Infiniti M35/M45 2006+

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Comments

  • dashooterdashooter Member Posts: 35
    I just told my Service Advisor I wanted it raised, he said a lot of people ask for that and they did it and to the best of my knowledge - that solved it. Sounds like you got one of those guys who doesn't know, but doesn't know he doesn't know.
  • prophetprophet Member Posts: 72
    Just reached 11,000 miles and switched to Mobil 1 in my M35. Plan to change oil & filter every 7,000 miles from now on. Have used it in my LS 430 & BMW and it works great under the harsh/high heat conditions found in Texas. Engine runs super quiet, and believe it really enhances engine longevity.
  • blov8rblov8r Member Posts: 567
    Just reached 11,000 miles

    You do a whole lot of driving, amigo. That's almost two years for me and three for my wife. Bart
  • pete_l_ppete_l_p Member Posts: 322
    Sounds like you got one of those guys who doesn't know, but doesn't know he doesn't know.

    I agree completely. and well put. (But we're talking about mlzcar's dealer, and not mine. :) )

    Pete
  • howardk111howardk111 Member Posts: 17
    I recently ordered an M35. The most difficult part of my decision making process was whether to order the all wheel drive version, or not. Based upon what the person who maintains my cars told me, I opted not to order the all wheel drive version, but am still somewhat unsure as to whether I did the right thing. I live in an area that has frequent snowfall, but the amount of snow does not approach that of a city such as Buffalo, NY. I was told not to order the all wheel drive version because (1) the all wheel drive version is heavier and doesn't perform quite as well, (2) an all wheel drive system is more expensive to repair, (3) the non-all wheel drive version of the car is very balanced and has a good traction control system, and (4) if my car does slide more than I'm comfortable with , I can put snow tires on it during the winter for far less cost. Does anyone here have any thoughts?
  • biocruiserbiocruiser Member Posts: 2
    I am in a similar situation and ordered an AWD M35x. I live in Philadelphia, which gets snow about 3-4 times a season and is hilly. My current G35 is rear drive and has been very bad in the snow. The traction control didn't help. Of course the M is heavier, but I got tired of slipping down hills.

    I pick up the car in a week (Journey/Nav/Umbria/Graphite).
  • howardk111howardk111 Member Posts: 17
    Thanks for the response and good luck with your new car. Where I am, it isn't hilly but snowfall is much more frequent than in Philadelphia. From what I've heard, the M35 is better than the G35 in the winter, but I'm not sure. Was your G35 a two door or a four door? The four door is supposed to be better than the two door in this regard. I know of one person with a two door G35 who put on snow tires and said it made a big difference. I'm still not entirely sure about what makes sense with regard to the M35, though.
  • pete_l_ppete_l_p Member Posts: 322
    I've got an M45 (which doesn't come with AWD) but I'm in california.

    It sounds like your options are still open. If so, I really recommend the AWD. While the balance may slightly suffer, (not sure) the overall handling may improve. Infiniti has learned a lot about this with their FX series, where their use of AWD drive is said to greatly improve handling: giving their SUV the handling of a sports car. They use the AWD to increase traction and handling in all road conditions, snow, wet, dry. If I could have gotten an M45 AWD just for the rain, I would have. That feeling of confidence in rain and snow would be the cats meow. The rest of the time it may be totally comparable.

    Also Infiniti reliability has been typically been very very high in the charts, so I wouldn't worry about the maintenance issue.

    JMHO
    Pete
  • varixvarix Member Posts: 72
    Living in Chicago I won't own anything but a AWD car. I'll take the trade off (assuming there is one) on handling and weight to stay on the road and facing the correct direction in a winter storm, heavy rain or on black ice. I had a RWD Supra many years ago and it was undrivable in a snow storm. Obviously traction controls even in RWD are better now than in '83 but that experience weaned me off RWD all together. Now maybe when I retire to Arizona...

    If you get appreciable snow I'd opt for AWD. Besides if the M35X AWD proves popular maybe there'll be an M45X one day! Perfect!
  • joe_ojoe_o Member Posts: 27
    I live west of Boston and am very confidant in my choice of the M35X. I car expert (race driver) agrees that snows will improve things, but that's true of AWD as well. The snow need not be deep to give you problems. I'd go with AWD.

    Joe
  • joe_ojoe_o Member Posts: 27
    I have a black/black M35X and waxed it for the first time today. After some internet research and considering my laziness, I went with Nu Finish. Two questions:

    1) Do you prefer carnauba wax or polymers, and which brand?

    2) Do you wax/polish the other painted areas (sideview mirrors, lower front shroud) or use something else?

    Joe
  • biocruiserbiocruiser Member Posts: 2
    My G35 is 4 door, no snow tires, and sucked in the snow. I thought about putting on snow tires, which I'm sure would help. But the hills can be really slippery and so I decided to buy the AWD M insead (cost a bit more than snow tires!).

    One other factor - the trade-in value here on the G35 non-AWD was a lot less than the G35-AWD. The same will likely happen on the M in cold areas of the country. One dealer told me that 90-95% of the G's and M's that he sells are AWD.
  • m_pilotm_pilot Member Posts: 41
    I prefer Zaino. Only need to wax it once a year and it beads water and looks great all year.

    Yes, I Zaino the other painted areas.
  • m_pilotm_pilot Member Posts: 41
    I went with the 35X due to handling in snow and rain (Cinti area). It is a couple hundred pounds heavier, which affects mileage by 1 or 2. It is more expensive to repair--just look at the Audis. But, as noted, this system is not new for Infiniti and Infiniti has great reliability. Yes, non AWD has traction control, but quite simply, that's not the same as or as good as AWD. Adding snows to non-AWD will give you much worse performance than AWD with all-seasons.
  • yakuzayakuza Member Posts: 15
    1) I prefer sythetic polymers since they last much longer than carnaubas in general. I love and use Zaino but there are other very good polymers out there too. Sometimes I put S100 (carnauba) on top of Zaino to give it a deeper shine. Some say polymers give an artificial "saran wrap" look but most people can't tell the difference IMHO. Proper paint preparation BEFORE you wax is the most important step!

    2) Yes, put wax/synthetic protection on any painted surface. I even wax my painted alloy wheels.
  • dashooterdashooter Member Posts: 35
    If you're retiring to Arizona, you'd better opt for the tire cooler option. When the air is 120 degrees and the asphalt is 150 degrees, it will help a heap -- My in laws are retired in Chandler. I sure miss going to see the old folks !
  • pete_l_ppete_l_p Member Posts: 322
    What gave you the idea that I was retiring to Arizona? I've already retired to northern california.

    Pete
  • pearlpearl Member Posts: 336
    I have no clue how your M35 will handle in snow; however, my thoughts are as follows: I have a 97 BMW 528 manual with all season tires (Michelin Energy). I have NEVER been stuck in the snow (and we get a fair amount where I live in MD). I truly believe that other than very drastic snowfalls, the biggest element in getting moving is driver competence. My dear Dad, now departed, once told me that the biggest factor in snow driving was to "keep moving". Those who have to go the fastest, stop the quickest, stop on hills, etc, will be the first ones stuck. Easy does it in snow, just try to keep moving. Also, traffic will play a big role. Lowest common denominator works here. Terrified folks who shouldn't be out anyway will do more to slow you down than the weather - and get you stuck. Easy on the brakes, easy on the gas and just try to keep moving and you will get through 9 of 10 snowfalls other than those you shouldn't be out in anyway. You should be fine in your M35.
  • dashooterdashooter Member Posts: 35
    Sorry, I crossed varix from post #4693 mentioning retiring to Arizona. Much wiser choice to retire to Northern Caifornia. If you were my mother in law, I'd come to visit you much more often :^)
  • dashooterdashooter Member Posts: 35
    Just got my State Farm bill with the Infiniti on it for the first time. As follows:
    2005 Ford Explorer liability $121 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee $121 M35 $128
    $100 deductible comprehensive Ford $41 Jeep $55 M35 $76
    $1000 deduct collision -- Ford $96 Jeep $109 M35 $141
    Without adding uninsured motorist - one amount for all three, I think ($92.50)
    the bill totals for six months are Explorer $258 Jeep $285 M35 $345
    values: Jeep $32,000 Explorer $36,000 M35 $48,000
    Stated as a percentage of value, the Infiniti and Ford insure for about the same and both are less than the Jeep.
    Profile late fifties couple - no tickets, no claims, Western North Carolina, low milage drivers.
    I think the State Farm underwriters like the Infiniti M series.
  • edspider1edspider1 Member Posts: 195
    Here are my thoughts.

    (1) I don't think most people would be able to detect the difference in handling - especially once you get moving since the car is RWD when moving on dry roads.
    (2) I won't have the car by the time the warranty runs out, so this isn't an issue. I'm skeptical about it too.
    (3) My experience with good traction control is that they do keep the car from fish tailing when you start out. They help a lot up to about 30 mph. I'm sure the TC on the M is as good as it gets.
    (4) Snow tires are royal pain for me and I don't want to pay for them.

    Here's some other thoughts.

    (1) You loose at least 1 mpg for AWD.
    (2) How many snow days do you really have? I live in Chicago, and I figure there are at maybe 2-3 days a year where I really wish I had AWD. That's not much. They clear the snow on major roads quickly on the routes I travel.

    None the less I bought the 35x because I wanted to see for myself how much (or not) better handling really is. If I can tell a difference, I'll stick with AWD. If not I'll go back to RWD. So let it snow, let it snow.
  • edspider1edspider1 Member Posts: 195
    What is a tire cooler option? I guess it must be some kind of joke.
  • dianeddianed Member Posts: 1
    David,

    Did you find that the problem was going below 45mph and the system turned itself off? If so, was there a way the system alerted you that this was happening perhaps was not good enough? As this is a new technology, one that I am personally interested in, I am curious as to how it works - or, doesn't.

    Thanks, Diane
  • howardk111howardk111 Member Posts: 17
    It sounds as though you went through a similar thought process. I live in Minneapolis where we usually have somewhat more snow than you have in Chicago, but here, too, they do a very fast and efficient job of clearing the snow from the streets (my driveway is an entirely different story). From what you're saying, it sounds as though all wheel drive might provide some advantages at the margins but, overall, is not such a huge factor. I'm currently inquiring as to whether it's too late to change my order or not. If it is too late, I can live without all wheel drive, I think. If it's not too late, I'll have to make up my mind whether to change my order.
  • bargamon1bargamon1 Member Posts: 110
    I have had numerous Quattro enhanced Audis and the stability and cornering ability is enhanced. I don't buy them for the frozen traction, but for everyday enjoyment.

    I pay a price in weight, and MPG, but its a choice I have made, and its a small price. My 6spd allroad gets 20mpg in mixed driving. My commute is 7mile hwy, 7 miles city.

    These are performance cars. If mpg and traction is important, a front wheel drive vehicle is a good alternative. The Acrua makes a good choice.

    I am looking at the M, FX, Bmw X3, and will consider lexus GS with AWD. Of course Audi will my first choice, but the new A6 Avant is 10G more than I paid on my Allroad in 03! Im not saying its not worth it, but I don't know if I want to go there!
  • docnukemdocnukem Member Posts: 485
    I agree that TC helps in bad conditions, but it is not in any way a substitute for AWD (to quote the Wizard of OZ, "not no way, not no how"). TC will only cut power/torque when one of the drive wheels loses traction (not shift it to other wheels).

    I think C&D did an article some time ago with RWD cars with TC vs AWD (maybe the G35x, Audi A4 quattro, BMW 330 (not "x"), and something else. They tested them going up a hill with traction available to only two tires on one side. The result was that only the AWD cars made it to the top.

    It is far easier to lose traction when power is sent to two wheels rather that four. Living on the downwind side of Lake Michigan, we get far too many days of snow and slush. I have had a RWD car with TC (328i), and it could get by, but it doesn't compare to AWD.

    Maybe the biggest point to consider (except for leasers) is the resale value in any location that may have winter driving days. I don't think anyone will have any regrets choosing the 35x, unless they really want the sport package (with the rear wheel steering) or the V8.
  • pete_l_ppete_l_p Member Posts: 322
    If you were my mother in law, I'd come to visit you much more often :^)

    You gave me a good laugh. Thanks

    Pete
  • mexibecmexibec Member Posts: 114
    Motor Trend , in their "V-8 Sport Sedan Shootout" gave the 1st place to the BMW 545 'cause "even with the controversial Active Steering, nothing pours performance like a Bimmer". 2nd place is the M45; "Japan's barroom-brawler brand is quickly aging into a fast sophisticated". 3rd is MB E500, 4th is Cadi STS V8.

    0-60 mph goes as follows:
    - BMW 545i: 5.5
    - MB E500: 5.7
    - M45 (Sport): 5.8
    - STS: 6.1

    But on a long-term test update (in the same edition) of a M45 Luxury (i.e. non Sport), they state 0-60 is 5.7. Thinking of it, although one may argue that it depends on this and that, it's true the Sport is heavier.
  • dashooterdashooter Member Posts: 35
    Didn't you see the tire cooler option in the Tomorrow's Technology Package ? It was like $2750 as a separate item. ---- Sorry, I was just teasing one of the guys for thinking about Arizona. Seriously, there in the summer - asphalt temps can do 140 to 150 degrees. I don't know how (or why ) my relatives put up with that.
    But hey ! It's a good excuse not to visit the in laws. &^)
  • docnukemdocnukem Member Posts: 485
    You know, you probably just gave some engineer at MB an idea for the next iteration of the S-class.

    I can see the ads: "Why stop with your passengers...with the new S, even your tires are comfy...."
  • schleppcarschleppcar Member Posts: 1
    I traded in my '04 G35 Coupe for the M35X Sedan because I vividly remember last winter here in Maryland. The way traction control works...power is cut to wheels that spin to bring them under control. This is not a whole lot of fun if you're trying to cross a busy road or attempting to make a left onto one. if you're on a slippery patch: see an opportunity and punch it - traction control will get you across...at 2 to 5 miles per hour. That can be a little bit hairy.
  • docnukemdocnukem Member Posts: 485
    Exactly...when power is split to all four wheels, the chance of spinning (and thus killing power as traction control kicks in) is far less.
  • sdiver68sdiver68 Member Posts: 125
    If the M45 Sport were available AWD, I would have taken it. The advantages to me are 1) You can run summer performance tires all throughout a moderate Midwest winter and not worry about getting around, 2) AWD makes you performance king in the rain and 3) AWD helps when pulling out from side roads even in the dry where there is usually a fair amount of road junk accumulated on the side of the road and slippery oil in the middle of the lanes, causing 2 wheels to lose traction as they go through it. I loved AWD in my FX35 Sport, and the ATESSA based system still gave it a RWD handling bias.

    Instead of AWD, I am getting winter tires and wheels, which in combination with Traction Control is actually as good probably superior to AWD + performance tires in the snow/ice.
  • dashooterdashooter Member Posts: 35
    You know, I tend to be offended by some of the technology offerings. Wipers for the head lights ? MB made more money selling parts for that sorry excuse of patronizing non sense. Or Jaguar's auto antennae ? You could buy a $ 9.95 replacement at Auto Zone - but it wouldn't fit in the key hole they allowed. That piece of junk wore out every three years and sold for some odd hundred's of dollars. They should all have the long suffering misery of migraine headaches for that cold calculated rip off mentality. Bad Karma.
  • stmechstmech Member Posts: 19
    Just to add one more thought about AWD vs. RWD in the snow. AWD doesn't help at all going downhill. Downhill, the problem isn't getting going, it's slowing or stopping. If you have snow and hills (even one reasonable hill), I think you need snow tires with or without AWD. For that matter, AWD doesn't help with braking on level roads either. Since you don't have the roads to yourself, every advantage is worthwhile.

    I have both AWD (Toyota pickup) and RWD (M35) vehicles and I live in a snowy and hilly (not mountains) area. I tried the AWD with all weather tires then switched to snow tires all around because of the downhill/braking issue. I've already purchased snow tires mounted on wheels for my M35 , so they're ready for the changeover when the snow begins.
  • thajorthajor Member Posts: 10
    Not sure why the knocks on Arizona are showing up here, but I moved to Phoenix from Upstate New York 2.5 years ago and haven't looked back since. Perhaps your relatives are not laying down on the asphalt, but are sitting poolside or relaxing in the A/C instead!?! And then there's winter... Phoenix winter is my favorite season anywhere (except maybe San Diego weather)... I love hitting the golf course after watching the weather report showing blizzards up North.

    To each his own... I didn't look back to see if you mentioned where you live, but no reason to knock where others live just because you don't like it (or are jealous ;) )
  • dl8dl8 Member Posts: 25
    David,
     
    Did you find that the problem was going below 45mph and the system turned itself off? If so, was there a way the system alerted you that this was happening perhaps was not good enough? As this is a new technology, one that I am personally interested in, I am curious as to how it works - or, doesn't.
     
    Thanks, Diane

    I think when it was below 45mph, the lane change warning will not work at all.
    Until it reaches 45 mph. To me, it is helpful when you are on the freeway.

    Thanks. David
  • blov8rblov8r Member Posts: 567
    How often, and with what, do writers here recommend "waxing" the new car? I've had my M for six months today (and still nothing for the dealer to tweak or adjust). I live in AZ and have covered parking 90% of the time. Hand washed by a mobile detailer every two weeks ... and he's recommending a waxing every six months for BOTH my wife's GX and my M. I think it's overkill, given the new paints and clearcoats ... but would welcome a bit of guidance.

    With respect to asphalt temps in AZ, my AM tire pressures (when the ambient night air is 70) are 33 - 34; late afternoon pressures (after sitting all day) are 36 - 37 and stay there while driving home. Any advice here? "Up" the cold pressures to 35?

    Thanks,

    Bart
  • wbreaux1wbreaux1 Member Posts: 55
    I just saw that CNN/Money listed the M45 as one of their top 10 cars for resale value, I think giving it the nod in the lux car category. How many honors can a car win?
  • blov8rblov8r Member Posts: 567
    I just saw that CNN/Money listed the M45 as one of their top 10 cars for resale value, I think giving it the nod in the lux car category. How many honors can a car win?

    6 months into a model year hardly qualifies as other than speculation. The used M's out there have either disappointed their owners or been wrecked and fixed. The numbers are silly.

    Bart
  • edspider1edspider1 Member Posts: 195
    blov8r, I agree. We all hope our cars have high resale, but you can't be sure that high initial popularity of a new model will still have high popularity in 2-3 years. At least for now, the M is hot-hot-hot.
  • mlzcarmlzcar Member Posts: 2
    Pete
    Thank you so much for your guidance. You are absolutely right that my dealer did not know what he was talking about. Your adjustment worked fine. What is particularly annoying is that I had also called Infinit Customer Service several times and they gave me a run around until I asked to speak to a supervisor. I finally got a response similar to yours, although not as clear and straight forward.
    I used 2 rotations; that seems to be sufficient. Again, thank you for sharing your resources and information.
    MLZcar
  • sdiver68sdiver68 Member Posts: 125
    Depends on what you count as 'speculation'. Most resale projections you see are based on lease residual values, which are usually based on ALG projections.

    ALG has been rating used car resale values for leasing purposes for as long as I can remember. Every year, their reputation and business model is on the line to accurately asses these values for leasing companies, who must be able to rely on them to turn a profit. They use a complex set of formulas based on historical data in order to assess each new car every year, and every year must cope with dozens of new car launches. The precision of these calculations is about as 'speculative' as actuary life insurance tables or Casino sports odds making.

    The good news, if you do not believe the M will hold its value as well as ALG calculates, you can lease the car and put the risk of low resale value on the leasing company. I'm betting the financial companies and ALG probably know what they are doing, they seem to turn a nice profit each year ;)
  • zidecarzidecar Member Posts: 49
    Any other M owners having a problem keeping their windows clean of the film/coating that appears to deposit itself every few days?

    I'm a non-smoker & use the AC with exterior air circulation on a regular basis. My M is parked outside during the day where it is exposed to the sun. I have been leaving the sunroof open at the rear to allow interior warmed air to naturally convect out the back of the sunroof.

    It is my understanding that the vinyl components from the car interior are known to give off volatile agents that deposit themselves as a film on the windows. I have been using a houshhold window cleaner (e.g., Windex) to remove the film. Nonetheless, the film returns a few days later with a special attraction to the areas where the Windex had dried, leaving a streaked appearance.

    Can anyone recommend a better interior window cleaner to try?
  • mrdeenomrdeeno Member Posts: 4
    did you try invisi-glass or something like that?

    I haven't used it on the M yet (only had the car a week) but used it on my last car and it works great, no streaking.

    Also what about rain-x anti fog? It's a little hard to apply without leaving streaks, but it "may" help.
  • joe_ojoe_o Member Posts: 27
    I did a lot of online research on waxes & polishes. the clear consensus from the guys who seemed to know what they were talking about is this:
    • Carnauba wax gives a richer looking shine, but synthetic polishes last much longer. Interestingly, blind surveys show that more people prefer the look of polish.
    •Nothing lasts a full year.
    •Waxing is a little more work
    •Always start with a squeaky clean car.

    I don't think every six months is overkill. Paint contamination does develop. And what's good for the M is good for the G, so that has no bearing.

    Joe
  • edspider1edspider1 Member Posts: 195
    I'm constantly cleaning the inside glass, but I don't use windex. Visit www.invisibleglass.com and order the $20 kit. It comes with these rags that help, too. It doesn't streak like windex does. I've been using it for years. When I run out again, I'm getting a case! They also make this spray on wet look for your tires which I like because its neat and easy to apply.
  • edspider1edspider1 Member Posts: 195
    I'd like to adjust my comments a bit. Paint contamination happens if the finish is never cleaned. A gentle cleaning every week would do more to maintain the finish than waxing. That said, waxing would protect from automatic car washes and salt and grime...
  • blov8rblov8r Member Posts: 567
    I don't think every six months is overkill.

    Joe ... Thank you. I'll give him the go-ahead. My guess is he uses the polishes; I'll ask. When I was a younger man I loved carnauba ... gave me my best results.

    Bart :shades:
  • joe_ojoe_o Member Posts: 27
    Locally we have a car wash that is non-contact. A laser detects where the boundaries of the car are, then the spray heads get in close without touching. It's great way of keeping the car clean between serious wash & waxes. See if you guys have one locally. Mine is $8 for basic, $10 for "wax", which probably is not worth much, but for two bucks...

    Joe
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