You have to exit the web site and then come back in to change the zip code.
No, you don't. When your are in that page where it shows the lonely dealer in your area and its inventory look at the top of the page and you will see a link that says "Choose dealer", click on it and it will send you to a page that has the search tool again. Hope that helps...
Sorry if this has been covered in the past, but I just took delivery of an M45 (beautiful) and it doesn't seem as though the seat coolers put out the same chill as the one I had test driven. I remember having to turn that one off. The a/c doesn't seem quite as brisk either, though still effective. I had to turn that down in the test drive vehicle as well. The dealer said to give it about a week to "get all broken in..." . Is that reasonable? Also, when the passenger seat cooler is on with no one sitting there you can REALLY hear it. (You can hear the fan kick up on the driver's side too, even when I'm in the seat). Normal?
I agree that article is weird. It’s one of the most contradictory and idiotic pieces of writing of ever seen. The facts don’t match their conclusions. The M35x is a much better car than the rest. The testers just don’t want to admit it. I love my M35x!
I agree---the heated seats in my last car, a BMW X5, were far more effective. The seats heated much more quickly, intensely, and the heat was up to the mid-seat back--of course, there was no "cooler", and having a weak cooler is better than none at all.
I have not noticed any noise when my air is on either seat. It is not cold but definately cools down the seat after a short time in the car. I must admit the sensition is kind of strange to have what feels like ventilated pants on in a car. But I find it a nice feature once I got use to the idea of a breeze in my briefs.
I think the cooled seats work very nicely. I prefer to be cool so I wouldn't mind it if the fans blew through the entire seat and were even cooler. However, the cooling feature on this seat is far superior to the similar "ventilated" seat I've experienced in BMW and Benz. You actually get cool air instead of just moving air.
The Germans are far superior though on the heating side of the equation. If you keep hitting the quick heat feature on the BMW or Benz you risk tanning your buns. My girlfriend uses the heating feature in her Z3 during the summer for heat therapy. It just doesn't get that hot in either the G35 Coupe or M45 that I've driven. Perhaps they should rethink trying to move heated air through the seats and instead use heated coils.
When I test drove the M45, I found the driver seat cooled down fairly quickly. I felt it in very short time. I didn't pay attention to the fan noise, as I was talking to the salesman.
I hate New Jersey roads. Trash haulers driving NY trash to PA thru NJ constantly dropping stones with every pothole and bump in the road along the Rt 1 corridor makes for a very unplesant game of dodge the missles. I rarely had stone ships till I started driving in and through NJ. Did I mention I hate NJ roads?
1 month old M35x, and I guess the 3 small chips were not enough, so a 2+ inch something decided to hit the windshield down low, and the glass exploded into the car. About a 4 inch area of pulverized glass sent shards flying at me, and even into the back seat! Almost needed a change of shorts...
The reason I'm posting this: The '06 M35x is too new. There are no after market replacement windshields made yet. AND, they're on back order from the factory! Nice, real nice. I'm assuming they're still rolling M35x's off the assembly line. They better plan on making one less M35x next week and overnight a windshield to my dealer. I can't drive the rental POS I have much longer
The cost? $700 for the glass and ~$250 labor. Oh, I forgot: If you want to move to the head of the line, and be one of the first lucky owners to get the glass, you have the option of paying 10% more to have it "over nighted" if and when they become available. Just another way Infiniti takes good care of their customers.
#1) Agreed, but maybe Edmund's reviewers factored in observed gas mileage as well? Worst in the bunch. Performance at what cost, lack of efficiency???
#2) Has a five-speed transmission, in this class six should be the norm. Only other car with a five speed is the RL.
#3) Visibility could pertain to pillars that obstruct viewing as opposed to stressing just a rare camera option and being able to see out of the windshield.
#4) The interior appearance of the M is a hit or miss with most people due to the mating of various materials that before the M have not been done in such a way. Is this progressive or simply following infiniti's past practices of follow the leader as with the Q (Lincoln grill, Lexus interior knobs/handles). Different is not always better. As far as material grade, Lexus and Audi beat the M and Infiniti hands down. Acura is not too shabby either. BMW, personally I've never been a fan of theirs.
#5) Ponderous comments could more so refer to the "feel" of the car as being larger.
#6) The G and M do look similar in appearance, which to some is uninspiring. Although, they should refer to the cars correctly.
The problem with reviews in general is that they are made by people who prefer different things. As well as each respective posting forum (GS300, M35, BMW5) all using these reviews as crutches for justifying "their" own or future purchase for themselves. Different strokes for different fokes.
I wonder if those same people that gush over the 0-60 time are the same ones that drive the car 80% of the time in tri-state rush hour traffic. Way to use that benefit, HUH??? Or those same people that rave over any car having "technological features" that others don't while never mentioning what the other's have that their car does not???
#2) Has a five-speed transmission, in this class six should be the norm. Only other car with a five speed is the RL.
There are only 2 reasons to have extra cogs: to improve performance and perhaps to increase fuel efficiency (6th might allow lower RPMs at highway cruise speed). The M doesn't "need" better performance (since it out-accelerates all competitors), so the only benefit would be in a small increment in fuel efficiency, which is unlikely to be a deciding factor in purchasing a vehicle in this segment.
This is pretty stupid but I can't figure out how to activate the Audio Text so my CD/MP3 Player lists actual song names rather than just "Track 1, Track 2" etc. I have a nav system so I don't have a physical button on the console for it.
All you have to do is press the left cursor button on the center dial/knob on the dashboard and hit the middle circle select button. It will then show you the text associated with the audio. For the Sirius satellite radio it will actually go to a new screen and show you various information on the song, for normal radio, the performer and name of the song will continually show on the left portion of the pane showing the radio presets.
joe, hope you purchase the windshield/rim/door ding warranty. It will be money well spent if you did. I bought it when I took delivery of my M35x black/black on July 13. Love the car!!!
M's graphite leather is getting scorched in the sunlight. Does anybody have a recent experience with applying any protectants? There are so many on the market.
I used Meguiar's in the past but am afraid the thick cream will leave white marks along the stitches and may clog perforations. A sprayed-on Meguiar's does not seem to offer a lot of protection.
Out of curiosity: Why does it take at least a hundred yards of travel before the M displays tire pressure? I thought the gauge would give an instaneous readout upon just one turn of the wheel (the sensor inside the tire and the reader on the chassis would need to align). Maybe I just do not understand how this works.
Same for the mileage readout. On my MB, the display immediately shows the previous average; no need to get rolling to get a readout. Any explanations?
Thanks - "windshield/rim/door ding warranty" - from Infiniti, or your insurance carrier? I don't know that my carrier has such a rider, but I was covered under comprehensive. Only $250 out of pocket.
And while I'm chilling waiting for the non rash of replacement 'shields to hit our shores, I'm just passing along my opinion, king of alone the lines of this forums charter, that there should be spare parts in the distribution channel, even for something this new. Roads in this part of the country are hard on windshields. No doubt there will be others in the same boat, hence the heads up.
Still love the car. Have to suck it up and wait for it to be repaired.
On an up note, I got a real odd looking Chevy HHR from Enterprise. It turns heads, but only because no one's ever seen one before. Almost looks like a retro Woody without the wood, Kind of a large station wagon/SUV half breed. Had 13 miles on it when I picked it up.
I purchased the "windshield/rim/door ding warranty" from the Infiniti dealer, but really the underwriter is a 3rd party vendor that sells this warranty through dealers as one of their distribution channels. It was $150 per year and I opted for the minimum 2 year warranty. By the way, I forgot to mention it also covers the tires for road hazards, etc. So I figured just for that alone it was worth a little piece of mind for $300 bucks of coverage for 2 years.
I asked my dealer about a wheel warranty and he knew of nothing available. Could you please give me the name of your dealer so I can contact the underwriter or could you give me the phone # of the company so I can call them directly? I'm not worried about the windshield but am worried about the wheels especially in the winter time. I doubt if the wheels are covered by comprehensive insurance. Thanks in advance for your help. Hawkeye
Try good ole Zaino Brothers leather products they make a spray cleaner and a bottled conditioner that actually smell like leather. I use it on my M and my BMW.
pasgener- your confusing multiple issues. In a comparison test if one of the products has a feature the other doesn't this can be used as a point of contention to evaluate and rank the products. If Infiniti as people suggest pushes the envelop with these new vehicles, why stop improving on your products attributes (performance) just because it marginally beats current competition? So stop improving on a product until you get beaten??? You must not have a background in consumer products or the manufacturing of said products, when your on top per say, your competition becomes yourself.
Also, to lump every owner of cars within a given segment and state it's unlikely these people use fuel efficiency as a deciding factor is ignorant at best.
Actually, it's okay to provide you with the name of the dealer but specific contact information such as a phone number is not allowed. Please check the Rules of the Road (linked at the top of the page) for further details - or drop me an email if you still have questions.
My dealer is Motor Werks located in Barrington, Illinois. The wheel/tire/rim/door ding protection plan is called the "Titanium Protection Plan" and issued by Nation Safe Drivers/National Adjustment Bureau. Since I can't post a phone number, I'll give you where they're located - Deerfield Beach, FL. Coverage through my dealer was $150 per year. I wonder if you go directly through Nation Safe if the price is any lower???
As with any policy, you have to check the terms and conditions.
I think you misunderstood me. I was trying to say that the M had all of the features described on the other cars, but in addition had a number of features they do not have. I was trying the push this as an unaccounted for advantage of the M vis a vis the others. I applaud these ongoing efforts to improve products, despite the fact that I am most emphatically not in consumer products. I can still appreciate the importance of CQI (or whatever the current trndy acronym is).
I was not trying to lump all owners of the LPS segment together, but merely state my own opinion. I also don't appreciate being called ignorant. I'm willing to bet money that for the majority of buyers of $50K automobiles, gas mileage is NOT their primary deciding factor. Period.
The Infiniti system requires a "calibration" check period - this is explained in the manual. The system is checking itself and locating the tire's current postion (which can change by the way). My FX35 is the same way. BTW this is a design feature and is not related to cold or hot
Correct tire pressure can NEVER be measured while "warming up" :confuse: Useful tire pressure numbers are either cold pressure or hot pressure - warming up pressure is a worthless number! The correct tire pressure as stated by the car and tire manufacturer are always COLD measurements.
The reason it takes a minute of driving is most likely because Infiniti uses a system similar to this one being sold by the Tirerack.
"The wireless tire air pressure sensors/transmitters weigh less than 1.5 oz. and are accurate to ±1.5 psi. Straps that accommodate 13" to 20" diameter wheels are used to securely band a sensor to each wheel before the tires are installed. The sensors/transmitters are equipped with motion detectors that turn them off when the vehicle is parked to prolong their lithium batteries' life (estimated at more than 5 years of normal vehicle use). ... Within the first minute of driving, the system's sensors will broadcast a signal to the in-car receiver to confirm they are operating correctly. "
Also, to lump every owner of cars within a given segment and state it's unlikely these people use fuel efficiency as a deciding factor is ignorant at best.
I disagree - there are some segments, such as the one we are discussing, performance with luxury, where people are highly unlikely IMHO to pick one V8 (545 vs. M45 or E500) over the other based on gas consumption. I think design, handling characteristics, brand image, reliability and price will come a very long way before you even inquire about consumption. By picking a car in this segment, you are already prepared to have lower mileage than Prius and you are willing to trade it off for higher performande, more room, more features... Of course, things can change pretty quickly when and if the hybrids take off and we will be able to compare and get 545, M45 or E500 with highly different consumption at little to no incremental difference in cost (note that I mean incremental as these cars are already different in price). Until then, I believe only a vast minority of people actually buying these cars will compare them between themselves by how much gas they need.
While I agree that most people looking at cars in the 50K+ range are not looking at MPG, it is the first thing I look at. If a car can't get 14mpg or has a gas guzzler tax I won't buy it. For me, MPG is a factor. It is also the most disappointing aspect of buying my M. I'm getting only 16mpg in combined driving in Chicago suburbs. Maybe it will get a little better when broken in.
While it didn't keep me from buying the M, it might have. I passed on the V8 option because I wanted MPG over power. The extra cost of the V8 had nothing to do with my decision.
I applaud Infinity in letting buy the uber lux interior without the biggest engine. Mercedes has a tendency to not give you the same level of interior luxury unless you buy the bigger engines.
While MPG was not the most important factor I considered when I purchased my M35, like edspider1, it was still nonetheless a consideration. There is just a certain level of gas mileage that any car that I was looking into just had to have. There's no way I would have bought a vehicle averaging below 15 mpg on any of the cars I was considering at the time (RL, M35, 530, etc.). Then again, there is a list of basic features that any car I am interested must have standard at this price range. This includes such staples as power-everything, a moonroof, automanual tranny, cd player, etc. Further down the list, though just as critical, is the requirement that the car at least get decent gas mileage.
I have to admit that the M35 is not getting the best mpg right now, but I remember my older car, a BMW 325, taking some time to get its legs under it, at least until it got through its break in period. I'm looking for similar improvements from this engine as well.
I just traded in my old cell phone for a Motorola E815. I was a liitle pissed that they sold me the wrong software to download my address book from computor to the cell phone. Apparently the phone is so new that the Verizon sales staff did not know that their current software pkg does not have the drivers for the E815. I will now try to see if it works with my M45.
Infiniti offers a set of extended warranties that can be purchased for up to 6 months or service / 6k miles. They range in price from approx. $1.6k for 60 months/60k miles to approx. $3k for 84 months/100k miles, all with a $100 deductible. The coverage starts upon purchase of the warranty and is largely identical to that of the factory one.
Any opinions about the value of such an extended warranty and/or alternative sources? Any pointers to other types of warranty that would be applicable nationwide and checkable on the web? I am not so much concerned with the AWD powertrain that comes with a 6-yr factory coverage, but the complex electronics that can be expensive to repair/replace.
MPG is the last thing I look at. I look at performance, reliability and gage the appearance of the car. I love this car and my mpg is fine and an after thought at this oil price.
In the September '05 issue I just received today, CR rates the Infiniti M35x # 1 among a bunch of other "luxury sedans." To summarize, the highs stated were acceleration, handling, braking, powertrain, interior room, access, optional backup camera, fit and finish. The only low stated was low-beam headlights.
I realize this isn't Car & Driver or other car enthusiast publications, but a no frills, probably much more objective publication also rates this awesome car as #1 as well and I couldn't agree more.
I wonder how much, if anything, all these rave reviews will impact the resale/residual value. I suppose the big unanswered question is the quality/relaibility. If it ends up being a realiably built, quality car then it will also contribute to higher resale values IMO.
Question about the outside door pillars, I was in the dealers lot and saw chrome door pilars on a graphite diamond M35x. Looked good on the black but not on the diamond graphite.
Can someone tell me what determines the color of the pillars?? I prefer the dark ones on the diamand graphite. Didnt sem to specify on the website. Thaks in advance.
Guys on the same subject someone mentioned accuracy of the tire pressure readout. I suspected it from the start. I borrowed an expensive dial gauge and with that and 2 cheap stick gauges I check them against the car. All 3 gauges where consistant so I set up all the tires with them - stone cold for 33 psi. My car runs 2-3 pounds below that. I then visited my dealer with one gauge and asked my guy if i could check another car. He told me the car ewadout is not ment for setting actual pressure only as a monitor. the car i tried at the dealerhip was also off. Guys and gals set up your tires with a good external gauge!!
First, as a new car buyer looking for the first time at ANY Infiniti, I cannot thank enough those who have contributed to this forum. Your comments on ride, handling, wheels, tire damage, the details of the electronic features, etc. are invaluable. (They are more important than pricing -- what good is a "good price" if you're buying the wrong car?)
Second, I started out in the lux sports sedan market by looking at the RL, the A6, and the GS430 before realizing from reading that I'd better take a look at the M35 and M45. (I have decided not to look at BMW or Mercedes due to their poor reliability records.)
Third, I am VERY impressed by the M45. I haven't had a chance to drive the M45 Sport yet, which I’ll do tomorrow, but I'd like as many informed opinions as possible about the added "trouble" of high performance tires and wheels (the potential extra damage, etc.) and any other potential burdens that accompany any car's sports model.
I live on the San Francisco Peninsula and will be driving the car in the greater Bay Area and up to Napa Valley, etc. I'm now saving my 1995 Range Rover County LWB for trips up to the Sierra Nevada Mountains in winter and summer, where we've used it off-pavement for the past 10 years. So, between our climate here and the availability of our Range Rover for the mountains or around here locally in bad weather (when we get any), I don't see that AWD is necessary, so I am focusing on the M45 for the V-8. Also, in the fall and spring when we don't go off-roading or skiing, I'd like to take the M45 up into the Sierras and the extra reserve power of a V-8 is very comforting when you're driving on I-80 towards a mountain summit at 7,200 feet in elevation trying to pass an 18-wheeler. (I may sound like I’m trying to justify a V-8, but I’m only making a point to those in flat, low elevation states that may wonder why anyone really would think they need a V-8. Anyone from the Western States knows what I'm talking about.)
I estimate my mileage will only be about 12,000 miles per year, due to business flying trips out of town, so fuel efficiency is not as big a factor as it otherwise would be (and compared to the Range Rover the M45 will look fuel efficient).
Do the extra potential pain-in-the-neck problems with the tires and wheels and the rougher and possibly noisier ride on rougher roads of an M45 Sport outweigh its alleged better driving performance over the plain M45?
I note that most if not all of the reviews of the M45 have been of the M45 Sport. I have not seen one of the plain M45.
There are a lot of great hilly twisty roads in the coastal mountains in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties south of San Francisco, behind Redwood City, Stanford University and Silicon Valley that would be ideal for something like the M45 Sport, yet I don't want to feel every single bump as I did in my 5 year old BMW 328i, which we've passed on to one of our kids. Am I trying to have the best of both worlds? Is it possible?
Obviously I need to test drive the M45 Sport to get a feeling for how rough the ride is on poor roads, but that alone won't address my concern about tires and wheels, and other potential downsides to owning an M45 Sport. I trust everyone on this forum more than a salesman I don't know to explain the disadvantages of the Sport version.
In sum, after 10 years of driving mostly the Range Rover (i.e., a truck), I'm really looking forward to driving a performance car with a little "wow" factor that is fun to drive and appropriate for giving business visitors from out of state tours of Napa Valley and the coastal mountains. Yet, I'm afraid of the unknown potential problems with the Sport version of the M.
Any comments will be greatly appreciated. And again, I'm really impressed by everyone here.
After driving both I went with the 'Basic' M45. I'm sure there are handling differences between the models that favor the Sport, but I felt the Basic gave me the performance I liked. The Sport was rougher on poor roads, not bad, but I could tell a difference. Also, I will use this car as my daily driver, and felt that the performance tires might not do as well in poor weather (no data here, just my guess). I can tell you I am very pleased with the performance of my M45. The cornering is just amazing. I find myself easily taking freeway on-ramps faster than in my 2002 New Beetle Turbo, a car that corners well. Country roads are a joy. The car feels very stable and neutral to me. The interiors are different in feel - lots of brushed aluminum versus wood. I liked the look of the wood better, but the metal has a good 'brushed' quality to it and I could have easily lived with it.
I live in the SF Bay area, and recently completed my purchase of an M45 Sport. I am still in the break-in period, but very much looking forward to "opening her up" in just a week or so...
I own a 2003 5 series, which I got with the sport suspension so as to be able to enjoy the best handling. I am replacing that car with this one.
I would say, after a lot of test driving of all the cars in this class, and after three weeks of ownership, that the M handles exquisitely, most recently driving over the mountains down to Big Basin State Park via Rt 9 and Bear Creek Rd. I don't think I have pushed it yet, but it is in the same league as the new 5 series, and a touch better than my 2003 (I took my BMW over the same roads as my test drives). The ride is a bit harsher than my BMW, and transmits some road noise, which is only noticable over rough pavement.
The interior and electronics are much better than BMW. The V8 was awesome during test driving (my beemer is a six). I got the sport model for the best handling, since I was spending upwards of $50K, and because the look of the car is so much better to me with the 19" wheels.
I did a lot of research, and saw nothing unusual about the care and maintenance of these wheels/tires, except for the fact that the wheels are hard to get, and expensive. I did get some curb rash on my BMW's wheels over time. I am being very careful with my new car, and can say the backup camera helps tremendously.
I had terrible experiences with a certain BMW dealer in SF, to the point of writing to every person I could think of in their corporate structure. Said people disavowed any responsibility for their dealers, but sent me a nice clock....I know the Infiniti Marin dealership is one of the few in the country (eight last year) that got their award of excellence, and friends have vouched for their great service. So that played a part in my decision. If you want, I can refer you to a salesperson or two that I thought were very nice and helpful. The GM there did haggle a bit with me over the price, but I got a good deal for an in-demand car by just preparing a bit.
Please let me know of any more specific questions I might be able to help with!
I had a '99 528i, which I bought with the Sport Package for better cornering, and driving the car was very rewarding. I then decided to change for an M45 (as the 545i does not suit my taste at all). Although I appreciated the marvelous handling of the 528i, I decided to go with something a little smooter. I drove both M45 Base and Sport. Dealers want to sell the Sport model (they must make a better profit I guess), as all told me I would not perceive much difference in terms of stiffness and noise compared to the Base. Boy are they wrong.
The Sport corners far better, but is otherwise hasher as one would expect (you'll feel just about any road imperfection - if you pay attention - as it should be in a Sport model). On rough roads, I don't know how they did it, but the Base just floats over the bumps and potholes and what not.
The Sport tires are also significantly noisier, a minus for me. You can replace them as an alternative I guess.
So it boils down to handling vs comfort. I chose comfort, although the M45 base handles decently well as it is. Driving both is definitely the right thing to do, and ignore the sales pitch while doing so.
Only you can answer the question you pose! Are you a last % of performance type of guy, or more concerned with practicality and comfort? Also, remember that the 18" "standard" wheels and tires are "low profile" themselves! Besides the wheels/tires, the spring rates are reportedly stiffer in the Sport but they share the same suspension components otherwise.
IMHO, given that you already have the Range Rover for bad weather/mountains, etc... I would lean heavily toward the Sport. Even if you didn't have the RR, I would say the Sport plus a winter wheel/tire package!
In 10+ years of owning low profile tires and alloy wheels, I've never had a problem with the wheels or tires, and I think I live in a more pot-holed environment than San Fran. Of course, I am very careful about parallel parking to a curb. To me, the Sport package (or just outright sports cars) on my other cars was more about being careful of the front spoiler than the wheels, which the M45 Sport does not have any different from the non-Sport unless you get the dealer add on.
Anyway, just my $.02 from an M45 Sport owner, albeit one who once rode 3000 miles roundtrip in a week on a Kawasaki EX500!
It was hard to read this and not respond in some manner...
Since you are from the world that brought us political correctness - I find it hard to believe that you would be leaning towards a v8 when most of your neighbors are considering a golf cart. If you buy an M45 I seriously recommend that you invest in a bumper sticker that says "My next car will be a hybrid - I promise!"
That being said, as an alumnus of the Cal and Stanford ski teams I can attest to the fact that a v8 is not required to deliver a carload of people to any part of Tahoe from the Bay Area. However, you would be advised to have a v8 if you plan on a real road trip - say to Aspen or Snowmass: You will not see any imported SUVs on these "open" highways during the winter.
If you believe that any of the "summits" in Tahoe will separate the M35 from the M45 you need to revisit your purchase criteria.
Its simple, go for the handling and style of the sport. I have an M45 sport and it is awesome and the best car I have ever had. But, Im not a californian but a texan who drives toll roads and highways for long distance to get somewhere.
Infiniti rocks...either one is great...but I say....go Sport
Comments
thanks !
No, you don't. When your are in that page where it shows the lonely dealer in your area and its inventory look at the top of the page and you will see a link that says "Choose dealer", click on it and it will send you to a page that has the search tool again. Hope that helps...
The Germans are far superior though on the heating side of the equation. If you keep hitting the quick heat feature on the BMW or Benz you risk tanning your buns. My girlfriend uses the heating feature in her Z3 during the summer for heat therapy. It just doesn't get that hot in either the G35 Coupe or M45 that I've
driven. Perhaps they should rethink trying to move heated air through the seats and instead use heated coils.
dropping stones with every pothole and bump in the road along the Rt 1 corridor
makes for a very unplesant game of dodge the missles. I rarely had stone ships
till I started driving in and through NJ. Did I mention I hate NJ roads?
1 month old M35x, and I guess the 3 small chips were not enough, so a 2+ inch
something decided to hit the windshield down low, and the glass exploded into
the car. About a 4 inch area of pulverized glass sent shards flying at me, and
even into the back seat! Almost needed a change of shorts...
The reason I'm posting this: The '06 M35x is too new. There are no after market
replacement windshields made yet. AND, they're on back order from the factory!
Nice, real nice. I'm assuming they're still rolling M35x's off the assembly line. They
better plan on making one less M35x next week and overnight a windshield
to my dealer. I can't drive the rental POS I have much longer
The cost? $700 for the glass and ~$250 labor. Oh, I forgot: If you want to move
to the head of the line, and be one of the first lucky owners to get the glass, you
have the option of paying 10% more to have it "over nighted" if and when they become
available. Just another way Infiniti takes good care of their customers.
#2) Has a five-speed transmission, in this class six should be the norm. Only other car with a five speed is the RL.
#3) Visibility could pertain to pillars that obstruct viewing as opposed to stressing just a rare camera option and being able to see out of the windshield.
#4) The interior appearance of the M is a hit or miss with most people due to the mating of various materials that before the M have not been done in such a way. Is this progressive or simply following infiniti's past practices of follow the leader as with the Q (Lincoln grill, Lexus interior knobs/handles). Different is not always better. As far as material grade, Lexus and Audi beat the M and Infiniti hands down. Acura is not too shabby either. BMW, personally I've never been a fan of theirs.
#5) Ponderous comments could more so refer to the "feel" of the car as being larger.
#6) The G and M do look similar in appearance, which to some is uninspiring. Although, they should refer to the cars correctly.
The problem with reviews in general is that they are made by people who prefer different things. As well as each respective posting forum (GS300, M35, BMW5) all using these reviews as crutches for justifying "their" own or future purchase for themselves. Different strokes for different fokes.
I wonder if those same people that gush over the 0-60 time are the same ones that drive the car 80% of the time in tri-state rush hour traffic. Way to use that benefit, HUH??? Or those same people that rave over any car having "technological features" that others don't while never mentioning what the other's have that their car does not???
There are only 2 reasons to have extra cogs: to improve performance and perhaps to increase fuel efficiency (6th might allow lower RPMs at highway cruise speed). The M doesn't "need" better performance (since it out-accelerates all competitors), so the only benefit would be in a small increment in fuel efficiency, which is unlikely to be a deciding factor in purchasing a vehicle in this segment.
please help!?
I hope this helps.
Good luck with your windshield issue.
I used Meguiar's in the past but am afraid the thick cream will leave white marks along the stitches and may clog perforations. A sprayed-on Meguiar's does not seem to offer a lot of protection.
Same for the mileage readout. On my MB, the display immediately shows the previous average; no need to get rolling to get a readout. Any explanations?
I don't know that my carrier has such a rider, but I was covered under
comprehensive. Only $250 out of pocket.
And while I'm chilling waiting for the non rash of replacement 'shields to hit our
shores, I'm just passing along my opinion, king of alone the lines of this
forums charter, that there should be spare parts in the distribution channel,
even for something this new. Roads in this part of the country are hard on
windshields. No doubt there will be others in the same boat, hence the heads up.
Still love the car. Have to suck it up and wait for it to be repaired.
On an up note, I got a real odd looking Chevy HHR from Enterprise. It
turns heads, but only because no one's ever seen one before. Almost
looks like a retro Woody without the wood, Kind of a large station wagon/SUV half breed. Had 13 miles on it when I picked it up.
Also, to lump every owner of cars within a given segment and state it's unlikely these people use fuel efficiency as a deciding factor is ignorant at best.
wheel/tire/rim/door ding protection plan is called the "Titanium Protection
Plan" and issued by Nation Safe Drivers/National Adjustment Bureau. Since I can't post a phone number, I'll give you where they're located - Deerfield Beach, FL. Coverage through my dealer was $150 per year. I wonder if you go directly through Nation Safe if the price is any lower???
As with any policy, you have to check the terms and conditions.
I think you misunderstood me. I was trying to say that the M had all of the features described on the other cars, but in addition had a number of features they do not have. I was trying the push this as an unaccounted for advantage of the M vis a vis the others. I applaud these ongoing efforts to improve products, despite the fact that I am most emphatically not in consumer products. I can still appreciate the importance of CQI (or whatever the current trndy acronym is).
I was not trying to lump all owners of the LPS segment together, but merely state my own opinion. I also don't appreciate being called ignorant. I'm willing to bet money that for the majority of buyers of $50K automobiles, gas mileage is NOT their primary deciding factor. Period.
Correct tire pressure can NEVER be measured while "warming up" :confuse: Useful tire pressure numbers are either cold pressure or hot pressure - warming up pressure is a worthless number! The correct tire pressure as stated by the car and tire manufacturer are always COLD measurements.
"The wireless tire air pressure sensors/transmitters weigh less than 1.5 oz. and are accurate to ±1.5 psi. Straps that accommodate 13" to 20" diameter wheels are used to securely band a sensor to each wheel before the tires are installed. The sensors/transmitters are equipped with motion detectors that turn them off when the vehicle is parked to prolong their lithium batteries' life (estimated at more than 5 years of normal vehicle use).
...
Within the first minute of driving, the system's sensors will broadcast a signal to the in-car receiver to confirm they are operating correctly. "
I disagree - there are some segments, such as the one we are discussing, performance with luxury, where people are highly unlikely IMHO to pick one V8 (545 vs. M45 or E500) over the other based on gas consumption. I think design, handling characteristics, brand image, reliability and price will come a very long way before you even inquire about consumption. By picking a car in this segment, you are already prepared to have lower mileage than Prius and you are willing to trade it off for higher performande, more room, more features... Of course, things can change pretty quickly when and if the hybrids take off and we will be able to compare and get 545, M45 or E500 with highly different consumption at little to no incremental difference in cost (note that I mean incremental as these cars are already different in price). Until then, I believe only a vast minority of people actually buying these cars will compare them between themselves by how much gas they need.
While it didn't keep me from buying the M, it might have. I passed on the V8 option because I wanted MPG over power. The extra cost of the V8 had nothing to do with my decision.
I applaud Infinity in letting buy the uber lux interior without the biggest engine. Mercedes has a tendency to not give you the same level of interior luxury unless you buy the bigger engines.
I have to admit that the M35 is not getting the best mpg right now, but I remember my older car, a BMW 325, taking some time to get its legs under it, at least until it got through its break in period. I'm looking for similar improvements from this engine as well.
Any opinions about the value of such an extended warranty and/or alternative sources? Any pointers to other types of warranty that would be applicable nationwide and checkable on the web? I am not so much concerned with the AWD powertrain that comes with a 6-yr factory coverage, but the complex electronics that can be expensive to repair/replace.
thanks again.
I realize this isn't Car & Driver or other car enthusiast publications, but a no frills, probably much more objective publication also rates this awesome car as #1 as well and I couldn't agree more.
I wonder how much, if anything, all these rave reviews will impact the resale/residual value. I suppose the big unanswered question is the quality/relaibility. If it ends up being a realiably built, quality car then it will also contribute to higher resale values IMO.
Can someone tell me what determines the color of the pillars?? I prefer the dark ones on the diamand graphite. Didnt sem to specify on the website. Thaks in advance.
As I understand it, the M WILL display text info for standard audio CD's; however, only if those CD's contain that text info. Most don't.
It should also work on WMA's.
Pete
Second, I started out in the lux sports sedan market by looking at the RL, the A6, and the GS430 before realizing from reading that I'd better take a look at the M35 and M45. (I have decided not to look at BMW or Mercedes due to their poor reliability records.)
Third, I am VERY impressed by the M45. I haven't had a chance to drive the M45 Sport yet, which I’ll do tomorrow, but I'd like as many informed opinions as possible about the added "trouble" of high performance tires and wheels (the potential extra damage, etc.) and any other potential burdens that accompany any car's sports model.
I live on the San Francisco Peninsula and will be driving the car in the greater Bay Area and up to Napa Valley, etc. I'm now saving my 1995 Range Rover County LWB for trips up to the Sierra Nevada Mountains in winter and summer, where we've used it off-pavement for the past 10 years. So, between our climate here and the availability of our Range Rover for the mountains or around here locally in bad weather (when we get any), I don't see that AWD is necessary, so I am focusing on the M45 for the V-8. Also, in the fall and spring when we don't go off-roading or skiing, I'd like to take the M45 up into the Sierras and the extra reserve power of a V-8 is very comforting when you're driving on I-80 towards a mountain summit at 7,200 feet in elevation trying to pass an 18-wheeler. (I may sound like I’m trying to justify a V-8, but I’m only making a point to those in flat, low elevation states that may wonder why anyone really would think they need a V-8. Anyone from the Western States knows what I'm talking about.)
I estimate my mileage will only be about 12,000 miles per year, due to business flying trips out of town, so fuel efficiency is not as big a factor as it otherwise would be (and compared to the Range Rover the M45 will look fuel efficient).
Do the extra potential pain-in-the-neck problems with the tires and wheels and the rougher and possibly noisier ride on rougher roads of an M45 Sport outweigh its alleged better driving performance over the plain M45?
I note that most if not all of the reviews of the M45 have been of the M45 Sport. I have not seen one of the plain M45.
There are a lot of great hilly twisty roads in the coastal mountains in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties south of San Francisco, behind Redwood City, Stanford University and Silicon Valley that would be ideal for something like the M45 Sport, yet I don't want to feel every single bump as I did in my 5 year old BMW 328i, which we've passed on to one of our kids. Am I trying to have the best of both worlds? Is it possible?
Obviously I need to test drive the M45 Sport to get a feeling for how rough the ride is on poor roads, but that alone won't address my concern about tires and wheels, and other potential downsides to owning an M45 Sport. I trust everyone on this forum more than a salesman I don't know to explain the disadvantages of the Sport version.
In sum, after 10 years of driving mostly the Range Rover (i.e., a truck), I'm really looking forward to driving a performance car with a little "wow" factor that is fun to drive and appropriate for giving business visitors from out of state tours of Napa Valley and the coastal mountains. Yet, I'm afraid of the unknown potential problems with the Sport version of the M.
Any comments will be greatly appreciated. And again, I'm really impressed by everyone here.
Best regards,
Range Rover
Good luck in your choice, happy with mine.
rrob
I live in the SF Bay area, and recently completed my purchase of an M45 Sport. I am still in the break-in period, but very much looking forward to "opening her up" in just a week or so...
I own a 2003 5 series, which I got with the sport suspension so as to be able to enjoy the best handling. I am replacing that car with this one.
I would say, after a lot of test driving of all the cars in this class, and after three weeks of ownership, that the M handles exquisitely, most recently driving over the mountains down to Big Basin State Park via Rt 9 and Bear Creek Rd. I don't think I have pushed it yet, but it is in the same league as the new 5 series, and a touch better than my 2003 (I took my BMW over the same roads as my test drives). The ride is a bit harsher than my BMW, and transmits some road noise, which is only noticable over rough pavement.
The interior and electronics are much better than BMW. The V8 was awesome during test driving (my beemer is a six). I got the sport model for the best handling, since I was spending upwards of $50K, and because the look of the car is so much better to me with the 19" wheels.
I did a lot of research, and saw nothing unusual about the care and maintenance of these wheels/tires, except for the fact that the wheels are hard to get, and expensive. I did get some curb rash on my BMW's wheels over time. I am being very careful with my new car, and can say the backup camera helps tremendously.
I had terrible experiences with a certain BMW dealer in SF, to the point of writing to every person I could think of in their corporate structure. Said people disavowed any responsibility for their dealers, but sent me a nice clock....I know the Infiniti Marin dealership is one of the few in the country (eight last year) that got their award of excellence, and friends have vouched for their great service. So that played a part in my decision. If you want, I can refer you to a salesperson or two that I thought were very nice and helpful. The GM there did haggle a bit with me over the price, but I got a good deal for an in-demand car by just preparing a bit.
Please let me know of any more specific questions I might be able to help with!
The Sport corners far better, but is otherwise hasher as one would expect (you'll feel just about any road imperfection - if you pay attention - as it should be in a Sport model). On rough roads, I don't know how they did it, but the Base just floats over the bumps and potholes and what not.
The Sport tires are also significantly noisier, a minus for me. You can replace them as an alternative I guess.
So it boils down to handling vs comfort. I chose comfort, although the M45 base handles decently well as it is. Driving both is definitely the right thing to do, and ignore the sales pitch while doing so.
IMHO, given that you already have the Range Rover for bad weather/mountains, etc... I would lean heavily toward the Sport. Even if you didn't have the RR, I would say the Sport plus a winter wheel/tire package!
In 10+ years of owning low profile tires and alloy wheels, I've never had a problem with the wheels or tires, and I think I live in a more pot-holed environment than San Fran. Of course, I am very careful about parallel parking to a curb. To me, the Sport package (or just outright sports cars) on my other cars was more about being careful of the front spoiler than the wheels, which the M45 Sport does not have any different from the non-Sport unless you get the dealer add on.
Anyway, just my $.02 from an M45 Sport owner, albeit one who once rode 3000 miles roundtrip in a week on a Kawasaki EX500!
Since you are from the world that brought us political correctness - I find it hard to believe that you would be leaning towards a v8 when most of your neighbors are considering a golf cart. If you buy an M45 I seriously recommend that you invest in a bumper sticker that says "My next car will be a hybrid - I promise!"
That being said, as an alumnus of the Cal and Stanford ski teams I can attest to the fact that a v8 is not required to deliver a carload of people to any part of Tahoe from the Bay Area. However, you would be advised to have a v8 if you plan on a real road trip - say to Aspen or Snowmass: You will not see any imported SUVs on these "open" highways during the winter.
If you believe that any of the "summits" in Tahoe will separate the M35 from the M45 you need to revisit your purchase criteria.
Hope this helps...
Infiniti rocks...either one is great...but I say....go Sport