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Infiniti M35/M45 Maintenance and Repair

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Comments

  • wbimmerwbimmer Member Posts: 7
    I am curious to find out what servicing alternatives are available. Does everyone pretty much go to a dealer? Don't know about you but the prospect of paying $979 plus tax for a 30k servicing does not appeal to me. Does anyone have experience with "non-dealer" service centers?

    I live in the bay area and have just purchased a pre-owned M45 sport.
  • ghstudioghstudio Member Posts: 972
    The somewhat obvious solution is to ignore the prepackaged 30K service that the dealer has conveniently put together. Look thru the manual and only have the things that are required done. Skip all the "check and adjusts" which they don't do anyway. The most profitable service a dealer does is those prepackaged specials.

    I stopped doing the "prepackaged" services years ago and have never had a problem with any car or with any warranty. I also skip any intermediate prepackaged services. I get the oil changed at the dealer every 3-5K miles and have the tires rotated every couple of oil changes (at the dealer because my hope is that they calibrate their air wrenches and won't warp the rotors) so the dealer can't blame a tire place if the rotors are warped. I almost never do an alignment unless I can tell that the car needs one by looking at the tires or if I am replacing the tires so the tire dealer can't claim that the tires are wearing unevenly due to lack of alignment. I generally don't keep cars long enough to do the brakes but if I do, I always have the rotors checked and rebuild the calipers at the same time....at the dealer. I never have the rotors turned....that just is an invitation to warping no matter what anyone says.

    If you get to the point where the book says to replace the timing chain or belt....don't ignore that one. If that goes, the engine will self destruct. Transmission fluid and coolant changes are also a good investment ignored by too many. I've never replaced brake fluid or power steering fluid in my life.
  • wbimmerwbimmer Member Posts: 7
    I like your approach however having just bought the car I want the 30K servicing done to give myself some peace of mind.

    Or is there a way to get coupons or discounts to bring the price down? I dont mind paying $500 considering how much must be done in the 30K servicing however one dealer quoted $979+tax.

    Have you tried serving your car with any shop other than an Infiniti dealership?
  • barryendbarryend Member Posts: 121
    Take it to a good shop. Have them change the oil, gas, air, & hepa filters. Rotate the tires. Look at battery terminals. The rest is BS. $200.00 would be generous.

    Owning an Infiniti=peace of mind. It is the most reliable auto made. Any problems I had we in technology gadgets and garbage Goodyear tires. Warranty replaced the common defective 2006 steering rack looseness.

    Maybe an alignment if you need new tires. If you have the Goodyears (M35X) you probably need new tires. Look at ratings on Tire Rack. New tires not Goodyear will be a huge improvement. OEM tires are garbage. Next Infiniti I get I will not leave the showroom with OEM tires. (Same for most other car brands)

    Dealers want you to believe it needs service like a 1965 Jaguar. That is puffed up nonsense. 60,000 miles is the time to spend money.

    If I go to the dealer for anything I tell them do not do any work not covered under warranty without my prior approval.
  • osbornkgosbornkg Member Posts: 30
    Now have 30K on our 07-M35. This is our 3rd Infiniti. First was a 04-I35 then a 07-M35, which was totaled, and a replacement 07-M35. They are very dependable automobiles and I believe the M35 saved us from serious injuries.

    I run AMSOIL oil and oil filters. Their 5W-30W is recommended for 25K miles and their new oil filters run the same mileage. As for maintenance on this M35 with 30K, I have only changed oil/filter once and the engine air filter once. I will be considering in 09 changing the other fluids to extended range fluids, as we will be keeping this M35 longer. AMSOIL makes excellent synthetic lubricants for most fluid applications.

    I agree, 60K is the time to spend money. The earlier uses of synthetic lubricants help promote longer mechanical life when someone wants to keep their cars an extended period of time.

    Discount Tires here in the US does the tire rotation for free.

    Only concern I have with our 2nd M35 is we needed to replace the
    Bridgestone tires at 25K. I decided on Michelin Primacy MXV4 replacement tires and they have proven to run much quieter then the Bridgestone tires and have improved steering characteristics to a point that a non-professional person can feel the difference.
  • art234art234 Member Posts: 99
    I have to counterpoint those who say the M is reliable. I have had an ongoing problem with the drivetrain which is now headed to arbitration.

    I brought it back again last week for the same problem and they refused to touch it--told me the factory had told them NO MORE repairs on my car.

    Based on that I contacted the BBB and am filing papers this coming week.

    It's one thing to say they won't take the car back--it's completely unacceptable to refuse to repair it.

    They are clueless-the district tech specialist drove the car and acknowledged something is wrong but they have no idea how to fix the vibration in the drivetrain.

    All I can say is caveat emptor.
  • wbimmerwbimmer Member Posts: 7
    Thanks for the great feedback. I agree dealers tend to overcharge - especially for things like tire rotation, oil changes, transmission fluids, brakes etc. I want to find a good mechanic who can do a good job of this 30K inspection - especially having just bought the car.

    How can I find a good repair shop who will have the necessary Infiniti diagnostic equipment? I am somewhat new to the San Francisco Bay area, and most of my friends are not savvy about using local auto repair shops.

    I found checkbook(.org) has a ranking of auto repair shops in San Francisco they sell for $15. I have also considered calling AAA-certified auto repair shops and asking if they service Infiniti M's - however I am not sure what questions I should ask them.

    I am hoping the experts in this forum will have some good pointers on how to go about finding a mechanic and what questions I should be asking.
  • barryendbarryend Member Posts: 121
    I don't live there. But I suggest going to an area where there are middle class people so you don't pay "Hamptons" prices. Try a tire chain or oil change chain. Brakes have to be inspected for state inspection anyway. May be worthwhile to have the dealer do the brakes since there are lots of cheap replacement parts being sold. The issue is whether you really need the brakes done.
  • ghstudioghstudio Member Posts: 972
    there are some problems with the tire/oil change chains. Every time I go to one of those shops, they show me my air filter and tell me it needs to be changed using their own (cheap) brand. Brake shops are worse because they use the cheapest quality pads. Keep in mind that cheap pads may effect your rotors and then you are talking real money. Additives? Nitrogen in the tires (the latest sales pitch). transmission fluid dirty (probably not your fluid)....Of course it's much worse if my wife takes the car in for service.

    Bite the bullet....go to the dealer for oil changes and get their (overpriced) filters. Also, for brakes, use the dealer...and point out that the rotors aren't warped when you go in.....and have them write that down, because if they overtorque the tires or don't put the pads in right so the rotors overheat, you may develop warped rotors.

    And if the service manager comes and sits down beside you to review all the other things that they've found....thank him and say you'll consider doing them the next time :)

    One dealer kept telling me i needed a new Hep filter...my air flow was reduced. I told him that I would replace it myself...The next time I went in, I asked the service guy to check to make sure the air flow was good and the same service guy said it was working great with full air flow. (of course I did nothing).
  • osbornkgosbornkg Member Posts: 30
    Did a Google and found:

    The Garage - Independent Nissan / Infiniti Service
    www.thegaragesf.com
    340 10th Street
    San Francisco, CA 94103
    (415) 864-0111

    They appear to be highly rated with 33 reviews and more

    Might want to call and see if they have a referral list of people to call. Wishing you well.
  • osbornkgosbornkg Member Posts: 30
    I’m saddened you’re having these difficulties with your Infiniti. You’re living the horror of the relationship between the Infiniti owner and the dealership. I know you likely have but you didn’t mention whether you had called Infiniti directly to have this matter resolved in a professional way? It is just not like Infiniti wanting to have customers posting unresolved matters on message boards.

    United States Consumer Affairs for Infiniti is: 800-662-6200, then press #7.

    Wishing you well – this too will pass.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Rising Sun garage in San Rafael California has a good reputation.
  • art234art234 Member Posts: 99
    Thank you for your note. I had contacted Infiniti, and they sent the district Tech to drive the car-he ACKNOWLEDGED there is a problem, and authorized changing the tranny and all the driveshafts. After that repair failed I asked to return the car, they refused, and offered me the following:

    1. Reimbursement for my tire expense (I paid half for the new tires - $550)
    2. One month payment for me for my inconvenience
    3. IF I took another Infiniti they offered me the free maintenance package on the new car.

    I declined all that, said I want them to fix the car. I made an appointment with Infiniti Service, and when I showed up they told me they are not allowed to touch the car--Infiniti TOLD them they can't do any more repairs.

    So let's see--they ADMIT there is a problem, then REFUSE to fix it or make it right with the customer.

    Great way to make sure I'd lease another Infiniti---NOT.
  • ghstudioghstudio Member Posts: 972
    Perhaps they don't want to touch the car...but get them to write a service ticket...and then get them to write down what they did or why they didn't do anything. Then send a copy of that to Infiniti and tell them that you are contacting your lawyer or your local TV consumer advocate if you don't hear from them in 24 hours. Keep it very businesslike.

    If they do nothing, you have the documentation in hand....go forth and stick it to Infiniti and your dealer.
  • ghstudioghstudio Member Posts: 972
    BTW...there must be something missing here....because there are very strict federal and state laws about warranty's. I doubt that Infiniti or a dealer would actually state that they would not work on a car with a clear, reproducable problem. That's just begging for legal action.

    So what are we missing??? Was the car in an accident? is it out of warranty?
  • osbornkgosbornkg Member Posts: 30
    I agree there is something missing in dealing with your concerns. It just isn’t Infiniti’s history to be handling you the way they are.

    In my M35-07 information packet there is a booklet entitled, “Customer Care & Lemon Law information". Perhaps, the time has come to start the process of requesting a replacement or repurchase of your vehicle.

    I’m saddened you’re unable to resolve your concerns with Infiniti. Wishing you well as you move forward.
  • art234art234 Member Posts: 99
    There is nothing missing from the story. It is as dumbfounding to me as it is to you.
    I have ONLY had the vehicle serviced by this dealer, and it is fully under warranty, and has never been in an accident.

    Their line now is that the problem is within normal limits for the car. This is SO not the case.

    I have now informed them that I plan to litigate-and have started working with the BBB on a lemon law claim.

    They are out of line here--the service manager even told me that MANY people in 39 month leases of 2006 M's are desperately trying to get out of the cars--came within an inch of accusing me of fabricating the problem, yet he has driven the car...

    Perhaps it is time to go to the press.......
  • prieto15prieto15 Member Posts: 2
    2006 M35 I have a problem with wind noise very noticible coming from the passenger door pillar and the windshield. I have taken the car twiced to the dealer and they aknwoledge the noice but could not determined the cause, much less fix it. It is very annoying and unacceptable for a 50,000.00 dlls 'luxury car". My 97 cadillac catera is a lot quieter. Any suggestions or idea how to fix it?
  • ghstudioghstudio Member Posts: 972
    Are the headlights on the 2008 M35 now the same color? If not (my 2006 had very different color light), now would i make both low and high beams put out light which is the same color?
  • james27james27 Member Posts: 433
    On the 2006, the low beams are HID lamps and they stay on for both low and high beams. They are essentially mini-arc lights, no filament. The high beams are traditional halogen bulbs. There are companies that make some that are bluer - check out www.piaa.com or maybe www.tirerack.com for some choices. Most of the big lighting companies also make some - GE, Sylvania, etc along with Bosch and others.

    I haven't read the specs on the newest models. There are some that use the same bulb for low and high beam - some have a motorized shield that moves out of the way to enable the high beam. The name they use is bi-zenon.
  • alanpreston05alanpreston05 Member Posts: 36
    I checked www.tirerack.com and www.piaa.com and neither shows any replacement bulbs for the 2006 M35x. Oddly, www.piaa.com has bulbs for virtually all Infiniti's EXCEPT the 2006's and 2007's. Does anyone have any other recommendations for replacing the stock headlight bulbs on the '06 M35x so that the high and low beams match? I'd like it if the fog lights would match too if they're available...the fog lights are yellow.

    Thanks for any recommendations!
  • james27james27 Member Posts: 433
    Both the high beams and the fog lights are a standard H-series (halogen) bulbs, and you can get them that appear more blueish. They only look yellow because the HID bulbs are so white. Same issue way back when before everyone went to halogen bulbs...the old incandescents look downright red in comparison.

    The high beam is a 9005 and the fog is an H11. Just search on those numbers. Increasing the wattage may damage the housing or wiring, so it's safest to stay at the same wattage. Sylvania's 9005CB is whiter than the 'stock' bulb.
  • alanpreston05alanpreston05 Member Posts: 36
    Thanks very much.
  • azeilerazeiler Member Posts: 4
    Five months ago I bought a totaled 2006 M35 and just picked it up a few weeks ago from the body shop. I love it!! I had to add transmission fluid b/c it was low and not shifting properly. After that everything was working fine. At times I’ve driven the car very hard, putting into spins a few times already. At one point when I was manually downshifting to help slow down, the transmission got stuck in 3rd gear. I figured that happened b/c I was “vigorously” downshifting. The next morning, everything was shifting as normal and I haven’t used the manual shifter since. However, a few days later it happened again, but under normal driving conditions. This time I noticed that my back-up camera was also not working, the seat belt light was flashing (something it’s never done before), the key light came on and the seat & steering wheel didn’t move when the door was opened after turning off the car. Again, the next day when everything cooled off, everything worked normally. So what seemed like maybe just a transmission problem is now starting to look like maybe an electrical problem instead. Has anyone experienced this before or have any suggestions? By the way, the car has less than 26,000 miles – is the warranty still good even though it’s a rebuilt title?
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    Being that this is a totaled car, you probably have ZERO warranty whatsoever. My only suggestion is to take it to a dealer and ask them to reprogram the car. Being that you spent so much to rebuild a wrecked car, the cost of reprogramming the computers should be a pittance.
  • azeilerazeiler Member Posts: 4
    Thanks. The dealer just confirmed that there is no warranty.

    I bought the car for $11,800 and paid $10,200 to have it fixed. It is completely loaded, even has a DVD player. What an awesome car.

    I think I'll take it in for re-programming and see if that fixes the problem.
  • james27james27 Member Posts: 433
    Almost everything in the M-series is controlled by a computer. Computers only react to what they are told. Sounds like you have a bad connection(s) which could include an intermittent short or open. I fear it will take someone who knows the electronics very well to diagnose the thing. If you are lucky, the computer diagnostics might have some clues. If you are really lucky, you'll find a connector that is not fully inserted, and all you have to do is lock it together.
  • azeilerazeiler Member Posts: 4
    Dealer says that computer diagnostic code indicates it's something internal, maybe a solenoid, but they aren't sure; so they recommend a new transmission. They also said that it had the wrong tranny fluid and this ruined the tranny. I took it to an oil change place and had them pump out and replace the tranny fluid with clean J-matic. So far it's shifting fine, but I'm still hesitant to really stick it.
  • ghstudioghstudio Member Posts: 972
    If you have trouble filling your M with gas (the nozzle cuts off before the tank is full), Infiniti just released a TSB to fix the problem.
  • lime679lime679 Member Posts: 38
    Hello all,

    I currrently own a 04 S55 and I'm looking to get rid of it before it becomes a deeper money pit. I really do love the car and it grabs loads of attention but I'm ready for something else. I really like the M45 but have not gone to drive one yet because I'm afraid I'll buy it on the spot. So... I've looked online at some pre-owned ones and they are pretty cheap. I would never buy a new one after seeing the depreciation of this model. But anyway, is there anything that I should be aware of on the M45 before I seriously consider the vehicle. I would probably purchase one with anywhere from 15K to 45K miles. Any input is welcome.
  • jian2003jian2003 Member Posts: 4
    hi,

    Did anybody have the steering issue with 2006 M35 sport? Recently bought one with 36,000 miles. Change the whole set of tire to Michelin pilot Sport All Season. Alignment once.

    The car can't keep in the center of road. You have to hold the steering wheel all the time to adjust the random pulling effect (right or left). The driving feeling is so unsafe.

    After some research on the forum, it looks like some steering rack issue.

    Have been to dealership several times. One dealer said it's the typical way of this car. The other said it is tire-related. But none of dealer want to work on the steering rack.

    Very disappointed :( . any suggestion?
  • barryendbarryend Member Posts: 121
    Pepe Infiniti in White Plains, NY was glad to replace my steering rack. It helped allot. I still think the design of the car lacks steering centering fell. Maybe lack of caster in the geometry. I replaced the Goodyear OEMs with Conti Conatcts too. Michelin Primacy is supposed to be a softer ride than Pilots.. I probably will not lease another M35X. Steering and ride not that great. Gas mileage poor but with gas so low it is not a big issue this month. Otherwise it's a great car.
  • finadvfinadv Member Posts: 59
    Does anyone get the Service Engine Soon light on when they full up with gas? Seems maybe every other time I get gas, the light goes on. Eventually it goes off again, but it's annoying. I make sure the cap is on tight and I don't over fill it. Not sure what's causing it. Anyone with similar experiences?
  • jian2003jian2003 Member Posts: 4
    hi,

    Just update some information about the steering issue about the 2006 M35 sport. After contacting infiniti comsumer affair, the rep claims they can't do anything if the dealer can't reproduce the problem. Asking for her supervisor, the same speech. They all think the wondering is normal for the M.

    What can I do now, after three dealers,rep and supervisor in the infiniti comsumer affair?
  • ghstudioghstudio Member Posts: 972
    1) make an appointment with your service manager to meet the infiniti area service rep. Have them both in the car and drive it in an area where the problem is very evident (you have to do your homework and know where to drive to show the problem).

    2) file a formal complaint with the NHTSA.

    3) Infiniti is trying very hard to avoid a recall on this. Review this forum, Fresh Alloy and Nico forum. Print out all the entries on this topic and send it to the supervisor at Infiniti (and give a copy to the infiniti regional service advisor when you meet him).
    Point out that this is a known problem and that should any accident occur due to the problem, it is well documented and will likely be an Infiniti legal problem to deal with.
  • barryendbarryend Member Posts: 121
    In my experience and other posting on forums the problem is remedied by replacing the steering rack and the OEM Goodyear RSA's. It sounds like Infiniti is taking a stonewall defensive posture to try to contain the damages. Talk to your Congressman, www.Consumerreports.org, Goodyear, and a class action attorney.
  • ghstudioghstudio Member Posts: 972
    One more thought. I had the bluetooth upgrade on my 2006 M35 although I really didn't have the exact problem that would have caused the upgrade. The service manager coached me thru the "complaint".

    You might want to go out for coffee with your salesman or sales manager and discuss the problem. Maybe they can help convince the service manager that he really can recreate the problem. Remember, Infiniti does not require a video of the service manager experiencing the problem....he just has to say he has experienced the problem and infiniti will pay for the replacement steering rack. The salesman/sales manager might be willing to help, but that, of course, depends on the dealer and your relationship with them.
  • tmartin63tmartin63 Member Posts: 19
    try this for some objective evidence of the steering defect .....

    http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/defect/defectsearch.cfm
  • barryendbarryend Member Posts: 121
    Yes there are several postings there about M35X steering and trammeling.

    First my 2006 year car had a new steering rack replaced by the dealer at 27,000 miles. The original rack became quite loose after 1-year.

    Shortly thereafter I put on Cont Extreme Contact tires. Now it drives quite well. The new tires have much more aggressive, open tread than the OEM Goodyear tires. More like a snow tire. They are excellent in the rain and good on what little snow we had in 2008.

    Postings on forums state Michelin's improve but do not cure the trammeling issue.

    My further opinion is the engineering of the steering lacks on-center feel. That is fundamentally incurable.

    The M35X is a beautiful car with great features at a very good price. I see Infiniti offering $10,000 off MSRP now.

    Make sure you can live with the stiff ride.

    Put on the Contis before leaving the showroom and sell the Goodyears on Ebay. Or better donate them to charity and take a tax deduction. It is worth the extra $1,000 since the car is a bargain.

    It's great now that premium gas is down 50%. It is a gas eater due to weight, 4 wheel drive and gearing.
  • capoanycapoany Member Posts: 32
    My '06 Sport has been great. Got the steering rack done and went to Michelin A/S tires and it steers and rides well. I'm at 44K miles, owe $20K on the loan, and I'm at the inflection point of payoff and keep ( and get a set of winter tires/ wheels) or trade. If i keep it, i'm looking to put 150K mi on the car. I know Nissans are for the most part bulletproof, but i'm wondering if there are any real life examples from forum members regarding high mileage M's...experiences, major repairs, etc. Fire away and thanks!
  • nolan001nolan001 Member Posts: 3
    Just wanted to share a humerous happening about a rattle. Bought a new m35x about a year and half ago. For two months from the time I bought it I heard a rattle evertime I would hit a bump or a washboard type road. Went crazy trying to find the rattle. One day for some reason(even though I don't where sun glasses) I opened the sunglass holder in the roof console. Someone at the dealership had left a pair of great looking sunglasses in the holder. Removed the glasses and the rattle disappeared. Have slept well since.
  • southbay1southbay1 Member Posts: 9
    I too am experiencing the steering defect and extremely low gas mileage (~14 mpg in local driving) with my '06 Sport (27,000 miles). I just bought it this past summer (came off of a two year lease) and generally like the car but am now wondering if I made the right choice.

    Before I go back to my dealer about the steering rack does anyone know if this fix is covered by the warranty and if this is indeed the best way to correct the issue? The gas mileage sucks but that I can live with for now - the steering problem not so much.
  • ghstudioghstudio Member Posts: 972
    The steering problem may be a faulty rack which would be covered under warranty. Your service manager has to see/feel the problem driving the car and sometimes that's the tough part.
  • tmartin63tmartin63 Member Posts: 19
    I'd be concerned about the 14 mpg city too. My '07 gets 17.5 mpg city and I drive it fairly aggressively. Are going around all day with your right foot on the floor? If not, I'd question why only 14 mpg.
  • barryendbarryend Member Posts: 121
    I have a 2006 M35X. Tracking was dangerous. My steering rack was replaced under warranty in 2007 and that helped allot. Shortly thereafter I replaced the horrible 27,000 mile OEM Goodyear GT-A tires with Continental Contacts. That helped even more. They greatly improved wet and snow traction and softened the ride.

    The M still does not track that well but the roads in my Westchester, NY area are horrible. Otherwise the car is great.

    My theory is the design of the steering lacks caster in the alignment. It is incurable. More caster would increase the steering's tendency to go straight.

    Gas mileage is not very good. Killed me last summer. It is a heavy car with 4-wheel drive and the top gearing is low. No 7-speed on the M35X even for 2009. No real cure. Go light on the pedal and easy on the a/c. Keep the air cleaner clean. Sluggish on regular gas use mid grade or premium.

    My lease is over soon. Thinking of Audi an A4 (a bit small not cheap but wonderful),
    Caddy CTS 4 wheel drive (beautiful, aggressive prices, no backup camera, great warranty, On Star, but who knows about GM service and quality?)
    Infiniti G-37 sedan (a bit small and rear seats do not fold down),
    Good but uglies: Acura TL and Infiniti FX. (don't know if I can look at those for years).
  • southbay1southbay1 Member Posts: 9
    My driving is almost always local and I'm actually driving fairly easy to get the 14 MPG -- driving it hard brings it down closer to 12. Based on consumption history in the computer the best the previous driver did was about 18 mpg (assume that was more highway miles). With gas below $2/gal it's just an annoyance but I'd sure love the additional gear.

    As for the steering rack - I'll make an appointment with my service rep and hope that they notice the same thing I do (somehow I suspect that Murphy's Law will temporarily disappear...). The car has OEM Bridgestone Potenza RE050As that have a fair amount of mileage left on them and none of the boards have pointed to these tires as a culprit. Will keep you all posted.
  • barryendbarryend Member Posts: 121
    The 4 wheel drive should use more gas than the rear wheel drive. I cannot understand your low mileage. Maybe it is allot of hills and heavy traffic.
  • tmartin63tmartin63 Member Posts: 19
    Have a '06 Caddy CTS 3.6 (wife's car). 58k trouble free miles. My '02 Olds Intrigue .. 100k trouble free before I sold it to my neice 3 yrs ago - still driving it. My point is GM builds some very good/reliable/affordable cars. Don't shy away from the '09 CTS. It's prob what I'll buy next yr when the '06 comes off smartbuy.
  • southbay1southbay1 Member Posts: 9
    So I went to the dealer this morning (Infiniti of South Bay) and took the technician for a drive. They had never heard of any other M35/45 having the issues I was experiencing which is no surprise - they don't want to admit there is a problem). During the test drive the car tramlined (as expected) but they said that that is normal driving characteristic of the M35.

    Dutifully, they checked the alignment and found nothing out of the ordinary and said that the grabby/wandering steering is typical of a "sport" model with 19" wheels and low profile tires, particularly on bumpy/uneven road surfaces. Unless Infiniti issues a technical bulletin they are not going to be doing any steering rack work. I also asked the service manager about gas mileage and he said that 14-15 MPG is typical of what they're seeing until the car is sufficiently broken in and after which it should get closer to 18 MPG (apparently 27K miles is not broken in enough).
  • ghstudioghstudio Member Posts: 972
    Your technician may not have heard of it, but your service manager should have been in the car with you. I suggest you drive a 2008 sport to see if it does the same thing. With stock tires and 19" wheels, it is, unfortunately, a common complaint.

    Ask to meet with the Infiniti service representive the next time he visits the dealer. Tell them that it is a safety concern...your wife drives the car and at times it jerks and is uncontrollable. Make them write that on the service ticket from today's visit...or make them write up a new ticket saying "customer concerned about safety. At times the car is uncontrollable when it catches a tar strip of similar in the road". Make sure that the infiniti rep sees that those words are on file.

    (note: at some point Infiniti is going to wind up in court on this issue due to an accident. With documentation such as I am suggesting, they will have a great deal of difficulty saying they were unaware of the issue).

    The tires really are the bulk of the problem and changing them seems to be a significant part of the solution. Not all the cars need a new steering rack, but you want to be on record, just in case you have a problem down the road.....and need an extended warranty repair.

    As far as gas mileage...your car is broken in. I got 16-17 on my 06 M35 and I only rarely floor it. Most of my driving is in a spralled out city with a fair number of lights. If I were in NY with lights at every corner, I would expect significantly less MPG. I always burn regular fuel. I now get about 19 on my 08 M35 (5000 miles) using regular with no ethanol which is available at a few local stations.
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