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New M35/M45 Owners - Give Us Your Report!
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So here's the dilemma, I like the 335i for everything but size. I like the G except for size. The M is the right size and priced well compared to a 535i (too damn much). Either I keep what I have or go drive the M again and give it another chance.
Exactly.
This is a common issue, since many new cars appear to be shipped with tires at the absolute maximum pressure, to help prevent flat-spotting. Having read a number of similar posts over the past seven years, I'd recommend carrying a tire pressure gauge & making appropriate adjustments for the test drive, especially for in cars of this calibre. The salesperson may appreciate that you're a serious car person (but not likely).
You've a pleasant decision to make. I hope you'll enjoy the process.
My tires on my new M35X show as 34PSI for all tires. Is that the high end of what is acceptable? I find the ride bumpy and loud as well.
I had Dynamat installed on the doors and floor of my M35x and it made a significant difference in the noise level. Much nicer on a long trip.
It's exactly what it sounds like. With some brands/types of tires, if the car sits for an extended time (usually a few days or more) the tires will "settle" and have a flat spot on the tread from sitting in the same spot for so long. It's nothing serious and the tires will regain their roundness after just a couple of miles of driving.
It's basically like when you lay your head on your arm or a pillow for a while and when you get up you have those lines and creases in your face. That's the exact same thing as flatspotting.
Let us know what you find out if/when you do another test drive, after checking the tire pressures.
I am currently in the market for a 2006 M35/45. I only like the Wheat Interior with Rosewood Trim, which rules out the Sport Package. I am looking for the Technology Package, however.
So, I'm comparing a regular M35 vs. an M45. The cars look identical on the interior & exterior. The only difference I'm aware of is what's under the hood.
The price difference on the used market is between $5K and $8K, depending on exact options, mileage, etc.
Question -- Is an M45 worth the difference? That is a lot of money for just an engine upgrade. But I've also heard the Infiniti V-8 is much smoother and quieter than the V-6. EPA gas mileage is only 1-2 mpg worse. Some people have said an M35 is essentially nicer and larger G35. But the M45 has an unique engine not shared with the G, and that alone is worth the price of admission.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. If there are other differences (good & bad) I haven't thought about, please let me know.
Thanks!
I own the 45 sport and have only test driven the 35. The primary difference that I notice is that the 35 has the same exhaust chip set as the G35. This creates a fairly pronounced exhaust note that some people don't care for. It really is a nice sound but at the high revs required on the highway can be a little noisy for some. It tends to be pretty constant as well so if you want extreme quiet the 45 may be the better choice.
As you also mentioned, depending on how the car is driven, you may get nearly the same mpg in the 45 that you would in the 35. The numbers I've gotten to date are very similar to what I've seen posted here by owners of the 35.
Performancewise, the 45 is quicker and can pin you in your seat but both cars are plenty quick enough for most people.
Function and handling seem the same so I believe it really comes down to whether you prefer a little extra punch and a quieter ride or whether you'd prefer to save some money.
I've often wondered how much better the M35 non-sport version would sell if they would tone down the exhaust note a little. The most common complaint, especially from those who have switched to the M35 from other luxury vehicles, is the noise.
I have the V6 and it is fast and handles well. I do not know if the heavier V8 will adversely affect handling. I personally did not get the V8 because I felt it was not worth the extra $. However, you cannot go wrong with either engine.
As far as the all wheel drive goes, I would say I am a little disappointed. I live in Chicago and we've had a good amount of snow this year. My previous car was a VW Passat W8 with AWD and it handled much better in the snow. Perhaps it is because the M is a RWD car at its core versus the VW was FWD. OR perhaps it is simply the result of it being the first year Infiniti has AWD in such a large car. Just not sure. I am very curious on how the Audi A6 AWD performs. I suspect it is much better.
Overall, I am happy with my purchase but my impressions are that the BMW is a clearly a better performance car and the A6 a little more luxury and a better winter car. I do feel that the reliability of the Infiniti will be better than those two and for the money a solid choice.
My experience with this car is that the Japanese car manufacturers just don’t test their cars in cold weather. Once winter arrived here in the Midwest the M35X developed dashboard rattles and squeaks from all areas of the dashboard – around the navigation screen, behind the instrument cluster and by the glove compartment. Two trips to the dealer have done nothing to remedy the problem. I said Japanese problem, because I had a 2004 Lexus RX330 that had the same problem. It took going to a 2nd dealer and three long (multi-day) visits, but they finally got the rattles and squeaks out of the dashboard. And Lexus knew there was a problem and put out a service bulletin on fixing the problem, not denying there is a problem like Infiniti is doing. I also have a 2006 Acura MDX that has the dashboard rattles and squeaks. I’m sorry to say it, but the M is the worst of the bunch.
If you live in the southern part of the country, then the Infiniti M will be a good choice. Other than poor gas mileage, the car is a pleasure to drive. If you live in an area of the country that has cold weather, you will definitely be sorry you bought an Infiniti M. Just do a google search on Infiniti dashboard rattles and squeaks and see how widespread the problem is.
In my two short months of ownership, I’m also getting the feeling that I’m not going to get the Lexus level of service and support. The dealer’s (Field’s Infiniti of Glencoe, IL) lack of concern and poor response from Infiniti has me thinking I make a huge $50K mistake buying this car.
You asked and then answered your own question about the V6 v. the V8 ... so much for that.
Insofar as the M is a "nicer and larger G35", that's silly. Different platform, heavier, queieter, etc. Putting that aside for a moment, when my lease is up on my M35 I may well go to a G because I drive almost exclusively locally ~ 6,500 miles per year and that doesn't justify the extra cost for the M over the G. But I'll stick w/ Infiniti and will be plenty satisfied w/ the G. Bart :shades:
I live in Massachusetts, I have had no problems with and rattles or squeaks. The only problem I have had is shifting from 2nd to 3rd when is is cold, the transmission slams into 3rd. This only occurs when the transmission is cold, first few miles of travel. Other than that issues I love the car. The M is far superior than the G, I had a 2004 G35X.
Thanks for taking the time to share your experience.
I had a problem with my M35 trunk not closing, likely the same one you have. I just could not close it without slamming it down multiple times. After trying to adjust it using the knobs on either side of the trunk lid, the dealer agreed to replace the locking mechanism. Now my trunk works perfectly. Push your dealer to change the locking mechanism.
Most all Nav systems have old maps and it's rarely worth buying the updates. I'm in real estate and my 06 M35 maps don't show roads built in 2001.
Finally, the fueling problem. I too have the fuel pump cut off before the tank is filled. Inevitably, I am pumping at a station that has the pumps set to pump fast. Now the car should handle it...but for some reason it doesn't. Some have suggested that there is a flap at the bottom of the filler pipe that closes too easily. The solution is to pump the gas a little slower...annoying, but it works.
linda9286: The Infiniti Bluetooth does have some adjustments (in the service menus)....first, the dealer can adjust/test the microphone sensitivity...and second, there are high/medium/low settings. The fundamental cause of feedback is either volume being too high or microphone sensitivity being too high. You may have the playback volume set too high and you can adjust that yourself....establish a call and quickly turn the volume down using the radio volume knob (note: the radio knob will change the playback volume of bluetooth, but only when you have established a call. If you turn the volume all the way down and you still have feedback....there is a problem on your car that infiniti must fix. If you want to fix it yourself, you probably can solve the problem by changing the bluetooth phone (different brand/model). Tell us which phone you are using....some work better than others.
1) Better gas mileage. I average 22mpg at 75-80 mph. The mileage is about 6 mpg lower than my Acura and is largely due to the very close gearing and low 5th speed. When I first got the car, I honestly thought it was stuck in 4th gear! At 80mph, revs are well over 3000. The M definitely needs a 6-7 speed or a CVT.
2) Less engine noise on highway-a byproduct of low 5th gear. I've largely gotten used to it.
3) Improvements in NAV system. My Acura listed many more potential destinations at one time (restaurants, hotels, etc,) and provided addresses and phone numbers for each. The Honda NAV system is superior except for a multitude of highly annoying "lawyer warnings".
Linda, I am so glad I found your message. I would like to talk to you, if possible. I live in Jackson as well. I was about to purchase the M35 about a week ago but something just told me to hold off. I took it home for a day and a half and noticed that 1. the gas mileage was not good 2. the voice recognition was horrible (I had to say dial and the number 7 or 8 times before it stopped adding extra digits or got them correct at all and 3. I noticed a vibration at 80mph. The dealer "explained" all of these away but I still didn't feel right. I'd like to hear more about your experience because to be honest I haven't found anything else I like as much. Not sure what to do! Thanks.
I leased my m35XI when the car first came out in March 2005. The car handles well and is very fast but the gas mileage is 18 around town and no more than 24 on a long highway trip of at least an hour or two. A shorter highway trip the car might do 22. I have not had any problems with the car just normal maintenance. The one thing I do not like about the car is the headlights. They do not project out as far as I would like. Consumers Reports said the same thing about the car. Unfortunately Inifiniti and my local mechanic both indicated that the lights cannot be adjusted even though some owners on this site said they could be adjusted.
I have had my '07 M35x for 2 months/2,500mi. There has not been one issue that has come up that had not been addressed either here or else where. All of this was available to me prior to leasing. The "noise", yep, I hear it, not a distraction. The lights, you want poor low beam bixenon visibility, drive my s2000 or my previous vehicle an '04 Volvo s60r. The gas mileage, everywhere I read was 18-24, thats what I get. Bluetooth issues, not an issue for my phone, a motorola slvr, but occas an issue for my wife and her razor...
I know that sites like this are here for info, but also for us to vent from time to time.
The most constructive criticism I have seen is that about which dealerships to avoid. Thankfully my dealer hasn't had to step up to the plate on any issues yet.
I guess all that I am saying is just like everything else in life, Let the buyer beware, read the small print, make the best decision you can based on the info provided to you, and there is always "next time".
http://nissaninfiniticlub.net/photopost/data/500/49lt_74.jpg
I did a detailed research before buying my M. Since I thought that whatever I purchased would be the final car that I would own, I wanted to make sure that I got exactly what I wanted.
My look at various luxury sedans took two weeks because I wanted to not only read about each model, but to personally inspect and drive each one. Fortunately, there are dealerships for Acura, Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Jaguar, Lexus and Mercedes within thirty-six miles of my home.
Although I found things to like in each model, something or another became a disappointment. What I did find is that when one buys a new car, the inspection should NEVER be on the showroom floor. All of the cars looked beautiful to me on a showroom floor. It was only when I saw the car in sunlight, sat in it and then drove it, did I get a more accurate impression of the car.
The M45 was the car I chose because it best met my likes and dislikes in terms of beauty, style, comfort, performance and handling. Configured with the technical features I wanted, the cost of the M45 best met my pocket book.
I have driven this car in hot, cold, good and bad weather. It has traveled over good highways and bad roads. Regardless of weather or road condition, I have always felt in command of my car and that it could avoid any hazzard I encountered.
I am truly sorry that some who have posted have not had the good fortune with their M's and I have had with mine. I really do think that it will be my final car because it has everything I have always wanted in a car.
We have experienced a couple of problems though. The DVD player will not display properly on the front screen. This means we cannot play any music DVD's, because even while the car is in park (or stopped) the screen shows a message that says functionality will return once the car is stopped.
Secondly, the bluetooth connection to our phones worked exactly once....on our way home from the dealership. It has never worked again since, so rather annoying.
This may be a deal-breaker for me...let me know if anyone's had luck with this. Thx
BG
My last car's wipers were silent in operation, and made no noise during operation. Is this normal, or can the speed-intensity of the wipers be adjusted so it doesn't sound like the wipers are about to fly off the car.
At first I thought the left wiper was hitting the window trim, it's that noisy. I cheked it in park, and the wiper does stop short of the trim, but really does make quite a noise.
The other noise related issue I noticed was the tinny sound from the roof when it rains. It sounds like no insulation was installed between the headliner and the roof of the car. It reminds me of sitting on a porch with a metal roof during a rainstorm. Again, this was not apparent on my previous car.
Normal? It's not a biggie, and I can get used to it, but when I'm listening to music with the wipers on, I hate the percussion from the wipers coming in off the beat of the music!
My initial impressions are as follows:
I really like the interior. Everythin is easy to use and intuitive. Controls are easy to reach. I have used the voice recognition feature, the touch screen, and the controller all with equal ease and success. The seats are very comfortable. The backseat has a tremendous about of space (I have a car seat in their and my 3 year old gets in and out without a problem). Dual temperature controls is a nice feature for me and my wife as we have different temperature preferences.
I really enjoy driving this car. I have to agree with other reviewers that I am not a fan of the OE tires. That being said, I have had no issues with steering or control, i Just don't care for the way the tires ride. I'll likely keep them till they need to be replaced.
I am using an iphone with my car and had no trouble syncing it. Calls have so far been very clear on both ends. No complaints here.
I agree with other reviewers that limited use of the nav system while driving (e.g., not being able to scroll to second page of restaurants) is annoying, but my understanding is this is not unique to infinit.
I had a very pleasant experience at the dealership. The night I picked it up, some serious storms rolled through, so the saleman made arrangements for me to come back the next evening to have the car detailed and he did a detailed tutorial of the technology and helped me set my ihpne up.
I really love this care and have no complaints. There are some small annoyances but they in no way affect my enthusiasm for the car. I don't regret my purchase for a second!
I purchased the M35xi when the new model first came out. It handles well, is spacious and fast and the back up camera is great. However, in owning the car I have a few things that I do not like about the car: 1)parking brake light is small and not that noticeable so there have been times when I drove the car with it on until I noticed that the car was slugish. The parking brake is not very strong; 2) the regular lights at night do not project out very far and I have had to use the brights alot; 3) The best highway mileage I can do is 24 mpg. My previous car
(E320 Mercedes AWD) got between 28 and 29. Given the the 2009 M35xi is not changing very much and the gas mileage is not great I will probably get a different car.
The dealer (Niello Infiniti of Concord, CA.) was great: informative, helpful, friendly,and gave us a very fair deal.