Considering Used M56x - Issues?

[BluNos2]

Hi folks, just joined as I am pretty interested in the 2011 M56x for my new-to-me daily driver. Currently have an '06 Acura RL, but on my wish list for the next car is a more aggressive style and sportier performance while still keeping AWD, luxury features, and hopefully good reliability. Normal maintenance and wear&tear repair costs don't worry me a lot - it's just if the car is notoriously problematic that I get concerned.

I am surprised at how reasonable the pricing is on the used market for the 2011 56x already. I did some searching and read about some issues like bluetooth problems, rear sunshade issues, peeling steering wheels, and transmission software updates for improved shifting. Have any other problematic areas to watch out for popped up yet - or is the car still a bit too rare and new?

[szh]

Hi folks, just joined as I am pretty interested in the 2011 M56x for my new-to-me daily driver. Currently have an '06 Acura RL, but on my wish list for the next car is a more aggressive style and sportier performance while still keeping AWD, luxury features, and hopefully good reliability. Normal maintenance and wear&tear repair costs don't worry me a lot - it's just if the car is notoriously problematic that I get concerned.

I am surprised at how reasonable the pricing is on the used market for the 2011 56x already. I did some searching and read about some issues like bluetooth problems, rear sunshade issues, peeling steering wheels, and transmission software updates for improved shifting. Have any other problematic areas to watch out for popped up yet - or is the car still a bit too rare and new?

Hello and welcome to NICO.

I saw this post a few days ago and waited to see a response from an actual M56 owner (since my own is an older M45, and I don't know much about the M56) ... I suspect that we do not have many or enough M56 owners here yet to comment.

Personally, I have been quite tempted to get an M56, but my reasoning for not actually pulling the trigger has less to do with any problems that might be in that model, but rather because I am a bit old school when it comes to looks. The current generation of M's (from 2006 on) look is just a tiny bit too "generic" and bland to me - very like many other "upside-down soap dish" cars on the market. It would not stop me if/when my car dies or anything, of course, but till then, I will continue with my 2003 M45.

The new engine, handling and suspension changes over my current 2003 M45 are definitely superior, of course! It is just that my car is so unique looking, rare, and instantly recognizable - and it gets quite a few second looks from people wondering what car it is - that I just don't want to get rid of it.

Z

[esaydam]

It seems like the problems with the M37 are also seen in the M56. I have the 2011 M37S and the issues you mentioned are the ones I've encountered. After the bluetooth/nav update, ECM/TCM update, and steering switch replacement, I have zero issues with the car. The bluetooth/nav update fixed the bad bluetooth performance, the ECM/TCM update really improved how the transmission shifts now, and steering switch replacement correct how the paint was over applied on the original switches so I don't see it happening again. The biggest weakness I see in the vehicle is the transmission as even after the TCM update, there is still some gear hunting going on but it's very minimal and I usually see it in first through third only. Plus, I find that in 'sport' shift mode, it's not there at all, though I've experienced some downshifting at higher speeds when I'm breaking at a high rate, which is actually ok for me as I like the engine to help slow the car a bit. It's just a little too harsh in my opinion. Outside of this, I haven't seen anything else as the fit and finish is top notch and I absolutely love the interior and exterior styling with the sport package. Like a lot of people report, the Sport package makes this car to me.

[Tiggaman]

i went the used route and have zero regrets. I went from an O6 TL to a used 2012 M37S with about 15K miles and was amazed how reasonably priced it was. Mine was not a certified pre-owned, rather an off-lease. Its been about 5 months since the purchase and I have yet to experience any of the issues you listed above. I'm not sure exactly what was fixed/changed for the 12' model year but again no issues so far... Good luck with your purchase!

[ViciousM45]

hi guys! i had a 2007 M45, i miss it. i traded it in for a used 2011 m56x and there's quite a night/day difference in the engine/transmission. My 07 M45 sport was smooth while accelerating, stopping, engine overall was quiet. The M56x seems to be rough around the edges. Hard to figure out what gear to use when you suddenly press on the gas. so there's a gap until it finds the right gear. I may have gotten a bad one just cause i've had some issues with it. My first issue was that after stopping for lunch or something the car would not turn anymore. i would press the ON button, it would come on and die right away. I would have to give it gas for it to stay on. Then it would be fine. then this would happen again, days or weeks later. I took it to the dealer and they re-programmed the ECU and they said an update fixed it. i switched to sport mode and drove it for awhile. Then it did it again. not sure what's up but makes me wonder if infiniti will make the m56 anymore now that the Q50 is out.

[SteveTheTech]

I am surprised at how reasonable the pricing is on the used market for the 2011 56x already. I did some searching and read about some issues like bluetooth problems, rear sunshade issues, peeling steering wheels, and transmission software updates for improved shifting. Have any other problematic areas to watch out for popped up yet - or is the car still a bit too rare and new?

I agree with esaydam the biggest thing to consider when looking at or driving a pre-owned M is the highly adaptive transmission, that can be a challenge to get used to for some time. Sport mode should give you the best feel of the potential of that motor and transmission combo. I've got the RE7 in my G and drive Sport exclusively only because it takes less throttle input to downshift than the eco minded standard drive

It is kind of interesting that the most common problems listed are for the most part fairly minor. That is encouraging. Even a few years on the road they are still mostly problem free. Annoying...sometimes but most owners love them.

[White-Rush]

- True Story...
I live in Southern Virginia and drove down to Charlotte NC to purchase my used 2011 M37. From there the family and I drove all the way to Northern Ohio for a few days, before heading back down to VA. Jumping straight from my M35 into this car and getting on the road for over 1000 miles, it felt great. Even as I went thru the mountains the transmission never second guessed my input on the throttle. Overall, i'm very happy with the purchase.

My suggestion to anyone considering purchasing used, Please ask your dealer / seller if it would be possible to keep the car overnight to get a feel for it. Even though we were from out of state, the Salesman kindly agreed to give us dealer plates and allow us to keep the car for 24 hours or so to get a feel for it. Driving it around over the afternoon and evening allowed me to really understand what all the previous owners have praised / complained about. In the end, I walked away with a piece of mind knowing i had made the right decision.