Infiniti M35/M45 2006+

dashooter

ajamo said: It's a damn shame I didn't have this car when I was single! What a looker. And the car is sharp too!
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Stop you're killing me! Call 9 1 1 and get me some oxygen

camelzizou

haha, that is hilarious. I needed a defibrilator when i read it

prophet

Just a dumb question but could the M35 & M45 differ in some respects?

camelzizou

In terms of lighting I couldn't see how it would differ. However, in general I think that the only differences between a 35 and a 45 is obviously the engine. Otherwise they have the same transmission, i believe the same suspension, etc. They have the same standard equipment and interior. In conlcusion, the only difference that I can see would be the engine. Anyone who can say otherwise, please feel free to correct me.

Camel

sjcbill

In regards to fog lights, I read an article in one of the car magazines some time ago that claimed driving with fog lights on would actually reduce your ability to recognize an object that you are approaching at a distance. This was explained as follows:

Since almost all fog lights have a wide dispersion pattern they illuminate only the area directly in front of the vehicle and do little or nothing at any distance. The brighter light closer to the car causes your pupils to constrict slightly more than they would without the additional illumination making it more difficult to see distant objects in the dimmer light of your low beams.

They recommended not using fog lights for anything but slow driving foggy conditions because:

1. If you a travelling at any speed over about 10 MPH, it would already be too late to avoid anything that appears in front of you in the area that the fog lights illuminate.

2. The fog lights may reduce your ability to recognize dim objects at long range for the reason stated above.

3. The wide dispersion of fog lights often make them more distracting to oncoming drivers than properly adjusted low beam headlights.

With all of that said I find fog lights to be almost useless. Out of respect for other drivers, I almost never use fog lights and I have had them on all of my vehicles for at least the last 12 years as a result of them being standard or part of some option package. The M's low beams are so bright in close that turning on the fog light makes little difference to anyone except oncoming drivers. If driving in foggy weather where the fog lights make a difference in what you can see, you probably should get off the road to a safe place as soon as possible anyway.

Two of my Audi's have had a bright red read fog light which I found to be more useful in foggy conditions than the front ones. It somewhat reduced the likelihood of a rear-ender by someone over driving their visibility. (I also used it a couple of times to get a tailgater to back off but I probably shouldn't admit that.)

pete_l_p

Just a dumb question but could the M35 & M45 differ in some respects?

I assume that you're primarily asking about differences related to the headlights. I'm pretty sure not. Are you still having trouble finding the adjustment hole?

Pete

markcincinnati

Fog lights are supposed to be used during "fog" -- DOH!

Moreover, low beams and NEVER high beams are to be used during fog.

Rear fog lights (sometimes ONLY one) are rarely used but I submit are a secret weapon when used at the appropriate time.

The previous post regarding when to use fog lights and how, in fact, they can decrease your ability to see, is spot on accurate.

Speaking personally, when the fog is thick -- fog lights do work.

Unfortunately, here in River City, so many people with fog lights seem to keep them on permanently.

msu79gt82

I find that fog lights help illuminate the sides of the road better that low beams alone. In the rural area I live in there are some very dark country roads with very deep (and steep) ditches on each side.

docnukem

The xenon low beams on the M illuminate very far out to the sides--even more than previously-owned cars with the fog lights on. I agree with others...don't use the fogs unless there is fog.

I used to have a car (I think it was the first year Probe GT) that would allow me to use the fogs with only the parking lights (and not the low beams, although you could do that, too). I think that should be available on all cars. In really thick fog, even the low beams can reflect back into your eyes.

I used to laugh at the Jeep Grand Cherokee's fog lights. They were mounted at the same level as the other lights--although I'm sure they were angled lower. But that partially defeated the purpose. BTW, I happened to own a Grand Cherokee...it was still a nice car despite the fogs.

sjcbill

Mark,

My opinion is that, if it's foggy enough so that fog lights help, it's too foggy (and therefor too dangerous) to be on the road.

I'd be happier if Infiniti had chosen to leave them off of the M and put the money into full motion for the passenger seat or something else useful.

Like your area, people around here run around with fog lights on when there isn't a trace of fog for 100 miles. I've uttered a few expletives at oncoming drivers with bright fog lights on.

I don't remember a lot of fog around Cincinnati when I lived in Fairfield for about 18 months back in the late 70's. We do get our share here in N. CA.

P.S. I miss those Montgomery Inn ribs.

05buyer

Pete, Thx for the response and the respective procedure. I didn't want to go exploring and find out that I disturbed a factory/dealer seal of some sort.

The point you made is quite key, for actual beam adjustment, whereby you need a nice open wall and a level surface for the car to be on to begin with. Count those adjustment turns, remember them and find that sweet spot.

Go figure about the highs being adjoined to the low beam adjustment. Probably the designer keeping a calculated complexity out of our grasp........

pete_l_p

You're very welcome. Have you found your sweet spot yet?

Pete

lounacl

I ordered my M45 on June 15, and I know the order went in on or around July 8th. Shouldn't the dealer have some information about now: VIN, Built, Ship Date?

Thanks....

cheerioboy26

I don't know for sure, but your dealer might have more info. A July order is for an August build, and a late Sept. or October delivery.

rrob

We've all probably had a pretty tough week. This made me smile:

We've complained about the Status screen cutting off song titles. Well, today I was surfing on XM and Saga's "On the Loose" started playing. Of course, the data screen just read, "On the Loo"

Pretty lame, but everyone in the car broke out laughing and starting singing the chorus, with "Infiniti suggested" modifications:

"No one can stop you now
Tonight you're on the loo
No one to tell you how
Tonight you're on the loo"

Hope next week is better, friends, and this gives you a laugh

rrob

drtravel

From www.infiniti.com these are the current inventories for the 12 dealers within 50 miles of Disneyland

Data from may 12, 2005

M35 - 66 cars
M35 Sport - 117 cars
M35 AWD - 24 cars

M45 - 76 cars
M45 Sport - 90 cars

Data from today
M35 - 81 cars (increased by 15)
M35 Sport - 128 cars (increased by 11)
M35 AWD - 13 cars (decreased by 11)

M45 - 61 cars (decreased by 15)
M45 Sport - 91 cars (increased by 1)

Total 354 cars vs. 313 in May

undecided7

If your experience is anything like mine (and others that have commented on this forum) you should have a wait of about 3 months. For reference, my order was placed in the first week of April and I took delivery on July 13th. Roughly 1 week and 3 months later. I hope I don't burst your bubble, but don't expect much deviation from this timeline. The only saving grace you might have is that lead times might be lower now, but your order will still have to get in the queue with the other cars being prepared for normal dealer inventory.

Good luck! My wait was more than worth it, love my car!!!

undecided7

Is there a way we can listen to radio, etc. without actually turning the car on? This is similar to cars with the "old" technology where you can insert the key and only turn it half way (or turn it toward the driver) to activated auxiliary power, but without having the car on?

From my experience thus far, this doesn't seem possible with this car. Any input is welcome.

pete_l_p

Is there a way we can listen to radio, etc. without actually turning the car on?

Yes, you can do it. Press the start button WITHOUT your foot on the break.

Pete

undecided7

Thanks Pete! I guess I have to read the entire manual to find this and other good nuggets of features....

pete_l_p

I discovered this by accident, since when I first started looking at the car at the dealer, I kept doing it without my foot on the break. I wondered why the engine wouldn't start, but everything else would.

Pete

tomc1227

I've read that many of the Japanese automakers are revising their HP numbers down as a result of new SAE HP testing standards that companies have begun to adopt. I read a press release from Infiniti that mentioned all 06 Infiniti HP numbers are based on the SAE 1995 standard, except for the 06 FX45 which is based on the SAE 2004 standard... and the 06 FX45 is rated at 320 HP. Could this mean our beloved M45 isn't 335 if tested under the new standards? And could the VQ be less than 280 HP?

I know my M35 won't be any slower less fast when I drive to work tomorrow, but we've got to keep our bragging rights, don't we?

ckelly14

I expect these numbers to increase throughout the fall, especially with the soaring price of gas.

dashooter

The 35 started chugging when I punched the gas and struggled around like it had bad gas and was going to quit. I slowed way down and stopped accelerating, got ready to hit the shoulder and it settled down. Limped home and called the dealer. They trucked it in and reported back that a sensor was loose in the crank case and they id'ed and fixed it in a flash. While there- I asked that they fix the fuse issue. The Home Link and analog clock were DOA. They also got that and as per suggestions here - raised my head lights. They indicated they hear that a lot.
I've got it running like coward. Now if I can just get the Nav system figured out.
Man I love my Bee Gee's in Concert DVD A. That is killer - Also Rod Stewart in Concert. He does Rythm of My Heart and has his then girl friend - now wife marching on stage in a short kilt - all 6' 2" of her on 4" heels. That will get your attention faster than a speeding ticket.

pete_l_p

Now if I can just get the Nav system figured out.

A few quick things to try. You'll love it.

1) While driving, Press the voice button on the steering wheel (it's got a pic of a phone and a face)
- say "destination street address"
- when prompted for each, just SAY: the state, the city, the street, the number
- remember to wait for the beep on each entry, it's a snap.
- if there's any problem hit the back button on the steering wheel.

2) While driving, hit the voice button
- say "show nearby restaurant" (or "gas station", or "ATM" etc)

3) When standing still, hit the "Dest" (destination) button on the dash board, and experiment.
There are plenty of easy options to try and it's the best system on the market.

Have fun

Pete

dashooter

Hey Thanks Pete. Why didn't the Infiniti guys just sat that instead of handing me a 260 freaking page of small print gibberish written by a flock of lawyers ? :^)

prophet

October issue of Popular Mechanics picks Infiniti M35/M45 as best Luxury car of the year! After driving +10,000 miles in my M35, I knew that.

docnukem

I knew that, too.

pete_l_p

Great to hear. Any other quotes in the article worth posting?

Pete

regis

I heard that the 06 M35 has been retested using the SAE 2004 standard and reduced to 266 HP.

camelzizou

I have no idea what in the world SAE stands for however, how can Infiniti claim something has a set number of horsepower and then recude it? Can someone please explain this to me in a clear and logical way?

tomc1227

SAE stands for the Society of Automotive Engineers. They published an updated testing standard last year that specifies testing conditions like what octane fuel is used, what type of oil is used etc. which is supposed to level the playing field in terms of claimed horsepower ratings.

Edmunds has a brief article about this at this page.

camelzizou

So by what your telling me, the M45 really doesn't have 335 horsepower? Or will the next model year not have 335 horsepower?

sdiver68

Rated HP numbers have always been subject to marketing anyway. Some have been rated higher than actual, some lower.

Some engines actually come out ahead with the new standard, some behind. Nissan is on record stating they will not go back and re-rate existing engines. From what I've seen in before and after comparisons, it seems so far like the smaller engines are the ones most hurt.

Regardless, the M45 still tops out at 155, and does ~14 second, ~100mpg QM's.

prophet

"Infiniti's M duo out-details even the most sophisticated German luxemobiles. Both the M35 and the more powerful, better-equipped M45 come with, or can be optioned with, seeming every luxury amenity and convenience known to man. Plus, the cars have a build quality that's good enough to embarrass some well-known, old-school European luxury makers. "

msu79gt82

I heard that the 06 M35 has been retested using the SAE 2004 standard and reduced to 266 HP.

What is your source? This surprises me somewhat with the M being so new. The FX45 was retested for '06 and its hp went up.

pete_l_p

The car has done us proud again, and again. Thanks very much.

Pee

johnhw

Did you also see that Consumer Reports rather the M their top rated sedan ever. And as I recall, Consumers have never really been a big Infiniti fan in the past. So same tune 10th verse on the done us proud point.

pete_l_p

So true.

There have been cars in the past with a great number of comparison wins, but none I believe coming from such a diversity of fans:

Never before has Consumer Reports' number 1 rated luxury car (a choice based on practicality, good manners, and a balance of features), also been the favorite of C/D, R&T, and MT. (where winners must first impress with enthusiast driving performance.)

Now, the M's top luxury win in Popular Mechanics is coming from a magazine with a leaning towards technology (yet another priority.) IMO, the M's coddling with ALL of its very best tech goodies is a world unto itself.

Add to this, top praise from a hoard of newspapers and other mags ( AutoWeek, USA Today, NYTimes, LATimes, Washington Post, Detroit News)

What I love about the M is not only that it's truly great car but that it is truly great in so many ways. The wide range of publications honoring the M is testimony to the M's wide range of superlative qualities.

Pete

dl8

My M45 sport lane change device will only work for the first 5 - 8 minutes.
Does any one know why or have the same experience?
Advise!

Thanks.
David

pete_l_p

No such problem on mine.

One question:
Are you aware that it's designed to shut off below 45 MPH. Is it possible that (because of your particular route) you've been taking your speed down to below 45mph after the first 5-8 minutes?

Pete

ewv

I bought an M45 Sport Sedan from a new dealership in Northern Va on August 23. After signing the deal and ready to leave I learned that the dealer had no owner manuals for any of their M series cars. I was told I would receive mine soon but I still have not received it. I e-mail a complaint to Infiniti at their web site and received an email asking for a vin and date of purchase. That was over a week ago.

Has anyone faced this problem? I love the car but I sure would like to be able to figure out some of the less obvious features it may have!

Thanks for any help or advice!
EWV

rrob

Wow, fortunately I got one with my early August purchase in Maryland. The M35/45 manual is available on the Infiniti website as a PDF file. Here's a link:
M manual
Good luck with the great car.

rrob

kfhmail

OK...any M35 Sport owners that have owned their M35 sport for a while...what is you opinion on the 19" wheels and the sport suspension?

I plan to do another comparison test drive in a few weeks between the M35 and the M35 sport. A couple of months ago when I did a test drive...there was a noticeable difference with and without the sport package. The sport package "felt" much rougher on the road...much more road feel.

I am still considering requesting/asking if I can switch the 19" wheels/tires with 18" wheel tires when I begin negotiating. Has anyone done this?

So...give me some input on the 19" wheels and the sport suspension.

Thanks.

kfhmail

Hey,

I saw a commercial Thursday night from the local Infiniti dealership, Infiniti of Huntsville, (Alabama) that stated something like "you pay what we pay". I did not see the whole commercial so I do not know what the limitations/restrictions are. I have e-mailed the dealership asking for more info but have not received a reply.

sdiver68

I have an M45 Sport. IMHO, the 19" wheels make the look of the car. Even with the sport wheels/tires...the M45 still is softer than my FX35 Sport was in the ride departmetnt.

I will get 18" with winter tires for the winter. FWIW, I see take off OEM 18" on sale for around $750 delivered fairly often...I'm thinking about getting a set for winter wheels.

Another option would be to get the stiffer springs of the Sport put on the non-sport. This will give you the sport suspension minus rear active steer.

camelzizou

I just came back from Cincinnati with my diamond graphite M45... all i can say is that i was all smiles for the 160 mile drive back to my house. I am just so thrilled with the car and I can't wait to break the engine in so that i can really feel the power of the M.

Brian

dave328

For me, the ride and handling of the non-sport M45 is just about right. My wife thinks it's a bit on the stiff side, she's a Lexus gal. I do think that the 19"s are great looking wheels, and had I thought of it, I might have had the dealer switch them out. Let us know what happens.

Dave

702

Has anyone hard wired there V 1, If so how was it done.

Ed

ewv

rrob ... Thanks for the information. This is a big help!
EWV