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2008 Infiniti M35
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Comments
Many bloggers are astounded that the new FX is so ugly. I will visit a showroom when it comes out.
thanks,
jeff
The navigation system has a number of pluses over the 2006. 1) records CD's onto the hard disk into a "music box". 2) Input by CF Card 3) Ipod connector 4) audio connectors in back of console 4) Trainable voice for multiple users 5) touch screen input. 5) XM standard and well integrated (wasn't standard in 06).
The negatives (or disappointments) include 1) the manual clearly shows how many voice commands they get in canada (wow) and how few we get in the US....it is crippled to the point of being useless other than for nav, in my opinion. eg. you can turn the climate control on or off..that's it. 2) Still no search by street and then select the city 3) you still lose significant function when the car is moving....there's no change here..it still sucks. 4) Fuel economy guage is now graphical so you can't see 16.6 or 17.1..you see a bar graph. 5) She still talks too much...great for demo's but after you learn the system, you don't need all those prompts (I've already changed to short prompts which doesn't seem to do a thing).
More later after I try Bluetooth.
In those cases where you aren't sure of the city use the touch screen to enter the street and house number if you wish. You will then have the opportunity to select from a city list.
I highly doubt Infiniti will choose to change the way they handle interaction with nav/system settings while the car is in motion. They feel, as do their Japanese counterparts, that it is unsafe and I don't necessarily disagree with them. While I consider myself a very safe driver, I've had a couple of occasions in a Mercedes where I was concentrating too much on the nav screen and not on traffic. Depending on your speed, it only takes a second to make a huge mistake.
I suspect that 2009 and later model M's will receive a change that was made to the new G. While the G also shows a bar graph on the nav screen for mpg, you can display mpg digitally in a new information screen that sits between the tach and speedometer.
I'm surprised to hear that you feel that the minimize voice prompts didn't make a difference in voice commands. I know that you are still prompted for each piece of information when entering an address but the prompts for everything else have pretty much gone away.
Compared to the nightmares I had with recent vintage Benzes and BMW's these shortcomings don't even register on my screen any more.
Thanks
Larry
Check to see if any stations in your area are selling gas without ethanol....
I'll have to look, but with the EPA rules around here (NH), I don't think anyone sells gas without the alcohol in it.
Obviously, this is more complicated with an AWD car like the M35x. Given the annoyingly tall final drive, even in top gear, that Nissan still insists on using for the AWD 5-speed, is it feasible?
the sports looks much cooler. Anyone have lease # for july
The sports model rides a bit stiffer than the regular M and has some "trammelling"/stability issues (jumping around when the car hits a tar strip on the road).
If you are going to consider the sport, find a road with a tar strip between the lanes and see what happens as you change lanes (crossing that strip slowly). Many find that the wheel catches and almost pulls the car away from you when it catches on that strip.
Mileage is +25% better than a G and +30% better than an M, Large trunk and fold down rear seats make effective carrying usefulness beyond the M35. Steering , handling and ride and ride are much better than an M and superior to a G. Two wheel and suspension options on the quattros. Third option is adjustable suspension called drive select. European designed for $8.00 a gallon gas. Superior speakers in Audi's mid line stereo to my Bose 14 speaker M. Bose is the Oreck vacuum of sound systems. Lightweight, over branded and overpriced.
I think a G37 is a great car but small for me and thirsty. Overpowered beyond my needs. Go for it if it works for you. Great bang for the buck. No sport suspension offered on G37X.
Beware the OEM rubber on Infinitis.
M35X is a load that can hardly stay straight on the road. Terrified my wife and daughter. Noisy, harsh, and too thirsty. 14 mpg in the burbs with a/c running. Never drove a RWD M35. Not sold in NY. I assume with the 7-speed it is better. Great rear seating, great quality and gizmos, loved my dealer, Pepe in White Plains, NY.
I would zip up my wallet pocket before going to Audi service. I prepaid 45,000 miles service.
But, when it comes to M35/M45 (sport or luxury), they are way, way better. It handles better, get much better mileage (I got 18/24 on my M45 with 5spd, so I would imaging the M35 with 7spd will do much better). M and A4 are not even in the same category, it just so happened that Infiniti attempt with an AWD version, which is, IMO, a total failure, where Audi is very, very good at. So, if you compare the AWD version, Audi is light years ahead. But, when you compare the RWD version, M wins hands down.
The service was great and build quality very good. I trusted Pepe Motors in NY. Not sure I trust my Audi dealer but I prepaid service. Those German car dealers think all their customers have trust funds and run hedge funds.
AUDI does not make a RWD car but offers A4 in a FWD with CVT transmission. Not sold in NY area.
The Infiniti M35 may be a great car for the wide open spaces but not the Bronx River Parkway.
That said, the A4 is just a little smaller than the M on the inside--a little narrower and less legroom for the rear, but the trunk is actually 1 cubic foot BIGGER than the M if you can believe that.
Similar acceleration with the 2.0 turbo (you HAVE to drive it to believe it), and as Barry said above, MUCH better ride and fuel economy.
I will give more impressions when I actually take possession.
Barry--GMTA!