2008-2009 M45 Owners, how are they holding up?

[racer314]

Hey everyone, thanks for all the contributions to this great forum. Used nicoclub a lot in the past for 240's.

I'm looking for a 2008 M45, and was hoping I could get a pulse check on how everyone's were holding up of that year. Anything particular to avoid when purchasing? Any problems with the more advanced tech or routine issues? Been searching around here a lot and it has already been quite helpful.

Thanks in advance!

[shankrr]

Racer, I just recently purchased an 08 M35, I love it so far, only thing i keep hearing is tires wear fast. I am curious what other owners have experienced ......

[GQM45s]

i had mine for about 3 years now - replaced tires twice? still going strong - but mpg ehh it could be better but hell if you buy this car who cares about MPG anymore!

[racer314]

Thanks for the feedback. A high level of reliability is what really drove me toward the M's instead of say an E-class or 5-series. Not that they're bad cars, I would just expect fewer nagging issues after 5 years.

[Iconic]

no issues here, I bought extended warr. not used once.

[M45xATL]

I bought my 2008 M45x in February 2012. No issues at all. MPG is pretty low, but you pay to play....

[Boonies]

Purchased my '08 M45 with 29k miles in September of 2012 and promptly purchased an extended warranty as well. Since then I have put 22k miles on the car and have had one covered repair which was for an accelerator pedal replacement. Apparently the throttle is by wire and the unit in the pedal failed.

Replaced front brakes which had warped rotors at the time of purchase, otherwise just engine oil changes and a transmission flush.

[ColoJoe]

I bought a new 2009 M45X in April, 2010. I believe there is very little difference between the 2008 and 2009 models, so my experience might my be useful to you.
Shortly after I bought it I had severe brake shudder; the dealer burnished the rotors which took care of the problem. After 23K miles the only other problems (covered by warranty) were a leaking door seal (air noise), inside door wood trim piece coming unglued, and the shifter light burning out.

I did elect to replace the junky OEM tires (Goodyear) at about 6K miles with Continental DWS tires because of tram-lining, where the car would wander around rather than going in a straight line. This is a well documented issue with those OEM tires. The car has been a joy to drive since I had the above taken care of. I do put Bridgestone Blizzak snow tires on in the winter, and it's amazing how much snow the car handles with ease. If you live in a cold climate I highly recommend them.

[racer314]

Thanks a lot guys. CoolJoe, do you have the sport suspension? I heard of tramlining with the all wheel steering.

[GQM45s]

I also purchased the extended warranty. But i did forget to mention - my shock bushings went out so it made some noises going over bumps. But i got that fixed under warranty so its all good now. The Service rep said there is a known issues with the shock bushings going out and they have a newer replacement that will fix the issue but I also have the sport model as well

[Larz]

Welcome to Nico!

I have a 2007, so technically, I don't belong in this thread but just some general advice if you please:

1) Definitely get a carfax report, but that isn't the end-all. Also have your local mechanic give it the once-over for suspension, belts, hoses, fluids, etc.
2) I also recommend getting an extended warranty. I bought mine at Carmax and forget the actual price I paid (bought it separately). I remember though the sales person told me that they can add it to the purchase price and finance and it amounts to an extra $25 on your payments. Their top warranty covers almost eveythng the new car warranty covered for 6yrs or 72k miles from the day you drive it home..
I normally NEVER buy extended warranties on anything, but this is a highly technical car with costly parts. Even a few minor repairs or electrical / computer components covered by warranty will pay you back every penny of the warranty price. I haven't had any expenses aside from maintenance. I'm approaching 80k miles on an 7-yr old M and my warranty still has about 5 yrs or 60k miles left on it.
3) Stay on this site and feel free to ask questions - there are great peeps here who post DIY repairs and modifications. They also share their knowledge with us and that is priceless information.

Best of luck with your new M when you buy it!

[racer314]

Great, thanks Larz. I appreciate the info.

[ColoJoe]

Racer314, I don't have the sport suspension - not available with the all wheel drive in the 2009's. The all wheel drive IS notorious for tramlining, but the Continental tires do a good job of minimizing it.

[The Bodyguard]

I owned my 08 M45 Sport since September 2010 until sold to a friend on September '12 it came with full technology packages including rear DVD and roof mounted TV package (rare w/sport)!! No issues with any electronics whatsoever, not even batteries for wireless headsets!! At about 40k I had the brakes completely done (rotors and pads) due to them warping!! At 60k I had coolant, rear differential, transmitting flush, and drive belts replaced along with regular oil changes as part of maintenance work!
Warranty items replaced:
-AC compressor was too loud IMO (they refused to accept it was abnormal but did it for me anyways)
-one of the headlight afs motor went out (replaced entire headlight unit)
New owner:
Out of warranty items not fixed (warranty expired) and he just carried on like they are:
-other headlight afs system
-accelerator pedal assembly (CEL on/off periodically)
Bought with 32k miles currently 85k miles!
No engine or transmission problems at all!! Hope that helps!!