2009 Infiniti M35

[retho78]

Hey Folks,

I'm new here and planning on purchasing a pre-owned 2009 M35 (one owner) with 64000 miles on it. I wanted to reach out to current or previous owners and find out how this vehicle is, anything that I need to be aware off? Per carfax history, vehicle has been maintained at Infiniti dealership and couple other places.

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[Ilya]

Welcome to the forum!

If the car has been properly maintained, you shouldn't have any 'gotchas'. I owned my 07 M35x from 32kmi to 140kmi when I traded it in and the only 'gotchas' I had (which aren't all that common) were the memory seat module for the driver side going back at like 40kmi and the steering rack leaking at like 85.

For this model car in general, the one thing that can crop up is the seat rail issue where the front seats move under heavy braking or acceleration.

Take care of the car and stay up on the upkeep and it should serve you well.

[BlackCat81]

Welcome to the forum!

If the car has been properly maintained, you shouldn't have any 'gotchas'. I owned my 07 M35x from 32kmi to 140kmi when I traded it in and the only 'gotchas' I had (which aren't all that common) were the memory seat module for the driver side going back at like 40kmi and the steering rack leaking at like 85.

For this model car in general, the one thing that can crop up is the seat rail issue where the front seats move under heavy braking or acceleration.

Take care of the car and stay up on the upkeep and it should serve you well.

Agreed. They're mostly problem free.

[retho78]

Thank you! I normally take good care of the cars that I own / owned so hopefully this should be the same and with no problems.

Thank you!

[BlackCat81]

Thank you! I normally take good care of the cars that I own / owned so hopefully this should be the same and with no problems.

Thank you!

My 06 M35x has 207k. It's been problem free for the most part. I bought it for a winter car the beginning of September with 205k and a bad steering rack. According to its maintenance history, it's had a couple of head light bulbs replaced but that's about it as far as repairs go. Other than a little intermittent torque converter shudder, it doesn't have a single issue.

[Larz]

Welcome to NICO and Happy Holidays

I currently own a 2009 M35 RWD. I cannot speak specifically to the AWD functionality or dependability, but I have not seen any posts in here that would cause me concern.
As for the rest of the 2009 M: The 7-speed gearbox makes a noticeable improvement in MPG but can be a little wonky at times looking for a gear. That is normal for all brands with 7 or 8 speed gear boxes and it doesn't happen very often in my M. The fit and finish are top notch for the most part, the ride quality is excellent, and the newer HR engine seems bullet proof. I also had an 07 M and that was still running 100% perfect at 100k miles until it was totaled by a drunk driver - hence the 09 that I currently own. The 09 has rain sense wipers which took a little getting used to, but I love them now. The compact flash drive is amazing - it replaced the 6-disc changer form the 07 models and you can fit a bloody TON of tracs on an inexpensive 8GB flash and the car reads it immediately and plays them flawlessly. On both of my M's all I had to do was required maintenance, tires, battery, etc. I tell everyone that as long as you keep up the maintenance, these Ms will run forever. The only drawback (and it's not really a drawback) is the HR engine has double intakes, so 2 X air filters and 2 X MAF sensors when it's time to replace.

[retho78]

Thank you again for the replies and Merry Christmas!

The one I'm getting is not the AWD option but just RWD. Also, I like the 7 speed automatic with the new engine.

When it is time to replace the filter I might just buy the reusable filter (something like K&N style). How are the HID headlights on these, are they pretty bright?

[retho78]

Also, how much MPGs does you car get?

[retho78]

I did some research last night and could only find K&N reusable air filter. I prefer the dry filter that is reusable, anyone know where I can find them?

Also, I wanted to buy some good rubber mats or something similar to the Infiniti oem style but they are pricey at the dealership. Is there any good online Infiniti parts store that sells them at a lesser price? Also, I need the part number as well, please and thank you.

[BlackCat81]

I did some research last night and could only find K&N reusable air filter. I prefer the dry filter that is reusable, anyone know where I can find them?

Also, I wanted to buy some good rubber mats or something similar to the Infiniti oem style but they are pricey at the dealership. Is there any good online Infiniti parts store that sells them at a lesser price? Also, I need the part number as well, please and thank you.

I'd pick up a set of WeatherTech mats. As far as filters go, being that I'm an Infiniti tech I'd recommend using the original filters. They come oiled and work really well.

[retho78]

Okay, thanks. I will look into it.

[Larz]

As for the K&N filters, Some members have reported that fibers from these filters can cause trouble with the MAF sensors. I have never used then so I can't say for sure. I buy mine from Ebay. Some Infiniti dealers have Ebay stores where they discount parts and ship for free. I pay about $40.00 for the 2-filter OEM set. Mine need replacement about once per year so $40 isn't an issue.

As for actual gas mileage: Lots of variables effect the MPG. My driving style leans closer to spirited than old tinker and I frequently use the DS (sport) mode. I live near the bottom of Florida. Roadways and freeways are 100% flat but there are draw bridges in my path no matter where I drive so a 10 minute idle at 0 mph is usually part of the drive and the climate control is never switched off. Also heavy traffic and a plethora of traffic lights. Day-to-day driving nets me about 17 mpg. With the 7-speed gearbox, my car will make 70 mph at about 2300 rpm. That nets me close to 26 mpg which is great for a gas powered sedan this heavy. Other factors like tire brand, proper inflation and alignment, ambient temperature, etc all effect our mpg as well.

About the HID headlamps: I use OSRAM XENARC D2S 66240 CBI bulbs. These are absolutely brilliant! No fake-blue-ish tint, just pure daylight spread wide and far ahead of you at night. These put the shame on our OEM bulbs. They are not cheap, but definitely worth the money. Make sure you buy them from a place called The Retrofit Source as 90% of the dealers who sell them are selling fake knock-offs. Changing a headlamp on our cars is a tedious chore and you won't want to do it twice due to a cheap headlamp blowing out earlier than it should.

[retho78]

Thanks for that additional information. I'm might just stay with OEM filters and for the HID bulbs, I will wait for now. Also, I have purchased products from retrofit source before and they are excellent.

[bluedevil30]

I have this car (AWD) with 140K miles on it with no major issues. Some added things you should check:

1. Make sure you get both key fobs because having one is not a good idea and they aren't cheap.

2. Check to make sure all door locks open and close properly using the door handle button. I sometimes experience random stickiness on my drivers door where my lock wont close.

3. Check sunroof operation. I never use mine but people sometimes overlook this feature.

4. Check all the nav, phone and stereo features. Expensive to repair if not working right.

[retho78]

bluedevil30 - Unfortunately this car has only one key fob and I will check all the other things what you have mentioned.


Thanks.

[retho78]

Also, If anyone is looking to purchase HID bulbs, retrofit source has a 15% off code "TRSXMAS15" and it ends tonight.

[pedsemdoc]

I know the search function to the archived threads isn't the best, but if you search common problems, buying a used M35/M45 you can see some of the more "common" problems that members on here have experienced...that being said, I don't want to scare you into thinking you've bought a lemon (my car has really been awesome and quite reliable)

1. if the battery hasn't been changed, would make sure yours is pulling the correct cold crank amperage - many guys on here have experienced some serious electrical gremlin type behavior when their battery has gone bad even just a little bit.

2. Based on a recent post, make sure your key fob battery is new as well.

3. if you want your side mirrors to move when you put the car in reverse, these motors start to fail and the mirror will move down but not return back to their correct position.

4. AFS system in your headlights (they turn in the direction of your turn) these motors can fail too... recent post by a member here "what's this funny sound" thread

5. I recently had the "problem with filling the gas tank full, because the automatic gas pump shut off keeps activating" issue come up. fiddled with the angle that i was pumping the gas and the last few fill ups have been fine.

6. Luckily with the VQ motor compared to the VK (M45), you shouldn't have the oil consumption issue, but I would make sure that your engine hasn't been burning up more than the usual amount of oil or had any gasket leaks

7. a few fellas have had some problems with their heating/cooling seats as well - make sure you check all the luxury bells and whistles to make sure they're working like they should (voice commands, rear back up camera, etc.)

8. Bluetooth phone call sound/calls (there is a technical service bulletin to have a second?/new microphone placed so that sound is better

9. There are definitely some members that will dissuade you from choosing certain tires because of tramlining (the stock ones that came with mine, a 2006 M45 Sport model were sh*t...tramlining like crazy, lost traction with just a slight bit of moisture when taking off from stoplights and I wasn't mashing on the go fast pedal )

that's a few of the items that I can think of....

congrats on the new ride and welcome to NICO!

Craig

[pedsemdoc]

Found this thread:

post6569333.html?hilit=buying an M35#p6569333

and you may want to search: "Technical Service Bulletin" in these threads to see what sort of things have been reported

[retho78]

Thanks, I didn't read the whole TSB post but since mine is a 2009 does it still have the similar issues like 2006 and 2007?

[BlackCat81]

Thanks, I didn't read the whole TSB post but since mine is a 2009 does it still have the similar issues like 2006 and 2007?

It's possible, some of them may apply and others may not. Just depends on the specific issue.

[retho78]

Okay, thanks. I hope it does not have any issues. Per carfax it has one recall for the accelerator pedal and I will take it to the dealership to check for other recalls.

[szh]

As for the K&N filters, Some members have reported that fibers from these filters can cause trouble with the MAF sensors.

I cannot comment on the "re-usable dry K&N" filters ... have not heard of those, but I agree that re-usability probably means that the fiber will wear in time. How is the cleaning done? Washing?

BTW, in the oiled version of K&N air filters, it is the micro-droplets of oil (and yes, they will occur in even the "driest" of oiled K&N filters!) in the air-stream that then deposit onto the hot-wire MAF, burn on, and cause problems in time!

Basically, oiled K&N filters are a no-no on our Nissan/Infiniti engines for long-term reliability ... stick with standard air filters and just change them often! This is relatively inexpensive enough anyway.

Z

[retho78]

Okay, I will stay with OEM air filters...thanks!

[retho78]

I should be getting the car by next week, waiting on financing process / paperwork to go through. It is taking a little longer than normal due to the holidays. I will try to post a picture of the car once I have it hand.

[BlackCat81]

Okay, thanks. I hope it does not have any issues. Per carfax it has one recall for the accelerator pedal and I will take it to the dealership to check for other recalls.

That's an easy recall. Takes about an hour, you can sit and wait for it.

[retho78]

That's my plan and will do an oil change while I'm there.

[retho78]

Well, I checked the carfax and it shows recent services completed at the end of October.

"Tire(s) replaced (per the dealership pictures it has firestone firehawk performance tires)
Oil and filter changed
Two tires mounted
Two tires balanced
Air filter replaced
Front wiper blades/refills replaced
Wiper(s) replaced"

But will do another oil change while having the recall checked out.

Additional service information done in Sept 2014

Maintenance inspection completed
One tire mounted
Tire(s) replaced
Tire(s) balanced
Brakes serviced
Brake pads replaced
Tire pressure monitoring system serviced
Air filter replaced
Oil and filter changed
Brake fluid flushed/changed
Tires rotated
Fuel system cleaned/serviced
Induction system serviced


Per this information I think I should be good for a while.

[retho78]

Just wanted to share a picture of the M35 I will be getting soon, hopefully have it by next week.

[retho78]

Quick question, are the 7 speed transmission an issue for these cars? I see a lot of info about hard shift, gear searching, etc. but mainly for G37 vehicles and there's a TSB for that. Is it the same issue for M35?

[retho78]

I went to an Infiniti dealership near to my location and gave them the VIN# on the M35 I'm getting soon, they said they cannot pull service history information if it's not done at their location. Is that true they cannot pull service information from other infiniti dealership, are the systems not linked to get the data?

They checked for recalls and there is one for the accelerator pedal, which is what carfax showed too.

Thanks.