I've always wondered about the sprayed on "wax" at the no-touch mechanical car wash. How can it be protective for the car and not screw up the windows? No wax that easy to apply can do much good I figure even for 2 bucks! Never made any sense so I never use it although the pretty colors are kinda cool looking so my kids always complain when I don't have it spritzed all over my M!
That's a common problem with tinted window (the light fog deposit). Windex is a no-no (it's designed for glass, not tinted film). A mixture of little vinegar and water applied with a cloth (not paper towel) will keep the windows clean without streaks. I've used this for years on my cars with great success by cleaning the windows weekly (it only takes a few seconds per window).
> Are there any problems with tinting the M's with greater than 35% tint?
I can't tell for sure as I've used no more than 20%. In fact, the shop that did the job recommended me the mixture of vinager & water, and it's been working great on my previous and current cars. The key thing is not to use common chemicals found in windows cleaning products, and to use just enough vinegar to remove the stains (such as fingerprints and dust deposit). But I'm pretty sure this is safe on 35+% tint (which must be quite dark to use in a car, no?)
I purchased an M35 Sport on Saturday and I just realized that I did not get the Mud flaps (it was on my list, but for some reason I did not check to see if this car had the flaps installed). So...are the mud flaps worth getting...do they protect the car or is it mostly cosmetic?
With another Boston winter approaching, I want to get some mats to cover the OEM ones for the winter. Anyone have particular ones that they like? I was looking at the Hexomat rubber mats. $40 for front only. Are there better options out there?
Where did you see them for $40? I googled hexomat and saw prices only about $50. I want to get some winter mats too, and have been thinking about the WeatherTech. Anyone tried them?
I found some good mats at Walmart- Heavy duty thick rubber, with carpet centers and full rubber underneath the carpet, and rubber along the edges. Match very well, but you need to trim a bit. They match the black interior very well. I do not want all rubber mats, prefer the black carpet/rubber combination. Since they are only $24.00 for front & rear, if they do not work out well, I will replace with mats that custom fit. It wasn't a cost issue. I just liked the mats. At that price, I will replace as needed. Walmart selection is a mixed bag- some stores have a great selection, and some do not. I also bought 5 quart containers of Mobil 1 for $20.00 for the oil changes. I have not decided if I want to extend the oil change interval, or just change the filters when recommended. I wonder if Infiniti will insist on the recommended interval to warranty the engine? I will write them on that.
Last winter I purchased a set (front & rear) of rubber mats from WeatherTech for my wife's car. The rear mat was one long piece and needed to be trimmed before it would fit. This was not a problem for me. The mats held the water and salt thus protected the carpeting. Would I buy them again; yes I would.
I also live in the Boston area and know of the problems the winter season can present to us drivers.
A mixture of little vinegar and water applied with a cloth
Hi, Mexibec. Thanks for the tip. I've always found the grime that accumulates on the windshield, windows, and instrument cluster a nuisance to eliminate so I'll give this a try.
I checked out the hexomats from autoanything.com. I used to get weathertec, but don't like them. They don't really fit well and are so big. The hexomat looks like a much better solution.
You can also buy OEM custom fit clear cover mats for $39. Replacing the original mats runs about $100.
I checked out WalMart and also like the rubber-backed carpet, but these Hexomats have a bunch of cup-like cells that catch the water and sand better. Plus they're custom fit and, I believe, have the holes to hook on to like the OEM mats.
I have a custom hexomat which works well. I have the beige interior so it's hard to find a mat that looks good. The translucent hexomat works well trapping the dirt that would show up easily on a lighter interior.
In case you're wondering, finding parts to fix a damaged M is tough. My M35x which was crunched in the driver's front side has been waiting 3 weeks for two parts. I'm obviously not happy and the body shop isn't either since my disassembled M is occupying one of their bays waiting for two structural parts. At this rate another 3 weeks if I'm "lucky."
I did a lot of online research on waxes & polishes.
Joe ... The mobile detailer who does my car at the office just did a Carnauba job on my M yesterday ... and it absolutely glistens. He's a designated detailer for the Lamborghini Club in the SW ... annually goes to the concours in Monterey and details 24/7 for them. He ONLY uses Carnauba because it a) shines better, and b) lets the paint "breathe". The synthetics seal the paint and (at least according to him) in the long term actually cause it to degrade.
For cleaning the inside of windows and film he uses a mixture of alcohol and water; again, no Windex because it contains ammonia. I mentioned the vinegar/water mix to him ... said he'll give it a try.
"No offense but late model paint technology doesn't breathe, that's an old myth.. once it cures that's it..... The older lacquers and enamels needed time for the solvents to evaporate and release, that is where the term "paint breathes" comes from. Wax would seal the paint and prevent the solvents from releasing. This led to a whole bunch of paint related problems. That's why paint manufacturers still tell you not to apply WAX for thirty days. Because WAX does not let the paint breathe.. and actually suffocates it..:( Funny ain't it....:(
All urethane paints and late technology paints use a catalyst for hardening and curing. The paint is fully cured in about 36 to 72 hours. But to answer your original question. Zaino contains no silicones or waxes and yes it's breathable...
Hope this helps.. "
He also attached an article from "Guru Reports" saying that, in fact, wax is NOT porous and breathable, but synthetics are!
Makes sense to me. The new paint technology is obviously more durable than the old paints, and that's the reason I questioned the need for a sprucing up every six months. I've always had my cars detailed annually, and for a few weeks they looked great but then reverted to merely looking good. And rainwater beaded irrespective of when in the waxing cycle it rained. I'll likely dispose of this M at the end of the lease ... and get another ... so someone will get a pampered low-mileage sport w/ all the toys in early summer, 2008. Bart :shades:
PS: 6 1/2 months and still nothing for the dealer to service. Only oil changes!
Question....any advice on where to buy a set of wheel locks (lug nuts) for the M35 Sport? Is it better just to go to the Infiniti dealership or is there some good place on-line, or maybe my local Auto Zone / Advance Auto / etc.?
Another question...are the "keys" (lug wrench) different for each set of locking lug nuts or is there a limited number of different keys similar to house keys...
> Are there any problems with tinting the M's with greater than 35% tint?
Tinting darkness is often regulated by local laws, so be careful. I don't know the numbers here in AZ, but there's a different limit for the driver's windows v. back windows and it can get you a serious fine if you violate the limits. My daughter moved from Scottsdale to Chicago, windows tinted legally here, and was immediately ticketed by the Chicago police for having tinted windows ... period.
I do like the look of tinting ... adds some zip to the appearance of any car. And here in the desert it's a matter of self defense to tint windows ... the heat's otherwise unbearable in the 6 hot months. Bart :shades:
With another Boston winter approaching, I want to get some mats to cover the OEM ones for the winter. Anyone have particular ones that they like? I was looking at the Hexomat rubber mats. $40 for front only. Are there better options out there?
Joe
go to Wal-Mart for this... or Costco (I think they have the same thing) I think it is 20+, you will get a set of 4 heavy rubber with carpet in the middle.
I accidently reved the engine past 4 RPM and i was only at 1105 miles, does anyone think that some engine damage was done? Also, I wanted to make sure that my facts are correct, but is it okay for me to rev higher than 4 RPM after 1200 miles? Comments are appreciated.
Just to be clear....don't run at sustained 5-6k rpms. But the highway entrance ramps and two-lane country-road passing situations are no obstacle to enjoying your car.
Compared to the guy on the G coupe board who asked if holding the RPM's at redline for 4-5 seconds (twice, yet) mattered during break-in, you're in a whole different (better) world.
Even his engine is probably OK, and yours is absolutely fine.
That said, this is why I prefer new cars with single-digit mileage at purchase.
Earlier on this board there was some good discussion on break in.
There is a good argument and good evidence that if you do NOT rev your engine hard before 1200 miles you never allow the rings to seat. Go back and read the discussion if you are interested.
Has anyone conjured up a way to drive an M without a key fob? All I can glean from the manual and the dealer is that without the fob the car's dead ... no backup mechanism ... no "valet" key that will enter or start the car. It's been a nagging concern since I got the car, but came back to the surface with a vengeance when my wife lost her Lexus key somewhere on her way back from Chicago Tuesday night. Lexus has a flat valet key that fits in a credit card pouch in your wallet (as did my Caddy) so she was saved from having to roust me out of bed ~ midnight to trek 45 minutes to the airport to rescue her. Of course it's costing $250 to replace and couple, another minor irritant.
Another concern. Can Infiniti track your car if/when stolen? Do they have the equivalent system to OnStar or the one on MB that alerts a monitoring system when air bags are deployed? With the Nav system it seems they should have the ability to monitor all this. A friend's house was recently robbed while they were out of town ... and their new MB was taken as well. The MB monitoring system knew where the car was, where the thief lived, where he'd gone grocery shopping, etc ... they got the car back undamaged. Another friend wrecked a MB ... and before anything could be initiated by them MB was on the speaker inquiring into their status and sending assistance.
I don't know whether anybody mentioned it or not. But you can buy mats from exactmats. they are perfectly cut to the M series. And they only charge $80 for the whole set. I got them.
Now this makes sense! I've been lurking around for awhile. Currently have a Volvo S80, who's lease is up in July and have been thinking about an m35, if I can afford it. Anyway, here we have a bunch of guys driving 45000-50000 cars and are buying there mats at Walmart and cutting them to fit. Oh boy, I know I'm going to get flamed, but come on guys. There are plenty of quality mats carpet or rubber made to fit your car exactly. And they'll look great. I've got a couple of friends who drive a BMW or MB and use a sample piece of carpet for a mat, talk about tacky.
I also had a Volvo s80 and after the SECOND $3000 repair bill at 70K miles I traded it in for an M35x, didn't get much for the s80 either, they don't have a good rep on resale, leasing sure would've been better. Driving the M35x is so much nicer than hauling around in the s80. Faster, tighter, corners much better than the Volvo, better gadgetry. Volvo seats were great but the M35's are REAL close. You're gonna love the M35 when u get out of the Volvo!
Has anyone found a discount source of the Infiniti tire pressure senders p/n 400700-00001? They retail for about $93. I'm trying to decide if I want to buy another set for some new wheels for snows, but just hate paying full retail.
Has anyone had any issues either either their tire pressure sensors or with a tire having a slow leak? I have started to develop an issue in the driver's side front tire and can't yet determine whether it's just a slow leak or a manufacturing defect in the tire and/or rim that is causing that tire's air pressure to drop to a level where the tire pressure sensor displays two stars (**) and I get the low tire symbol on the dashboard readout.
I will have to have the dealer look at it to make the final determination, but wanted to see if anyone else has had a similar problem?
Yes, and had the dealer look at it. Only thing they found was too low of pressure in two of the tires. They put 34psi. in all the tires; no problem(s) since.
On my JD Power survey I gave the M a low rating on road noise (my last car was a very quiet Lexus) so now Infiniti wants me to meet with their engineers to discuss the issue. Anyone else have any input on this issue that I can share with the Engineers?
Anyone else have any input on this issue that I can share with the Engineers?
Yes. Why don't they offer auto-locking doors, why doesn't the front passenger seat have as many power positions as the driver seat, and why do the rear climate controls change the front climate???
Which engineer decided to put metal grilles over speakers? Not only is metal decidedly NOT acoustically transparent, but the grilles have a bad habit of rattling and resonating at different frequencies depending on the temperature of the car.
Please complain to the Infiniti engineers about road noise. I drove the M35, RL, E350, 530, STS and GS and the M had by far the most intrusive road noise (subjective ear). I think that wind and road noise are clearly objectionable to most people buying in the LPS segment. They may want to hear a little exhaust snarl when they put their foot into it, but mostly want a quiet environment when cruising. Some of this has to do with tire selection, but a lot is suspension tuning and other noise abatement techniques. Infiniti needs to improve in this area relative to its competition.
Yes. Why don't they offer auto-locking doors, why doesn't the front passenger seat have as many power positions as the driver seat, and why do the rear climate controls change the front climate???
Good point, but I'm concentrating on road noise issues not everything they can do to improve the car. I'll see if they even know about this forum so they can read about all the issues their car may have.
Sorry if anyone else already gave you this, but on my M45 the noise with the sunroof open is a little more than it should be. Buffetted is the proper term, I believe, and I don't mean Warren. With everything closed it's a bit louder than it should be, too.
I have to disagree (or actually I should clarify) with your statement about roadnoise pearl. I also test drove many of the cars you mention and I found the RL to have the most road noise (compared to M35, E350, and GS). I did find that the M Sport had more road/tire noise than the standard model (goes with the territory of a sport tuned car with large 19 inch wheels and a firmer suspension). Which model M were you referring to?
I know there are a lot of factors to consider as well - different road surfaces and the outside weather but I tested the RL and M within about 30 minutes of each other and the noise difference was very obvious. Nothing wrong with any of the cars mentioned (to each his own on what they like) - I just wanted to provide my own experience here.
One other note - the road noise was not a specific factor in my decision to buy the M (or any of the other cars I looked at). The decision had alot to do with reputation/reliability, bang for the buck, and of course, the exterior/interior styling. I can say that my decision hinged on the RL and the M. We have owned cars from both manufactures but I could not get past the numerous TSBs and other 'quirks' with the RL. It made it seem like Acura rushed the RL to production since some of the issues with the car are simply unacceptable - for instance, the headlight alert going off when the lights are on auto or the battery being drained when using the remote trunk release - just plain sloppy if you ask me. Again - only my opinion and I am sure RL owners have many reasons to love their cars - as they should. As I mentioned, I was on the verge of buying one as well.
M35X. I love the car, but my one disappointment is the noise. I like a little snarl, but this is way overboard. It bugs me every day. Why have 5.1 sound if you have that much noise? A major downer for me.
I am convinced that most of the road noise that I hear is from the Goodyear RS-A tires. These OEM tires are terrible and notoriouosly loud (see tirerack.com ratings). When I drive on rough concrete higways the tire noise is loud; however when riding on new smooth asphalt it is very quiet. I am seriously thinking about replacing the tires with Pirelli PZero Nero M&S.
Comments
Great to hear that it all worked out for you. Now you can go back to completely enjoying your M.
Pete
Are there any problems with tinting the M's with greater than 35% tint?
I can't tell for sure as I've used no more than 20%. In fact, the shop that did the job recommended me the mixture of vinager & water, and it's been working great on my previous and current cars. The key thing is not to use common chemicals found in windows cleaning products, and to use just enough vinegar to remove the stains (such as fingerprints and dust deposit). But I'm pretty sure this is safe on 35+% tint (which must be quite dark to use in a car, no?)
Joe
Last winter I purchased a set (front & rear) of rubber mats from WeatherTech for my wife's car. The rear mat was one long piece and needed to be trimmed before it would fit. This was not a problem for me. The mats held the water and salt thus protected the carpeting. Would I buy them again; yes I would.
I also live in the Boston area and know of the problems the winter season can present to us drivers.
Regards,
Chris
Hi, Mexibec. Thanks for the tip. I've always found the grime that accumulates on the windshield, windows, and instrument cluster a nuisance to eliminate so I'll give this a try.
Bart :shades:
You can also buy OEM custom fit clear cover mats for $39. Replacing the original mats runs about $100.
Any other inputs before I get out my credit card?
Joe
Back to the rental car- Dodge stratus. Shudder.
Joe ... The mobile detailer who does my car at the office just did a Carnauba job on my M yesterday ... and it absolutely glistens. He's a designated detailer for the Lamborghini Club in the SW ... annually goes to the concours in Monterey and details 24/7 for them. He ONLY uses Carnauba because it a) shines better, and b) lets the paint "breathe". The synthetics seal the paint and (at least according to him) in the long term actually cause it to degrade.
For cleaning the inside of windows and film he uses a mixture of alcohol and water; again, no Windex because it contains ammonia. I mentioned the vinegar/water mix to him ... said he'll give it a try.
Bart :shades:
Here's a reply I got on this from Sal Zain:
"No offense but late model paint technology doesn't breathe, that's an
old myth.. once it cures that's it..... The older lacquers and enamels
needed time for the solvents to evaporate and release, that is where the
term "paint breathes" comes from. Wax would seal the paint and prevent
the solvents from releasing. This led to a whole bunch of paint related
problems. That's why paint manufacturers still tell you not to apply WAX for thirty days.
Because WAX does not let the paint breathe.. and actually suffocates
it..:( Funny ain't it....:(
All urethane paints and late technology paints use a catalyst for
hardening and curing. The paint is fully cured in about 36 to 72 hours.
But to answer your original question. Zaino contains no silicones or
waxes and yes it's breathable...
Hope this helps.. "
He also attached an article from "Guru Reports" saying that, in fact, wax is NOT porous and breathable, but synthetics are!
Joe
Makes sense to me. The new paint technology is obviously more durable than the old paints, and that's the reason I questioned the need for a sprucing up every six months. I've always had my cars detailed annually, and for a few weeks they looked great but then reverted to merely looking good. And rainwater beaded irrespective of when in the waxing cycle it rained. I'll likely dispose of this M at the end of the lease ... and get another ... so someone will get a pampered low-mileage sport w/ all the toys in early summer, 2008. Bart :shades:
PS: 6 1/2 months and still nothing for the dealer to service. Only oil changes!
Another question...are the "keys" (lug wrench) different for each set of locking lug nuts or is there a limited number of different keys similar to house keys...
Thanks.
Tinting darkness is often regulated by local laws, so be careful. I don't know the numbers here in AZ, but there's a different limit for the driver's windows v. back windows and it can get you a serious fine if you violate the limits. My daughter moved from Scottsdale to Chicago, windows tinted legally here, and was immediately ticketed by the Chicago police for having tinted windows ... period.
I do like the look of tinting ... adds some zip to the appearance of any car. And here in the desert it's a matter of self defense to tint windows ... the heat's otherwise unbearable in the 6 hot months. Bart :shades:
Joe
go to Wal-Mart for this... or Costco (I think they have the same thing)
I think it is 20+, you will get a set of 4 heavy rubber with carpet in the middle.
Feel free to let loose.
Even his engine is probably OK, and yours is absolutely fine.
That said, this is why I prefer new cars with single-digit mileage at purchase.
There is a good argument and good evidence that if you do NOT rev your engine hard before 1200 miles you never allow the rings to seat. Go back and read the discussion if you are interested.
Another concern. Can Infiniti track your car if/when stolen? Do they have the equivalent system to OnStar or the one on MB that alerts a monitoring system when air bags are deployed? With the Nav system it seems they should have the ability to monitor all this. A friend's house was recently robbed while they were out of town ... and their new MB was taken as well. The MB monitoring system knew where the car was, where the thief lived, where he'd gone grocery shopping, etc ... they got the car back undamaged. Another friend wrecked a MB ... and before anything could be initiated by them MB was on the speaker inquiring into their status and sending assistance.
Bart :mad:
Dave
I've only had my M35X foe a few weeks, but i can't find one thing to complain about.
Get one in July.
Joe
I will have to have the dealer look at it to make the final determination, but wanted to see if anyone else has had a similar problem?
Yes. Why don't they offer auto-locking doors, why doesn't the front passenger seat have as many power positions as the driver seat, and why do the rear climate controls change the front climate???
Which engineer decided to put metal grilles over speakers? Not only is metal decidedly NOT acoustically transparent, but the grilles have a bad habit of rattling and resonating at different frequencies depending on the temperature of the car.
Good point, but I'm concentrating on road noise issues not everything they can do to improve the car. I'll see if they even know about this forum so they can read about all the issues their car may have.
I know there are a lot of factors to consider as well - different road surfaces and the outside weather but I tested the RL and M within about 30 minutes of each other and the noise difference was very obvious. Nothing wrong with any of the cars mentioned (to each his own on what they like) - I just wanted to provide my own experience here.
One other note - the road noise was not a specific factor in my decision to buy the M (or any of the other cars I looked at). The decision had alot to do with reputation/reliability, bang for the buck, and of course, the exterior/interior styling. I can say that my decision hinged on the RL and the M. We have owned cars from both manufactures but I could not get past the numerous TSBs and other 'quirks' with the RL. It made it seem like Acura rushed the RL to production since some of the issues with the car are simply unacceptable - for instance, the headlight alert going off when the lights are on auto or the battery being drained when using the remote trunk release - just plain sloppy if you ask me. Again - only my opinion and I am sure RL owners have many reasons to love their cars - as they should. As I mentioned, I was on the verge of buying one as well.
Just wanted to add my comments.
Joe