Actually he is not alone in this view. I, among other reviewers in prominent magazines, find the M's interior wood to look less than luxurious. Overly modern? Not really.
If you are familiar with the furniture designers Eames and Van der Rohe, the use of rosewood was considered "modernist" mid-1900s. Yet now it's retro-terminology (modernist is from the '30s and '40s era), not of the current modern design (post-modern). The M definitely has splashes of modernism, especially the CD/clock console area, but then...
To call the German's interior "old fashion" demonstrates a lack of knowledge of it's design lineage. The Audi A6 is a quintessential Bauhaus interior, modern, minimalism and functionality all wrapped in one package. Form following function, with no clutter. And, although Bauhaus is also from the same modernist era, it's implementation into today's tech-heavy automobiles is relatively new. The birch wood in the A6, luscious; it's center console, uncluttered; the MMI --a baby in the life of an amalgam of tech & design (and all it's components) in the cabin of today's autos.
I read yours and others posts with an open mind as I am in the market for a new car. Just today, I test drove the M35, and both myself and my wife's (an industrial design school grad) first remarks were directed at the poorer quality and layout of the M's interior compared to the A6's. I have a love for the rosewood look, don't get me wrong, it is Infiniti's less the excellent execution of it in the cabin that is disappointing. The multitude of buttons on the flattened-curvaceous center console was too much for either of us, and I don't understand it's placement and orientation; bizarre. At 6'1", I still felt at a disadvantage to read and reach the buttons.
The car is very sporty, something that is not high on my list for a four-door "luxury" vehicle (I'll get a Porsche for sportiness). But it has made me re-think whether the A6 is THE car for me. We all have different needs for these cars, as we have different opinions of the designs. Now I, too, must decide between the M35x and the A6.... oh, the fun!!!
My wife initially was not wild about my new M45 sport. She preferred her 2002 Q45 Sport to it in the beginning. She thought it was too firm in seating and noisey. After I adjusted the tire inflation level back to spec, and after she drove the car, it is a whole new story. She now prefers my M over the Q but slightly. After riding and driving in the firmer seating and suspension, she loves the handling, raw power and refinement of this great car. The waterfall dash is something she tolerates and doesnt rave about but likes the aluminum look. My car is Black with the stone interior and we both like this combination. I have 3500 miles on the car and no issues with the car at all. It has been flawless in all aspects.
You can erase or edit a phone number, but it is not intuitive. I did it before and am trying to recall the process. I believe you have to go through a different pathway than the phone book (maybe settings?).
No, you cannot transfer the phonebook from the V710. You have to enter numbers individually.
As to comments about the wood: some think the matte wood looks cheap, others think it is warmer. Others believe the heavily lacquered/glossy wood looks like plastic (and really, what is the gloss other than a hydrocarbon/plastic coating?), while others expect it.
I've looked at and driven all of the competitors (and more). I'm leaning toward an M35x or an E350 4-Matic. But you wanted to know about wifes. My wife, 43 professional with great taste, disliked the RL, GS, and 300C. Felt they were fields of cheap plastic. She is luke-warm on the E350 (I think that is more financial than anything ... she thinks it pretentious). She loves the A6 and M35x. She does not like the bourban/amaretto interior. She likes them both with the black interior. If the Infiniti dealer were within 30 miles, this would be a done deal. The local MB dealer has offered to pick up and drop off the car for service/repair. Though the MB is more money, that may be the deciding factor. The only dealership I felt I had an informed salesman who really wanted to "earn" our business, btw, was the Audi dealer. Both my wife and I both liked him and the dealership, but it is likewise not convenient. I've invested way too much time and energy on this decision. Appreciate you letting me vent a moment.
They're all nice cars IMHO. You will tend to need the pick-up/delivery service of the Mercedes dealer more than the M. I'm not sure why, but it seems most women don't like the bourbon or amaretto interiors. I much prefer them over black. The Audi is both beautiful and classy but unless you're leasing, you'll take a real hit on resale..
------------------------------------------------------------------------- Actually he is not alone in this view. I, among other reviewers in prominent magazines, find the M's interior wood to look less than luxurious. Overly modern? Not really. -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Firstly you’re confusing two independent parts of the conversation. No one (neither I nor the poster I responded to) claimed the rosewood to be overly modern.
Secondly, the overwhelming majority of reviewers have nothing but praise for the M’s interior materials and rosewood. If you’d like to pursue this, I’m sure I can supply many, many such quotes for any opposing ones you’d like to provide.
Your statement indicates that you are a reviewer in a prominent magazine. Is that the case, or is that just a poor wording choice?
------------------------------------------------------------------------- To call the German's interior "old fashion" demonstrates a lack of knowledge of it's design lineage. The Audi A6 is a quintessential Bauhaus interior. -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your gratuitous display of knowledge: Very well done. Your conclusion: Extremely weak.
I happen to be a fan of Bauhous design. However when it comes to using vehicle controls at 80 miles/hr, less is really less. (Not more.) Here’s what USA Today’s Jim Healey said about the Audi’s user controls in his A6 review:
“Details take fun out of new A6 The logic that hides almost any function beneath layers of choices is flawed logic. The auto industry needs an exorcist to eliminate such thinking.”
“Controls:. Knobs for volume and tuning on the radio. Applause. Most controls have their own separate knobs and buttons on the instrument panel. Satisfying for techies, nearly intuitive for Luddites That attention to detail is what separates true luxury cars from the merely expensive ones.”
He also said the A6 in general “would have been impressive but for time spent recently in the 280-hp Infiniti M35x V-6. The Infiniti M is the new standard in the category”
In Road and Track’s recent V8 sport sedan comparo (where the M beat all others), The M actually won points for having the easiest most intuitive controls, and for it’s beautiful interior.
As a successfully retired entrepreneur, who prides himself on user interface design, I'd have to say that these reviewers are right on the mark.
Actually, my statement doesn't include "poor wording choice" but perhaps it is confusing to the general population. Remove the section between the commas, and it would read: "I find the M's interior wood to look less than luxurious." I read Car & Driver's review, and find them to be "prominent" enough to have lumped them into the dissenting opinion arena. Here's what they wrote:
"Lows: Sport package gives a firm ride, interior décor lacks finesse."
I am not a car reviewer. I am a prominent real estate sales professional in San Francisco (and an ex-French-trained-chef, hence my "call sign"). I think what we are dealing with here is the typical "eye-of-the-beholder" syndrome where there is NO clear-cut answer. I do like the M35, I believe I may have said that, but it does not serve my needs (driving around clients to $2 million dollar fixer-houses without backyards and one-car garages) as well as the A6 might satisfy them. It comes down to a slightly less sporty-ride of the A6 than the M35. If I didn't have to drive over the horribly maintained roads of San Fran, and zipping around the switchbacks of Marin County was more important, I would not be so concerned with the harsher ride and more evident exhaust note of the M. Put the ventilated seats in an Audi, and I wouldn't even be considering another car! Damn I love those!
I take car reviews with a grain of salt. Some are too performance biased for the general user. Others have personal bias. Healey's meandering about trying to change the time on the clock borders on childishness. How many times do you change your clock? Twice a year for this West-coaster. Maybe if you drive across country monthly or weekly, the ability to change the clock would be of the utmost importance... I understand that is not his point. But in actuality, it is. Stereo controls are not "buried"; nor are the climate controls as stated in some of the other misinformed reviews I have read. My point: Test it yourself, decide for yourself. Is it something I can live with? Yes. Can I learn to live with the M's waterfall console? Yes.
My opinion and my final decision do change from time to time, I have always loved brunettes, but I married a blond (she's sharper than most of the brunettes I dated).
And regarding the food in England (London specifically) it might be getting of world attention right now. But is it truly British cuisine? Or chefs from other countries bringing the level of cuisine to a new level utilizing their home-spun recipes? 6-years ago I went to several "high-end" restaurants and was disappointed. Things may have changed, the pub food does rock!
That is all, hope we can get along driving down at 100mph side-by-side, talking through our Bluetooth enabled phones. Ciao.
------------------------------------------------------------------------- I think what we are dealing with here is the typical "eye-of-the-beholder" syndrome where there is NO clear-cut answer. ... I hope we can get along driving down at 100mph side-by-side, talking through our Bluetooth enabled phones. -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for keeping the attitude positive after our mutual digression. Clearly we can agree to disagree about matters of taste.
I’d like to respond to a few other points, but only to keep the record clear. Hopefully we can follow your positive tone going forward.
Quote 1: ------------------------------------------------------------------------- I, among other reviewers in prominent magazines, find the M's -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote 2: ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Actually, my statement doesn't include "poor wording choice" but perhaps it is confusing to the general population. I am not a car reviewer. -------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was referring to the fact that the words “I, among other reviewers” implied that you were yourself a reviewer. (“Other” being key here.) Not a biggy. I’ve made similar slips myself.
------------------------------------------------------------------------- I do like the M35, I believe I may have said that, but it does not serve my needs as well as the A6 might satisfy them. It comes down to a slightly less sporty-ride of the A6 than the M35. -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note that the car and driver reviewer spoke about the sport package having a sporty ride. Obviously the M35 non sport will have a smoother ride. I hope you can really do some lengthy test drives with the two cars. Being in real estate sales, you’ll no doubt be relying heavily on the Nav. I believe if you actually use the M’s world class Nav (with it’s best ever voice command) to get to several locations, you’ll see a huge difference in both the electronics and the controls in the two cars. I believe you’ll also see a big difference in power and handling on those SF hills.
In any case, I know they’re both great cars, and you’re likely to be very happy either way.
Regarding: No, you cannot transfer the phonebook from the V710. You have to enter numbers individually.
It's not documented on how to do it on the V3 Razr, but it can be done. You may be able to upload your V710 phonebook, as that phone may be close to the V3. To see all the steps it took on my V3, check out:
My Razr works perfectly, except the sound quality is 'too good.' Meaning, the deeper frequency response from the speakers is more difficult in terms of voice comprehension than a higher frequency (more treble-y) sound. Wish I could control treble/base separately for the phone operation. Incoming requires a very high volume for me to comprehend. (Complaints on the quality of my outgoing voice, consistent with the "are you in a tunnel?" sound of nearly all hands-free systems.)
Sending the phonebook from the Razr to the M45 wasn't difficult, but the transposition of names by Infiniti is ridiculous. ("Lillys cell" becomes "cell Lillys"). What the?!
Earlier post noted the lack of height controls for the passenger seat on a $50k vehicle. My wife's Jag is more expensive and likewise is missing this feature.
I presumed that in Park, I could play a DVD video on the front screen (no, I don't have the Entertainment option). I hear sound, but no picture. Am I wrong, then, and it's audio-only? (If not, please post instructions.)
I probably should have rewritten the sentence to avoid the confusion.
I will take your advice a complete another thorough test drive in the next few months. I am not sold on the Nav in any car for the moment. San Francisco is such a small City, I can get around fairly quickly (I also grew up here) without it. So to save the $$$ I might option out, then again, what the hell.
I presumed that in Park, I could play a DVD video on the front screen (no, I don't have the Entertainment option). I hear sound, but no picture. Am I wrong, then, and it's audio-only? (If not, please post instructions.)
From Motortrend's March 2005 comparo, the M35 non-sport's suspension "can sometimes deliver a jolt over rough pavement." I drove one and found this to be true.
In Columbus, Ohio, I bought a M35 sport w/ Journey for $1000 over invoice. Great people to deal with. I was waiting for the VPP discount, but I couldn't wait any longer. I got a great deal for the trade on my 2003 G35.
I got most of my questions re: the V710 by the Verizon distributor. The instruction manual is phone specific ... how to couple it and make it work well with a given carrier's BT technology is a whole separate set of instructions. Example: There isn't a word in the V710 manual on how to set up voice messaging because that's a Verizon function ... I would expect all of the solutions can be found in carrier literature or on the web. It's my guess that's why Infiniti says Sprint has no compatible Bluetooth phones.
I've found the back and forth re: matte and glossy wood finish entertaining because it's all a matter of taste. Too glossy looks like plastic to many and too matte looks cheap, like shelf-liner. My wife's Lexus is glossy (it's been knocked here) and I find it rich looking. My M-car's a Sport and when I first saw the interior it turned me off. The more I sat in it and drove it the more appealed to me as a sporty "upgrade".
One thing seems unanimous here and that is that the Bimmer's interior looks like an afterthought.
There have been many questions and discussions about the M’s world class Nav system. I have written up an intro to it which I’ve previously posted elsewhere. In light of recent posts, I’m posting it here now since I though some of you might find it interesting or helpful.
The M's Best In Class Nav System
VOICE COMMAND Infiniti's voice command is amazingly easy to use. (It can be used to control most NAV features as well as audio, video, climate control etc.)
Street address destination is as simple as saying state, city, street, and number. and you're done. You can do it while driving. (Start by saying Destination street address, and you'll be quickly prompted though it.) You'll be delighted with the accuracy of the voice recognition.
Points of interest can be accessed by Voice command. Just say Nearby Restaurant. (Or Nearby Rest Area, Gas Station, Movie Theater, or Nearby XYZ. Where XYZ can be any of 50+ different categories. see manual p.9-19 ) The M will list the nearest POI's so that you can choose a destination. OR say Show Nearby Restaurant (etc.) to see them on the map (and a list), before choosing.
You can also supply a POI destination, while driving, just by saying its phone number. Start by saying Destination Phone Number. (See below for more on POI's.)
You can supply Voice Tags for your stored address book locations so you can just say "Destination Pete's House", eg, and it will take you there. (To add voice tags go to: [Settings > Navigation > Address Book > Stored Location], then Select an entry, press enter and choose “Edit”)
The new Voice GUIDANCE system, also does an excellent job of pronouncing street names as it guides you through upcoming turns.
Voice command can be used extensively to modify your display and choose a variety of NAV (and other) settings. Fifty_rocks reports that the voice recognition works best when speaking naturally rather than enunciating. I suggest trying various speeds, etc to get your best results.
For a complete list of voice commands see p. 9-17 in the manual.
BEAUTIFUL 8" DISPLAY WITH MANY SPLIT SCREEN OPTIONS With its large screen, the M's NAV does a brilliant job of showing street names wherever possible, and a great deal of detail in general. All of the graphics are truly stunning.
You can have a permanent split screen display with two maps (left and right) each with a different, user specifiable zoom. And you can have a combo of 3D and 2D or they can both be 2D. (Use Enter_Button > Map View)
When using route guidance, you can display a Turn List on the left and a Map on the right. (Use Route_Button > Guidance_Settings > Guidance_Screen_Default ) If turned on, the Turn List setting will be remembered for future trips, and can be temporarily turned off or on again by just touching the map button (very nice). The display will automatically switch to a blow up in the left half when approaching a turn.
Even if you prefer a single large map (which can be 3D or 2D) the system automatically switches to split screen when you approach a turn, showing your normal map on the right and a Blow Up on the left. The blow up feature can now be permanently turned off in the settings screen. (Route_Button > Guidance_Settings > Guidance_Screen_Default > Intersection_Map )
You can now control the Birdview(3D) Angle, increasing or decreasing the degree of perspective for any Birdview map. (Enter_Button > Heading > Birdview_Angle) Additionally, you can freely rotate the Birdview map. (p 3-8)
The Zoom function now has a Free Zoom capability to give finer zoom adjustments so you can get it just right. (Hold down the zoom key to switch to fine adjustment mode.)
The M offers 4 different Status Screens, each useful for tracking one or more features while driving. The Navigation-Audio Status screen shows shows a very attractive graphic of the upcoming turn, a large readout of distance to the turn, estimated time to destination, as well as a full compliment of audio info.
An unusual and sweet feature for those with rear screen DVD, is the ability to show the NAV map display on the overhead screen for rear passengers.
POINTS OF INTEREST: Your initial POI request can be specified for a city, or for ALL cities, and can use either a POI Name or Category or both. Any list of POI candidates can be sorted by nearest distance or alphabetically (your choice).
In response to some prior questions, its therefore now very easy to find the nearest restaurant (eg), with name XYZ.
Nearby Places is a customizable list of five categories or sub categories. Use “Nearby Places” as a quick alternative way to find POI’s while driving (by using screen controls or the voice command "Nearby Places", and then choosing one category for your search.) This "Nearby Places" list can be customized to have your 5 most frequently used categories or sub categories. Thus, if you often want Shell gas stations, MacDonalds, Greek restaurants, or a Ritz Carlton you can put those sub categories on your nearby places list to quickly find them at any time. (There are 200+ categories, sub-categories, and brands available. see p.4-23) If you already have a destination when using “Nearby Places” the POI automatically becomes a waypoint, and you can choose Show Along Route to search only along your current route. (Start with: Settings > Navigation > Nearby_Places_Custom_Settings)
The list of POI candidates or Nearby Places is now shown with a split screen display having a map on the right side. The highlighted POI candidate on the left is shown in the Map on the right along with your current location. Beautifully done. (This screen has the option to switch the candidate sort order back and forth between "sorted by nearest distance" and an alphabetical sort.)
MORE TYPES OF DESTINATIONS: Highway entry/exit. Specify a highway and whether you want Exits or Entries and you'll get a list which can be sorted by nearest distance or alphabetically. This list of exit/entry's is shown on a split screen which has a map on the right indicating your current location and the selected entry/exit from the left.
Stored Routes are groups of destinations and waypoints stored together that can be called up at any time where upon a new route to the group of waypoints will be calculated based on your current location.
Previous Starting Point Lets you choose as a destination the spot where you started the last route guidance.
Intersection and City Center are also available as destinations
HACKING THE SYSTEM For those who are interested, hacks exist to permit 100% access to all NAV controls, and other settings while driving (as well as viewing DVDs on the NAV screen while driving, which I don't recommend) .
SOME VERY NICE INFINITI ADVANTAGES One great plus for the M Nav is the speed of route calculation. With its new processor, most route calculations and recalculations are practically instantaneous. This means if you miss a turn, you probably won't miss the second one because of a slow recalc.
As with past Infiniti systems, their method for route editing is as slick as it gets. The design makes it very quick and intuitive to modify any existing waypoints or destinations, or to insert new waypoints between any two others or at the end, and to do these edits at any time.
One advantage of the Infiniti systems has always been their approach to specifying addresses or intersections, WITH or WITHOUT city. While some other systems do that, Infiniti does a great job of listing the candidate street names with its city on each line. And unlike the Lexus system I had, (which also had enormous problems with the former) the streets are sorted correctly (i.e. independently of their North, South etc. prefixes) As many people have discovered in real world usage, this whole approach to streets saves enormous frustration, time and time again.
This is a wonderful system, and is a pleasure to use. IMHO it's vastly superior to the systems offered by MB, BMW and Audi, and, to the best of my knowledge, compares favorably to any system on the market.
--------------------------------------- Be prepared to take a serious thrashing from the Acura camp! ---------------------------------------
The Acura's system is an excellent one and is the only system that comes close to the M's .
I've heard from many folks that have owned both, (people I greatly respect) who say they clearly prefer the M's NAV. (And yes, I've also heard from one or two others that disagree)
According to those who prefer the M's nav, it has significantly better display options, route editing capabilities, more visible street level detail, does a better job of getting you where you're going and has several other advantages.
The bottom line is that they're both great systems, that put most others to shame.
"It made me wonder if the M is geared even more toward guys than the typical luxury sports sedan. She vastly preferred the Audi, and even the GS over the M. What kind of reactions have you guys gotten from spouses (girl friends don't count-they'll just tell you what you want to hear. "
OK-here are my $.02 worth! As a female looking to buy the M, I have to say that I initially liked the lay out of the GS300 interior better than the M (specifically, I was not crazy about the waterfall dash), however I would have wanted the grey interior in the GS which was paired with the ebony wood which I didn't like at all. The ebony wood in the GS looks like plastic, and the high gloss shows fingerprints and smudges more than the matte in the M.
After several more test drives, the M interior has grown on me. I think if I had a choice, I would prefer the dash layout of the GS, however I LOVE all the tech/gadgets that the M has to offer. I just wish they would offer more interior choices/color combinations, as I love the all grey interior of the GS. Also, my husband LOVES the aluminum trim in the sport, whereas i am a fan of the rosewood. I think that the wood brinngs more warmth to the interior. Most of the men I know agree with my husband, whereas most of my female firends agree with me.
Finally, I like the exterior lines of the GS a bit more than the M, but the functionality of the interior leaves a lot to be desired!
That's great documentation, Pete, thanks! I'm sure it will be helpful to very many members - posters and lurkers alike.
Let me just say again, though, to anyone who may be thinking of asking for the details - we are not going to talk about hacking the NAV to allow the driver to watch DVDs while driving... :surprise: :confuse:
------------------------------------------------ Let me just say again, though, to anyone who may be thinking of asking for the details - we are not going to talk about hacking the NAV to allow the driver to watch DVDs while driving... ------------------------------------------------
Pat
I understand your request on this.
For the benefit of myself and others, and with respect to future discussion, I'd just like to confirm that what I've written in my above post regarding this is, in and of itself, OK.
Also, is it OK to say that much in the future, without going into any further detail?
Well like I said before, went to pick up an M35 base with only nav and splash guards on Saturday 5/14. After shopping Houston dealers since February, no one had a diamond graphite with only nav and still wanted MSRP for all M's After searching infiniti.com over a week ago, I found the car in my home state of Louisiana at Orr Infiniti in Shreveport. I did not have to order the car at all. I put a $100 deposit last Wednesday and went to do the paperwork and get the car on Saturday. Definitely worth the 4 hour drive from Houston. With four Infiniti dealerships here, they're not really coming off of the sticker price; some are trying to get a few hundred more. Shreveport is not really that small, but Orr Infiniti, although small, was first class. MSRP for the car was $42,630. I paid $40,730 on a 60 month purchase deal. So that is like $1900 without really haggling. I was so happy to get anything below sticker, I had to jump at the deal because the car was so hard to find.
The customer service was miles ahead of other dealerships. Upon arrival, the client manager came out to greet us by saying "you guys must be here to pick up that diamond graphite M35. He walked us over to the car which they had parked under an awning completely detailed for us. He then took us over to the finance manager who greeted us by name. No BS! or random fees. He explained everything and answered every question. Filled out the paperwork in about 15-20 minutes and that was a wrap. The client manager then took us back over to the car and gave us a nearly 2-hour orientation on the car, especially the nav. All this after the sale. How's that for customer service? I had to stop the guy to tell him we needed to get back to Houston. Everyone at Orr was extra nice and by far provided the best car buying experience that I have ever had in my 30-year life. Only one family came into the dealership in a two hour span on a Saturday I might add. It was like they closed down the dealership for us. This car will be primarily for my wife, but I'll be back to get a QX56 from them I'm sure.
We rented car one way to Shreveport, so we could drive back together. On the way to the airport to return the rental we stopped at Mc'Donald. Everone gawked at the car and a few complimented us on how nice it was. At the airport, it was the same. People wanted to know if Hertz rented those, but I had to tell them "not quite" The car is a head turner. Many people still don't know about the M since it is an 06. The ride back to Houston was great in our new M35. I couldn't mash on the gas because state troopers were all over the road, but the nav earned its $2000 tag the entire way back navigating me through little Texas towns with 150-250 populations. Anyone who doubts the functionality of the Infiniti nav is crazy. It tells each turn through the route guidance and adapts if you overide it to go another route. We put 300 miles on the car coming back, but in my opinion it was well worth it. Now I'll just have to get my car serviced in Houston, but will have an extra $1,900 in my pocket.
Thanks for all who helped with the Sprint-Bluetooth fiasco. I still have to find out what to do because we have a contract with Sprint. Also thanks for all posters who helped so much in our decision. I'll still be on the board frequently to help out people like you guys helped me. One sweet thing I didn't know is that for the mp3's, the info center shows the name of each track and allows you to scroll down on the steering wheel. Also, finally, the V6's power throws your head back. I mashed it on US59 here in Houston, and no way do I need a V8. This will cause enough trouble as it is. Anyone want pics let me know. Thanks again for all your help.
Let's set aside watching DVD's while driving, for the time being.
What about accessing the prohibited nav functions, like entering addresses while driving and looking up points of interest? That's not illegal, to my knowledge.
The problem is that it leads to people asking questions that can't be answered and quite frankly I don't see why it even has to be mentioned since we're not going to discuss it.
I'm not real comfortable with going into the other functions that don't exist without hacks - I'm not sure why they would call for hacks if there wasn't a reason they didn't exist in the first place. Can anyone point me anywhere that I can find out it's not illegal to perform them? I realize these are state laws, but any resource would be helpful to me...
(Yah, yah ... I can and will do my own research, but I thought some of you might be able to give me something to start with. )
----------------------------------- I'm not sure why they would call for hacks if there wasn't a reason they didn't exist in the first place. Can anyone point me anywhere that I can find out it's not illegal to perform them? I realize these are state laws, but any resource would be helpful to me... -----------------------------------
Three points regarding the Mod which allows access to NAV functions while driving.
1) All Acura's in the U.S. have complete access to Nav while driving, so there can NOT be any US law prohibiting it. (This can be easily confirmed)
2) Manufacturers restrict Nav access while driving to reduce THEIR OWN legal liability rather than for compliance to US law. Anyone who overrides the restriction would have knowingly done so, and therefore would NOT have increased the liability of infiniti or anyone else.
3) Living in a free country we are clearly allowed to modify our cars in any way that does not violate specific law. (see point number 1)
--------------------------------------------- Okay, I accept your point number one (something I should have known, duh), I feel much better and I thank you. ---------------------------------------------
One tends to feel very much at the mercy of a forum moderator and the decisions they make. Consequently its very much appreciated when they approach those decisions with a reasonable and open mind.
I actually got my Treo 650 to work today with my M35x. Amazing! Over the weekend I downloaded the updater for my phone from the palmone web site. My phone provider is Sprint and the car kit is included in the update. This morning I spoke with one of the salespeople from my dealership who assisted me in getting the phone configured. It took about 5 minutes to set up and when I was done I was able to initiate a call on my Treo and have it call out on the car speaker system. I made about 5 calls and also was able to receive a call. I can't say I have 100% functionality, but I'm happy with what I have been able to accomplish so far.
I have been told by individuals at two dealerships that Infiniti is in the works to have get the Treo 650 compatible with the Infiniti M series..
For those of us who have put together a poor man's NAV system with a pocket PC (with blue tooth), navigation software (co-pilot), and a blue tooth enabled GPS device (pharos) - is there anyway to have the display from our pocket PC be linked to the car's display?
I know that this would diminish the retail value of the Infiniti NAV system but I just had to ask.
I picked up a new A6 yesterday. 3.2 in Black w/ Amaretto premium leather. I had an 02' Audi A6 3.0. Audi interiors are rated highest in style and function in almost all new publications. I wanted to like the M35. It's a great looking interior if you get the aluminum inside instead of the "cheap" looking wood. It's not only the wood that looks cheap; it's when it blends with the black plastic areas around it, it makes it stand out in a bad way. The M35 had a loooot of power and is quicker in acceleration than my new A6. My decison came down to if the M35 was like $100 less a month than the A6 and I could get used to the jerky acceleration, than I would have considered it. There wasn' t that much difference. If you are really thinking about getting an A6, you should write me back and I'll give you the name of the dealer I leased from. I got the Premium Package, Convenience Package, Premium Leather, Navigation, Voice Command, Sirius Satellite Radio, 18" wheels and for a 36 month lease, with a total at start including first month, tax, tag and EVERYTHING of $1500, my payment is $625 + tax a month...leave out the NAV, Voice and Sirius and it goes to $600/month + tax. If you want to race people at stoplights, get the M35. Better yet, put both cars side by side and slam the doors shut.....then you decide!!! The M35 is using the exact same engine from the G35 and add a few new features and a new body and make the car $10-$15K more money. Also, Audi comes with all maintenance included...brakes, all checkups, and even wiper blades are included for 4 years or 50,000 miles.
--------------------------------- How does one go about gaining access? What's the "hack"? ---------------------------------
You need to cut a green wire (the motion sensor signal) going into the main connector plugged into the Nav system. (All of which is behind the glove compartment.) Then you need to hook up a switch to that cut wire, which you'll
- Turn on to restore the connection for any nav usage; - Turn off to break the connection and allow user entry while driving; and - Turn on again to restore the connection (immediately after) to permit the nav system to work properly and get you where you're going.
The motion sensor is used for two things:
1) It tells the Nav how fast you're going so that the system can most accurately determine your location. The system really depends on this info and thus will not work properly without it.
2) It tells the nav simply that you ARE moving, so that the nav will inhibit user entry while driving.
You want (1) but don't want (2). But all works well if used as described above.
I'd give you a link pointing to pictures and a full description, but that would violate forum guidelines. So if you want to do this I'd suggest searching for "nav hack M45" (as a word search, without the quotes). You'll probably find all the info you need.
The Spies pick the best looking mid-size luxury sedan 3/17/2005
Here are our rankings for the best looking mid-size luxury sedan:
1. 2006 Mercedes CLS-stunning! Especially on the road.
2. 2006 Lexus GS-series- this car has really grown on us. Very elegant and the best Lexus design yet.
3. 2005 Audi A6- We like the new face of the A6 an it is finished wonderfully inside the cabin.
4. Tie: Infiniti M-series/Mercedes E-class. If the M-series cabin was nicer quality it would have broken the tie.
5. Cadillac STS- Better wheels and a higher quality interior would move it up in the rankings.
6. BMW 5-series- In our opinion, the most disappointing of the new BMW designs. Add to that an amazingly cheap looking interior. So not indicative of the BMW we used to know and love.
7. Acura RL- Great looking interior, disappointing exterior. Does not look like a $50K car.
Here's a message from an M45 owner on another forum. :
Ok guys, I'm in Florida right now and the rental I got from Hertz is an Audi A6 Quaatro with the V6. Wow what a dog, the car has absolutely no pickup. It's a nice looking car and it's well built but no power and I am extremely frustrated by the electronics. It started with the fact that hte previous renter set the language to spanish and it took me almost 5 minutes to figure out how to set it back to english. I do not like the interface for controlling the radio or the other controls. Not intuitive at all. Also, he model I have has a manual wheel tilt/telescope setup and I can not find a setting that makes that wheel fall at the right place. Annoying. I am so happy I chose the M. The A6 was on my short list, but I discounted it due to the maintenance issues. If I had bought it I would have ended up being very unhappy. . .
Let’s Talk about the M45 and the Audi A6 in reviews.
The M has been included in 4 comparo’s by the big three (Motor Trend, Car and Driver, and Road and Track). It has placed first in every one. The Audi has not reached third in any. The M was directly compared to the Audi by Jim Healey of USA today. He said the M is the new standard in the class, that he was disappointed by the Audi in comparison, and that the M makes BMW, Mercedes, and Audi irrelevant.
Motor Trend (6 Car V6 Comparo) : M35 wins M placed first, Audi placed 5th (Audi: In stop-and-go traffic, throttle and brake transitions are rather abrupt. And the A6's steering feels artificially light at low speeds, doesn't self-center after a turn, and isn't communicative at any speed. M35: The Infiniti's front-midship layout provides near-perfect weight balance, and the chassis communicates texture and grain that makes the driving experience all the richer. Of course, the Infiniti's cabin is hushed and exquisitely trimmed in rich leather, real wood, and techno-toys When the road is yours and yours alone, you'll want to be behind the wheel of the Infiniti M35.)
Road and Track V8 Comparo, June 05. The M Placed first beating BMW and lexus. The Audi was not deemed worthy of inclusion.
(((--------------------------------------------------------------- Here is the $2000 question: For those of us who have put together a poor man's NAV system with a pocket PC (with blue tooth), navigation software (co-pilot), and a blue tooth enabled GPS device (pharos) - is there anyway to have the display from our pocket PC be linked to the car's display?
I know that this would diminish the retail value of the Infiniti NAV system but I just had to ask. ---------------------------------------------------------------)))
I think it’s doable, but quite a job .
First you need to get video out of your pocket PC This is the easy part and can be achieved with a third party add on device. These are typically used for presentation. One product is Margi presenter-to-go which connects to your Pocket PC via an sd card slot or other ports. You can also Search for “pocketPC video presentation”
Second you need to get that video into your display The display probably has a video-in which receives its signal from elsewhere in the car. Theoretically you do an A/B switch into that video in. The shop manuals are not yet available for the M, but they’ll probably be online in a month or two. You’ll probably be able to determine if there’s a video cable going to the monitor from those shop manuals.
Are you in the Bay Area? That sounds like a great deal! I would like to add the Cold Weather Pkg, and keep the payments around the same price range...
I can't email you because your address is private. Please foward me the dealer info to: chef_jmr@yahoo.com I normally wouldn't post an e-mail address on the forum, but I only use it for these purposes. I look forward to your response.
I actually got my Treo 650 to work today with my M35x. Amazing!
Scoop: That's stunningly good news. Please expand more on HOW to get it to work. That's the unit I wanted and was told specifically by Infiniti that it will NOT work ... but again, that was two weeks ago. Verizon offers the Treo 650 (or will very shortly), but I've been with Sprint since my first cell phone (powered by candlelight) and my wife's phone is still on Sprint contract. I have a week to return my V710 and cancel my Verizon service, but clearly have only a few days to find out how to make the Treo work and decide if the compatibility is adequate. Please post your experience daily. Meanwhile, I'll go nag the Sprint folks tomorrow afternoon and see if I can squeeze a better deal out of them to get me back.
I made my periodic visit to my Infiniti salesman yesterday ... and taught HIM how to program in phone numbers and voice tags. His eyes lit up. Clearly everyone's in a steep learning curve.
My M35x was hit from behind on Friday. Now I have to wait as the damages are assessed and the insurance companies/lawyers/Infiniti determine next steps. Its Twilight Blue w/ wheat interior, and has journey, tech, and splash guards.
What do my fellow M owners think of the wheel & tire warranty that is offered at the time of sale? I declined, but am having second thoughts. I understand that it covers damages to any tire or rim, but I wonder what factors are used to determine the severity of the damage. I think it costs 499, but I didn't see the need. Give me your opinions. I'm sure that I can still add it since I just got the car on Saturday.
i work at a nissan dealer, and we don't offer a wheel and tire warranty...
but, i hit a pothole in my sentra se-r spec v a couple of weeks ago and dinged/cracked my alloy. a brand new one from nissan AT MY COST was $406! Retail to everyone else is $570!
i guess you should consider the likelyhood of pothole damage in your area, and that the wheels on your car could cost upwards of $600 and decide that way. again, i can't offer any other advice regarding the actual warranty, but just wanted to toss in my experience with wheel damage.
We bought the warranty for my wife's new X3. I thought it was $425 for a 5 year program. It does not cover normal wear.
Now, however, therefore, notwithstanding -- almost every German car I have ever had with 17" or larger alloy wheels and 50 series or lower profile tires has had either tire damage, wheel damage or both at an alarming rate. Until I started with the Audi products that came with 17" and low profile tires (my first car so equipped was a 1995 S6 and it has only progressed from that point), I don't recall ever in my life having a flat tire.
With these low profile, stiff sidewall tires on big lightweight (but generally strong) wheels, the potholes are out to get me. One incident in a three year period will pay for the insurance. Had I had such insurance on my 1997 A8 with the wheel and tire option package, I could've saved nearly $1000 -- since then, my wife has lost two wheels to potholes and debris on the Interstates -- and TT wheels ain't cheap either.
I lost a pearl white BBS wheel on a 1991 100 quattro -- somehow I was able to get my insurance company to bail me out of that one -- less $250 deduct.
We may never use this warranty. It is somewhat like ANOTHER insurance policy in that most of us just don't use them. However, these cars and their stuff can be breathtakingly expensive. You can save your money and take a chance. The M35X as I recall has a 245 45 18 wheel/tire -- I'll bet one replacement exceeds the warranty cost.
Perhaps if you lived here in Ohio (last one out get the lights) and knew just how bad our highway infrastructure had become over the past several years, you would look at the wheel and tire insurance as "smart money."
If nominated I will not run, if elected I shall not serve -- but I am going to get this wheel and tire insurance and you can take that to the bank.
Comments
If you are familiar with the furniture designers Eames and Van der Rohe, the use of rosewood was considered "modernist" mid-1900s. Yet now it's retro-terminology (modernist is from the '30s and '40s era), not of the current modern design (post-modern). The M definitely has splashes of modernism, especially the CD/clock console area, but then...
To call the German's interior "old fashion" demonstrates a lack of knowledge of it's design lineage. The Audi A6 is a quintessential Bauhaus interior, modern, minimalism and functionality all wrapped in one package. Form following function, with no clutter. And, although Bauhaus is also from the same modernist era, it's implementation into today's tech-heavy automobiles is relatively new. The birch wood in the A6, luscious; it's center console, uncluttered; the MMI --a baby in the life of an amalgam of tech & design (and all it's components) in the cabin of today's autos.
I read yours and others posts with an open mind as I am in the market for a new car. Just today, I test drove the M35, and both myself and my wife's (an industrial design school grad) first remarks were directed at the poorer quality and layout of the M's interior compared to the A6's. I have a love for the rosewood look, don't get me wrong, it is Infiniti's less the excellent execution of it in the cabin that is disappointing. The multitude of buttons on the flattened-curvaceous center console was too much for either of us, and I don't understand it's placement and orientation; bizarre. At 6'1", I still felt at a disadvantage to read and reach the buttons.
The car is very sporty, something that is not high on my list for a four-door "luxury" vehicle (I'll get a Porsche for sportiness). But it has made me re-think whether the A6 is THE car for me. We all have different needs for these cars, as we have different opinions of the designs. Now I, too, must decide between the M35x and the A6.... oh, the fun!!!
No, you cannot transfer the phonebook from the V710. You have to enter numbers individually.
As to comments about the wood: some think the matte wood looks cheap, others think it is warmer. Others believe the heavily lacquered/glossy wood looks like plastic (and really, what is the gloss other than a hydrocarbon/plastic coating?), while others expect it.
Good luck with your decision.
Actually he is not alone in this view. I, among other reviewers in prominent magazines, find the M's interior wood to look less than luxurious. Overly modern? Not really.
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Firstly you’re confusing two independent parts of the conversation. No one (neither I nor the poster I responded to) claimed the rosewood to be overly modern.
Secondly, the overwhelming majority of reviewers have nothing but praise for the M’s interior materials and rosewood. If you’d like to pursue this, I’m sure I can supply many, many such quotes for any opposing ones you’d like to provide.
Your statement indicates that you are a reviewer in a prominent magazine. Is that the case, or is that just a poor wording choice?
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To call the German's interior "old fashion" demonstrates a lack of knowledge of it's design lineage. The Audi A6 is a quintessential Bauhaus interior.
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Your gratuitous display of knowledge: Very well done.
Your conclusion: Extremely weak.
I happen to be a fan of Bauhous design. However when it comes to using vehicle controls at 80 miles/hr, less is really less. (Not more.) Here’s what USA Today’s Jim Healey said about the Audi’s user controls in his A6 review:
“Details take fun out of new A6 The logic that hides almost any function beneath layers of choices is flawed logic. The auto industry needs an exorcist to eliminate such thinking.”
Here’s what he said about the M’s controls:
“Controls:. Knobs for volume and tuning on the radio. Applause.
Most controls have their own separate knobs and buttons on the instrument panel. Satisfying for techies, nearly intuitive for Luddites That attention to detail is what separates true luxury cars from the merely expensive ones.”
He also said the A6 in general “would have been impressive but for time spent recently in the 280-hp Infiniti M35x V-6. The Infiniti M is the new standard in the category”
In Road and Track’s recent V8 sport sedan comparo (where the M beat all others), The M actually won points for having the easiest most intuitive controls, and for it’s beautiful interior.
As a successfully retired entrepreneur, who prides himself on user interface design, I'd have to say that these reviewers are right on the mark.
Pete
The "old joke" may be to make light of English cooking, that just doesn't apply any more.
Of course, what do I know, one of my favorite restaurants in the world is in Munich and another couple of faves are in Warsaw and Prague.
And, while we're reviewing fine food, don't forget the Italians!
You folks are making me hungry.
"Lows: Sport package gives a firm ride, interior décor lacks finesse."
I am not a car reviewer. I am a prominent real estate sales professional in San Francisco (and an ex-French-trained-chef, hence my "call sign"). I think what we are dealing with here is the typical "eye-of-the-beholder" syndrome where there is NO clear-cut answer. I do like the M35, I believe I may have said that, but it does not serve my needs (driving around clients to $2 million dollar fixer-houses without backyards and one-car garages) as well as the A6 might satisfy them. It comes down to a slightly less sporty-ride of the A6 than the M35. If I didn't have to drive over the horribly maintained roads of San Fran, and zipping around the switchbacks of Marin County was more important, I would not be so concerned with the harsher ride and more evident exhaust note of the M. Put the ventilated seats in an Audi, and I wouldn't even be considering another car! Damn I love those!
I take car reviews with a grain of salt. Some are too performance biased for the general user. Others have personal bias. Healey's meandering about trying to change the time on the clock borders on childishness. How many times do you change your clock? Twice a year for this West-coaster. Maybe if you drive across country monthly or weekly, the ability to change the clock would be of the utmost importance... I understand that is not his point. But in actuality, it is. Stereo controls are not "buried"; nor are the climate controls as stated in some of the other misinformed reviews I have read. My point: Test it yourself, decide for yourself. Is it something I can live with? Yes. Can I learn to live with the M's waterfall console? Yes.
My opinion and my final decision do change from time to time, I have always loved brunettes, but I married a blond (she's sharper than most of the brunettes I dated).
And regarding the food in England (London specifically) it might be getting of world attention right now. But is it truly British cuisine? Or chefs from other countries bringing the level of cuisine to a new level utilizing their home-spun recipes? 6-years ago I went to several "high-end" restaurants and was disappointed. Things may have changed, the pub food does rock!
That is all, hope we can get along driving down at 100mph side-by-side, talking through our Bluetooth enabled phones. Ciao.
I think what we are dealing with here is the typical "eye-of-the-beholder" syndrome where there is NO clear-cut answer.
...
I hope we can get along driving down at 100mph side-by-side, talking through our Bluetooth enabled phones.
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Thanks for keeping the attitude positive after our mutual digression. Clearly we can agree to disagree about matters of taste.
I’d like to respond to a few other points, but only to keep the record clear. Hopefully we can follow your positive tone going forward.
Quote 1:
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I, among other reviewers in prominent magazines, find the M's
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Quote 2:
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Actually, my statement doesn't include "poor wording choice" but perhaps it is confusing to the general population. I am not a car reviewer.
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I was referring to the fact that the words “I, among other reviewers” implied that you were yourself a reviewer. (“Other” being key here.) Not a biggy. I’ve made similar slips myself.
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I do like the M35, I believe I may have said that, but it does not serve my needs as well as the A6 might satisfy them. It comes down to a slightly less sporty-ride of the A6 than the M35.
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Note that the car and driver reviewer spoke about the sport package having a sporty ride. Obviously the M35 non sport will have a smoother ride. I hope you can really do some lengthy test drives with the two cars. Being in real estate sales, you’ll no doubt be relying heavily on the Nav. I believe if you actually use the M’s world class Nav (with it’s best ever voice command) to get to several locations, you’ll see a huge difference in both the electronics and the controls in the two cars. I believe you’ll also see a big difference in power and handling on those SF hills.
In any case, I know they’re both great cars, and you’re likely to be very happy either way.
Pete
No, you cannot transfer the phonebook from the V710. You have to enter numbers individually.
It's not documented on how to do it on the V3 Razr, but it can be done. You may be able to upload your V710 phonebook, as that phone may be close to the V3. To see all the steps it took on my V3, check out:
captnorm35, "Infiniti M35/M45 2006+" #2616, 8 May 2005 2:08 pm
Norm Perron
Sending the phonebook from the Razr to the M45 wasn't difficult, but the transposition of names by Infiniti is ridiculous. ("Lillys cell" becomes "cell Lillys"). What the?!
Earlier post noted the lack of height controls for the passenger seat on a $50k vehicle. My wife's Jag is more expensive and likewise is missing this feature.
I presumed that in Park, I could play a DVD video on the front screen (no, I don't have the Entertainment option). I hear sound, but no picture. Am I wrong, then, and it's audio-only? (If not, please post instructions.)
I will take your advice a complete another thorough test drive in the next few months. I am not sold on the Nav in any car for the moment. San Francisco is such a small City, I can get around fairly quickly (I also grew up here) without it. So to save the $$$ I might option out, then again, what the hell.
Cheers, Jeff
The parking brake must be engaged.
I drove one and found this to be true.
I've found the back and forth re: matte and glossy wood finish entertaining because it's all a matter of taste. Too glossy looks like plastic to many and too matte looks cheap, like shelf-liner. My wife's Lexus is glossy (it's been knocked here) and I find it rich looking. My M-car's a Sport and when I first saw the interior it turned me off. The more I sat in it and drove it the more appealed to me as a sporty "upgrade".
One thing seems unanimous here and that is that the Bimmer's interior looks like an afterthought.
Nav
Journey
Trunk Mat
MSRP $54,140
INV $49,564
Quote $3,140 off MSRP (Ordered Car)
Is this a good deal ?
The M's Best In Class Nav System
VOICE COMMAND
Infiniti's voice command is amazingly easy to use. (It can be used to control most NAV features as well as audio, video, climate control etc.)
Street address destination is as simple as saying state, city, street, and number. and you're done. You can do it while driving. (Start by saying Destination street address, and you'll be quickly prompted though it.) You'll be delighted with the accuracy of the voice recognition.
Points of interest can be accessed by Voice command. Just say Nearby Restaurant. (Or Nearby Rest Area, Gas Station, Movie Theater, or Nearby XYZ. Where XYZ can be any of 50+ different categories. see manual p.9-19 ) The M will list the nearest POI's so that you can choose a destination. OR say Show Nearby Restaurant (etc.) to see them on the map (and a list), before choosing.
You can also supply a POI destination, while driving, just by saying its phone number. Start by saying Destination Phone Number. (See below for more on POI's.)
You can supply Voice Tags for your stored address book locations so you can just say "Destination Pete's House", eg, and it will take you there. (To add voice tags go to: [Settings > Navigation > Address Book > Stored Location], then Select an entry, press enter and choose “Edit”)
The new Voice GUIDANCE system, also does an excellent job of pronouncing street names as it guides you through upcoming turns.
Voice command can be used extensively to modify your display and choose a variety of NAV (and other) settings. Fifty_rocks reports that the voice recognition works best when speaking naturally rather than enunciating. I suggest trying various speeds, etc to get your best results.
For a complete list of voice commands see p. 9-17 in the manual.
BEAUTIFUL 8" DISPLAY WITH MANY SPLIT SCREEN OPTIONS
With its large screen, the M's NAV does a brilliant job of showing street names wherever possible, and a great deal of detail in general. All of the graphics are truly stunning.
You can have a permanent split screen display with two maps (left and right) each with a different, user specifiable zoom. And you can have a combo of 3D and 2D or they can both be 2D. (Use Enter_Button > Map View)
When using route guidance, you can display a Turn List on the left and a Map on the right. (Use Route_Button > Guidance_Settings > Guidance_Screen_Default ) If turned on, the Turn List setting will be remembered for future trips, and can be temporarily turned off or on again by just touching the map button (very nice). The display will automatically switch to a blow up in the left half when approaching a turn.
Even if you prefer a single large map (which can be 3D or 2D) the system automatically switches to split screen when you approach a turn, showing your normal map on the right and a Blow Up on the left. The blow up feature can now be permanently turned off in the settings screen. (Route_Button > Guidance_Settings > Guidance_Screen_Default > Intersection_Map )
You can now control the Birdview(3D) Angle, increasing or decreasing the degree of perspective for any Birdview map. (Enter_Button > Heading > Birdview_Angle) Additionally, you can freely rotate the Birdview map. (p 3-8)
The Zoom function now has a Free Zoom capability to give finer zoom adjustments so you can get it just right. (Hold down the zoom key to switch to fine adjustment mode.)
The M offers 4 different Status Screens, each useful for tracking one or more features while driving. The Navigation-Audio Status screen shows shows a very attractive graphic of the upcoming turn, a large readout of distance to the turn, estimated time to destination, as well as a full compliment of audio info.
An unusual and sweet feature for those with rear screen DVD, is the ability to show the NAV map display on the overhead screen for rear passengers.
POINTS OF INTEREST:
Your initial POI request can be specified for a city, or for ALL cities, and can use either a POI Name or Category or both. Any list of POI candidates can be sorted by nearest distance or alphabetically (your choice).
In response to some prior questions, its therefore now very easy to find the nearest restaurant (eg), with name XYZ.
Nearby Places is a customizable list of five categories or sub categories. Use “Nearby Places” as a quick alternative way to find POI’s while driving (by using screen controls or the voice command "Nearby Places", and then choosing one category for your search.) This "Nearby Places" list can be customized to have your 5 most frequently used categories or sub categories. Thus, if you often want Shell gas stations, MacDonalds, Greek restaurants, or a Ritz Carlton you can put those sub categories on your nearby places list to quickly find them at any time. (There are 200+ categories, sub-categories, and brands available. see p.4-23) If you already have a destination when using “Nearby Places” the POI automatically becomes a waypoint, and you can choose Show Along Route to search only along your current route. (Start with: Settings > Navigation > Nearby_Places_Custom_Settings)
The list of POI candidates or Nearby Places is now shown with a split screen display having a map on the right side. The highlighted POI candidate on the left is shown in the Map on the right along with your current location. Beautifully done. (This screen has the option to switch the candidate sort order back and forth between "sorted by nearest distance" and an alphabetical sort.)
MORE TYPES OF DESTINATIONS:
Highway entry/exit. Specify a highway and whether you want Exits or Entries and you'll get a list which can be sorted by nearest distance or alphabetically. This list of exit/entry's is shown on a split screen which has a map on the right indicating your current location and the selected entry/exit from the left.
Stored Routes are groups of destinations and waypoints stored together that can be called up at any time where upon a new route to the group of waypoints will be calculated based on your current location.
Previous Starting Point Lets you choose as a destination the spot where you started the last route guidance.
Intersection and City Center are also available as destinations
Be prepared to take a serious thrashing from the Acura camp! :sick:
HACKING THE SYSTEM
For those who are interested, hacks exist to permit 100% access to all NAV controls, and other settings while driving (as well as viewing DVDs on the NAV screen while driving, which I don't recommend) .
SOME VERY NICE INFINITI ADVANTAGES
One great plus for the M Nav is the speed of route calculation. With its new processor, most route calculations and recalculations are practically instantaneous. This means if you miss a turn, you probably won't miss the second one because of a slow recalc.
As with past Infiniti systems, their method for route editing is as slick as it gets. The design makes it very quick and intuitive to modify any existing waypoints or destinations, or to insert new waypoints between any two others or at the end, and to do these edits at any time.
One advantage of the Infiniti systems has always been their approach to specifying addresses or intersections, WITH or WITHOUT city. While some other systems do that, Infiniti does a great job of listing the candidate street names with its city on each line. And unlike the Lexus system I had, (which also had enormous problems with the former) the streets are sorted correctly (i.e. independently of their North, South etc. prefixes) As many people have discovered in real world usage, this whole approach to streets saves enormous frustration, time and time again.
This is a wonderful system, and is a pleasure to use. IMHO it's vastly superior to the systems offered by MB, BMW and Audi, and, to the best of my knowledge, compares favorably to any system on the market.
Pete
Be prepared to take a serious thrashing from the Acura camp!
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The Acura's system is an excellent one and is the only system that comes close to the M's .
I've heard from many folks that have owned both, (people I greatly respect) who say they clearly prefer the M's NAV. (And yes, I've also heard from one or two others that disagree)
According to those who prefer the M's nav, it has significantly better display options, route editing capabilities, more visible street level detail, does a better job of getting you where you're going and has several other advantages.
The bottom line is that they're both great systems, that put most others to shame.
Pete
OK-here are my $.02 worth! As a female looking to buy the M, I have to say that I initially liked the lay out of the GS300 interior better than the M (specifically, I was not crazy about the waterfall dash), however I would have wanted the grey interior in the GS which was paired with the ebony wood which I didn't like at all. The ebony wood in the GS looks like plastic, and the high gloss shows fingerprints and smudges more than the matte in the M.
After several more test drives, the M interior has grown on me. I think if I had a choice, I would prefer the dash layout of the GS, however I LOVE all the tech/gadgets that the M has to offer. I just wish they would offer more interior choices/color combinations, as I love the all grey interior of the GS. Also, my husband LOVES the aluminum trim in the sport, whereas i am a fan of the rosewood. I think that the wood brinngs more warmth to the interior. Most of the men I know agree with my husband, whereas most of my female firends agree with me.
Finally, I like the exterior lines of the GS a bit more than the M, but the functionality of the interior leaves a lot to be desired!
Let me just say again, though, to anyone who may be thinking of asking for the details - we are not going to talk about hacking the NAV to allow the driver to watch DVDs while driving... :surprise: :confuse:
Let me just say again, though, to anyone who may be thinking of asking for the details - we are not going to talk about hacking the NAV to allow the driver to watch DVDs while driving...
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Pat
I understand your request on this.
For the benefit of myself and others, and with respect to future discussion, I'd just like to confirm that what I've written in my above post regarding this is, in and of itself, OK.
Also, is it OK to say that much in the future, without going into any further detail?
Pete
The customer service was miles ahead of other dealerships. Upon arrival, the client manager came out to greet us by saying "you guys must be here to pick up that diamond graphite M35. He walked us over to the car which they had parked under an awning completely detailed for us. He then took us over to the finance manager who greeted us by name. No BS! or random fees. He explained everything and answered every question. Filled out the paperwork in about 15-20 minutes and that was a wrap. The client manager then took us back over to the car and gave us a nearly 2-hour orientation on the car, especially the nav. All this after the sale. How's that for customer service? I had to stop the guy to tell him we needed to get back to Houston. Everyone at Orr was extra nice and by far provided the best car buying experience that I have ever had in my 30-year life. Only one family came into the dealership in a two hour span on a Saturday I might add. It was like they closed down the dealership for us. This car will be primarily for my wife, but I'll be back to get a QX56 from them I'm sure.
We rented car one way to Shreveport, so we could drive back together. On the way to the airport to return the rental we stopped at Mc'Donald. Everone gawked at the car and a few complimented us on how nice it was. At the airport, it was the same. People wanted to know if Hertz rented those, but I had to tell them "not quite" The car is a head turner. Many people still don't know about the M since it is an 06. The ride back to Houston was great in our new M35. I couldn't mash on the gas because state troopers were all over the road, but the nav earned its $2000 tag the entire way back navigating me through little Texas towns with 150-250 populations. Anyone who doubts the functionality of the Infiniti nav is crazy. It tells each turn through the route guidance and adapts if you overide it to go another route. We put 300 miles on the car coming back, but in my opinion it was well worth it. Now I'll just have to get my car serviced in Houston, but will have an extra $1,900 in my pocket.
Thanks for all who helped with the Sprint-Bluetooth fiasco. I still have to find out what to do because we have a contract with Sprint. Also thanks for all posters who helped so much in our decision. I'll still be on the board frequently to help out people like you guys helped me. One sweet thing I didn't know is that for the mp3's, the info center shows the name of each track and allows you to scroll down on the steering wheel. Also, finally, the V6's power throws your head back. I mashed it on US59 here in Houston, and no way do I need a V8. This will cause enough trouble as it is. Anyone want pics let me know. Thanks again for all your help.
What about accessing the prohibited nav functions, like entering addresses while driving and looking up points of interest? That's not illegal, to my knowledge.
I'm not real comfortable with going into the other functions that don't exist without hacks - I'm not sure why they would call for hacks if there wasn't a reason they didn't exist in the first place. Can anyone point me anywhere that I can find out it's not illegal to perform them? I realize these are state laws, but any resource would be helpful to me...
(Yah, yah ... I can and will do my own research, but I thought some of you might be able to give me something to start with.
I'm not sure why they would call for hacks if there wasn't a reason they didn't exist in the first place. Can anyone point me anywhere that I can find out it's not illegal to perform them? I realize these are state laws, but any resource would be helpful to me...
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Three points regarding the Mod which allows access to NAV functions while driving.
1) All Acura's in the U.S. have complete access to Nav while driving, so there can NOT be any US law prohibiting it. (This can be easily confirmed)
2) Manufacturers restrict Nav access while driving to reduce THEIR OWN legal liability rather than for compliance to US law. Anyone who overrides the restriction would have knowingly done so, and therefore would NOT have increased the liability of infiniti or anyone else.
3) Living in a free country we are clearly allowed to modify our cars in any way that does not violate specific law. (see point number 1)
About accessing those nav functions???
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Can you elaborate a wee bit?
Okay, I accept your point number one (something I should have known, duh), I feel much better and I thank you.
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One tends to feel very much at the mercy of a forum moderator and the decisions they make. Consequently its very much appreciated when they approach those decisions with a reasonable and open mind.
Thank you
I have been told by individuals at two dealerships that Infiniti is in the works to have get the Treo 650 compatible with the Infiniti M series..
For those of us who have put together a poor man's NAV system with a pocket PC (with blue tooth), navigation software (co-pilot), and a blue tooth enabled GPS device (pharos) - is there anyway to have the display from our pocket PC be linked to the car's display?
I know that this would diminish the retail value of the Infiniti NAV system but I just had to ask.
How does one go about gaining access? What's the "hack"?
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You need to cut a green wire (the motion sensor signal) going into the main connector plugged into the Nav system. (All of which is behind the glove compartment.) Then you need to hook up a switch to that cut wire, which you'll
- Turn on to restore the connection for any nav usage;
- Turn off to break the connection and allow user entry while driving; and
- Turn on again to restore the connection (immediately after) to permit the nav system to work properly and get you where you're going.
The motion sensor is used for two things:
1) It tells the Nav how fast you're going so that the system can most accurately determine your location. The system really depends on this info and thus will not work properly without it.
2) It tells the nav simply that you ARE moving, so that the nav will inhibit user entry while driving.
You want (1) but don't want (2). But all works well if used as described above.
I'd give you a link pointing to pictures and a full description, but that would violate forum guidelines. So if you want to do this I'd suggest searching for "nav hack M45" (as a word search, without the quotes). You'll probably find all the info you need.
Pete
3/17/2005
Here are our rankings for the best looking mid-size luxury sedan:
1. 2006 Mercedes CLS-stunning! Especially on the road.
2. 2006 Lexus GS-series- this car has really grown on us. Very elegant and the best Lexus design yet.
3. 2005 Audi A6- We like the new face of the A6 an it is finished wonderfully inside the cabin.
4. Tie: Infiniti M-series/Mercedes E-class. If the M-series cabin was nicer quality it would have broken the tie.
5. Cadillac STS- Better wheels and a higher quality interior would move it up in the rankings.
6. BMW 5-series- In our opinion, the most disappointing of the new BMW designs. Add to that an amazingly cheap looking interior. So not indicative of the BMW we used to know and love.
7. Acura RL- Great looking interior, disappointing exterior. Does not look like a $50K car.
Ok guys, I'm in Florida right now and the rental I got from Hertz is an Audi A6 Quaatro with the V6. Wow what a dog, the car has absolutely no pickup. It's a nice looking car and it's well built but no power and I am extremely frustrated by the electronics. It started with the fact that hte previous renter set the language to spanish and it took me almost 5 minutes to figure out how to set it back to english. I do not like the interface for controlling the radio or the other controls. Not intuitive at all. Also, he model I have has a manual wheel tilt/telescope setup and I can not find a setting that makes that wheel fall at the right place. Annoying. I am so happy I chose the M. The A6 was on my short list, but I discounted it due to the maintenance issues. If I had bought it I would have ended up being very unhappy.
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The M has been included in 4 comparo’s by the big three (Motor Trend, Car and Driver, and Road and Track). It has placed first in every one. The Audi has not reached third in any. The M was directly compared to the Audi by Jim Healey of USA today. He said the M is the new standard in the class, that he was disappointed by the Audi in comparison, and that the M makes BMW, Mercedes, and Audi irrelevant.
Car And Driver (8 Car V8 Comparo): M45 Rocks, Game Over
M Placed first, Audi placed 5th
(The M won 4 out 5 categories, including “Gotta Have it” and “Fun to Drive”. The Audi won None)
Motor Trend (6 Car V6 Comparo) : M35 wins
M placed first, Audi placed 5th
(Audi: In stop-and-go traffic, throttle and brake transitions are rather abrupt. And the A6's steering feels artificially light at low speeds, doesn't self-center after a turn, and isn't communicative at any speed.
M35: The Infiniti's front-midship layout provides near-perfect weight balance, and the chassis communicates texture and grain that makes the driving experience all the richer. Of course, the Infiniti's cabin is hushed and exquisitely trimmed in rich leather, real wood, and techno-toys When the road is yours and yours alone, you'll want to be behind the wheel of the Infiniti M35.)
Road and Track V8 Comparo, June 05. The M Placed first beating BMW and lexus. The Audi was not deemed worthy of inclusion.
Here is the $2000 question:
For those of us who have put together a poor man's NAV system with a pocket PC (with blue tooth), navigation software (co-pilot), and a blue tooth enabled GPS device (pharos) - is there anyway to have the display from our pocket PC be linked to the car's display?
I know that this would diminish the retail value of the Infiniti NAV system but I just had to ask.
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I think it’s doable, but quite a job .
First you need to get video out of your pocket PC
This is the easy part and can be achieved with a third party add on device. These are typically used for presentation. One product is Margi presenter-to-go which connects to your Pocket PC via an sd card slot or other ports. You can also Search for “pocketPC video presentation”
Second you need to get that video into your display
The display probably has a video-in which receives its signal from elsewhere in the car. Theoretically you do an A/B switch into that video in. The shop manuals are not yet available for the M, but they’ll probably be online in a month or two. You’ll probably be able to determine if there’s a video cable going to the monitor from those shop manuals.
Pete
Are you in the Bay Area? That sounds like a great deal! I would like to add the Cold Weather Pkg, and keep the payments around the same price range...
I can't email you because your address is private. Please foward me the dealer info to: chef_jmr@yahoo.com
I normally wouldn't post an e-mail address on the forum, but I only use it for these purposes. I look forward to your response.
Scoop: That's stunningly good news. Please expand more on HOW to get it to work. That's the unit I wanted and was told specifically by Infiniti that it will NOT work ... but again, that was two weeks ago. Verizon offers the Treo 650 (or will very shortly), but I've been with Sprint since my first cell phone (powered by candlelight) and my wife's phone is still on Sprint contract. I have a week to return my V710 and cancel my Verizon service, but clearly have only a few days to find out how to make the Treo work and decide if the compatibility is adequate. Please post your experience daily. Meanwhile, I'll go nag the Sprint folks tomorrow afternoon and see if I can squeeze a better deal out of them to get me back.
I made my periodic visit to my Infiniti salesman yesterday ... and taught HIM how to program in phone numbers and voice tags. His eyes lit up. Clearly everyone's in a steep learning curve.
My M35x was hit from behind on Friday. Now I have to wait as the damages are assessed and the insurance companies/lawyers/Infiniti determine next steps. Its Twilight Blue w/ wheat interior, and has journey, tech, and splash guards.
This is what it USED TO look like ...
but, i hit a pothole in my sentra se-r spec v a couple of weeks ago and dinged/cracked my alloy. a brand new one from nissan AT MY COST was $406! Retail to everyone else is $570!
i guess you should consider the likelyhood of pothole damage in your area, and that the wheels on your car could cost upwards of $600 and decide that way. again, i can't offer any other advice regarding the actual warranty, but just wanted to toss in my experience with wheel damage.
good luck!
-thene
Now, however, therefore, notwithstanding -- almost every German car I have ever had with 17" or larger alloy wheels and 50 series or lower profile tires has had either tire damage, wheel damage or both at an alarming rate. Until I started with the Audi products that came with 17" and low profile tires (my first car so equipped was a 1995 S6 and it has only progressed from that point), I don't recall ever in my life having a flat tire.
With these low profile, stiff sidewall tires on big lightweight (but generally strong) wheels, the potholes are out to get me. One incident in a three year period will pay for the insurance. Had I had such insurance on my 1997 A8 with the wheel and tire option package, I could've saved nearly $1000 -- since then, my wife has lost two wheels to potholes and debris on the Interstates -- and TT wheels ain't cheap either.
I lost a pearl white BBS wheel on a 1991 100 quattro -- somehow I was able to get my insurance company to bail me out of that one -- less $250 deduct.
We may never use this warranty. It is somewhat like ANOTHER insurance policy in that most of us just don't use them. However, these cars and their stuff can be breathtakingly expensive. You can save your money and take a chance. The M35X as I recall has a 245 45 18 wheel/tire -- I'll bet one replacement exceeds the warranty cost.
Perhaps if you lived here in Ohio (last one out get the lights) and knew just how bad our highway infrastructure had become over the past several years, you would look at the wheel and tire insurance as "smart money."
If nominated I will not run, if elected I shall not serve -- but I am going to get this wheel and tire insurance and you can take that to the bank.