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Yes Lexusguy the E-Class has adaptive headlights that swivel into corners, they've had them since 2004. This feature is included in the optional "Lighting Package"..."Active Curve Illumination". See mbusa.com. They had them in Europe in 2003.
The E-Class also has a single-feed, 6-disc CD changer in the center console. It resides under the wooden panel that contains the rear window sunshade, heated seats etc. buttons.
carnaught,
Glad to hear that. You really do trade cars often.
M
To be fair, the E does have some exclusive things, such as Drive Dynamic seats and Panorama sunroof.
I only say it's overpriced because the 20% premium really is the badge premium, and I personally don't care for that. For people that do put some value in the badge, it won't be overpriced.
My current vehicle (Lincoln LS V8 – 2003 – w/manumatic 5 speed trans.) had essentially the same EPA city / highway ratings as the M45.
I am always suspicious of the MPG numbers in all magazines (except CR) because they do not tell you exactly what conditions those numbers were obtained under.
And the only number I typically solicit from other owners is a Highway number. First, because I can specify conditions with reasonable expectation that someone could easily duplicate them (my city traffic here in Hot-Lanta is likely a little to a lot different that city traffic in a smaller “city” where there is less traffic, and my use of the “low MPG pedal” when traffic opens up a little is likely different than others) and second because highway travel (outside metropolitan areas) typically offers fewer variables – and third, one thing I am interested in is an estimate of range on a tank under highway conditions.
For instance, I would also be interested in seeing reports from M45 owners once they have at least a few hundred miles on them and are able to judge steady highway MPG. I’d like to see what the Trip Computer reads at steady speeds of 65 / 70 / 75 even 80 mph. And I’d really be curious about MPG obtained in “fill up with warm engine and run reasonably steady freeway speeds for three quarters of a tank or so (allowing for a quick break or 2) and re-filling”. That would tell me a lot, where “freeway speed” (or at least a range) was also provided.
This is something that is typically difficult to do in a “test drive”.
Now that it is well broken-in, my LS is capable of burning a tank at somewhat over the EPA highway estimate when I drive long distances in a single day. But my overall average (in over 19,000 miles) is roughly half way between the EPA city and highway estimates. YMMV.
Also re: 23 vs 18 mpg analysis above. . .
I do not dispute your numbers. What I think is important to keep in mind here though is that we are likely talking about only 1.5 or 2 mpg difference over all between the M45 and the closest competition. And not 5 mpg. In equivalent driving. So the difference is actually even smaller. Though if gasoline does spike (and I hope it would only be a “spike”) above $2.50 per gallon, that 25% or better difference in cost each time we fill the tank will feel rather annoying regardless of the vehicle.
Just my 2 gallons worth . . .
- Ray
Still happy that at least the M provides a 20 gallon tank . . .
The good thing was that there was no markup. I paid EXACTLY sticker..(for the 1st time in my life). But as it turns out it was TOTALLY WORTH IT !!! They even threw in a rear spoiler as part of my deal and I won a bet with my salesman about whether the side markers were just "markers" or actual "blinkers"...They are blinkers and I won lunch from my salesman over that one.
Just curious as to what your impression of the car is...
Best thing? Worst thing? Any info is appreciated.
I'm pretty much down to A6 3.2 VS M35x so I'm trying to get as much feedback as I can from owners of both models. Thanks.
If you are paying cash, things may be different, because for ~ $50K you will have a very nice car either way. The Technology package in the Infiniti is a bit of an unknown to me, is is just a gimmick (or a collection of gimmicks?) beats me.
Today, the M35x with Journey, Technology and a nice wing on the butt would win my vote assuming I was leasing (which is a safe assumption.)
However, if price is not an object in this process, well there is still nothing that quite has the feel of the Audi A6 (with the sport package, of course).
Like you, this decision is difficult for me -- perhaps unlike you this decision is emotionally difficult since my wife and I have had 27 Audis since 1977.
Final suggestion: take each one of these cars (with the same colors as much as possible) for a long test drive, take them each on the same roads and make them do the same things. See how they carve up the highway, how they feel at speed on an Interstate, etc.
Then go forward, don't look back. You'll be happy with either one -- unless like me you want to lease and the Audi leasing program blinds you.
Since I'm not an imminent buyer I'm not test driving just yet. I did visit my local dealer and sat in an M45 and it fits me just perfect. Size is great...like the G35 but a bit small for my liking, M car hits the spot.
I'm in So. Cal., so winters aren't bad (rain excepting this year). I don't really need AWD but for handling purposes and for those occasions when it does rain it would be nice. Now the M45 sport appeals because having 8 cylinders is something I've never had and the power of the V8 certainly appeals.
My questions revolve around is it worth it to give up the V8 and go for the AWD and V6 or since I'm in So Cal just go with the V8. The power of the V6 probably is sufficient, I'm sure I could get tickets in either model.
Also in the back of my mind I'm wary about too stiff a ride. I like a stiffer suspension and like feedback from the road but not enough to jolt the caps in my teeth. I have a touring model I30 right now and like the feel of that, wouldn't mind a bit stiffer actually.
Has anyone felt a significant road handling experience with the AWD and how much fun is the V8 vs. the V6 in the M35?
Thanks all!
I've lived in So. Cal, and I'd say that the AWD is not worth it, unless you go skiing a lot or something. The rain in the winter does now justify the extra cost, slower acceleration, and lower gas mileage of the M35x in So. Cal IMO.
Also, given your reservations about a stiff ride, I wouldn't get the Sport either, because the base models are plenty sporty enough. Don't get me wrong, the M45 Sport didn't seem too stiff to me, but others may feel different.
Given your situation, I'd say go with either the non-Sport M35 or the non-Sport M45, and load them up with the goodies you want.
Personally, I think the best car with the best features/luxury/performance/room/value ratio in this class is the M35 RWD with Journey and Navi priced at $45,260.
From Nissannews:
Final drive ratio (:1)
M35 = 3.538 (AWD 3.692)
M45 = 3.357
I am having trouble with their site right now from work, but this is from a save document release / published upon announcement. I believe this is the link:
http://www.nissannews.com/infiniti/2006vehicles/infiniti_m/specs.shtml
The point is that (likely to keep both the reality and a sense of good acceleration) in the G35 and G35x, each has a higher (numerical) final drive ratio. This enhances acceleration, at the cost of higher rpm at cruise. Just one thing possibly worthy of consideration. The final drive ratio change from the M45 to M35 results in 2300 to 2500 rpm at 60 mph, for instance.
- Ray
Who finds it VERY interesting that the 2003 M45 (with essentially a very similar drivetrain, but 150 or so pounds less weight) had a 3:13 to 1 final drive. And a 17 / 23 EPA rating. And Motor Trend published 0 – 60 in 5.8 sec, SS Quarter in 14.40 at 96.3. Hmmm . . .
You have to drive these cars.
One guy 5'11" complained he had no headroom in the new GS 430. I found the headroom adequate and I am 6'2".
I read nothing but glowing things about the LS 430. So I drove one yesterday. Found annoying hesitation in acceleration. After posting that fact yesterday, all of a sudden other posters said "Yes. Me too."
Besides, driving different new vehicles is a lot of fun!
I agree with jrock that a great value would be a loaded M35...right now just thinking less about best value and more about what I'd really want in a car.
It's only a matter of time until the dealer supply exceeds the pent-up demand. Infiniti will produce as many M35s and M45s as they can to increase their bottom line. Patience in purchasing will reward your bank account. Besides the luxury car market isn't as strong as it use to be after the refinancing market dried up a bit.
Does anyone have any knowledge about what happened with the G35. I'm sure it had the same buzz when it came out. They are currently heavily discounted so I'm expecting the same with the M.
Let's all look into our crystal balls and predict when the prices will start dropping.
Impressions:
Infiniti Exterior at night: "WOW"
Infiniti Interior at night: "owww"
The Infiniti looks GREAT on the outside. I was relieved to find that it makes a great impression, very aggressive, menacing headlights, and looks absolutely nothing like it's Nissan brethren (Maxima and Altima).
On the inside however, I was a little dismayed to find that the by-day white console buttons and Infiniti trademark clock actually glow yellow/orange when the lights come on. These, coupled with the overly bright, white-blue nav display can only be described as garish. (Infiniti found a way to incorporate the yellow from the sport models into the interior of the toned down non-sports...but only at night!)
Audi Interior at night: "WOW"
Audi Exterior at night: "eh"
The A6's interior looks good during the day, but is outstanding at night. There is no contest here vs the M35. The soft blue and white backgrounds in the driver's dash instruments are sharply accented by an aggressive but controlled iridescent red outlines. The red, which can only be described as 'perfect', accents all of the center consol controls. The nav screen, with black background and yellow and white lettering, blends in to the rest of the presentation and never distracts. Compared to the blinding nav screen in the M35, it is a pleasure to look at.
The soft purple-white lights in all four footwells can be controlled through the MMI system and only add to an interior that can only be described as 5-Star. Pardon the corny punnery, but the difference between the A6 interior in daylight vs. the cabin at night, is, well....night and day. As is the difference between the M35 interior day vs. night, only the Infiniti cabin looks much better in daylight.
The exterior of the A6 is nice, but nowhere near as defined as that of the M35. It is, much like the interior during the day, understated and classy, taking little chances. It is, eh.
Where has all of this tire kicking, light switching, test driving, seat adjusting, and review reading brought me? Nowhere. I am just as torn between the two, if not moreso, now that I have been able to check out the very worst and best that each has to offer. Argh.
Your post points out to me that this is very subjective.
Regarding the A6 MMI, it was a PITA. Not at all intuitive. The steering wheel controls were not much better. The G35X dash layout(w/o Nav)was simple to use. Dials and buttons controlling the radio and HVAC were easy to use.
I am leaning toward the M35X since I can't see see myself fiddling with the MMI to change a radio station or adjusting the heat or fan speed. I'l drive the M35x again to confirm my decision. I just can't bear to pay MSRP. Does aqnyone know if COSTCO offer deals on Nissan products like they do on American made cars, which I believe is $600 over invoice? Thanks, Bill
Your post points out to me that this is very subjective."
- - - - - -
carnaught,
Your post points out to me that you are very perceptive.
...yes, my decision (to be) is as much about performance and hard numbers as it is about what I perceive as 'beauty'. Aren't all are car purchases?
I am trying to come to a decision between the A6 3.2 and the M35x as well. I agree that the Audi rides smoother and that is important for those of us in the n.east. But what did you think of the engine noise in the M35x? Did you find it to be at all loud or distracting, especially when accelerating? I drove two different M35x's and I swear that one was noticeably quieter than the other. Just wondering what you heard....or didn't.
The MMI (while not as simple as individual designated controls obviously) is actually fairly easy to learn (this from someone who's spent all of 2 hours in the car, maybe.) I'm sure you could master it in one sitting, it's pretty well laid out.
The heat and fan speed are not included in MMI, they're controlled by the knobs underneath the digital temp/fan speed display.
With a heavy heart, I called the dealer and asked to trade it for a regular M45. However, my dealer suggested that rather than do this, I should attempt to drive the M45 Sport with the standard 18” tires and offered to swap them for me. After doing so I found that the ride was much improved for me and I decided to keep the car with the new tires. The funny thing was that after a few days, the tire pressure sensors started working and I found out that even my new tires were overinflated (again to 36 psi). So I let some more air out and now am extremely pleased with the ride of my car. I love the stiffer suspension and the sports seats, and with the new tires, the ride feels very smooth to me.
I have only 3 minor complaints about the car. 1) The heated seats warm up very slowly and do not get as hot as they should. 2) Much of the Navigation system is disabled when the car is driving, and can not even be accessed through the voice commands. I hope that someone comes up with a hack around this. 3) When you go over speed bumps too fast, the bottom of the car can hit the bump. This might be what the Edmund's reviewers were referring to when they said that the car crashed over bumps.
These are really minor quibbles, and again, so far I am extremely satisfied with the car. It is a pleasure to drive, handles very well, and hopefully very soon I will have finished breaking in the engine and will be able to really test the acceration.
Albert
Interesting post from Albert, downsizing to 18" wheels. I suspect the tirewall height (aspect ratio) is higher than what he had with the 19" wheels and that produces the softer feeling ride. Glad to hear it worked out for Albert!
I'll probably test both M45 sport and non-sport and see what happens. There are some feature enhancements like active steering, etc. on the sport models that are appealing and I've always been a fan of sport/luxury vs. luxury/sport...
Shock is what I'm looking for if I spend 50+K for a car...in the positive sense of the word.
It'll probably be 18+ months before I actually purchase a new car, the I30 is still going strong!
First, thanks for posting this follow up.
This I find very interesting. Interesting that the dealer would offer to do this. (Perhaps he had a non-Sport owner that would pay for the 19” wheels / tires?) More interesting is that you perceived such a difference between the M45 Sport that you test drove and the one you bought.
Specifically what is (was) the annoyance to you? Suspension response to pavement that is broken / poorly patched? Concrete road seams? General rough / worn surface ride and / or noise? Curious . . .
And: Could you, next time you are at your dealer, “check drive” another M45 Sport? Or (better) the one you previously test drove? With a check of tire pressures? I’d be very interested in your impressions. . .
“I have only 3 minor complaints about the car. 1) The heated seats warm up very slowly and do not get as hot as they should.” - Albert
Well, that was my perception as mentioned in a test drive (posted impressions above) as well – but somewhat tempered by the fact that on my Lincoln I have to (HAVE TO) turn them down (or off) within a mile or I’d have scorched butt . . .
I am a bit more concerned about the “bottom of the car can hit the bump” over speed bumps observation. Seems odd – particularly since any vehicle with a reasonably stiff spring / damper combination should not allow that.
Anyway, thanks for posting your comments. Please post additional information as you accumulate miles? And good luck!
- Ray
With a couple more things to check out before signing the paperwork . .
PS - THANKS to all the members in this forum for your insight - it definitely was the deciding factor in my decision to purchase the vehicle
Thanks.
BTW, my only real complaints so far are the lack of a 12V plug in the center console, and no place for coins or pens, like my G353 had...
Also, I think the handling is superb. My G35 was much harsher than the M is. I just don't look forward to putting snow tires on it next winter - it's already been garaged three days in the last week due to inclimate weather.
Page 4-53?
Was your G35 a sedan or coupe?
What tires?
What year?
And. if sedan, did it have the Sport suspension?
Thanks,
- Ray
Driven Gs - and Ms . . .
From the manual:
"Power outlet is located on the back of the
center console (Model with DVD drive) or
in the center console (Model without DVD
drive)."
Is this not a 12V plug?
Thanks,
- Ray
Thinking it would be pretty strange for the M not to have (at least) one there . . .
Thanks,
-Dan
I believe that Costco does offer discounts on Nissan products, however I doubt evevn they can offer current discounts on Infinitis.........I think I am going to wait 3-6 months ans see where prices are at that time for both the GS300 and the M35 and then make a decision!
In reference to your comment "2) Much of the Navigation system is disabled when the car is driving, and can not even be accessed through the voice commands. I hope that someone comes up with a hack around this."
I am very interested to know what specific functions do not work when driving. I did not realize this was an issue during my test drive, and would like to hear your comments regarding specifics. Have you spoken to the dealer? If so, what does the dealer have to say?
In Atlantta, the lease for a regular M35 is $609, however I am not sure about the M35x......