IMO it has neither the badge nor the expected reliability to demand more cash in the used market. The previous A6 and A8 especially tanked like Jaguars.
I think some Lexus owners may be rather insulted if you compare their car to a VW. Dont confuse Lexus with Acura or Infiniti. Volkswagen, in my mind at least, is Jettas, Golfs, and Beetles. The "new" VWs, Toureg and Phaeton, havent convinced me that VW somehow plays in the big leagues. The Phaeton didnt convince anybody. Until they can move Phaeton's like Lexus moves LS430s, I think Lexus still leads in the cachet department compared to VW. With the next LS they will push further upmarket, with a V8 hybrid and LWB version. There's absolutely no way Infiniti or Acura could sell a car that will probably start at least $70K. VW cant either.
If I really cared about impressing people, my stereo would be B&W Nautilus speakers and Krell amplifiers. Those two names grab more attnetion than any other, but they also cost a serious amount of cash. German cars are pretty similar. A Mercedes might impress more people than my LS, and if I could get those impressed people to take the car to the shop for me all the time and loan me THEIR car, I might even think about it.
Someone else knows the formula -- but I know the spirit of the formula.
If the 18" wheels on the M35x have 245 x 45 tires on them, this means (some algorithm here please) the circumference of the thing is thus and so.
If the 19" wheel option has 245 x 40 tires on them, this means (same algorithm here please) the circumference of the thing is almost exactly the same as with the 18" wheels with the lower profile, etc etc etc.
There are some "rules of thumb" that are under the topic "Plus sizing" -- which essentially means you can Plus 0, Plus 1, Plus 2, etc (within reason) and the tire's sidewall gets skinnier, the wheel diameter gets bigger and the tire width stays the same or grows -- the effect usually is "not much" or within tolerance on the speedo, computer, odometer, etc.
I "assume" the 19" M factory wheels will "play" on the M35x -- the lug nut pattern and offset between the M35 and the M35x seem to be the same and on the sport they seem to just offset the +1" wheel with a -5% lower profile.
Now, I heard the dealer wants $2,000 for a set of these wheels (no tires).
Another instance of not offering the customer the ability to option these wheels and tires from the factory for perhaps $1 - 2K with tires.
Before I put any money down, tho, I would ask someone to vouch for their "interoperability."
Tom (a fellow at my company) pulls in with his new dark green metallic VW Passat GLX (fwd, V6, manual transmission, leather, upgraded sound system, PHAT box, On*star, cool wheels, etc -- )and people in the office "oooo and ahhhhh" over the car. I do not have my Infiniti yet, but in our parking lot are several Lexus cars -- nary an "oo nor an ahh" -- this doesn't mean you are incorrect. I said this was unscientific -- in fact it probably proves YOU are correct.
It is just the "averted" eyes for the BMW (and by the way, I agree that the BMW interiors are dreadful, they are depressing, double depressing because most of them are black on black on black -- they're downright claustrophobic (who ever thought of black wood?!?)) that makes me think despite my personal opinion that BMW's are overpriced (generally) and that they can "get away" with bringing out last gen electronics and in some cases last gen engine technology, that people really do "respect them more than logic would or could justify." Whew!
Anyway, the Lexus may objectively be superior -- but that is hardly the reason for the continued high sales successes (relatively) of BMW, is it? BMW's (and some of the other European cars) just seem to "have that certain something." And, even if they don't have it (anymore) they continue to do all they can to not allow the perception that they have it to erode.
Try as they might, the European cars STILL gets the ooooos and ahhhhhhs, the Japanese cars are often relegated to a poilte "nice car" comment.
People actually comment about the wheels on the German car -- not so much on the Japanese car. I'll admit a personal bias to the LOOK of the Audi A6 over the M (at least from the front).
My survey, my very comments have no basis in fact -- they are entirely based on "feel" -- and despite my awareness of these feelings, I still plunked my money down THIS TIME for a Japanese car, not a German one.
Just watch the oooos and ahhhhs tho -- one last thing, when I wear my "Audi logo'd" shirt, I get comments. Before you jump, I do NOT have any Infiniti or Acura or Lexus logo'd attire to make any comparisons and comments.
My Audi wrist watch, too, always gets a "let me see that" and "how do you like your Audi?" There seems to be much curiosity about the German brand cars that is plain not there with the Japanese cars -- things, with the latest generation from Acura, Infiniti and Lexus, clearly are looking better (for them) -- but I contend with all my unscientific facts to back me up, that European cars, German ones in particular figured out how to build and sustain (mostly) an image. The Japanese cars in my most objective personal analysis "look" derivative -- as if Lexus LS was making a copy of the S class Mercedes, for instance. And the newest RL still strikes me as having the butt of a BMW 5 and the nose of an Accord. Of course I, personally, think the BMW 5 series looks like a Pontiac (in the "face") so what do I know.
I just wish the Japanese would invent more without innovating less. Love em or hate em, Cadillac, at least, has made a strong statement with the "look" of their art and science offspring.
Of course, if all of these things were and/or do start happening, the winner will be, as usual, the customer.
I was watching a great movie over the weekend, Tucker, part of the movie was about the Tucker's headlights that followed the turn of the steering wheel. This was HOW MANY decades ago and just now the Germans and Japanese are "innovating" this feature.
I agree. Love the sport tires, but want a M35x. My dealer, in Minnesota, said it can not be done. didn't get the technical reason. I told them I was ready to pay a premium. Just plain said no.
Thanks Mark... awesome response! I agree with you, I willing to pay the extra cash for the 19's but I would be awfully upset if I found out the weren't compatible. anyone else have any thoughts?
Don't knock the VW Passat - it's a good, good-looking car. Looks-wise (which is what draws people's attention initially), I think it's 1 of the best-looking sedans around - including the Lexi and Infinitis and BMW. The new one is even better. Driving-wise it's a good balance between luxury and sporty (yes, I know it's underpowered compared to competitors). The interior is not on par with Infinity and Lexis, but I think VWs interior is better than Nissan, Honda and Toyota, and on par with BMW, Acura and Audi. I'm not saying it has all the features or power of those cars, but its materials are top notch. I had a 2001.5 New Passat and always got lots of looks, especially from valet guys - the red on blue dials are awesome, and it's priced in a range more people can afford. That probably adds to the appeal.
What I liked best about being a passat owner was that people who didn't know cars would just think that it looked nice, but those who did know cars knew it was a good car, inside and out.
I agree with some of your comments and disagree with a few others. From a '"cachet" standpoint, BMW and Mercedes rule the roost for sure, until you start getting into the level of vehicle that mere mortals could never afford.
From there, I think Lexus fits solidly into the 3 spot, mostly due to consistent high quality, as opposed to style and "sex appeal".
Next, on the same tier, you have Infiniti and Audi, with Acura at the bottom of tier three.
My major disagreement with your assessment is comparing Infiniti to VW. Most consumers think of Infiniti as a luxury brand, but still think of VW as the guys that made the Beetle, despite the Phateon, Toureag, etc.
The bottom line is, if you want to impress with brand recognition only, as you said, BMW and MB are the ways to go.
If you're truly out to impress, you'd go beyond Lexus, MB and BMW, invest in a chaffeur, and go with Aston Martin, Rolls Royce, Bentley or even a Maybach. For those looking for adrenaline, there's always a Lamborghini or Ferrari :-)
I'm not into names and I could care less about another's opinion; I'm looking for the best car with the fewest problems for my dollar. I, like Mark, felt the M was that car.
IMHO it's not wise for a person to have blind loyalty to a brand, whether it be a car, or any product. I feel a person will get more for their money when they compare, and just don't buy any product because they feel it brings "prestige" or "oohs and ahhs" from others. If your dream's to own a MB and you can afford it, by all means get one. I roll my eyes at the "wannabes" that don't have MB or BMW money and go out and buy the cheapest offerings these brands have, just for status, when there's better options out there for the money. Personally, for the money, I can't see why someone would buy a 5-series, GS, or an E class when the M's sitting there for less money. It's just as comparable from a reliability, functionality, and style standpoint. Of course I am a bit partial, but excluding brand loyalty, the M is comparable to them all.
I have been going to Infiniti of Gwinnett as well to do my test drives, as I live in Suwanee. I am also looking to buy-not lease. Which M did you order and what kind of deal did you get? If you have already posted your deal, let me know and I will search for your post. Thanks for the info!
I have seen Invoice Plus deals -- if you don't care how far away the dealer is (I could care less).
My deal was list less $2000.
I don't know what difference it makes if you are leasing or buying since the same factors come into play no matter how you "buy": cap cost, cost of money and depreciation. Often the least important is the cap cost (within reason).
If the geography where you are says list less $1000 is "normal" and you're ok with that, go for it. If you think through tough negotiation you can crank up that to list less $3000 more power to you.
The telling factor is the "cost per thousand" from where I sit and from what I can glean about buying, financing or leasing (unless you can finance for 0% interest). Here in Cincinnati, the value of Cap Cost Reduction is about $30 per $1000 at 36 months.
If you have the money in the bank and the depreciation doesn't bother you vis a vis what you could get as a reasonable ROI, then pay cash, if you can get 0%, finance it, and if you can get below market interest -- way below -- go for that. If you can pay cash and the depreciation doesn't feel like using dollar bills to heat your house in Chicago, go for that.
The only way I could justify buying is if I get to a point in my life where I put a lot less than 15K miles per year on the car.
Based on what I've seen $2000 off sticker is "decent" -- I think I saw a couple of folks go over list less $2500 (but of course that does have some connection to the MSRP).
Cost plus may be a more relevant figure -- but your milage may differ.
I have owned both the Lexus LS, the first years edition, as well as several Q45's. (`1993, 2-1994 T's,1995,1997 and 2002) as well as a G35 Couple and now an M45 Sport. My view is the quality and reliability of Lexus and Infiniti products is the same. What distinguishes the Infiniti is performance and uniqueness. What turned me off Lexus was three things primary. 1) my early 1990 Qs were much easier to drive at high highway speeds than my Lexus, 2) the Lexus became too common for my taste, I saw one every where I went, I prefer a car that is less frequently seen or owned by others.(So the low sales were a positive to me, but dont tell Infiniti), and 3) the Lexus stores in Houston became a little arrogant to me, ie, if you had to ask about financing or lease money factor, or how much off, they looked at you like you didnt belong or fit in as a Lexus Owner.
Lexus makes an outstanding product, but I am not looking for a car to say something cool to my friends, I want it to be fun for me to drive and to look at daily. My M45 is that and more, the Q's are fine and preferable to me to the LS430, but the M45 is a homerun, much like my wife feels about her G35 couple.
I have my M35x (Diamond Graphite, Graphite/Wood Interior, Journey, Tech, Chrome Wheels w/ Full Size Spare) for a copule of days and couldn't be more pleased. This is taking driving to a whole new level. I think I will be able to tolerate some of those traffic jams that await me! I tested & considered Lexus GS300, Acura RL, BMW 530, MB, Caddy STS and ulitmately none compare to the M. Infiniti has stepped up and with the added value features you get with their vehicles there's no contest! Anyway, question: Does the Satellite radio - XM - show up as an additoional "source" (FM-AM-CD-DVD -XM?) in the Audio controls line-up? The only way I am accessing XM is with the large Radio button on the right. Everytime I have the XM on and attempt to scroll to another channel, it scrolls right into my FM or AM pre-sets. When I am listening to XM, the view on the right side of the screen lists the FM/AM presets. The only way I am able to scroll thru XM channels is via the regular radio tuning control knob. Is this correct or am I missing something? Any help is appreciated! George
Don't settle, you'll regret it for a long time. I agree with your comments, it's all the better that not many are on the road yet so that when we take delivery of our M35xs we'll be one of the first. The way time is going by so quickly, late June will be here before I know it.
As I said in the first paragraph of my post, I'm talking about cars that people that don't own Microsoft or half of Manhattan can afford. I'm coming off of a well-equiped BMW X5 that I really liked. I went to the Detroit Auto Show in Jan. to shop for my next car, with an eye towrd a 530. My focus was on mid-size luxury sedans ranging from $40k-$55k. The M jumped off the page at me. My father, who's 67 years old, was with me and he was blown away by it. The auto show M had the bourbon interior and rosewood, which was the most original and stylish interior (for my taste) that I've seen in ANY car in any price range.
I've had my M35x for five days now and I literally can't wait to get into it every morning. The car has turned more than a few sophisticated heads here in Big Three country, and several colleagues, etc. have approached me to gush about it.
I loved the Bimmer but this M is the coolest damned car I've ever seen. I fell in love with it at first sight, researched it every way possible (including monitoring the commentary on this forum), and I have no doubt that it was the best choice for me. I'm already dreading the day the "new car smell" wears off.
I love the fact that I literally haven't seen another one on the roads around here yet, although I know an attorney around the corner from me that has one. Also, the Infiniti dealer I bought mine from has been swamped with M purchasers. All in all, this may be my most satisfying new car experience yet.
The source button scrolls through A-B-C presets->CD->DVD. You simply need to program your XM stations into the A,B, and/or C presets. You can put any station type on any preset. Here is how to program it.
Click the source button until you are on the preset screen you want (A, B, or C). Now access the XM stations like you were doing (push the Radio button until the XM band is selected and then tune manually to the station). When you find one you like, hold down one of the 1-6 hard buttons until the station appears as a preset on the list.
I'm going to do 35% on the sides, 20% on the rear window. I think this gives the car a more understated elegant look. The 35% is not legal on the front driver/passenger windows but I'm doing it anyhow - fix it ticket at worse. Going with Madico tint.
I bought mine from Tustin Infiniti. M35 Non-sport. The M35 is plenty fast enough for me. Just wonder how much more trouble I could get in with the extra 55 horses! Didn't really need the extra 10% handling edge provided by the sport - I'm not racing the car at the track. Really didn't care for the aluminum look or the stone/black interior combination - black with rosewood = understated elegance IMHO.
Have noticed that Infiniti is having difficulty selling some color combinations. Diamond Graphite has proven pretty popular thus far.
Congrats on your M35 Non Sport! That is probably the best value of the choices (I know, value is probably a bad term to use up in this price range!)...
What pricing did you get (invoice plus ???). Those guys are pretty good there, bought my I30 there years ago and have used them for service since then. Did you use the General Manager there or a sales guy? Did you check out Mission Viejo as well for pricing or just went with the Tustin guys exclusively?
Congrats again, you'll enjoy it much based on all these owners postings out here! Also thanks for your inventory reports, they were interesting!
Does anybody have experience (good or bad) with service, knowledge, customer support etc of dealers in the San Diego area? Which ones have a good inventory on M45s? Anybody got a good deal on a new M45 or M35?
Interesting thoughts. I have to say though, a Passat wouldnt inspire ooos or ahhhs from me. IMO it just looks dated, both inside and out, and for the money the performance isnt there. (You can always tell when a car is over-due for redesign when the chrome rings show up around the gauges).
If his car was a new S60 2.5T, or maybe a Subie Legacy 2.5GT, I'd be more interested, and would probably have more to say than a polite "nice-car". I think to the "average joe" without multiple automag subscriptions and way too much time spent at Edmunds, German cars still hold a certain "mystique" to them that Japanese cars just dont have, regardless of the price tag. This may have to do with the fact that Corollas and Civics are everywhere, which dilutes the power of "I own Japanese" or the fact that Japense styling has been MIA until about '02 or so. It seems like Japan is learning that they cant just make boring and reliable. Korea has figured that out now, so Japanese cars are going to have to have some sizzle in order to demand a premium over a Hyundai. Give Lexus and Infiniti a few more years, and I think they'll have some VERY interesting products. Acura will most likely be dragged kicking and screaming into having some exciting styling as well. At least Acura has gotten interior design down. The TL and RL are LIGHT YEARS ahead of the old cars in terms of interior design and materials.
First use the source button (or the preset button) to choose the desired preset bank (A, B, or C)
- Move through the XM categories with the seek buttons, and move through the channels of a category using the tuning knob.
- Press and hold a seek button to go into an auto scan where the first channel of each category is played for 5 seconds.
ALTERNATIVELY you can hit the CAT button to go into category mode, and there the controls are used as follows:
- Move through the categories using the tuning knob (also the big dial), and move through the channels of a category using the seek buttons.
- Press and hold a seek button to go into an auto scan where each channel of the CURRENT category is played for 5 seconds.
- cancel category mode by hitting the BACK button. ----------------------- Then when you’ve found a channel you want, press and hold a preset button to set it to that channel.
I think there are only two Infiniti dealers around where I live. In terms of the inventory, you can go to www.infiniti.com and search for inventory. From this forum, it seems the price has started to come down.
Yesterday I spoke with the sales manager where I bought my M-car. He said that all dealerships throughout the country, irrespective of size, are getting the same number of cars each month ... 8. Selling and delivering are two different stories. The local dealer has sold everything he'll get in between now and the end of June ... but has only been able to deliver the first 5 while keeping one available for demo drives. Bart
I posted complete sales info in a previous forum post - just do a search. I figured after all was said and done I paid $1500 over invoice plus I got the IFS lease rates with no markups. Worked directly with the internet team. Also checked out Costa Mesa (part of the same auto group as Tustin) and Mission Viejo. My biggest obstacle was that my color combination wasn't readily available.
I value my money so I'm always looking for the best value - that's why I'll never buy a BMW or MB - sure they have the cachet but they are just poor values IMHO.
$1500 over invoice is quite a deal! For those of you who have bought an M (and have not paid cash), what type of interest rates have you been able to secure for your auto loan? Any info you could provide would be great!!
Comments
"The new Infiniti M is an all new design vehicle. I'm fairly sure it is still 5×114.3 PCD but I'm not sure on the offset yet as I have not test fitted this vehicle yet. If it can take an ET45, then I have the wheels in stock. If it is an ET35 application, I would need to order the wheels in from Italy which would take 4-6 weeks or so. Then again, I'm assuming that it is still 5×114.3."
Any of you readers know the answer -- ET45 and 5x114.3??
I was talking with one of the service guys at Tustin and he said they like to do lighter on the front and darker on the rear passenger and read window because at least then you show a contrast between front and rear passenger windows (could it be 35% is still not letting enough light thru per CA law?). There is actually a website which gives laws by state
http://www.tintcenter.com/laws/
I found that CA wants 70% coming thru the front, so I guess it's "over" by 5% as they do it at Tustin...that's why he made the "contrast" comment. Whatever, that's probably good enough and how would the police know anyway.
All the states are listed at this site....Can't wait to hear how you like your ride here on So Cal roads/freeways Drtravel.
Did you get the M45 Sport?
http://www.llumar.com/na-eng/Automotive/auto.html
Regardless, of the grade (light % transmitted, lower the # darker the tint) your heat reduction and other benefits are material specific not shade specific. The UV is what ultimately breaks down the materials inside the vehicle, over many years. Your opinion of shade is ultimately what matters since your looking at it every day, although a uniform look will generally be advised by the shope performing the install. Most customers with SUVs that have factory privacy glass often times opt to match the front windows with the rest of the vehicle. Your interior color will also have an effect on how the tint looks after installation.
Lastly, go to a reputable shop that has a history of high quality installations, always have a one piece back glass, do not accept multiple pieces!, and remember realistically you have one good shot at a high quality job, if they do not get your vehicle right the first time, other reputable shops will not touch your car.
Edit: just saw the post above, at least in the tri-state, police do carrier light meters, they can ultimately meter your vehicle, then your required to remove the film (this is messy). Also DMV inspections will require you to be in compliance with your state laws. State laws refer to net light transmission. In most instances cars already have a slight factory tint. For example in CT a 35% net is acceptable, if you have a 35% tint installed your net reading will most likely be lower (or darker) thus illegal. Will you get pulled over? Unlikely, although, it does happen.
I have not seen a single M on the road here in Atlanta, but travelling to San Diego this week I saw a blue M and in San Francisco I saw a crimson one. Overall, that's not very many for a new "hot" car. When the 300 hit, I saw a ton of those; granted, the 300's a cheaper car and most of the ones I've seen are the Touring or Limited Edition (ie cheaper models), not the Hemi version. It may take a while to see more on the streets, especially seeing how it's a $45,000+ auto.
I thought about the price factor affecting the number of M's and GS's on the streets here in the ATL however then I think of all of the new MB and BMW's on the roads in this area, and I just don't think that price is the reason we are not seeing them on the roads. When the new body style of the GS came out a several years ago (7 years?) I remember seeinng an immediate increase in the number of them on the road.
Maybe people have not warmed up to the Infiniti brand? Maybe some people don't feel that Innfiniti has the "cachet" that BMW, Lexus, and MB have. If that is the case, they don't know what they are missing! Looking forward to buying one this Fall-hopefully Infiniti will be more willing to haggle!
Karen
Also keep in mind the 5 came out last year, and the E long before that.
The Chrysler 300 is in a different class, and is a VERY hot seller, selling over 13,000 per month.
Also, Infiniti definitely does not have the "cachet" that BMW, Lexus and MB have. Not even close. That's one of the reasons that people who don't care as much about the badge can get a great car at an excellent price.
I've ordered mine from Infiniti of Gwinnett and they weren't bad to deal with. I bought, not leased. Have you been there or did you go elsewhere??
With Acura you are right, but not with Infiniti. The cheapest Infiniti is the G35 starting at $31,210. The cheapest Lexus is the IS300 starting at $30,280.
I think the main reason for Lexus's higher cachet is the success of its flagship, the LS430, and to a lesser extent, the unrivaled success of its SUVs.
Without the LS and the GX, Lexus would not really have that much more prestige as a brand than Acura or Infiniti.
Infiniti got their start about the same time as Lexus, but unlike Lexus they've basically been a failure until Ghosn took over. The J30 was an unusually competent car, and if they had redesigned it instead of killing it in favor of a lightly reskinned Maxima, the Infiniti story in the '90s might have been different. That didnt happen though, and so Infiniti is only just now starting to turn into a real force. It will take many years before they are perceived as an equal to Lexus.
In my totally unscientific sampling, everyone (but you here on Edmunds) thinks that going Japanese may actually be "smart, wise, prudent, etc." -- but had I said "BMW or Audi or Mercedes" I would have gotten knowing glances of approval and other such behavioral cues as to the "coolness" of my purchase. As it stands I get about the same "ooo ahhh" factor as one of the folks I work with who got a new Passat (and it has a stick shift and a V6).
So there you have it -- Lexus may indeed have some "cachet" -- about equal to VW from my, to repeat, unscientific survey.
None of this, at this point, phases me -- but that is not the same as saying I don't notice it.
Face it, or at least I'll face it, BMW, regardless of what you think or know, has "the aura" -- even the Chris Bangle look has not knocked BMW off its lofty perch of perception.
In my younger years, I would think, "just wait til that guy in the 5 series sees my tailights, that'll show him." Somehow drag racing a BMW 5 series with an Infiniti M seems pointless, dumb and ignorant.
You Premium Lux/Performance aficionados (I am trying to learn) know better than I which Japanese brand has cachet -- but it sure looks like all of them are "wishin' and hopin'" to be the next BMW if they can.
Not this time, but perhaps getting closer.
Maybe the approach to take rather than trying to BE BMW is to be "the next" BMW -- and do it "your way."
The 5's interior alone, IMO, is dreadful enough to outweigh any "look at me in my bimmer" appeal. And that's to say nothing of the hate-it-or-love-it body (I see what you mean when you say Pontiac/Kia resemblance), the headache that is i-drive, or the fact that it is considerably overpriced vs. the GS, the M, and the A6.
If you're gonna pay a whole lot more just for brand cachet (because you can now get comparable driving dynamics from the M), you might as well get the E350 4matic. The interior, like every other in this class, puts that of the 5 to shame, the residual value, as per cars.com FWIW, is higher, and let's be honest, the cachet is greater for the 3 pointed star than it is for the blue and white propeller.
Again, much of this is IMHO, which was largely formed from my own experience with each of these cars. To me, the only car of the aforementioned that I would even consider passing on for the 5 might be the A6. Too SLOOOOW. Other than that, the 5 would be behind the M, the E, and the GS respectively. OK maybe just the M and the E (I'm 6'2" and the GS is a bit snug.)
I think some Lexus owners may be rather insulted if you compare their car to a VW. Dont confuse Lexus with Acura or Infiniti. Volkswagen, in my mind at least, is Jettas, Golfs, and Beetles. The "new" VWs, Toureg and Phaeton, havent convinced me that VW somehow plays in the big leagues. The Phaeton didnt convince anybody. Until they can move Phaeton's like Lexus moves LS430s, I think Lexus still leads in the cachet department compared to VW. With the next LS they will push further upmarket, with a V8 hybrid and LWB version. There's absolutely no way Infiniti or Acura could sell a car that will probably start at least $70K. VW cant either.
If I really cared about impressing people, my stereo would be B&W Nautilus speakers and Krell amplifiers. Those two names grab more attnetion than any other, but they also cost a serious amount of cash. German cars are pretty similar. A Mercedes might impress more people than my LS, and if I could get those impressed people to take the car to the shop for me all the time and loan me THEIR car, I might even think about it.
If the 18" wheels on the M35x have 245 x 45 tires on them, this means (some algorithm here please) the circumference of the thing is thus and so.
If the 19" wheel option has 245 x 40 tires on them, this means (same algorithm here please) the circumference of the thing is almost exactly the same as with the 18" wheels with the lower profile, etc etc etc.
There are some "rules of thumb" that are under the topic "Plus sizing" -- which essentially means you can Plus 0, Plus 1, Plus 2, etc (within reason) and the tire's sidewall gets skinnier, the wheel diameter gets bigger and the tire width stays the same or grows -- the effect usually is "not much" or within tolerance on the speedo, computer, odometer, etc.
I "assume" the 19" M factory wheels will "play" on the M35x -- the lug nut pattern and offset between the M35 and the M35x seem to be the same and on the sport they seem to just offset the +1" wheel with a -5% lower profile.
Now, I heard the dealer wants $2,000 for a set of these wheels (no tires).
Another instance of not offering the customer the ability to option these wheels and tires from the factory for perhaps $1 - 2K with tires.
Before I put any money down, tho, I would ask someone to vouch for their "interoperability."
It is just the "averted" eyes for the BMW (and by the way, I agree that the BMW interiors are dreadful, they are depressing, double depressing because most of them are black on black on black -- they're downright claustrophobic (who ever thought of black wood?!?)) that makes me think despite my personal opinion that BMW's are overpriced (generally) and that they can "get away" with bringing out last gen electronics and in some cases last gen engine technology, that people really do "respect them more than logic would or could justify." Whew!
Anyway, the Lexus may objectively be superior -- but that is hardly the reason for the continued high sales successes (relatively) of BMW, is it? BMW's (and some of the other European cars) just seem to "have that certain something." And, even if they don't have it (anymore) they continue to do all they can to not allow the perception that they have it to erode.
Try as they might, the European cars STILL gets the ooooos and ahhhhhhs, the Japanese cars are often relegated to a poilte "nice car" comment.
People actually comment about the wheels on the German car -- not so much on the Japanese car. I'll admit a personal bias to the LOOK of the Audi A6 over the M (at least from the front).
My survey, my very comments have no basis in fact -- they are entirely based on "feel" -- and despite my awareness of these feelings, I still plunked my money down THIS TIME for a Japanese car, not a German one.
Just watch the oooos and ahhhhs tho -- one last thing, when I wear my "Audi logo'd" shirt, I get comments. Before you jump, I do NOT have any Infiniti or Acura or Lexus logo'd attire to make any comparisons and comments.
My Audi wrist watch, too, always gets a "let me see that" and "how do you like your Audi?" There seems to be much curiosity about the German brand cars that is plain not there with the Japanese cars -- things, with the latest generation from Acura, Infiniti and Lexus, clearly are looking better (for them) -- but I contend with all my unscientific facts to back me up, that European cars, German ones in particular figured out how to build and sustain (mostly) an image. The Japanese cars in my most objective personal analysis "look" derivative -- as if Lexus LS was making a copy of the S class Mercedes, for instance. And the newest RL still strikes me as having the butt of a BMW 5 and the nose of an Accord. Of course I, personally, think the BMW 5 series looks like a Pontiac (in the "face") so what do I know.
I just wish the Japanese would invent more without innovating less. Love em or hate em, Cadillac, at least, has made a strong statement with the "look" of their art and science offspring.
Of course, if all of these things were and/or do start happening, the winner will be, as usual, the customer.
I was watching a great movie over the weekend, Tucker, part of the movie was about the Tucker's headlights that followed the turn of the steering wheel. This was HOW MANY decades ago and just now the Germans and Japanese are "innovating" this feature.
What next, hydraulic brakes, self-starters?
What I liked best about being a passat owner was that people who didn't know cars would just think that it looked nice, but those who did know cars knew it was a good car, inside and out.
From there, I think Lexus fits solidly into the 3 spot, mostly due to consistent high quality, as opposed to style and "sex appeal".
Next, on the same tier, you have Infiniti and Audi, with Acura at the bottom of tier three.
My major disagreement with your assessment is comparing Infiniti to VW. Most consumers think of Infiniti as a luxury brand, but still think of VW as the guys that made the Beetle, despite the Phateon, Toureag, etc.
The bottom line is, if you want to impress with brand recognition only, as you said, BMW and MB are the ways to go.
I'm not into names and I could care less about another's opinion; I'm looking for the best car with the fewest problems for my dollar. I, like Mark, felt the M was that car.
IMHO it's not wise for a person to have blind loyalty to a brand, whether it be a car, or any product. I feel a person will get more for their money when they compare, and just don't buy any product because they feel it brings "prestige" or "oohs and ahhs" from others. If your dream's to own a MB and you can afford it, by all means get one. I roll my eyes at the "wannabes" that don't have MB or BMW money and go out and buy the cheapest offerings these brands have, just for status, when there's better options out there for the money. Personally, for the money, I can't see why someone would buy a 5-series, GS, or an E class when the M's sitting there for less money. It's just as comparable from a reliability, functionality, and style standpoint. Of course I am a bit partial, but excluding brand loyalty, the M is comparable to them all.
I have been going to Infiniti of Gwinnett as well to do my test drives, as I live in Suwanee. I am also looking to buy-not lease. Which M did you order and what kind of deal did you get? If you have already posted your deal, let me know and I will search for your post. Thanks for the info!
Karen
My deal was list less $2000.
I don't know what difference it makes if you are leasing or buying since the same factors come into play no matter how you "buy": cap cost, cost of money and depreciation. Often the least important is the cap cost (within reason).
If the geography where you are says list less $1000 is "normal" and you're ok with that, go for it. If you think through tough negotiation you can crank up that to list less $3000 more power to you.
The telling factor is the "cost per thousand" from where I sit and from what I can glean about buying, financing or leasing (unless you can finance for 0% interest). Here in Cincinnati, the value of Cap Cost Reduction is about $30 per $1000 at 36 months.
If you have the money in the bank and the depreciation doesn't bother you vis a vis what you could get as a reasonable ROI, then pay cash, if you can get 0%, finance it, and if you can get below market interest -- way below -- go for that. If you can pay cash and the depreciation doesn't feel like using dollar bills to heat your house in Chicago, go for that.
The only way I could justify buying is if I get to a point in my life where I put a lot less than 15K miles per year on the car.
Based on what I've seen $2000 off sticker is "decent" -- I think I saw a couple of folks go over list less $2500 (but of course that does have some connection to the MSRP).
Cost plus may be a more relevant figure -- but your milage may differ.
Lexus makes an outstanding product, but I am not looking for a car to say something cool to my friends, I want it to be fun for me to drive and to look at daily. My M45 is that and more, the Q's are fine and preferable to me to the LS430, but the M45 is a homerun, much like my wife feels about her G35 couple.
Just one family's view. Viva differences.
http://www.infiniti.com/content/0,,sctid-52062_rtc-l07mbluetooth,00.html">link title
Anyway, question: Does the Satellite radio - XM - show up as an additoional "source" (FM-AM-CD-DVD -XM?) in the Audio controls line-up? The only way I am accessing XM is with the large Radio button on the right. Everytime I have the XM on and attempt to scroll to another channel, it scrolls right into my FM or AM pre-sets. When I am listening to XM, the view on the right side of the screen lists the FM/AM presets. The only way I am able to scroll thru XM channels is via the regular radio tuning control knob. Is this correct or am I missing something? Any help is appreciated!
George
I've had my M35x for five days now and I literally can't wait to get into it every morning. The car has turned more than a few sophisticated heads here in Big Three country, and several colleagues, etc. have approached me to gush about it.
I loved the Bimmer but this M is the coolest damned car I've ever seen. I fell in love with it at first sight, researched it every way possible (including monitoring the commentary on this forum), and I have no doubt that it was the best choice for me. I'm already dreading the day the "new car smell" wears off.
I love the fact that I literally haven't seen another one on the roads around here yet, although I know an attorney around the corner from me that has one. Also, the Infiniti dealer I bought mine from has been swamped with M purchasers. All in all, this may be my most satisfying new car experience yet.
Click the source button until you are on the preset screen you want (A, B, or C). Now access the XM stations like you were doing (push the Radio button until the XM band is selected and then tune manually to the station). When you find one you like, hold down one of the 1-6 hard buttons until the station appears as a preset on the list.
Hope this helps.
I bought mine from Tustin Infiniti. M35 Non-sport. The M35 is plenty fast enough for me. Just wonder how much more trouble I could get in with the extra 55 horses! Didn't really need the extra 10% handling edge provided by the sport - I'm not racing the car at the track. Really didn't care for the aluminum look or the stone/black interior combination - black with rosewood = understated elegance IMHO.
Have noticed that Infiniti is having difficulty selling some color combinations. Diamond Graphite has proven pretty popular thus far.
What pricing did you get (invoice plus ???). Those guys are pretty good there, bought my I30 there years ago and have used them for service since then. Did you use the General Manager there or a sales guy? Did you check out Mission Viejo as well for pricing or just went with the Tustin guys exclusively?
Congrats again, you'll enjoy it much based on all these owners postings out here! Also thanks for your inventory reports, they were interesting!
Which ones have a good inventory on M45s?
Anybody got a good deal on a new M45 or M35?
If his car was a new S60 2.5T, or maybe a Subie Legacy 2.5GT, I'd be more interested, and would probably have more to say than a polite "nice-car". I think to the "average joe" without multiple automag subscriptions and way too much time spent at Edmunds, German cars still hold a certain "mystique" to them that Japanese cars just dont have, regardless of the price tag. This may have to do with the fact that Corollas and Civics are everywhere, which dilutes the power of "I own Japanese" or the fact that Japense styling has been MIA until about '02 or so. It seems like Japan is learning that they cant just make boring and reliable. Korea has figured that out now, so Japanese cars are going to have to have some sizzle in order to demand a premium over a Hyundai. Give Lexus and Infiniti a few more years, and I think they'll have some VERY interesting products. Acura will most likely be dragged kicking and screaming into having some exciting styling as well. At least Acura has gotten interior design down. The TL and RL are LIGHT YEARS ahead of the old cars in terms of interior design and materials.
First use the source button (or the preset button) to choose the desired preset bank (A, B, or C)
- Move through the XM categories with the seek buttons, and move through the channels of a category using the tuning knob.
- Press and hold a seek button to go into an auto scan where the first channel of each category is played for 5 seconds.
ALTERNATIVELY you can hit the CAT button to go into category mode, and there the controls are used as follows:
- Move through the categories using the tuning knob (also the big dial), and move through the channels of a category using the seek buttons.
- Press and hold a seek button to go into an auto scan where each channel of the CURRENT category is played for 5 seconds.
- cancel category mode by hitting the BACK button.
-----------------------
Then when you’ve found a channel you want, press and hold a preset button to set it to that channel.
Pete
I value my money so I'm always looking for the best value - that's why I'll never buy a BMW or MB - sure they have the cachet but they are just poor values IMHO.
$1500 over invoice is quite a deal! For those of you who have bought an M (and have not paid cash), what type of interest rates have you been able to secure for your auto loan? Any info you could provide would be great!!