06 M35 at 190k miles! Here's what to expect.

[debiniarthug]

I purchased my 2006 M35 in January of 2008 (the car has been on the road since November of 2005) I currently have 128,000 miles on it. I have reduced my driving significantly due to work needs in 2009. I normally drive about 30,000 miles a year.

Things that have gone wrong: As of 01/2010

Left Low beam HID headlight out - Normal I guess
Dealer: $180 - bulb $100 install, Self: $60 - bulb $0 install, 2 hrs of work

Rattling heat shield - my fault, reversing too fast down the drive way
Dealer: $330 - shield $200 install, Self: $0 tack wield crack 5 mins of work

1 exhaust tip fell off- my fault, reversing too fast down the drive way
Dealer: $??? still not replaced

Driver seat off rails - Manufacturing issue
Dealer: $1200-1500. Screw that I'll live with it

Replace brakes and tires yearly - Normal I Drive 25-30k miles a year
Dealer $350 brakes, $1,300 tires both installed Self: Brakes $78 Tires $1K

Fog light covers cracked - normal when rocks hit the covers at over 120mph
Dealer: ??? Still not fixed

Center Arm rest sliding machanisum broken - Normal at 128,000 miles
Dealer: $350 for replacement, Self: $0 Super glue and 1 hour of work

Front cup holder flap wont stay down - Normal
Dealer:??? Still not fixed but is REALLY starting to get on my nerves

Changed front rotors - Normal
Dealer: $600, Self $340 (two rotors + Pads )parts, 1.5 hours of work

Maintanence
2008 Flushed all fluids, transmission, engine coolant, brake, etc
Synthetic oil changes every 5,000 miles
2010 I gotta change my sparkplugs soon, Don't know what it'll cost me yet.
and flush the fluids

Out of the things that went wrong all was normal except one.

I hope this helps Mr Bill and everyone else who wants to know what to expect at $130K miles.

Maintenance issues: As of 08/2011

1 of 4 TPMS monitors have stoped functioning - Normal
Dealers quote: $450, Self $140 - Parts $98, labor $50

Changed rear rotors
Dealers quote: $540, Self $240 - Parts $160, Labor $80

Thermostate malfunctioned
Dealers quote: $390, Self $167 - Parts $37, Labor $130 - Normal

Front cup holder flap wont stay down - Normal
Dealer: ??? Fixed, manipulated the spring system, 30 min of my time

CD player stopped working - not normal, I barely used the thing in 5 years
Dealers quoute: $675, Self - I haven't fixed it, I use my EVO for music

Dash and steering wheel buttons have started to peel. - Normal
Dealers quote: $???

Yesterday - Crankshaft sensor malfuntion
Dealers Quote:$298, Self $181 - Parts $141 Labor $40

Maintentance -
Tires - Dealers quote: $1,500, Self $950 Parts and Labor included
Rear differential - Dealer $278, Self $159 - Parts $84 Labor $75
Spark plugs - Dealer $504, Self $264 - Parts $120 Labor $150
Engine Flush - Dealer $140, Self $59 - Parts and Labor included
All Belts - Dealer $450, Self $178 - Parts $98 Labor $80
Brakes F&R Dealer $620, Self $270 - Parts $170 Labor $100

BTW: All Parts are OEM, labor means I paid my mechanic, hours mean I did it myself.

I hope this helps with what you should expected at 164,042 Miles

Maintenance Issues: As of February 2012 @ 17?,000 Miles

Headlight (left & right) Ballast Malfunctioned - abnormal
-Dealer$1,800 ($600 ea. and $600 labor), Self $70 Parts, 2 hour install

Rotors and install (2 Rear) - Dealer $580, Self $180 Parts & Mechanics labor included
Brake Pads (Front) - Dealer $380, Self $60 Parts - $80 Mechanics Labor

Maintenance Issues: As of February 2013 @ 190,002 Miles

Steering wheel radio buttons rubber is detaching. Must replace soon. Might be hard to re-install due to lack of adhering and adhesion points

Radiator cracked in October before subfreezing temperatures
Radiator - Dealer$???(I could only imagine), Self $440 Parts and Labor

Moon roof lining between the glass and retractable insert was detaching causing a weird whistle when driving with the roof open.
-Dealer ???, Self $4 Parts (Are-sol garment adhesive, Painting tape)

Oil consumption - I've notice a negotiable amount of oil consumption but not enough to be concerned.

Maintenance
Four new Tires (Mount, Balance, Alignment) - Dealer $1,200, Self $900
Brake Pads and Install (Rear) - Dealer $320, Self $40 - Parts $80 Mechanics Labor

I hope this serves as a guide detailing what to expect of your M's at 190,000 Miles May your machines be as worry free as mine.

[isved]

Wow, thanks for the info. I feel more confident in racking up miles on the M now.

[acaman]

Well - Based on your experience, I would say save the money on extended warranty as long as you can do some of the work - or find a good reasonably priced mechanic.

[cruzad3r]

good info dude. i'm glad there are people like you out there that drive the car and tried to work on it as much as they can. as for the extended warranty comment, it's only good when you have electronic issue. for mechanical stuffs, if you have the time and the will, you can usually do it yourself and save the money.

[Funmobile]

My dealer wanted to charge me:
$235 for Belts, I paid $45ish and did it myself
$385 for front brakes, I paid $39.99 for the pads and did it myself
I was not given a quote for Spark Plugs but I paid $52
I currently have 151K, I bought it last year with 140K

[crzyspaniard84]

Wow that is impressive. I just hit 110K with my car this week. I drive about 175 miles round trip for work everyday and during the weekends for personal. My first big repair is this weekend in replacing the front right wheel hub (the bearing went bad). You did not have to do any suspension replacements?

[debiniarthug]

crzyspaniard - Suspension replacement: I haven't changed the suspension yet. Other then scraping the pavement when I go through an intersection at over 40ish, I haven't really felt a big difference in the ride quality. When I first got the car it was scraping the pavement when I blew through intersections. I'm sure if I were to ride in a M with replaced suspension I would then be able to tell the difference but right now I don't know what I don't know. Keep in mind GA has some great roads, no pot holes and mostly highway driving. Unlike in Queens (Jamaica expressively) where the pot holes on Sutphin Blvd can fit you wheel up to the lugs. When I last visiting up there I was averaging 12mpg, down here 19mpg. Either way, at 164K I need to change the suspension asap. I just been putting it off.

[M35 Sport]

This is good info, so i'll share mine. My 2006 M35 sport has 109K miles on it. I just had my rear rotors resurfaced and rear pads put on last saturday by car-X for 132.00 (the pads were covered under their life time warranty from the last time I got brakes 2 years ago.)
Pep boys quoted me 300 for new plugs. The dealer wants about 385
I have flushed the trans and replaced the differential fluid once.
I just replaced the seat frame about 2 months ago for 1200 bucks.
Could not live with it any longer, plus it was a safety issue in the event of an accident.
Springs and shocks still feel good, but I am considering replacing them.
I ordered two new tires today. I have had two wheel alignments and might get another after the new tires are put on. I also replaced the fuel damper hose about 4 months ago. ($300) My driver's side mirror no longer does the auto tilt in reverse, but I don't miss it.

[cruzad3r]

your plugs alone should not cost that much and when you have your car in for alignment, you should have them done on all 4 wheels not just two.

[debiniarthug]

+1 cruzad3r, Sport- Your spark plugs shouldn't cost that much unless that is the mechanics quote for parts and labor. I'm changing out my plugs this weekend and using a reputable NICO poster sticky "how to". Unfortanetly my computer for some reason no longer loads pictures from NICO. Plugs are about $18 a piece from the dealer or from infinitipartsusa.com. I got the NGK Platinum plugs for $11/per from Advancedauto but the NGK copper plugs work for $5/per. NGK works the best in our M's. About the alignment, all four at the same time or nothing.

[1M2NV]

your ngk platinum plugs should be about 12/piece

[antzrus]

Thanx for the info. A good mechanic is almost as important as a good spouse...

[M35 Sport]

+1 cruzad3r, Sport- Your spark plugs shouldn't cost that much unless that is the mechanics quote for parts and labor. I'm changing out my plugs this weekend and using a reputable NICO poster sticky "how to". Unfortanetly my computer for some reason no longer loads pictures from NICO. Plugs are about $18 a piece from the dealer or from infinitipartsusa.com. I got the NGK Platinum plugs for $11/per from Advancedauto but the NGK copper plugs work for $5/per. NGK works the best in our M's. About the alignment, all four at the same time or nothing.

Sorry guys, I guess I was not clear. I always get a four wheel alignment (i've had two in two years). Those quotes for spark plugs include parts and labor. Is that still too much? Once I get my two new tires, I will probably get another 4 wheel alignment.

[kookybeez]

I have an 06 M35X that just passed 131K. This car has been more reliable than I could have hoped. I bought it in 08 with 55K. Most of my miles are from AC to Philly @ 75 MPH. I replaced the wheel bearings in front wheel last year. Common problem for all my cars since I moved to the shore area. I also had the issue with the drivers seat track but it was covered by the warranty when I bought it. Besides that - nothing but general maintenance (oil, tires, brakes tune ups).
Just last week I started having issues with the auto tilting wheel/seat feature. I would say it doesn't work 50% of the time I start the car. I could live without it and turn it off - but it's still annoying. Anyone ever fix this issue before? What am I looking at?

Thanks

[debiniarthug]

Updated with occurrences through 02/17/2013 on the first thread

[cruzad3r]

debiniarthug - you mentioned oil consumption, can you elaborate a little? how much/how often and mileage correlation: for instance, 3k mile = 1qtz of lost oil or something like that.

thanks

[Twizz]

crzyspaniard - Suspension replacement: I haven't changed the suspension yet. Other then scraping the pavement when I go through an intersection at over 40ish, I haven't really felt a big difference in the ride quality. When I first got the car it was scraping the pavement when I blew through intersections. I'm sure if I were to ride in a M with replaced suspension I would then be able to tell the difference but right now I don't know what I don't know. Keep in mind GA has some great roads, no pot holes and mostly highway driving. Unlike in Queens (Jamaica expressively) where the pot holes on Sutphin Blvd can fit you wheel up to the lugs. When I last visiting up there I was averaging 12mpg, down here 19mpg. Either way, at 164K I need to change the suspension asap. I just been putting it off.

Preach brotha preach !!! The streets up here in Queens are terrible. I get about the same 12 mpg and have to deal with all the nasty potholes. Its very very annoying. I swear they add undue stress on my car. I feel like things shake and rattle because of the terrible streets. I have to change one of my low beam bulbs cuz the bumps made it loose.

[Twizz]

I got my 07 M35X and I just hit 50k. What should I be doing to it other than changing the oil regularly ? Keep in mind, I have a CAI and i put it in last year. How often should I rotate the filter and change it ? I also only drive about 7K-8K a year. I would imagine that makes a difference.

[editman99]

Very interesting... I had the same things happen to my 2006 M45. The seat derailed costs $1,400 so I bought the extended insurance $2K while I had the chance at 75K and had them fix it. I also had the console cover latch break and I fixed it with superglue but it did not last long.... Hate to spend $350. I need to do the brakes at 90K including rotors but not sure which ones to buy.... Don't want dealer to do it but I don't want it to squeel either. I also had the front cover to my steering wheel replaced on warranty. Everything else is standard maintenance.

[TXT]

crzyspaniard - Suspension replacement: I haven't changed the suspension yet. Other then scraping the pavement when I go through an intersection at over 40ish, I haven't really felt a big difference in the ride quality. When I first got the car it was scraping the pavement when I blew through intersections. I'm sure if I were to ride in a M with replaced suspension I would then be able to tell the difference but right now I don't know what I don't know. Keep in mind GA has some great roads, no pot holes and mostly highway driving. Unlike in Queens (Jamaica expressively) where the pot holes on Sutphin Blvd can fit you wheel up to the lugs. When I last visiting up there I was averaging 12mpg, down here 19mpg. Either way, at 164K I need to change the suspension asap. I just been putting it off.

Preach brotha preach !!! The streets up here in Queens are terrible. I get about the same 12 mpg and have to deal with all the nasty potholes. Its very very annoying. I swear they add undue stress on my car. I feel like things shake and rattle because of the terrible streets. I have to change one of my low beam bulbs cuz the bumps made it loose.

When I lived in Jersey, I once took someone to La Guardia airport in my 99TL and GPS took me through the streets of time square. By the time I got back home, I had a cracked low beam bulb. It would turn on but the slightest bump would cause it to turn off. At least it wasn't the ballast that was messed up.

[finikM35]

Very interesting... I had the same things happen to my 2006 M45. The seat derailed costs $1,400 so I bought the extended insurance $2K while I had the chance at 75K and had them fix it. I also had the console cover latch break and I fixed it with superglue but it did not last long.... Hate to spend $350. I need to do the brakes at 90K including rotors but not sure which ones to buy.... Don't want dealer to do it but I don't want it to squeel either. I also had the front cover to my steering wheel replaced on warranty. Everything else is standard maintenance.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/221007045564?ss ... 1438.l2649

These are good check if they fit yours but Brakemotive has em for any M and i never go to a dealer any mechanic can change brakes

[debiniarthug]

debiniarthug - you mentioned oil consumption, can you elaborate a little? how much/how often and mileage correlation: for instance, 3k mile = 1qtz of lost oil or something like that.

thanks

I haven't measured. After changing the oil myself with 5 quarts of oil (mobile full synthetic extended performance oil) my oil light came on after 7000 miles. It happened twice last year. I would guess 2 quarts over 7000 miles.

[debiniarthug]

Very interesting... I had the same things happen to my 2006 M45. The seat derailed costs $1,400 so I bought the extended insurance $2K while I had the chance at 75K and had them fix it. I also had the console cover latch break and I fixed it with superglue but it did not last long.... Hate to spend $350. I need to do the brakes at 90K including rotors but not sure which ones to buy.... Don't want dealer to do it but I don't want it to squeel either. I also had the front cover to my steering wheel replaced on warranty. Everything else is standard maintenance.

Editman99 - The "Car details" of your profile displays that you own a 2005 M45. I believe the M's were being redeveloped from 2004 (Y34) until the 2006 (Y50) year model that was available in late 2005. Maybe you own a 2006 but purchased it in 2005?

[drsk]

I am new here, but have found the maintenance information very helpful.

If there is another forum for this, plz let me know; however I wanted to know if those driving an M35 use premium or regular gas. I started using regular about a year ago, and have not noticed any notable difference (except with my charge card bill). I have given up some in performance but I do accelerate with a lead foot.

Any knowledge would be greatly appreciated.

I currently have 123,000 miles, and I was original owner.

[cruzad3r]

pre-detonation is the problem with lower grade gas enhance performance is degrade. i would argue mpg is lower too

[debiniarthug]

I am new here, but have found the maintenance information very helpful.

If there is another forum for this, plz let me know; however I wanted to know if those driving an M35 use premium or regular gas. I started using regular about a year ago, and have not noticed any notable difference (except with my charge card bill). I have given up some in performance but I do accelerate with a lead foot.

Any knowledge would be greatly appreciated.

I currently have 123,000 miles, and I was original owner.

I switched from premium to regular at around 120K because of job loss. Granted it's only a savings of $5 per fill up but it does add up. I haven't noticed any problems related to the fuel grade shift.

[Infinity_818]

Great information here specially to noobs like my self when it comes to Infiniti as it my first one to own/drive and I'm loving every bit of it, I'm just a car freak and due to my previous car ownership "BMW" I'm always worried something Is going to go wrong. Now with this information I can rely on and know I made a great choice and decision on buying this car. If I can only know how to subscribe to threads.

[Greenbeans]

Just passed 200,000 miles a few weeks ago on my 06 M45. Oil changed every 15,000-20,000 miles, mid grade fuel since 30,000 miles.
Interior has held up very well. One tear on the drivers seat side bolster, few scratches on the center display, everything else perfect.
I had a the throttle sensor failure while the car was still under warranty.
Can sensor failed around 120,000 miles
Battery replaced once
Both fog lights busted by rocks
Water pump started leaking at150,000 miles. I bought a replacement, but put in radiator stop leak to get me by until I could change it. New water pump still in the trunk.
Hood shocks failed.
Replaced spark plugs once, belts twice, quite a few engine air filters, rotors and pads a few times, lots of tires.
Very impressed with this car. Going to try for 300,000 miles.

[MOWellsinVA]

Very encouraging to hear of high mileage with these cars. I bought my M45 Sport in 2010 with 42,000 on the clock. It currently in nearing 85,000 and is running like a top. It's time to renew suspension elements and the sunroof needs repair. I would love to keep this car running to at least 200,000 miles!

[mrmartinez303]

I have an 07 m35x and my only real concern at this point is the INJEN CAI I have on it and it's filtration efficiency.... Any one have any comments on this & whether it could impact the longevity of my car? I've heard that aftermarket filters don't necessarily filter as well as the stock drop in filters do.... Any comments or feed back would be greatly appreciated