2009 M35 Transmission Feel at Low Speeds

[bambamramram]

Just got a 2009 Infiniti M35--got it used. When slowing to a stop or coasting at low speeds, the car appears to downshift too early causing a slight jerk each time it downshifts (slowing me down as it shifts). Not sure if this is normal since -- seems to happen after engine gets up to normal operating temperature.

I'm taking it into Infiniti, but does anyone know if this is the norm with this car and for the mechanically minded gurus, what do you think is going on--if anything?

Thanks!! (Obviously I'm a newbie here).

[About Tree Fiddy]

I think it is perfectly normal. My 2009 w/ 7 speed does the same thing does the same thing as did the others I test drove. I imagine the transmission is programmed that way so the car is always in a usable gear when you reapply the throttle. Unfortunately, if you find it objectionable I doubt there is anything the dealer can do to modify the shift points.

[bambamramram]

Thank you. Good info!

[hawkfan]

Hey you 2009 guys, what kind of highway gas mileage are you getting? Does the 7 speed really improve highway MPG all that much?

[bambamramram]

Not sure what the actual mileage on the pervious models were since this is my first infiniti. The other day I reset the computer and took it for a fairly long hwy/backroad drive. I averaged about 65 mph and the computer reported about 27 mpg (it was mostly highway driving w/ some occasional stops. Car was empty (nothing in trunk and just me at in the car). I'll be doing more "tests" as I put more miles on it.

[SteveTheTech]

I agree that the shift logic tries its hardest not to sink into a low gear that will take more time to overcome when acceleration is commanded. The dealer may try resetting the closed throttle position and throttle position just as a good measure but that is no guarantee. If you have driven a Lexus with an 8 speed you would see the difference, where the focus is comfort over performance. They sink to the lowest possible gear and there is a noticeable delay when throttle input is increased.

It is not surprising that the 09 gets 25+mpgs on the highway while improving 0-60 times. That is one of my only issues with the 06-08 is the fact that cruising at 65 the tach is <2500. Even my old J rides at about 1800@60 and gets well over 20mpgs on the highway.

[hawkfan]

Not sure what the actual mileage on the pervious models were since this is my first infiniti. The other day I reset the computer and took it for a fairly long hwy/backroad drive. I averaged about 65 mph and the computer reported about 27 mpg (it was mostly highway driving w/ some occasional stops. Car was empty (nothing in trunk and just me at in the car). I'll be doing more "tests" as I put more miles on it.

Sweet!

[bambamramram]

Hawkfan, Another gas mileage "test" for 09' 7spd transmission--bottom line first: got 24 mpg on average over weekend, details below.

I just came back from a 500 mile trip that included highway, country roads, stop lights, city driving (mostly highway though). It was me and the wife + the car was loaded with about 150 lbs of "junk " in the trunk.

The 2009 transmission got about 24 mpg overall. This was mixed driving but mostly highway miles, but I was doing 85 at times and got stopped once by the cops (he let me off w/ a warning though). I was driving fairly aggressively though--the car handles so well it made me go faster! .

Again, not sure how close that is to the 5 speed, but one thing I know is the 7 speed shifts often and right at about 20 mph (slowing to a stop) I notice the shifts (a little jerkier than I'd like from a lux car, but I understand it is performance driven.) As a passenger (when my wife drove), I really did not notice it as much, but as the driver I noticed it more because the car did something I didn't mmediately expect and that annoyed me. It's perfectly normal according to the dealer and to others I've talked to for this transmission and I'm getting used to it--mainly because I know what's coming at 20 mph. Anyway...consider this if you upgrade, or at least during test drive take the car out long enough to get it warmed up because it only happens when the car has warmed up.

That said, it's not that bad, I can live with it and I'm very happy with my new car. This is the first Infiniti I've owned. I'm just a fanatic for the details and I want a perfect car for the best value. Overall, I'm happy and think I've come darn close to it w/ this M--it's a great car as you know (the handling and chassis is dreamy for a car that big--I was extremely impressed with how it handled--wonderful car, a beast in a tuxedo! I wonder what magic they will do with the next version scheduled to come out in 2010/2011 or so...it should be awesome.

Anyway...

[EniGmA1987]

next scheduled overhaul for the 2011 model there wont be an M35 anymore But there will be an M37, supposedly with the same engine that is going in the Essence (minus the twin turbo)

Anyway, those mpg numbers seem better than the older 5 speed auto model for the M35, but not too much better. If I am by myself driving and I actually want to get good milage, I can get 29mpg highway going 75mph with just me in the car and the trunk empty. I can average about 23mpg if I have some stuff in the trunk and a passenger.

I also notice that same downshift feeling when coming to a stop, but I never cared much about it since the trans is still WAY better than my last car on its best day.