Just converted from BMW to Infiniti...

[Medic67]

Greetings all,

New member here from Chicago. I just switched camps from a 750i (long time bimmer/beemer owner) to a 2009 M35x, and my initial impressions are good. I'm definitely impressed by the electronics/media/entertainment, and while there are no doubts about the fact that there is not really a comparison between the two that can be made, I am definitely impressed by the M35x and look forward to many years of enjoyable driving in it.

As a new Infiniti Owner, I have a couple questions if anyone wouldn't mind to weigh in on them....

1) Can the M35x be 'programmed' for different features/options? Like DRL, windows up via fob, etc?
2) Is the iPod connector in the glove box supposed to charge an iPhone? It says it will charge an iPod, and I would think the power pinout was the same between iPod & iPhone... but mine doesn't charge, says charging is not supported.
3) I have the Tech/Entertainment Package with DVD Video Player in the glove box and can watch Video on the front screen parked (soon to by bypassed/hacked) but can the overhead flip down DVD Screen for rear seat be retrofitted? Anyone done this with a factory screen, perhaps from salvage of a wrecked M?
4) What about NAV Updating? It says 2008-2010 has to be updated at Dealer... anyone done this themselves? Perhaps with the help of an Infiniti Tech doing side work? (kinda falls in line with Q#1 above I suppose)
5) What, if any, enhancements/mods has anyone done for styling, etc?
6) Any local chicago clubs of M Owners?

I've only had this car a short while now so I have little doubt I'll soon be an active member of this forum, but for starters these were the biggest questions I have...

Any and all feedback is welcome and appreciated!

Tim

[wingFeather]

Welcome, Tim! Excellent decision to switch

#2 - I'm not familiar with iPhone connectivity in the M, but if it's anything like other cars, Apple made changes to their connector at some point and certain years require an adapter. I hope that is the solution, as these little things can be found for cheap: http://www.scosche.com/consumer-tech/product/1667

#3 - The factory rear monitor is not worth the trouble. It sits too high. I recommend finding headrest monitors.

Enjoy your M in good health!

[cruzad3r]

answer Q1 - no, i was looking to do this (roll window up/down by holding the lock/unlock button) similar to older infiniti and nissan/audi car but this version does not support it.

Q2 - don't have "i" products so you're on your own

Q3 - Not sure why you want to retrofit it; are you planning on getting bigger screen? if so, NO one here has attempted it. People do get aftermarket headrest screens installed in their cars and hooked them up with the main dvd player so you can watch 1 movie on 3 screens. Search on this forum for that post

Q4 - it seems like you do have to use the dealer for updating the NAV because it's a Hardrive based. With a DVD, you can just buy a new one, pop out the old and in with the new.

Q5 - You already have the newer version of the M so you shouldn't really need to do anything else to it. I like the front end of the newer M model and without the front plate, it looks pretty impressive. Not so much in love with the rear as i like the older 06-07 M rear better. As for performance mod, it's always nice to add the exhaust system to the car and then retune (if possible) with Uprev company/software.

Now i have question for you. seeing you have the 09 M, does your car has the 5 or 7 speeds? how is the MPG on the car with normal/average mix hwy and street driving?

[Medic67]

Now i have question for you. seeing you have the 09 M, does your car has the 5 or 7 speeds? how is the MPG on the car with normal/average mix hwy and street driving?

It is a 5-speed Automatic, but perhaps because it's the AWD? Not sure, but I do know it's a 5 speed tranny. As for avg mpg... so far it's looking like it's around 19-20ish for city/hwy commuting. Haven't taken any road trips in it yet... but I know I was getting 19ish in the 7 commuting and 24+ mpg road tripping, so I'm hoping for it to be comparible in the M. I'll know more in a few months.

As for no one programming these cars, really? That's kind of surprising to me, because on the BMW side of things, it's a whole cottage industry around reprogramming/self-programming the vehicles given that they are all software controlled nowadays. Everything from programming functions & features, to tuning the car for performance.

[DeanM45]

answer Q1 - no, i was looking to do this (roll window up/down by holding the lock/unlock button) similar to older infiniti and nissan/audi car but this version does not support it.

Not sure when it changed then but on my 06 M45 if I hold the unlock down on the fob the windows roll down and sunroof opens. Can't close them from the fob though.

[wingFeather]

Yes, windows down from the fob. Or windows up/down using the key in the door. Or, install this unit: http://www.kptechnologies.com/products.php#/17

[TXT]

answer Q1 - no, i was looking to do this (roll window up/down by holding the lock/unlock button) similar to older infiniti and nissan/audi car but this version does not support it.

Not sure when it changed then but on my 06 M45 if I hold the unlock down on the fob the windows roll down and sunroof opens. Can't close them from the fob though.

Just tried it and it worked for me. Didn't know it could do that. Thanks!

[motoxxxloak]

I have an 06 M45 and my unlock only rolls down the windows but doesnt open the sunroof -__-

[DeanM45]

My sunroof does not start to open until the windows are almost all the way down. Try holding the unlock button longer. Also, if you let go of the button just as the windows start going down, the front windows stop in "vent mode" (front windows down about 1 1/2") and the rears do not go down at all on my car.