Advice for prospective M buyer? (currently have a G)

Post by **BlackCat81** » Sat Jan 23, 2016 7:56 am

Altim8M37 wrote:FYI....in terms of aftermarket support, should you want to make some changes. Best is the 37 and gets worse as you add in the v8 and worst with AWD. If you need the AWD for weather purposes, just be prepped for no parts love.

IMHO, after driving (RWD only) both the 37 and 56, I didn't feel the bump in price was worth it. And, I was coming from a 5.7L Tundra that would SCOOT. With the (albeit slightly) better aftermarket support for the V6, you can spend less money on mods than the difference in price from the 37 to 56 and really make it your own. In fairness, I purchased my V6 without knowing this ahead of time.

I had this same argument back in 05 when they released the Altima SER. It was (again, IMHO) a waste of money to buy the SER when you could purchase a V6 model and add in the suspension, exhaust, and engine components aftermarket (and have a faster, better handling vehicle) and still have money to spare to buy popcorn AND candy at the movies, if you wanted. All in how you feel about modding vs. factory design.

You'd be hard pressed the throw the entire mod catalog at an M37 and have it be anywhere as powerful as an M56. We're talking almost 100hp here. It's not like a CAI and exhaust would even remotely get an M37 into M56 performance territory.

Post by **Altim8M37** » Sat Jan 23, 2016 8:20 am

I was in no way insinuating that you could get the M37 to compete pound for pound with the M56. Sorry if it came across that way. I was just on my old forum the other day and it reminded me of the argument I got into with a guy who said that the SER was the best way to go. Again, this was a decade ago lol.

Simply meant that getting the V6 and modding it as you like can be just as rewarding and enjoyable as the V8. All in your tastes and if you feel that the extra HP is worth the money.

Post by **dTardis** » Sun Jan 24, 2016 9:53 am

When shopping around is there any "quick" way to figure out what packages the car has? Also in my area there seems to be a lot of 4wd cars. So finding a 2wd is a little difficult.

Post by **adeedpb** » Sun Jan 24, 2016 10:57 am

Look for pictures of the buttons near where your left knee would be in the drivers seat; lots of them and you probably have the tech package. Also look for speakers in the top of the seats, that will let you know it has the touring package. Paddle shifters and bigger brakes you are looking at a sport model. Not sure what would tip you off about the AWD, maybe one of those guys can chime in.

Post by **Ilya** » Sun Jan 24, 2016 11:31 am

AWD is probably designated by snow mode on the armrest dial...I don't think the RWD cars have that? If they do, I stand corrected.

Post by **adeedpb** » Sun Jan 24, 2016 1:13 pm

Yeah I have snow mode on my RWD

Post by **Ilya** » Sun Jan 24, 2016 4:39 pm

Gotcha. In that case, not sure what else would differentiate an AWD from an RWD without maybe looking under the car?

Post by **mrnix** » Sun Jan 24, 2016 8:18 pm

Ilya wrote:Gotcha. In that case, not sure what else would differentiate an AWD from an RWD without maybe looking under the car?

maybe a silly question, but isn't it just the letter X in the model name? M37 vs M37X?

Post by **Ilya** » Sun Jan 24, 2016 8:47 pm

mrnix wrote:
Ilya wrote:Gotcha. In that case, not sure what else would differentiate an AWD from an RWD without maybe looking under the car?
maybe a silly question, but isn't it just the letter X in the model name? M37 vs M37X?

Not always easy to tell in pictures if they don't show the back of the car clearly, etc. That's what I thought we were talking about (visual queue's).

Post by **BlackCat81** » Mon Jan 25, 2016 7:50 am

Ilya wrote:AWD is probably designated by snow mode on the armrest dial...I don't think the RWD cars have that? If they do, I stand corrected.

That's a pretty safe assumption. It's rare to have snow mode on a RWD. it's possible, but very unlikely.

Post by **Ilya** » Mon Jan 25, 2016 8:09 am

BlackCat81 wrote:
Ilya wrote:AWD is probably designated by snow mode on the armrest dial...I don't think the RWD cars have that? If they do, I stand corrected.
That's a pretty safe assumption. It's rare to have snow mode on a RWD. it's possible, but very unlikely.

The Y51 has snow mode in all models. Adeedpb has it on his RWD M56. I guess that was only a sign in the Y50. I confirmed it by looking at other RWD Y51's on autotrader. I looked at like 5 all over the US and all had snow mode.

Post by **Mjkkb2** » Mon Jan 25, 2016 8:11 am

both RWD and AWD came with the same 4 modes including snow (at least for 2011 to 2013 models)

Post by **armybrat** » Mon Jan 25, 2016 8:15 am

infinitedrift wrote:My mileage went up with custom exhaust. I feel like I make way less trips to the gas station.

Mine did too. Deleted the post cats, Y-pipe and resonators. 2" straight pipes from the main cats to a 2" X-pipe, then straight pipes to the stock mufflers. Definitely runs great, sounds really awesome and picked up about 1 - 2 mpg. My M56x has about 55,000 miles on it. First time I've heard about timing chain issues though. Only thing I noticed, only after I did my exhaust mod, is that it's pretty loud on a cold start, then after about 15 seconds, it quiets down to normal. I think that's because the engine is working harder to push the cold air out the pipes...didn't really notice any whining noises, but I wasn't really listening for it either. I will pay more attention next time.

Post by **EmersonHart13** » Mon Jan 25, 2016 8:33 am

I have a buddy with a an 11/12 m56 that is dealer maintained and the timing chain had to be replaced at 62-63k miles... Every time I am in for service my dealer is doing a 5.6 chain...

I have snow mode on my rwd hybrid. It is very handy.

Post by **armybrat** » Mon Jan 25, 2016 8:39 am

mrnix wrote:Noob question, but the Sport is only RWD, correct? I am going to get an AWD model, so I've been looking at the M37x and M56x. The 56 seems to have more/ better standard features. I think I would prefer a loaded 37, but I'm checking out both models.

2011 and 2012 M56 sport models were only offered in RWD. The 2013 sport model was offered with either AWD or RWD.

Post by **Ilya** » Mon Jan 25, 2016 8:56 am

EmersonHart13 wrote:I have a buddy with a an 11/12 m56 that is dealer maintained and the timing chain had to be replaced at 62-63k miles... Every time I am in for service my dealer is doing a 5.6 chain...

I have snow mode on my rwd hybrid. It is very handy.

This scares me. I need to have my dealer check it (I'm at 70,500) ASAP and give it a clean bill of health so that if it does fail in the next couple thousand miles I can have it on paper.

Post by **armybrat** » Mon Jan 25, 2016 1:21 pm

Ilya wrote:
EmersonHart13 wrote:I have a buddy with a an 11/12 m56 that is dealer maintained and the timing chain had to be replaced at 62-63k miles... Every time I am in for service my dealer is doing a 5.6 chain...

I have snow mode on my rwd hybrid. It is very handy.
This scares me. I need to have my dealer check it (I'm at 70,500) ASAP and give it a clean bill of health so that if it does fail in the next couple thousand miles I can have it on paper.

Yeah I am concerned now...getting off work in about 10 minutes, so I will try and listen for any whining...Next service is the 60,000 mile one. I will have it checked out then. I believe the 6yr/70k power train warranty will cover this repair.

I had a chance to use the snow mode this morning, here in NC. Works great, starts out in 2nd gear, more balanced torque between front and back...can't remember at what speed it reverts to standard torque split. Mainly good for starting out and neighborhood driving, not so much once you get up to speed.

Post by **Ilya** » Mon Jan 25, 2016 2:15 pm

I have Elite till 82kmi or so, so I'm actually hoping it fails within that time. I don't care if I don't have my car for a week or two...just don't want to foot the bill if it breaks at 100kmi instead.

Anyone know what the cost of this repair is?

Post by **Altim8M37** » Mon Jan 25, 2016 2:39 pm

I think blackcat said in the $4,000-$5000 range. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Post by **Ilya** » Mon Jan 25, 2016 3:07 pm

I wonder if it's something that is DIY'able. That's entirely too much. At 82kmi, the M is only worth like $15k...that's a third of the cars price lol.

Post by **armybrat** » Tue Jan 26, 2016 8:20 am

Ilya wrote:I wonder if it's something that is DIY'able. That's entirely too much. At 82kmi, the M is only worth like $15k...that's a third of the cars price lol.

I watched a time lapsed YouTube video of the job being done to a QX56: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuR2w0Je8z0

I bet the procedure is pretty much the same for the M56...definitely explains the high cost of replacing the parts, and probably beyond the realm of 99% of DIY'ers

I downloaded a copy of the amended TSB that includes the M56 here: http://x.infinitihelp.com/forum/local_l ... 0&keyid=59

Gives you an idea of what parts and tools you'll need. They skip to the part where you have already removed everything to get to the oil jet.

if you decide to try it, I would be interested in how you fare with it

Post by **Ilya** » Tue Jan 26, 2016 9:02 am

Holy crap that's a lot of work. I didn't even finish the video.

I'm going to setup an appointment to get this ITB13-009a looked at. It's nice to have a number.

Post by **mrnix** » Fri Jan 29, 2016 11:45 am

Since I've never actually driven the more recent generation M, I plan to head to the dealer tonight to check a few out. thanks for the suggestions by forum members so far.

Post by **CRV_33** » Fri Jan 29, 2016 1:33 pm

mrnix wrote:Since I've never actually driven the more recent generation M, I plan to head to the dealer tonight to check a few out. thanks for the suggestions by forum members so far.

How did it go? Also which engine and drivetrain did you test drive?

Post by **mrnix** » Mon Feb 01, 2016 4:23 pm

I drove a 2013 M37x and really liked it. The one I drove is a bit out of my price range, but they apparently had one in the shop (getting cosmetic work done, per salesman ) that is more in my mid20s range. I also saw at another dealer a 2012 M56X, might try that out, too. I guess I'm a little torn between a 56x with a few more miles (70k) vs a 37x with lower miles (45k?) in same price range.

Post by **mig0s** » Tue Feb 02, 2016 9:27 pm

mrnix wrote:I drove a 2013 M37x and really liked it. The one I drove is a bit out of my price range, but they apparently had one in the shop (getting cosmetic work done, per salesman ) that is more in my mid20s range. I also saw at another dealer a 2012 M56X, might try that out, too. I guess I'm a little torn between a 56x with a few more miles (70k) vs a 37x with lower miles (45k?) in same price range.

go with the m37x. it has more HP than 90% of the cars on the road. Lower miles, no need to worry about timing chain.

Post by **Ilya** » Tue Feb 02, 2016 10:14 pm

Yeah, I'd go with a 37x myself and I own a 56x. Just the aftermarket support alone would make me re-do my decision...however, my dealer only had my car on the lot when I made a spur of the moment decision to trade in my M35x.

Post by **Larz** » Wed Feb 03, 2016 2:51 am

Interesting that you would say that, Ilya. I was planning on taking the plunge for a Q70L with the 5.6 engine. Nothing wrong with my 09, just getting a nibble from the "lets get a newer car" bug.
Since the mpg is not all that much lower than my 3.5 HR engine, i reckoned it might be the way to go. That is, until all this talk about timing chains in the 5.6 engines. When last at my dealer, I asked my service rep about it and he told me that replacing timing chain on an m56 is not unusual at 100k miles or a little earlier. He told me the 3.5 and 3.7 engines are much more reliable and bullet proof - because the 4.5 has oil issues and the 5.5 has timing chain and CAT issues. According to him, they rank 3.5 and 3.7, then 4.5 and most expensive as the miles pile on is the 5.6 engine.
So ... I know that my 3.5 HR has driven me over 110 mph and the DS mode gives me plenty of pull for passing other cars even if I'm already doing 75 before passing, so I don't really need the V8 after all.

Post by **mrnix** » Wed Feb 03, 2016 10:01 am

Great info, thanks everyone!

Post by **Ilya** » Wed Feb 03, 2016 10:10 am

I only said M37x because of the mileage difference and aftermarket. I love my V8...the power is amazing. Every situation is different...

Advice for prospective M buyer? (currently have a G)

Re: Advice for prospective M buyer? (currently have a G)

Re: Advice for prospective M buyer? (currently have a G)

Re: Advice for prospective M buyer? (currently have a G)

Re: Advice for prospective M buyer? (currently have a G)

Re: Advice for prospective M buyer? (currently have a G)

Re: Advice for prospective M buyer? (currently have a G)

Re: Advice for prospective M buyer? (currently have a G)

Re: Advice for prospective M buyer? (currently have a G)

Re: Advice for prospective M buyer? (currently have a G)

Re: Advice for prospective M buyer? (currently have a G)

Re: Advice for prospective M buyer? (currently have a G)

Re: Advice for prospective M buyer? (currently have a G)

Re: Advice for prospective M buyer? (currently have a G)

Re: Advice for prospective M buyer? (currently have a G)

Re: Advice for prospective M buyer? (currently have a G)

Re: Advice for prospective M buyer? (currently have a G)

Re: Advice for prospective M buyer? (currently have a G)

Re: Advice for prospective M buyer? (currently have a G)

Re: Advice for prospective M buyer? (currently have a G)

Re: Advice for prospective M buyer? (currently have a G)

Re: Advice for prospective M buyer? (currently have a G)

Re: Advice for prospective M buyer? (currently have a G)

Re: Advice for prospective M buyer? (currently have a G)

Re: Advice for prospective M buyer? (currently have a G)

Re: Advice for prospective M buyer? (currently have a G)

Re: Advice for prospective M buyer? (currently have a G)

Re: Advice for prospective M buyer? (currently have a G)

Re: Advice for prospective M buyer? (currently have a G)

Re: Advice for prospective M buyer? (currently have a G)

Re: Advice for prospective M buyer? (currently have a G)

Nissan Forums

Infiniti Forums

Datsun Forums

Technical Forums

Classifieds / Marketplace

Nissan Motorsports

General Forums