Huge engine problems M45 2006. Help!

[Necser]

Hi guys, here's my story. Maybe you can help me here.

I just bought M45 2006 with 36K miles on it in CA form the auction. The car was delivered to the boarder and I brought it to Canada. While driving from the border after about 100mi MIL light briefly came on and when I slowed down at the traffic light the loud knocking sound started to come out from the engine. I then towed the car to the dealer in Calgary by calling road side assistance and so far it has cost me anything yet.

Before the purchase I called infiniti for the recall letter and confirmed that the warranty is active and the car is fully covered. Now the dealer says without any further inspection the issue is most likely mechanical and the warranty won't cover if the engines oil is or was ever low. When the car came to the Calgary dealer the oil level was ok. They confirmed that the oil is good.

I called infiniti US for maintenance records and after long query they told me that the car was brought to the dealer in CA with low oil, knocking sounds and after market oil filter about 300mi ago. I guess this is the reason infiniti decided to put the car to the auction and wouldn't want to do anything with the engine. Although at the same time they did something to get rid of the sound temporary.

So here I am most likely facing the engine replacement cost which they will refuse to cover under warranty. Is there anything in place on the legal side that could force infiniti to grant the warranty work?

On my side I have the reference number for the initial call when I was checking on the warranty status and the representative didn't let me know that the engine is hooped and the warranty won't cover it.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!Serge

[Double E]

If it has NAV, see if the previous owner entered their home address and it has been retained by the NAV system, use that to Google the address, then contact them to see if you can learn more about the issues it has.

They should have nothing to lose.

Knowledge of what led up to this will at least tell you what you're up against.

I would also be hesitant to take the first, unsubstantiated, evlauation of what is actually wrong. The dealer where it is now probably suggested a teardown to evaluate but it may be a simple case of engine knock due to incorrect oil weight or additive. (See a post below on another oil additive nightmare that turned out fine.)

It does seem that you may be a victim of "caveat emptor" so having a dealer look into it should cost you a couple of hours labor for a real diagnosis and that will tell you how to proceed.

If it is terminal due to the previous owner's neglect, you probably have little recourse ...as most auto auctions are designed with stipulations that give little to no method to return it because you had a problem after taking delivery.

[Mark Linkous]

Hello,Welcome to NICO. I won't lie, your situation looks problematic. Compounding this is buying a American market Infiniti in Canada. It seems some people have gotten their dealers in Canada to provide warranty work on their American purchased Infiniti. Others not. When you purchased it did they say it was still under warranty? I am guessing they will deny based on the original owner not having oil change documentation within the 7,500 mile interval. If not, you might be ok.Good Luck,M.L

[GJEMD]

The fact that the event happened at Idle makes it unlikely you have killed the engine. Before I would spend any money I would fill up the crank caseand drive and check the oil real often ie every 30-50 miles. don't hot rod itjust drive it like you've got your grandmother in it with you.

[Q45tech]

Having a newish car at an auction is a big red warning that the car was not good enough for any US dealer to have on their lot [serious problems were known].

Who placed the car into the auction? who was previous owner an individual, a bank, lease org, or dealer?

[pdelbene]

This really isn't any help. I'm still fighting with Infinity corp to pay for my engine replacement on 04 M45, 59,900 miles. 3 rod bearing are shot and I changed my oil regularly. It did burn a lot of oil, maybe 3 quarts between changes. but I alway caught it no more than a quart low. This should not happen on a high quality car.

[seldomseen]

This isn't an uncommon issue on the '06+ M45. The fact that Infiniti will not replace your engine is no surprise. You will need to get an attorney to escalate this matter legally. An attorney or yourself should be able to locate public records indicating that the '06+ M45 had oil consumption problems leading to engine damage. You can start by searching as many Nissan/Infiniti forums and websites where owners have posted oil consumption and engine damage problems with thier '06+ M45 and see if they are willing to submit a formal letter to you and InfinitUSA complaining about oil consumption or engine damage resulting from oil consumption and failure of Infinti addressing the problem. Your power will be in numbers.