03-04 M45 QUESTIONS

[julesva5]

All,

Just joined up because I'm looking to purchase an M45 - 2004. I may be crazy, here, but I've always really liked the styling of these cars - even when they were new. Reminds me of something out of the 60s - clean, thin A pillars, crisp lines.

Anyway, a few questions for you all:

1) What do I need to look out for on these cars? The one I'm looking at appears to have been very well maintained by its current owner, with the main serpentine belts done recently and a good deal of recent mechanical/cosmetic work.
2) How do these perform? My crazy 2nd idea is that I'm going to daily drive this car - and I commute about 1 hour one way to work each day. I know the mileage can't be as good as my current 2013 Honda Civic, but I have to imagine the driving experience will more than make up for that. Speaking of which,
3) How do these drive, accelerate, handle? I'm going to see the car in a couple of days and will find out myself, but I've heard they are not as nice as the 05 M45's and later.

Thanks much!!!

Mark

[EdBwoy]

Hello and welcome to Nicoclub.

Check out this thread by someone who was in a similar situation as you:
2004-m45-as-a-daily-driver-t619490.html

What I can add to your question on ride, acceleration and handling is that the 06+ M definitely outdid the 03-04 in the acceleration and handling department (think of a g35 or 350z in a suit), but the OEM ride of the 03-04 was a little more plush. Just a little

[julesva5]

Super thanks for the Link.

[julesva5]

All - a few more questions about the 04 M45 - as I'm about to purchase the car.

Tires - any recommendations here?

Headlights - plastic cover is naturally faded - not horribly - but is there a way to refurbish - or can I purchase new? Or does it require entire assembly - and then - where purchase?

Several Trim pieces are faded or gone - including front grill, rear INFINITY emblem on trunk - any places to purchase OEM? Or do you just refurbish them?

Sunroof - only goes back an inch at a time - is this a matter of factory resetting or something larger?

THANKS FOR THE HELP!!!!!!

Mark

[Larz]

To reset the sunroof (or windows): Set engine to ON/ accessory position (do not start the engine). Keep hitting the switch until it is fully opened (or closed) and continue to hold the switch for a few seconds. Then you should be able to just hit the button once to open / close normally. You may need to repeat this.

To restore the headlamp cover, there are various kits at the auto parts store. Just choose the kit that best suits you/ They all work well. Here is a tutorial from Meguiars:

.

I get all my parts, badges, etc from Infinitipartsonline. com

Perhaps other members will also have advice for you.

[Gene Ln]

Hello and welcome to Nicoclub.

Check out this thread by someone who was in a similar situation as you:
2004-m45-as-a-daily-driver-t619490.html

What I can add to your question on ride, acceleration and handling is that the 06+ M definitely outdid the 03-04 in the acceleration and handling department (think of a g35 or 350z in a suit), but the OEM ride of the 03-04 was a little more plush. Just a little

I wonder if this is because they used taller gearing in the rear diff? I know the Y34 used 3.03 or is it 3.13? gearing, while most of the G line up used 3.69. I wonder if the later M also used 3.69 gearing.

[2004M45Tampa]

Larz - you are the man. I just got an '04 M45 and the sun roof was doing the inch by inch open, thought it was broken or something. Just went out and followed the instructions provided above and BOOM!!!! 1-touch open and close is working again - gotta love this forum. Thanks again...