Decision to make 735i or Q45

[NicoClubTEC]

I just inherited a very clean 1996 Infiniti Q45 with 87,000 miles. My father was the second owner and kept it great condition. It does need tires, shocks and there is a very small oil leak. As far as I know, everything works except the cruise control. I've only driven it a few hundred miles and it seems like a good car. My decision is whether to sell my 1991 BMW 735i with 216,000 miles (120,000 on the engine/trans) that I have had for 10 years or keep the Q45. I like driving the BMW better but she's getting up there in age/miles. What I want is a comfortable, reliable car that doesn't send me to the poorhouse keeping it up.

I have enjoyed reading the postings on this board so I thought I would ask experienced Q45 owners for your input on which to keep.

[OwnerCS]

How would you like to sell the Q45?

How's that for an answer? LOL

[lino]

Welcome to Nico.

A Q45 like any other car will cost a certain amount of money to maintain properly. I learned that the hard way . The question is, are you willing to invest that amount? It won't be less than an E32, but since your E32 has a lot more mileage (I don't know the condition it's in), you'll have to see how much you need to invest in both cars today and how much more on a regular basis for upkeep and then make a decision from there. I'm a BMW fan and love the feeling you get when driving one over most other cars. What are your impressions when comparing the two? I do realize that the E32 is a 6cyl.

[NicoClubTEC]

Welcome to Nico.

A Q45 like any other car will cost a certain amount of money to maintain properly. I learned that the hard way . The question is, are you willing to invest that amount? It won't be less than an E32, but since your E32 has a lot more mileage (I don't know the condition it's in), you'll have to see how much you need to invest in both cars today and how much more on a regular basis for upkeep and then make a decision from there. I'm a BMW fan and love the feeling you get when driving one over most other cars. What are your impressions when comparing the two? I do realize that the E32 is a 6cyl.

You seemed to have summed up my thoughts. Re the E32, I recently replaced most of the parts in the front suspension, struts, new tires and drive shaft so that sting is still with me. She's in really good condition but the mileage scares me. Wondering what's next. I have a history with this car and love driving it. The Q45 is a very nice car but I just don't have any experience with it. All things being equal, no question I would keep the E32. But, they are not. So it seems to come down to which one is going to cost me more/less over the 2-3 years. Or, I guess I could sell both of them and buy a newer 7 series. Where is that crystal ball when you need it?

[goody90q45]

.....The Q45 is a very nice car but I just don't have any experience with it. All things being equal, no question I would keep the E32. But, they are not. So it seems to come down to which one is going to cost me more/less over the 2-3 years......

The tech help you get on NICO is what keeps us all driving our Q's. If I had to run my car to the shop every time I had a problem and have the mechanics throw money at parts I'd be broke and would probably be driving a new Corolla instead of the Q. If you're a DIY type the Q is the car for you. I'm not sure that you'll get the same level of help or have the wealth of knowledge available to you on any other forum.

But then again I like the idea of selling the BMW and the Q and buying a new BMW. If $$ is not an issue go for it.

[Infinitiguy19]

The 1996 Infiniti Q45 is said to be the most reliable of all out of 1990-1996 (G50) series. I would argue its just as reliable as a 1997-2001 Infiniti Q45 (FGY33), But I am going off a few members I have seen on NICO. Yet a member who I can't remember his own name (Sometimes I walk up the stairs and forget what I was coming up to get). Has had a bad experience with his 1996 Q45, He basically put the technicians kids through college. Service history and previous owner receipts tell all.

Its a tough pick but you have had the BMW for longer and know it very well inside and out. I would say stick with the BMW if its hasn't killed your pockets yet. But if you know the Q45 has a good service history I would keep it because its a rare one (Least amount made of the 1994-1996 Q45's).

[lino]

I'm assuming that you are talking about an E38 and not a E65/E66...right? The E38 will probably cost around the same to maintain as the Q45. I'm not going to compare the two .

The first thing is to know where you stand today with the E32 and the Q45 in terms of condition. Do some calculations to see how much each one requires and how much each one is worth in their current state. Once you've determined that, you won't have too much trouble making a decision.

For those of you who are not familiar with the E32 here are some pics:

Highline E32 750il Royal-Individual Highline. The leather upholstery is champagne Nappa leather with black piping and the optionlist is a mile long.:

[goody90q45]

.....Yet a member who I can't remember his own name (Sometimes I walk up the stairs and forget what I was coming up to get) had a bad experience with his 1996 Q45, He basically put the technicians kids through college.....

Alexander from San Francisco?

[Infinitiguy19]

Yes thats him.

Lino you just had to post that...

[NicoClubTEC]

My decision will be influenced by two things:

1. Is everyone running Premium gasoline in their Q45 as recommended in the manual and on the instrument panel? If yes, is it REALLY necessary?

2. If I can't get this 45-65 mph vibration out of the 735i, I'll be going with the Q. I've replaced tires, front suspension and drive shaft. It's definitely coming from the rear of the car but the mechanic can't find it. Said the replacement drive shaft could be bad. Oops, I almost forgot, this isn't a BMW forum.

[Q451990]

I'm running premium... you should too

I guess you should define "REALLY necessary" - will it run on regular... sure. Will it run better with premium fuel, absolutely. Keep in mind that Premium fuel today is probably similar to the quality of regular unleaded 10 years ago - so I am more than willing to continue spending the extra 20-30 cents per gallon for the extra performance and insurance.

I'm voting for keeping the Q if it has a good oil change history. For some reason the '96 seems to be the one that T3 (a shop in ATL) saw for sludge issues more than others - but there's no real reason that it's engine would be more prone to sludge vs. the 90-95.

Heath

[lino]

My decision will be influenced by two things:

1. Is everyone running Premium gasoline in their Q45 as recommended in the manual and on the instrument panel? If yes, is it REALLY necessary?

2. If I can't get this 45-65 mph vibration out of the 735i, I'll be going with the Q. I've replaced tires, front suspension and drive shaft. It's definitely coming from the rear of the car but the mechanic can't find it. Said the replacement drive shaft could be bad. Oops, I almost forgot, this isn't a BMW forum.

1. The price of premium gas should be the last thing on your mind in you want to drive the Q. It's the cheapest thing you'll spend money on in the Q.

2. Where did you get the drive shaft from?

[NicoClubTEC]

I haven't found any records yet but I'm sure the oil was changed regularly while my father had it.

My concern with Premium vs Regular has more to do with any problems caused by using regular for at least the last 10,000 miles. I'm sure my father didn't use Premium and I don't know what the previous owner used.

Not sure where the drive shaft came from. The mechanic has a source that he has used for years and he is very picky about parts. It is warrantied for a year so we have so time to try and figure it out. The guy that did the alignment thought it was rear axles/joints. I had the rear tires/wheels "force" balanced yesterday, maybe a slight improvement but vibration still there.

[lino]

My concern with Premium vs Regular has more to do with any problems caused by using regular for at least the last 10,000 miles. I'm sure my father didn't use Premium and I don't know what the previous owner used.

I'd say you're probably okay. I'd consider cleaning up the fuel system. You can replace the fuel filter and a bottle of each these:


Lubro Moly Jectron


Lubro Moly Valve Clean

Figure about $6.00 for each one.

Not sure where the drive shaft came from. The mechanic has a source that he has used for years and he is very picky about parts. It is warrantied for a year so we have so time to try and figure it out. The guy that did the alignment thought it was rear axles/joints. I had the rear tires/wheels "force" balanced yesterday, maybe a slight improvement but vibration still there.

A lot of rebuilders offer a 12 month warranty. I'd still inquire about where the drive shaft came from and see if you are confident with their work.

Have you asked any of your E32 buddies what they think?

[Q451990]

My concern with Premium vs Regular has more to do with any problems caused by using regular for at least the last 10,000 miles. I'm sure my father didn't use Premium and I don't know what the previous owner used.

In that case I wouldn't be too concerned - especially if your dad didn't drive it aggressively on a daily basis. The engine has knock protection built in, so it's one of those things in the car's history that wasn't ideal - but I doubt you could find any real measurable damage from it.

Heath

[NicoClubTEC]

Thanks for all your help guys. Still mulling it over. What kind of maintenance/repairs can I expect on this vehicle. Other than regular oil changes, the only records of work done that I can find since my father bought it in 9/8/07 with 77,000 miles is:

7/19/09 (82,000 miles) Belts, new fan blade, rear brakes, and upper links (control arms) $1,525
1/16/10 (85,000 miles) Mass air flow sensor = $806
There may be more but so far this is all I have found.

Here is what I know it needs:
Tires, shocks, cruise control doesn't work and a small oil leak (upper engine area).

What else can I plan on over the next 2 years or 20,000 miles and what might it cost me?

[qship96]

general rule is plan on $2000-2500 per year to properly maintain and replace worn parts on old Q.....you can search my old thread outlining my actual expenses for back to back years of 2007 and 2008......in my experience, the above figures are pretty accurate over time- some years more, some less- but they always seem to average the 2000-2500 annually over the long haul { this includes purchasing all parts at 25% discount through infiniti of scottsdale and a mixture of DIY and independant infiniti specialist for labor}.

[lino]

I would have to agree with qship. I think he's pretty close. What you have listed that you need to do is probably around ~$1500.

By the way , a new Mass Air Flow meter is only $512.89, so @ $806.....that was a bit steep .

Do you have pics of both cars to share?

[BadQ45t]

I would assume the $806 price is installed by a stealership. The shocks can be found and installed pretty easily, Tokiko Blues or Blacks are pretty available. The oil leak is probably just the seals so not a huge issue.

The 96' Q was pretty reliable, based on the age of the BMW I would lean to the Q....

[NicoClubTEC]

Several people have expressed an interest in buying this Q45. Seen listings from $2,000 to $7,000. I don't know what price to put on it. Just looking for an idea here.
Facts: 87,000, everything works and is in good condition. Needs tires, shocks and small oil leak repair.
I know it is difficult to comment on what to sell it for but your experienced feedback would be appreciated.

[Q451990]

It might be helpful to post some pictures to get a better online "appraisal"

Heath

[NicoClubTEC]

It might be helpful to post some pictures to get a better online "appraisal"

Heath

Yes, you are right. I started to do that but don't have a public access address to upload to yet. Will work on that. Thanks for the comment.

[NicoClubTEC]

Ok, here are a few pix.

[OwnerCS]

Where are you located?

[Infinitiguy19]

Those wheels look Familiar.

HOLY SMOKES you have the positive cable connector cover (Red rubber thing on positive cable), She is a keeper. Most Q45's I see don't have that.

[NicoClubTEC]

Where are you located?

Central Coast California

[BadQ45t]

I have to tell you that the used market for a Q45 is not good. Plus Central Cal not great, do you have a friend or family member in SF proper?

still even with pretty low miles you'll only probably get $3500 for it.........about the price of a nice set of rims and new tires. I know my 97' that is CHERRY with TLC up the wazzu and everything fresh is not worth more than 5k in reality...just not worth selling unless you just don't like the car.

[NicoClubTEC]

Actually the interested parties are in the Los Angeles area. Don't know how much difference that makes in my selling price. It's not that I don't like the car, it's just that I don't like it as much as my 735i. But, with 216,000 miles and recent expenditures trying to fix a vibration at 50 - 65 mph, I'm looking at selling them both to get something newer.

I value your input and appreciate the love you have for your Q45's. Thank you for contributing.

[BadQ45t]

Your right about the interest in LA, BUT, let me tell you people will pay more $$ in the Bay Area. I am from LA and have lived on the SF Bay Area (Half Moon Bay) for the last 11 years. I go to LA to buy cars and my family members have sent their cars up here to sell them. Either way your going to be bummed to see how little the Q will bring to you, but you can always post it on Craig's list in both places and see what interest you gain.

[BCC93QT]

Nice looking Q-rod right there. keep it. If you sell it don't sell it to some jamoke. Some old guy that drives once a month so when hes gone it can come out east here and i can get it.