WHAT TO CONSIDER WITH A USED M??

[nuQ]

Hey guys---new to the M forums, but been on the Q45 forum since 2002. I am selling my 1990 Q45, but am seriously considering picking up a 2003 M45, or if the money is right, a later model M. I'm very familiar with all things first gen Q, but not so much with the M series.

I'm hoping to get some advice on what to look for in a used M. Problem areas? What to stay away from within this series. Obviously making sure the (the best you can) car has been properly maintained, but also beyond that. Here is a somewhat local M45 that I am considering taking a look at...

http://seldenmotors.net/cgi-bin/showroo ... &d_id=1138

There is a Carfax link, and it does not have anything major on it, other than after the initial lease, it's been trading dealer hands. I'm sure that year M was certainly a "niche" car....

Any advice would be very much appreciated. Thanks!!! Jeff

[pedsemdoc]

Jeff,

Welcome to the M forums if you end up buying one!!
You won't be disappointed coming from a Q.

early model M's have had issues with the fuel gauge/trunk and hood struts going bad
the VK motor for some has had some issues with oil consumption

check out this thread for the earlier model M's: m45-2003-2004-common-problems-t468372.html

I have a 2006 M45-bought used at 41k miles, it is my daily driver and is now at 83k

I replaced my rotors and pads at about 45k miles (many complain that the OEM setup is too small for effectively stopping such a big/heavy car) , search Brakemotive kit for a more economical but effective setup

I have experienced a little of the tramlining many have described, but have the RSA crap tires that most on the forum have complained about--will be replacing those in the next few weeks or so.

I have NOT had oil consumption issues, but put in a catch can, because these motors do burn a small amount of oil.

I have NOT had the front (driver's) seat rail problem (poor weld for some which breaks and seat becomes loose)

I have NOT yet had a problem with the front wheel hubs going bad.

I LOVE my car and have done quite a bit of maintenance on it myself (much of the help from the DIYs Ilya has posted on the site: brake job, belts, oil (once--just a pain to get the plastic lower cover off 'cuz it's fastened with like 21 bolts), drain and filled transmission fluid, exchanged power steering fluid, replaced in cabin air filter, replaced the hood struts, and have done the Nav hack the old school way--cut and spliced wires (didn't use the aftermarket wire harness)

Hopefully, you find the right one and pull the trigger.
Good Luck with the search.

Craig

[myother45isalesbaer]

Hey guys---new to the M forums, but been on the Q45 forum since 2002. I am selling my 1990 Q45, but am seriously considering picking up a 2003 M45, or if the money is right, a later model M. I'm very familiar with all things first gen Q, but not so much with the M series.

I'm hoping to get some advice on what to look for in a used M. Problem areas? What to stay away from within this series. Obviously making sure the (the best you can) car has been properly maintained, but also beyond that. Here is a somewhat local M45 that I am considering taking a look at...

http://seldenmotors.net/cgi-bin/showroo ... &d_id=1138

There is a Carfax link, and it does not have anything major on it, other than after the initial lease, it's been trading dealer hands. I'm sure that year M was certainly a "niche" car....

Any advice would be very much appreciated. Thanks!!! Jeff

I have a 2004 M. Its been a joy to own with little issues. 71K is low mileage for a 2003. As the previous poster stated they have had some issues. But what car does not? The biggest issue to me is burning oil and I can tell you they do. If you hot rod that car on a regular basis it will eat oil. It's a sports luxury sedan. I only do a few WOT's between oil changes and it eats about a quart. I can live with that considering the performance when you get that M motor wound up to max RPM's. I agree the trunk struts are getting old, but mine still work except unless it's extremely cold. Not a big deal. I also had a tach issue which Infiniti fixed for free. Besides that I have had no other problems.

I looked at the pictures and loved it. If you are looking for a luxury car and not a stop light racer they are great. In my OP they are one of the biggest sleepers out there for speed and handling. In my OP I'd buy it. It's not a ninja car, just a very nice machine that can kick the snot out of almost everything on the road. Maybe not off the light, but let that motor wind up and you will see a lot of cars in your review mirror. Best of luck to you.

[nuQ]

Thanks for the help and advice guys...very much appreciated. There is another 2003 M45 for sale a little closer to me but it's grey and has 78K miles,,still good. I'm definitely leaning toward the white one from the above link, but we'll see. I also just found a 2007 350Z that looks great, but more $$$$. But, still leaning toward a great condition M.

As for the oil consumption issues, is that just the design of the engine? I will definitely bring a flash light to look into the filler hole to see if it looks like a regular change schedule has been done. Is this just something that you should always keep, at least, a quart of oil in the car? Is there any type of oil warning system (not just an "idiot" light) in the M? I was talking with Jesda (longtime member on NICO) and he said the Caddy he owned was the same way with oil (infamous for their oil burning Northstars...), but had a warning system....?

Thanks!

[myother45isalesbaer]

Thanks for the help and advice guys...very much appreciated. There is another 2003 M45 for sale a little closer to me but it's grey and has 78K miles,,still good. I'm definitely leaning toward the white one from the above link, but we'll see. I also just found a 2007 350Z that looks great, but more $$$$. But, still leaning toward a great condition M.

As for the oil consumption issues, is that just the design of the engine? I will definitely bring a flash light to look into the filler hole to see if it looks like a regular change schedule has been done. Is this just something that you should always keep, at least, a quart of oil in the car? Is there any type of oil warning system (not just an "idiot" light) in the M? I was talking with Jesda (longtime member on NICO) and he said the Caddy he owned was the same way with oil (infamous for their oil burning Northstars...), but had a warning system....?

Thanks!

This is what I do. Check the oil level once a week. Add as needed. There is not a low oil warning system. By the time the idiot light comes on you are down way more than a quart. They do something unique if you have been running it hard. On the next start up the valves start to rap. Don't ignore that. Its time to shut it down and check the oil level. I then add enough to bring the level to full. Unlike most cars they hold 5.7Q's with a filter change so you have to watch out that the standard oil change places know this. I always carry a few extra quarts with me just in case.

There are many posts on this site about a "catch can" and why these cars tend to eat oil. I never installed one, but you might be interested. I have found that pulling the dip stick gives you a pretty good idea how clean the current oil is. Looking into to the filler hole is a good idea too.

Just based on looks I vote for the white one. Mine is silver and its a nice color too. As for your first question, yes, its something in the design of the engine and the crank case ventilation system. The "catch can" has been reported to help that problem.

Good luck.

[MOWellsinVA]

I don't usually like white cars, but that M45 looks gorgeous. The interior is in fantastic shape, too, to judge by the photos. If the engine and major electronics are in good order, I would say buy it! Yes, 71K is low miles for that car. My 2007 M45 Sport has 85K and is in fine shape. Go get a test drive in that white M45 and if you like it, buy it! I love my M45 Sport, but this generation of M45's has a distinctive look that seems to get better with time.

[TXT]

That white M45 is Goooorgeous. Get it. My 2006 is approaching 80K miles and that 2003 has less. Great price too @ 10,000 and who knows you might be able to get it down lower. I'm sure you'll make the right choice.

[Ilya]

Buy my car...it's a bit high mileage (110k) but people on here can attest that it's in tip top shape. EVERYTHING (since 32kmi) has been documented.

[nuQ]

IlyaKol----give me some info about your car...pics, options, price, etc. You can write me directly at [email protected] .

Thanks! Jeff