2011 M56S

[cejac63]

Question: I am looking to purchase a M37 or M56. So I see a nice one online(2011 M56S) and they show a picture of the instrument panel and the 4WAS light is on while the car was idle. I have heard and researched users via this forum and some of these 4WAS systems can go bad. I should keep looking, right? Any and all info would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Larz]

I know some peeps will have a rebuttal, but ... AWD cars are not as much better than RWD as people like to think they are. True, AWD can provide better traction in limited conditions, but with advances like traction control, ABS, and stability control, a well made RWD car can come a lot closer to AWD capability. In fact, a RWD car can cut power to one wheel completely if the other side is stuck or slipping. Unless you live in an isolated area that has snow deep and often, I see no need for AWD and the added expense at purchase and added repairs down the road. Most roadways are cleared of snow quite quickly by plows, etc. AWD cars cannot perform like a RWD car for obvious reasons like added weight and loss of balance on the ground. They lose a little of that 'sport' performance that only RWD can provide, but usually AWD can accelerate slightly quicker than RWD with all 4 wheels hurling it forward. Then again, a RWD car with winter tires will always outperform an AWD car with all season tires. There are enough + and - to make your head spin.
That said, although I frequently drive to the north in winter and have driven my RWD in 3-4 inches of unplowed snow with no difficulty. BUT .... I live full time in a part of the country where snow is completely impossible so I have admittedly limited experience compared to you lot who chose to live where that stuff happens, LOL.
I reckon it's up to the individual driver and the type and frequency of snowfall where they drive.

Regarding the M56: Make sure you check oil level frequently. There are multiple threads in here regarding oil consumption - nothing to be scared about - just make a note to check oil frequently. Also there was a recall about the timing chain - make sure that the recall was performed. I rather fancy the M56. It gives blistering acceleration and gets nearly the same 'actual driven' MPG as the V6 engine!

[EdBwoy]

Larz, the 4WAS system is a rear steering system that came in RWD cars. It's just the rear wheels that are driven as well as turned a little. It's a steering rack for the rear. Quite a magnificent system if you get a chance to test out. It makes these big sedans handle like a deceivingly smaller car.

That being said, OP cejac63, I'd be cautious to buy it. So far it hasn't turned out to be a simple or cheap fix.

[Larz]

I thought that was the light for AWD system, Well ... in that case ... Just consider my post as a little blurb to read with the morning tea and muffin. LOL
Thanks Ed, for always being there when we have troubles. You're a good man !

[Frog]

I’ve had to read steering wheel actuators put on my car over the last 110 thousand miles. Both of them are right around the $4000 mark but both under warranty so be careful.

But u can run with out it just won’t Turn the rear wheels it only turns them like 3° anyway. So the next time and goes out I’m probably just gonna leave it so if the price is right

[armybrat]

I know some peeps will have a rebuttal, but ... AWD cars are not as much better than RWD as people like to think they are. True, AWD can provide better traction in limited conditions, but with advances like traction control, ABS, and stability control, a well made RWD car can come a lot closer to AWD capability. In fact, a RWD car can cut power to one wheel completely if the other side is stuck or slipping. Unless you live in an isolated area that has snow deep and often, I see no need for AWD and the added expense at purchase and added repairs down the road. Most roadways are cleared of snow quite quickly by plows, etc. AWD cars cannot perform like a RWD car for obvious reasons like added weight and loss of balance on the ground. They lose a little of that 'sport' performance that only RWD can provide, but usually AWD can accelerate slightly quicker than RWD with all 4 wheels hurling it forward. Then again, a RWD car with winter tires will always outperform an AWD car with all season tires. There are enough + and - to make your head spin.
That said, although I frequently drive to the north in winter and have driven my RWD in 3-4 inches of unplowed snow with no difficulty. BUT .... I live full time in a part of the country where snow is completely impossible so I have admittedly limited experience compared to you lot who chose to live where that stuff happens, LOL.
I reckon it's up to the individual driver and the type and frequency of snowfall where they drive.

Regarding the M56: Make sure you check oil level frequently. There are multiple threads in here regarding oil consumption - nothing to be scared about - just make a note to check oil frequently. Also there was a recall about the timing chain - make sure that the recall was performed. I rather fancy the M56. It gives blistering acceleration and gets nearly the same 'actual driven' MPG as the V6 engine!

I guess it would depend on which type of AWD. The SH-AWD that Acura uses is a far superior AWD system (IMHO) to the Nissan ATTESA E-TS that is in our vehicles. As a previous and current owner of an MDX and RDX, and having driven both 2 wheel and AWD in those models, I can tell you that there is a huge difference in how the AWD performs compared to the 2 wheel drive. In the Nissan world, I may tend to agree with part of your assessment. The ATTESA setup is RWD biased anyway for most of your normal driving, so I do agree that there isn't much difference in how the two drivetrains perform. I do agree that tires will make a difference in performance in either drivetrain. By losing a little sport performance if you mean not being able to burn rubber in the AWD then I guess you'd be right there. I'm not sure about the added expenses and repairs; only extra maintenance is changing the transfer case and front diff fluids every once in a while. Also, you'll pay as much for a comparably equipped RWD Sport model with the 4WAS, larger wheels, brakes, etc.


I do agree about keeping an eye on the oil level if you get the V8. Don't wait until the next scheduled oil change to check the oil level. You'll have to add a quart or two in between for sure. With my custom exhaust and tune I can get close to 28 mpg running 55 mph on flat interstate during the warmer months. Only major issue is catalytic converter replacement if you get the V8. Nissan decided to make the exhaust manifold and cat in one piece...major bucks to get those replaced.